Costa Rica

✈️ Flying into Costa Rica – What to Know

🛬 Main Airports

• San José (SJO) – Juan Santamaría International Airport
  Ideal for: Central Valley, Arenal, Monteverde, and Caribbean coast.

• Liberia (LIR) – Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport
  Ideal for: Guanacaste, Tamarindo, Papagayo, and northwest beaches.

The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season from December to April, when the weather is sunny and ideal for beaches and outdoor adventures. If you’re looking to avoid crowds and save money, the green season (May to August) offers lush landscapes and lighter tourism, with most rain falling in the afternoons. Avoid September and October on the Pacific side due to heavy rains, though these months are actually great for the Caribbean coast.

✅ Quick Travel Tips

1. Pre-book airport transfers or car rentals.
   Taxis can be pricey and inconsistent. Use hotel-arranged shuttles or trusted companies like Adobe or Vamos for car rentals.

2. Expect long customs lines at peak times.
   Have your documents ready, especially proof of accommodation and exit flight (sometimes requested).

3. Use USD or Costa Rican colones.
   U.S. dollars are widely accepted, but colones are better for local purchases and avoiding bad exchange rates.

4. Download offline maps (e.g., Google Maps or Waze).
   Waze is the preferred GPS app in Costa Rica due to tricky road conditions and limited signage.

🛑 Avoid Tourist Traps

• Don’t exchange money at the airport — rates are poor.

• Politely decline help from “unofficial” taxi drivers or porters.

• Avoid buying expensive souvenirs near attractions — head to local markets instead.

Top Travel Destinations in Costa Rica

1. Arenal/La Fortuna – Famous for Arenal Volcano, hot springs, and adventure sports.

2. Monteverde Cloud Forest – Misty mountain forests perfect for ziplining and wildlife.

3. Manuel Antonio – Stunning beaches mixed with jungle, monkeys, and sloths.

4. Tamarindo – Surf town on the Pacific coast with lively nightlife and beach vibes.

5. Puerto Viejo (Caribbean Coast) – Afro-Caribbean culture, beautiful beaches, and laid-back vibes.

6. Tortuguero – Remote rainforest with canals, turtles, and boat safaris.

7. Guanacaste – Sun-soaked beaches, luxury resorts, and dry tropical forests.

🤓 Fun & Interesting Facts About Costa Rica

• Costa Rica has no standing army — it was abolished in 1948.

• 🌿 Over 25% of its land is protected as national parks or reserves.

• 🐸 It’s one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth — home to 5% of global species.

• 🌋 The country has over 60 volcanoes, six of which are active.

• 😊 “Pura Vida” is the local motto — meaning “pure life,” used as a greeting, goodbye, and general attitude.

🏆 Top 5 Things to Do in Costa Rica

1. Soak in Natural Hot Springs in Arenal

• Arenal is home to geothermal hot springs like Tabacón and Ecotermales.

• Ideal after a day of hiking or ziplining near the volcano.

2. Zipline Through the Monteverde Cloud Forest

• Experience breathtaking views and high-speed fun above misty treetops.

• Don’t miss hanging bridges and night wildlife walks.

3. Spot Wildlife in Manuel Antonio National Park

• One of the best places to see monkeys, sloths, toucans, and iguanas.

• Hike trails, swim in turquoise bays, and relax on white-sand beaches.

4. Learn to Surf in Tamarindo or Santa Teresa

• Great for beginners and seasoned surfers alike.

• Surf schools and laid-back beach vibes make it a highlight.

5. Boat Safari in Tortuguero

• Travel only by boat through jungle canals.

• Visit during nesting season to see sea turtles laying eggs (July–October).