Located at the skinniest point of Central America between Nicaragua and Panama, Costa Rica is the most sought-after destination on the continent, and for good reason. This small country packs in a lot of beaches (Pacific and Caribbean), mountains, volcanoes, and waterfalls in a country the size of West Virginia. It is also considered a safe country that is relatively easy to visit. Let’s explore the top 10 things you should know before discovering Costa Rica.

• Learn About the Culture

Reflected in its language and religion, Costa Rica has a heavy Spanish influence, followed by a small Jamaican influence on the Caribbean side and an Indigenous influence in the Cordillera de Talamanca. One of the best ways to understand a culture, however, is to taste it. When you arrive in Costa Rica be sure to stop in at a soda (local restaurant) and order a Casado, which will give you a taste of a traditional meal of meat, rice, black beans, sweet plantain, and salad that is being eaten in most households across the country every day. 

Take a coffee tour and discover the rich roots of this top crop, not only agriculturally, but also for local Costa Rican people enjoying their afternoon “cafecito” – a custom of sharing coffee and snacks amongst friends and family.

Looking for local dining options near your Guanacaste vacation rental? Try Soda Marcell near Casa Arribada in Playa Potrero.

• Respect the Environment

With over five percent of the world’s biodiversity in a country less than 51,000 square kilometers and 28 percent of its land protected from development, Costa Rica takes respect for the environment to a whole new level. As a recent earner of the UN’s highest environmental honor, “Champions of the Earth”, eco-friendly travel is becoming a movement in Costa Rica. 

Single-use plastic is banned in national parks so consider packing a reusable water bottle for your trip. Also, consider packing reef-safe sunscreen if you plan to go into the ocean. It’s not the law but it will help keep Costa Rica’s scuba diving and snorkeling world-class for generations to come.

Want to stay in a car-free community? Consider Casa Alouatta in Las Catalinas for your Guanacaste vacation rentals.

• Drinking the Water

You can help conserve the environment of this precious ecosystem by doing away with plastic water bottles. Tap water in developed areas of Costa Rica is considered safe to drink so you don’t have to worry about buying water or whether or not it is safe to brush your teeth. Many Guanacaste vacation rentals are also equipped with water filters or softeners as water along the Pacific Coast tends to be high in minerals like calcium. 

If you plan to travel to more rural locations or the Caribbean side, it is recommended to buy bottled water or bring a refillable bottle with a filter.

• Best Time to Travel

Costa Rica has two seasons – dry season and rainy season. Most people travel to the region during the dry season from December through May to escape the northern winters and enjoy the hot dry weather in Costa Rica. The rainy season runs from June to November, with October being the wettest month. 

The busiest times are the Christmas season, Easter, and spring break so expect some crowds if your travel plans fall on these holidays. If you are more open with your travel plans consider discovering Costa Rica during the shoulder seasons, which is the point between seasons. This way you can get the best of both worlds. The cloudy skies make for the best sunsets combined with the cooling breezes of rainy season plus the sunny days of dry season are perfect for planning your adventures.

• Road Trip Tips

While the country may look small, getting around can take much longer than expected. Many roads are curvy and single-lane, meaning you will not be able to drive as fast as you are used to. You must also watch for potholes on most roads around the country. It is not advisable to travel at night for these reasons, especially if you don’t know the area. 

If you arrive at the airport at night, consider staying at a hotel nearby and heading to your vacation rental the next day or arranging a shuttle to drive you. Some locations require 4×4 to reach safely. It is best to contact your vacation rental directly to ask about the road situation and whether 4×4 is required.

Just 60 minutes from Liberia International Airport, Villa de Oro is a centrally located Guanacaste vacation rental to several beaches, restaurants, and attractions.

• Surf Safety

Tamarindo Beach is one of the best places to learn how to surf in the world. This is thanks to its sandy shores that provide a soft landing for beginners and its smooth and consistent waves. But surf safety should be taken into your own hands in a place like Costa Rica, where lifeguards are not always on duty. Always surf or swim with a friend or other people nearby and watch for rip currents. 

If a current pulls you out to sea, try to stay calm, shout for help, and swim parallel to the shore until you escape the current. Watch for signs that say “cocodrilos – no nadar” as this means there may be crocodiles in the waters and swimming is not permitted. The crocs typically stick to rivers and estuaries but have been seen crossing the shores of beaches.

• Speaking the Language

As long as you stay in popular tourist areas you will likely encounter Costa Ricans who speak English. It is a courtesy to try to learn a few phrases you can use when interacting with locals, however. 

Costa Rican Spanish is unique and considered quite formal as opposed to Mexican Spanish, for instance. Learn phrases such as “por favor” (please), “gracias” (thank you), “mucho gusto” (you’re welcome), “buenas” (greetings), and “ciao” (goodbye). Alternatively, the popular phrase “pura vida” (pure life) can be used to replace any and all of the aforementioned phrases in Costa Rica.

• Spending Money

Costa Rica’s official currency is the colón, but most places will also accept US dollars. If you pay in dollars, note that change is typically given in colones, so it’s helpful to know the approximate exchange rate to ensure you receive the correct amount back. Use USD at larger grocery stores or tour companies displaying their rates in dollars, and keep a mix of colones and small USD bills for tipping and roadside stands.

Your credit card will be accepted at most restaurants, stores, hotels, car rental companies, etc. To avoid card fraud, always keep your credit card within sight—it’s perfectly acceptable to accompany your waiter or waitress to the bar if the card machine can’t be brought to the table. Similarly, feel free to walk over with your card at gas stations when paying. Additionally, it is recommended to watch your pump when filling up and check your receipt to ensure you are being correctly charged at gas pumps or pay with cash.

• Is it Safe?

Costa Rica is considered a generally safe country with petty crime being the main concern for tourists. It is best to watch your belongings in crowded areas and not leave your valuables in your car. Do not carry all your credit cards together just in case you lose your wallet while discovering Costa Rica. Keep your passport locked up at your vacation rental and carry a picture of the photo page and your entrance stamp on your phone instead. 

Maison Blanche is a Guanacaste vacation rental nestled within the secure, gated community of Altos de Flamingo.

•  What to Bring 

Some people are bothered by the mosquitos during their first couple of weeks discovering Costa Rica. They seem to like the fresh blood! Be sure to bring bug spray along with a few other necessities like sunscreen, waterproof hiking shoes or sandals, flip flops, a hat, two swimsuits so one is always dry, and all your daily skincare stuff, vitamins, and supplements as they may be difficult to find. Hot tip: take vitamin B1 to deter mosquitos!

Bring an umbrella, raincoat, and pants if you plan to travel to the Cloud Forest or Central Valley, and jeans if you plan to ride a motorbike or horseback ride to prevent chafing.

Discovering Costa Rica couldn’t be easier with Tropical Homes of Costa Rica, providing the best Guanacaste vacation rentals in Playa Flamingo, Potrero, and Las Catalinas.

By Jennifer LaCharite