If it’s your first time traveling to Costa Rica, we can imagine your excitement. From its gorgeous beaches to is evergreen forests and incredible wildlife, Costa Rica seems like heaven on earth. But travel takes planning, and it’s always good to be prepared for exploring a new destination.
The team at Costa Rica Waterfall Tours is made up of both locals and expats, so we have firsthand knowledge of what it’s like to live and travel here. We’re passionate about sharing the country we call home through thrilling Jaco Waterfall and Canyoning Tours and Jaco Adventure Tours, showing visiors our slice of paradise.
We’ve created this guide to things to know about Costa Rica before you go, helping you prepare for the best trip possible. If you have any more questions for us about our Jaco excursions, don’t hesitate to contact us!
Pack for Rainy Weather in Costa Rica
Sunshine, clear skies, and heat are all on the cards when you visit Costa Rica. But no matter what time of year you visit, you can always expect it to rain.
Costa Rica experiences a dry season between December and April and a rainy season between May and November. But even in the dry season you’ll experience rain, especially if you are exploring the island’s lush rainforests or the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest.
Always carry a waterproof jacket with you so you are prepared in the case of rain. Some waterproof shoes are a great idea if you’re planning on going hiking as well.
If you’re asking What Do I Need to Pack for a Trip to Costa Rica, read our blog for a more thorough breakdown of what else you need.
Carry Costa Rica’s Local Currency
Costa Rica accepts payments in both US dollars and the colon, the national currency. While credit cards are widely accepted across the country, you’ll want to have cash on hand for things like bus tickets, toll fees, tips, or small purchases at stores. You can technically use US dollars for these, but it’s much easier to use the colon, which is more frequently traded with. You’ll also find that even if you pay for something with dollars, you’ll receive change in colons. To avoid carrying too many currencies with you, we’d recommend sticking to the colon!
If you want some budget tips for your travels, have a look at our blog on 5 Ways to Save Money When Traveling in Costa Rica.
Respect Costa Rica’s Wildlife Laws
Costa Rica is renowned for its diverse wildlife and is home to 5% of the world’s species! This makes it an incredibly important destination for conservation. However, wildlife tourism in Costa Rica has had negative impacts on the animals, leading to a stringent implementation of laws and guidelines.
While many people travel to Costa to see monkeys, crocodiles, toucans, and more, there has also been an increase in the exploitation of wildlife. People may feed wildlife in order to have closer encounters with them, which is not only dangerous but leads to the animals becoming dependent on humans. Another phenomenon is wildlife selfies, where people will take photos while holding wild animals like sloths. This causes them incredible stress and leads them to alter their natural behaviors.
In order to protect wildlife, it is illegal in Costa Rica to feed any wild animals or pet them. The country also leads a campaign against animal selfies, discouraging people from partaking in the harmful practice.
It is crucial that when you travel in Costa Rica you respect these laws in order to contribute to the conservation of species. For more guidelines on how to respectfully see wildlife, read the guidelines by Stop Animal Selfies.
You Can Drink Costa Rica’s Tap Water
One of the biggest questions someone will ask when traveling somewhere new is whether the tap water is safe to drink. And in Costa Rica, it is! Across large parts of the country the tap water is perfectly drinkable, which means you can save yourself the hassle (and pollution) of bottled water.
In some rural areas, you may find that the tap water is not as drinkable. It’s a good idea to carry a filled bottle so you always have safe water with wherever you go. Alternatively, you can purchase a bottle with a filter so you can fill up anywhere.
How to Get Around Costa Rica
With car rentals and public transportation available, getting around Costa Rica is easy. If you want complete freedom of movement, renting a car is the best way to go. You’ll need a driver’s license that has been valid for at least two years in order to rent a car, along with your passport. Vehicles drive on the right side of the road, and it’s recommended that you get a car with four-wheel drive to tackle some of the more tricky terrain.
If you want to avoid driving yourself, it’s possible to catch a taxi, recognizable by their red or orange color and yellow triangle symbol. Uber is scarce in Costa Rica, and is mostly only found in San Jose.
The bus system in Costa Rica is affordable and efficient, with a number of companies operating in the country. Familiarize yourself with the bus terminals and timetables to ensure you can enjoy a smooth travel experience.
As an alternative to buses, there is also a shuttle service in Costa Rica called Interbus. They have 180 routes across the country, a fleet of comfortable vans, and Wi-Fi on board.
Should you be planning on basing yourself in or around Jaco, the team at Costa Rica Waterfall Tours also offers excellent Jaco Transportation Services. Our driver can pick you up from SJO Airport, hotels in San Jose, and accommodations in Jaco, Herradura, Los Suenos, or Hermosa.
Learn Some Spanish in Costa Rica
Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica and is the most widely spoken language across the country. While you’ll find that many people in Costa Rica can fluently communicate in English, especially in major cities and tourist hubs, learning more Spanish phrases will assist you on your travels. This will not only help you speak with locals in more rural areas, but it’s also a sign of respect!
Book Tours with Local Costa Rican Operators
There are plenty of tour companies operating in Costa Rica, but we always recommend going local. Not only will you get a more authentic experience, you’ll probably find some hidden gems far from the typical tourist locations!
If you join us for an adventure at Costa Rica Waterfall Tours, we can guarantee some of the most unique experiences, from our Costa Rica Canyoning Experience in Jaco to a Jaco Canopy Zipline Tour. We’ll make sure that your trip to Costa Rica is one to remember. Any questions for us? Then get in touch!
