Here we list the most frequent questions we receive from travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
Here we list the most frequent questions we receive from travelers and more interesting information so you know more about Costa Rica.
When is the best time to travel to Costa Rica?
Is it Ok to travel to Costa Rica during May-Nov?
Yes, you can travel throughout the year, because Costa Rica has different microclimates.
From May to November is the rainy season on the pacific side and the dry-ish season on the Caribbean side.
Although it can always rain in Costa Rica, normally it does it for a few hours.
How is it during High Season (December to May)?
The months of December through May are the Dry season months of the Central Valley and Pacific Coast, therefore, it can be crowded especially at the beaches in the North and Mid Pacific.
Traveling during special seasons such as Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Easter Week, can be quite difficult to find lodging, and many of them might request a minimum of nights, as well as an increase in the rates.
If you are planning to travel during these times, please make sure you contact us about 7 months in advance so we can help you to find places to stay, rent a car, etc, a few months before it can be very difficult.
When do I have bigger chances to see animals?
In Costa Rica, you can see many different animals all year round, but there are more seasonal animals such as whales, sea turtles nesting, and different species of birds.
For example, Green Sea Turtles in the Tortuguero area, nest during the months of June-August, whales in the south pacific can be seen around September, quetzals are easier to see during the nesting season, around October.
What about gratuities in Costa Rica?
In Costa Rica, tips or gratuities are not included, although are expected.
When traveling with a group, it is normal to give a gratuity to the driver as well as the tour guide that accompanies you, generally it is recommended US$3 per day to the driver, and US$5 to the tour guide.
During one day excursions / tours, a US$3-4 per person is normal, more if your guide went above and beyond during the tour, for example finding animals, given good explanations, or helping you with extra information.
In case of restaurants, a 10% is added to the bill as a service tax, that it is the minimum gratuity for the service you receive from the personnel, usually, if the food and service are as you expected or above, an extra 10-15% can be added.
What do I need to pack for my trip to Costa Rica?
Make sure to pack for rain and sunshine
One of the most important things to pack for your trip is sunscreen.
Costa Rica is a tropical country and it is just 10 degrees north of the Equator, which means, it gets direct and strong sun.
Also, depending on where you are traveling to, especially up in the mountains, you will need some rain gear, even warm clothes for the evenings.
What else should I pack, and what not?
Make sure you pack your camera, and we also recommend binoculars so it will be easier for you to see many of the animals on your trip.
Hiking shoes, hats, and, long socks are sometimes necessary, very useful for horseback riding, and some hikes.
Long pants can be very useful in areas where humidity is high, such as Tortuguero, and South Pacific, because of mosquitoes.
If you are planning to do some water sports, such as rafting, we recommend water shoes, flip flops are not allowed in White Water Rafting.
Most toiletries can be found all over the country, except for isolated areas, so if you plan ahead, you can purchase them in the local stores and won’t have to add the extra weight to your suitcase.
is it Ok to drink the tap water?
In Costa Rica, there is potable water in about 90% of the country, although, it may not be the same as you are used to.
We recommend you to bring a water bottle, preferably one that you can use during your trip several times, in this way, you save money from buying single-use water bottles, and also, reduce the use of plastic and trash.
Also, at the National Parks is NOT ALLOWED anymore to bring single-use plastic bottles or packaging.