Ten Best Tips For Your Trip to Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a stunning landscape from north to south and east to west. There is so much to see and so much to do. Planning a trip can be difficult, and there are plenty of choices you’ll need to make. I’ve compiled a list of the ten most useful tips for your next trip to Costa Rica. I intentionally avoid making suggestions on where to spend your time, because there are so many beautiful destinations across the country. Often, travelers start with La Fortuna, Monteverde, and/or the Manuel Antonio area. However, there are countless worthy destinations throughout:
1.RENT A 4X4 VEHICLE
If you plan on visiting multiple destinations (which I recommend) during your visit to Costa Rica, I strongly suggest renting a vehicle. I also strongly suggest that the vehicle is four-wheel drive. Several of the bigger, more popular destinations in Costa Rica are hours apart. It’s easier making these journeys on your own timeline than it is to rely on paid transportation. Often, the only other option is a bus, and there’s rarely a direct route. There is also the option of private transportation, but the costs add up quickly. I found renting to be the absolute best bang for my buck. The car I rented was a Mitsubishi ASX, and it did the job. The 4wd is especially important because some of the roads are in terrible shape. There are large potholes and unpaved roads everywhere. I’ve only been during dry season, but there are certainly situations where you’ll have to navigate large amounts of water as well. Find an affordable 4wd vehicle at a rental company with good reviews, and you’ll eliminate a lot of unnecessary stress from your planning. Costa Rica is also indescribably beautiful, so you’ll revel in the breathtaking scenery as you navigate the curves and bumps along the way.
2. BUY THE INSURANCE
Driving through Costa Rica is an unforgettable experience that will undoubtedly tap into your adventurous spirit. The scenery is incredible and there’s plenty of twists and turns to keep you on your toes. However, there are also plenty of potholes, dirt roads, narrow roads, and tight switchbacks. The car we rented was filthy and pretty beat up by the time we returned it. I expected this, and sprung for maximum coverage when we rented the vehicle. Rental car insurance in Costa Rica is er…complex. I’m not sure how it is regulated, but nothing seems straight forward. There is some level of legally mandated insurance that will be included in your rental cost, and then optional CDW and zero liability insurance add-ons. Many rental companies will not accept the coverage provided through your credit card, and those that do usually want written acknowledgement of coverage from the credit card company. For me, this all seemed clear as mud, and I opted just to buy the zero liability option from the rental company. The lack of transparency and regulation made me nervous as to what would happen in the event of an accident. It felt great to drop off my muddy disaster of a car at the end of the trip without any concerns about what I may owe. Absolutely worth the extra money!
3. BE PREPARED FOR RAIN, EVEN IN DRY SEASON
4. HAVE SOME COLONES AVAILABLE AND UNDERSTAND THE CONVERSION RATE
Having local currency is something I nearly always recommend. It is not uncommon for a place to accept cash only, and cash is useful for tipping as well. I was able to find several ATMs throughout the trip where I was able to withdraw what I needed. I am from the US, and 1 USD in equal to about 500 colones. This seems pretty straight forward but it can get confusing. I’m pretty astute with quick math, and the conversion still threw me off throughout the trip. The sheer amount of colones required for some purchases was intimidating. Just take your time and make sure you’re paying a fair and reasonable price. And don’t be surprised when dinner costs 43,697 colones!
5. GUIDES HAVE VALUE BUT ARE NOT A NECESSITY
This is another tip that I believe holds true for many places. I am not a big fan of guided tours, especially when they are group tours in areas that are open for the public. If that’s your thing, go for it! However, I find that I can accomplish many things without a guide, and I can move at my own pace. In Costa Rica, I made my way through Manuel Antonio National Park and Monteverde Cloud Forest without a guide. I was able to see wildlife, enjoy my hike, and save some money.
6. PACK SMALL, BUT EFFICIENTLY
7. KNOW WHEN/IF TO TIP
8. SAVE MONEY ON FOOD – SODAS AND GROCERIES
9. WALK, WHEN ABLE
10. BE RESPECTFUL OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS