Your passport has to be valied for at least six months after the date of entry to Costa Rica. You need an onward ticket which proves that you will leave Costa Rica after a maximum of 90 days whether by plane, by bus or by boat. 

When leaving Costa Rica, tourists are required to pay a departure tax of 29 USD. 
You can pay in Costa Rica Colones, dollar or by VISA credit card (extra fees apply for credit card and they do NOT take American Express or MasterCard). Notice that it can be that the departure tax is already included in your ticket! Check that with the aircompany.

Fresh water in Costa Rica ranks amongst the best in the world. However it depends where you are. In remote areas we recommend you to drink bottled water. Do not use ice cubes anywhere you would not drink water. 

Food is normally safe in all the better hotels that cater to international travelers.

In smaller “street restaurants” there is less certainty about the food quality. Avoid eating uncooked portions such as salads in such places. If you buy fresh fruits at a roadside stand or from a street vender, wash the fruits carefully before eating them.

Most countries do not require a visa to enter Costa Rica. We recommend you to check www.visitcostarica.com/ict/paginas/Requerimientos_de_Entrada_Extranjeros_eng.pdf for any related information. Tourists are granted a 90 day stay. 

·         Binoculars

·         Extra lenses (in case you loose or break yours)

·         Sunglasses 

·         Sunscreen lotion

·         Hat or Cap

·         Insect Repellent

·         Swimsuit and beach towel

·         Light cotton clothing

·         Long and tight pants for hiking 

·         Comfortable, warm clothes for the mountains

·         Water resistant jacket

·         Hiking boots, sandals, tennis shoes

·         Camera 

·         A small backpack for day tours

·         Your passport along with two photocopies 

·         Another ID with your photography on it

·         A dictionary

The national currency of Costa Rica is the Colón. You can also pay with dollars, in most of the cities, or credit cards. Notice that 100 USD bills are not accepted, neither for payment nor currency exchange. While paying with credit cards you need to show a valid ID or passport. Most stores and restaurants accept the main credit cards (for example VISA, MasterCard or American Express). You will be able to find ATM´s across the country, except in extremely small towns. Traveler checks are not accepted. 

For any emergency within Costa Rica, dial 911 or 128 (Red Cross). We also provide two emergency numbers: Elizabeth +506 8341 8706

Costa Rican authorities require a yellow fever vaccine certification from travelers from the following countries: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Guyana, even if you were only transiting through these countries.

If you want a tailor made vacation, we can help you plan an exciting trip. You will not pay extra charges or fees for our services. We will put our local knowledge together and design you the best vacation trip you ever had. 

No, you are allowed to drive with your normal drivers license. Although there have been some road improvements in the last few years, we do not recommend driving at night time because of road problems. 

Although Costa Rica is not a particularly dangerous country, it is always advisable to use your common sense when you drive or walk on the street. Every city has its muggers and opportunists, so please do take your wallet in your front pockets and your bag across your shoulders and zipper closed. If you use public transportation, always pay attention to your luggage. And refrain from using noticable jewellery within downtown. Always ask your hotel concierge or even the taxi driver which is the best area to walk around at nighttime.