Costa Rica Frequent Asked Questions
Q. Are you located in Costa Rica?
A. Yes!
Q. Kayaking sounds fun but we are novices. Is that a problem?
A. There's no extensive experience required, but what is important is that you're in good physical shape, and have the right attitude. In any case your guide will learn from you and program the tour accordingly.
Q. What is the climate like and when is the best time to visit?
A. Almost ideal year-round, the climate is a moderate 72 degrees in the highlands, while the lowlands and coastal areas range from the low 70's to the high 90's. Evenings in San Jose are free of humid heat, and beaches are cooled by ocean breezes. Rainy season occurs from the end of May to November, with the heaviest rainfall in October. The Atlantic or Caribbean side is driest from February thru April, with a short "summer" in June and July, and the wettest months from November thru January. However, you should be prepared for rain at any time during the year in this part of the country. The Pacific side and central parts of the country are driest from January through March.
A lot of people have a misconception of our "rainy season", imagining that it's "monsoon like" and that it never stops raining. Nothing could be further from the truth. We can normally be assured of sunny mornings followed by some rain in the afternoons or evenings, and even plenty of days without rain. The Caribbean experiences a "short summer" during this time, and their weather can be quite pleasant. Avg. highs are between 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit and avg. lows between 72-75 degrees.
Q. Do I need a passport to travel to Costa Rica?
A. Yes! Everybody needs a valid passport to travel to Costa Rica.
Q. Are shots required?
A. Currently, no shots are required for travel to the National Parks and other accessible areas within the country. If you are traveling to extremely remote locations we encourage you to check with your local health department.
Q. Can I drink the water?
A. Yes, you can drink the water! The water is pure and suitable for drinking throughout most of the country. Anyway, if you just prefer bottled water, you will find it practically everywhere.
Q. Am I supposed to tip or is it an insult?
A. Tipping is always appreciated, and you can follow the same guidelines you use in your country of origin! Costa Rica tourist establishments assess a 10% service charge which is included in your food and bar tabs.
Q. What is the traditional menu I would expect to eat in Costa Rica?
A. A traditional Costa Rican breakfast consists of "gallo pinto" (black beans and rice), eggs, tortillas and sour cream, with coffee and fresh fruit juice.
A typical Costa Rica lunch known as "casado" includes: rice and beans, one choice of meat (beef, chicken, pork, or fish), salad, fried plantains (a type of banana, very sweet and very tasty). Dinner is pretty much whatever you like, and fish and seafood here is excellent, well priced, and fresh, as are the fruits and vegetables. Of course Costa Rica produces some of the finest coffee in the world.
Q. What air carriers fly to Costa Rica?
A. U.S. carriers servicing Costa Rica include; America West, American, United, Continental, Delta and U. S Airways. Airlines from Europe include: Iberia, Martin Air. From Mexico and other Latin American countries, Mexicana, Copa, and Taca/ Lacsa, this one is the official Costa Rican carrier.
Q. I have 35mm camera equipment should I buy my film here or buy it there?
A. Film and batteries are expensive here so you should stock up before you leave. Bring fast film if you're planning to shoot pictures in the rain forest. About 90 percent of the light gets filtered out at the canopy level and never reaches the jungle.
Q. I also have a camcorder will I be able to buy film for it (8mm) and can I recharge my batteries with your electric current (I use 110 volt)?
A. Same advice in regards to film applies as in the previous question. Standard current is 110volts, 60 Hertz
Q. What should I pack and what kinds of clothe should I bring?
A. Pack light: Baggage carts are scarce at airports, and luggage restrictions are tight. Bring comfortable, hand-washable clothing. T-shirts and shorts are acceptable in San Jose during the day (if planning to go out in the evening, slacks is highly recommended, as some restaurants will not admit you in shorts or sandals). Loose-fitting long-sleeve shirts and pants are recommended if you take any day trips out to smaller towns, where immodest attire is frowned upon. Bring a large hat to block the sun from your face and neck. Pack a light sweater or jacket for San Jose's cool nights and early mornings and for trips up volcanoes. Sturdy sneakers or hiking boots are essential if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing and hiking. Waterproof hiking sandals or other footwear that lets your feet breathe are good for strolling about town, and for beach walking, fording streams, and navigating the myriad mud holes you will find on rain and cloud forest trails. Please bear in mind that local airlines have a 25 pounds luggage weight limit.
Q. We have read in our guidebooks that to drive in Costa Rica is not really recommended?
A. Don't be misled by the information in the guidebooks about driving here. Although there are certain hazards to consider - the potholes and aggressive drivers being the primary ones, you should not have any problems sticking to some good defensive habits and being patient. In Costa Rica, it is generally not a good idea when driving to "...do as the Romans". Also, our traffic police are not prone to neither harass tourists nor extort bribes.
Q. I know why I am attracted to Costa Rica but can you tell me some of the top reasons that people are choosing Costa Rica today?
A. The majority of visitors to Costa Rica come seeking the beaches and water related sports. We also have listed: observation of the flora and fauna, national parks or reserves, nature hikes (guided or self-guided), bird watching, rafting or kayaking, surfing and some others, such as ATV safaris, horseback excursions, tree canopying, fishing, diving, and mountain biking.
Q. What is the difference between a Cloud Forest and a Rain Forest?
A. Actually what is commonly known as a "cloud forest" is an example of "lower mountain rain forest" and this is found around the very top of volcanoes. Here the forest has shrunk in stature, with the canopy at 35 to 30 meters tall, but with occasional oaks reaching upwards of 50 meters at the lower altitudes. Buttresses on trees are uncommon, and the under story is dense. The ground is covered with moss and herbaceous plants. The higher you go, the colder and mistier it gets, eventually stunting the plant growth enough to create "elfin forest".
The tropical wet forest or "rain forest" is the most species-rich life zone in Costa Rica. The forest is tall and evergreen and has distinct layers to the vegetation. Canopy trees are 45 to 55 meters tall, with some emergent even larger. Trees tend to have high, well-developed buttresses. Sub canopy trees are 30 to 40 meters tall, and have narrow conical crowns and slender boles that are often twisted or crooked. Stilt-rooted palms are often abundant. There are lots or dwarf palms in the shrub layer.
Q. What are some traditional food items for Costa Rican families?
A. Due to its geographical location and climate, Costa Rica has a wealth of fruits and vegetables that, when combined with the interplay of native and European ingredients and culture, translate into a unique Costa Rican flavor. The basic staples of the Costa Rican diet are: rice, beans, and tortillas, which consist primarily of corn. The ingredients used by Costa Rican cooks include simple native foods, such as chayotes, avocados, and the ever present corn. Costa Rican cuisine is also characterized by its' mildness and comes as a surprise to many tourists who might have traveled through Mexico and expect to find the same love spicy chilies in Costa Rican foods. Chilies are used to some degree, however, they are most commonly used in hot sauces with accompany broiled meats and poultry. Tubers, such as sweet potatoes and cassava, commonly known as "yuca" frequently accompany lunch and dinner meals. In many dishes yuca is often substituted for potato, perhaps boiled and mashed, fried to exquisite crispness to accompany meat and sandwiches instead of fries, or simply boiled and served with butter and garlic. Plantains, a type of banana, are another Costa Rican favorite, and are most often boiled, mashed, stuffed with cheese, or fried to accompany meats or bean dishes. Unlike bananas, plantains are much larger and need to be cooked to be eaten.
Q. I can't find the information I need. Can I email you with my travel related question?
A. That's just what we do; provide you with one-on-one travel assistance based on our years of broad experience. You can send us an Email, we will be happy to assist you.
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