Top Things to Know Before Traveling to Costa Rica

Thinking of an escape to tropics in Central America? Costa Rica must be on top of your list. It is one of the breathtaking places that is renowned because of its dense rain forests, scenic beaches, volcanic mountains, and bio diversity. Before you fly to this eco-paradise though, you need to arm yourself with the right information. There are various factors that every traveler ought to know starting with the culture of the place, then climate and transportation. 

The following guide to Costa Rica will take you through all you need to make your trip to Costa Rica smooth, safe and unforgettable. When you are planning to go there and spend a good adventure-filled holiday or a leisure beach vacation these tips will come in handy to help you plan like a pro. So what should you know before your Costa Rica travel? We will go over the best! 

Here are Top Things to Know Before Traveling to Costa Rica

1. When to go to Costa Rica 

There are two seasons in Costa Rica; the dry season (December to April) and the rainy season (May to November). During dry season, which is the most popular, it has excellent weather conditions that are ideal in beaches and other adventure activities. But the rainy season is ideal when the traveler desires less traffic and green sceneries. Remember that there are regional differences. To illustrate this, the Caribbean coast has rain during the dry months but the Pacific side has the tendency to adhere to the normal dry/wet seasons. More personalized plan could be checked by checking local forecasts on the basis of your travel destinations. 

2. Money and Financial Planning Hints 

Costa Rican Colon (CRC) is the official currency in Costa Rica; however, the U.S dollar is commonly used in tourist regions. It is however prudent to get a little in the local currency in case you want to go upcountry, take a ride in a small shop, or take a local bus. Most towns and cities also have ATMs. Costa Rica is not that cheap like some other countries in the Central American region. As a tourist, be ready to pay more in tourist zones in food, tours, and accommodation. Budget yourself, particularly in case you are bound to go on adventure activities or accompanied wildlife tour. 

3. Health and Safety Precaution 

Costa Rica is quite a safe place, however, there can be incidents of petty crime especially in areas with crowds or beaches. Never leave your things unattended and never walk into desolated places at night. You can drink tap water in most areas of the country however, in case of doubt, bottled water is the way to go. Ensure that you take your regular vaccines and consider travel insurance which covers emergency medical. 

4. Communication and Language 

The official language in Costa Rica is Spanish although in tourist regions English is a common language. For instance, just knowing some basic phrases in Spanish can take you a long way in improving your travelling experience and interaction with the locals. Cellular networks are stable, and the data sim cards can be effortlessly accessed at the airport or in the local stores. Also, in most hotels, cafes and restaurants you can trust Wi-Fi. 

5. Dignity of the Nature and Sustainability 

Costa Rica is a leader in eco-tourism in the world. The nation is serious with its environmental policies and more than a quarter of its lands have been conserved as national parks and reserves. Tourists are urged to take up green steps such as using no disposable plastics, avoiding feeding wild animals, and maintaining the designated paths. You can get a satisfying and sustainable journey to this natural paradise by using providers such as the Go kite Costa Rica that supports eco-certified lodges and tour services. 

6. Transport and How to Travel 

Transport has been efficient and very cheap particularly between the major towns. Buses are predominant means of transportation and there are flights to the remote destinations within the country. Due to flexibility, you might consider renting a car, particularly as you go to places that are off-the-beaten-track. Note though, that the roads are rather rough, beware of driving during the rainy season. Choose a 4WD automobile when you have to pass through mountainous or off-the-beaten-track areas. 

7. Local Food to Try Local Food to Try 

The Costa Rican food is easy but tasty. Don t forget to taste Gallo Pinto, rice and beans usually cooked with breakfast and Casado, a lunch plate that consists of meat, rice, beans, salad and plantains. There are fresh fruits of the tropics, such as mangoes, pineapples, and papayas, mouthwatering. Mostly, street food is safe to consume particularly in hotspots. 

Conclusion

Costa Rica is a country that provides the visitor with a combination of adventure, nature, and culture. With proper knowledge on the time to travel, how to plan your budget, health precautions and sustainable travel, you will not only have a safe visit to this Central American jewel, but you will also have an unforgettable experience. Well, the opportunity to enjoy Costa Rica depends on the ability to respect its ecosystems, explore its culture and planning ahead. 

Take this Costa Rica travel guide along with you during your planning days to have the best trip. To experience carefully designed packages, rooms, and local adventures, plan your trip to Go kite Costa Rica and get the full picture of this Garden of Eden hassle-free and with a pleasant feeling of being in safe hands.