Tips for visiting Costa Rica

Tips for visiting Costa Rica, updated 4/5/22, 9:17 PM

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My tips for visiting Costa Rica
A tropical haven pulsing with "pura vida"
Embraced by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica has
been attracting eco-tourists for decades, thanks to rich biodiversity and
abundant wildlife. Here you’ll find splendid beaches that spill into
sparkling blue waters, peaceful conservation areas, and outstanding
adventure sports. Get in touch with ancient civilizations at the National
Museum or tiptoe to the edge of a crater at Poás Volcano National Park.
Surfers will dig the unparalleled conditions of the Guanacaste province.
Rain forests teeming with exotic (and some dangerous) wildlife.
But here are a few thoughts to make your trip smoother.
1. Have Whatsapp on your phone. Everyone has whatsapp, and all
you need is wifi, which every business also has, so it is the way to
communicate.
2. Take a lot of US Dollars. Yes, credit cards are fine for dinners and
attractions, but the locals prefer cash for purchases and tips. When
in Europe, no issue, just find an ATM machine when needed. Ah,
but we came across ATMs that were out of cash or out of order
completely, and some with higher fees. We even heard scammers
were using the machines to gain access to PIN information, but
that was never substantiated - but worth caution. Seemed like I
was on a hunt for more cash nearly every day... Next time, I'll stuff
another $1,000 in my suitcase! And, there is no reason to
exchange for local currency (colón, colones). Just know the current
rate and do the math in your head, and always be generous if you
get good service. Tips are an important part of the local economy
and personal income.
3. Do not rent a car. The taxis and hired busses offer great service at
inexpensive cost, and driving there is hard, and there is too much
to distract you. Have a company or two on whatsapp, and give
them as much notice as you can. There were 7 of us going in and
out of Liberia, so we hired Ecotrans
https://www.ecotranscostarica.com/ and they were on time,
courteous and professional!
4. Take binoculars! So much to see. Monkeys, birds, sloth... and
mostly in trees at some distance.
5. Eat a lot of seafood. We mostly had our lunches at Del Coco
Beach and dinners at Playa Hermosa while on the Pacific side,
then we also went inland and found several nice spots in La
Fortuna. Meals are very reasonable, but we drank a lot of wine and
spirits which added up - but worth it. Some of the best fish, shrimp
and octopus we had ever had. (remember the cash part above for
tips - they add up!)
The beauty is everywhere, so soak it in and enjoy!