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Costa Rica

Costa Rica

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Why Visit Costa Rica?

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Amazing biodiversity

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Costa Rica contains over 5% of the planet’s biodiversity, and is the most biodiverse country in Central America. In fact, around 25% of the country is protected by national parks and reserves. You’ll find an abundance of animal and plant species including: monkeys, guanacaste trees, sea turtles, orchids and jaguars.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”5px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1630280769361{background-color: #e8e8e8 !important;}”]

Small country with a lot to offer

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]While it might be a small country, Costa Rica offers a range of experiences to choose from. Chill on the beach one day, and then zipline through the rainforest the next — it’s truly up to you! Because there’s so much to see and do, I suggest focusing on what you really want to achieve. Whatever you don’t see and do during this trip can be saved for a future trip![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”5px”]

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Endless activities

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]There are activities for thrill seekers, relaxation seekers, and even children. These activities also range from water- or land-based activities like: suspension bridge walks, surfing, ATVing and snorkeling. After a long day of exploring, you can enjoy hot springs and/or spas.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”5px”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1630280738631{background-color: #e8e8e8 !important;}”]

Food and drink

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Everything is basically centered around Costa Rica’s national dish — gallo pinto (rice and beans). Gallo pinto is served for breakfast and often paired with fried or scrambled eggs. And for lunch and/or dinner, they pair it with meat and vegetables — known as casado.

Costa Rica has dining options for every budget, from top-notch international restaurants, to sodas — local restaurants serving traditional cuisine.

Famous for their coffee, Costa Rica’s climate, terrain and volcanic soil makes it a perfect environment for production. Also known for their cacao trees, Costa Rica has a rich history with chocolate. To learn more about both, and do taste testing’s, book a coffee plantation and/or cacao farm tour.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”5px”]

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COVID-19 Entry Requirements

Please note: This is based on my travels (August 2021), you should check the Costa Rica Tourism Board for updated information.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner simple_background_color=”#f7f2ee” css=”.vc_custom_1630366088134{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]To enter Costa Rica you must:[/vc_column_text]

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Complete the Health Pass Go to salud.go.cr to fill out the Health Pass — only complete within 72 hours of arriving in the country.
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Purchase Travel Insurance If you're under 18 and/or fully vaccinated, then you don't need to purchase insurance. However, make sure to complete full immunization 14 days prior to travel. And then attach your vaccination certificate to your Health Pass form. If you're not vaccinated, then you must purchase travel insurance covering lodging and medical expenses in case of quarantine.
[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]In order to get back into the states, you need a negative COVID-19 test taken within three calendar days. Many hotels set up COVID-19 tests for you, but you can also visit a local hospital. COVID-19 tests range anywhere from $50-150 USD, but I got mine for $70 in La Fortuna. And I got my results within a couple of hours. Make sure to bring your passport with you when getting tested.

Costa Rica is also doing a good job with keeping their COVID-19 numbers low. In fact, when I visited, there were handwashing stations and folks checking temperatures in many establishments.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row anchor=”getting-around”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Getting Around

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Rent a car The best option if you want to move around freely and/or avoid crowds. But be aware that insurance is mandatory. And it isn't included in the price listed on many car rental websites. Also, unfortunately, this most likely won't be covered by your travel, or credit card, insurance. Getting around I'd suggest using Waze and Google Maps.
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Shuttle services Choose between shared and private shuttle options, and they'll take you from the airport to your accommodation, and vice versa. Most hotels and tour operators provide shuttle services for a fee.
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Currency

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Like Belize, most businesses in Costa Rica accept Visa and USD. However, I still advise bringing some Costa Rican colónes since all establishments accept it. After a purchase, you’ll notice that most receipts have the total in both colónes and dollars.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row anchor=”weather”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Weather

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”10px”][vc_row_inner simple_background_color=”#f7f2ee” css=”.vc_custom_1630505246276{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]Although Costa Rica is beautifully warm year-round, they do have rainy and dry seasons. In fact, I actually visited during their rainy season (from May-November). But I experienced amazing weather almost every day. It only rained some evenings, and twice in the afternoon — which were brief.

In reality, Costa Rica has many microclimates. So while the Pacific coast might experience rain during the rainy season, the northwest could be dry. Definitely take this into consideration as the time of year you visit might impact what area you explore. Also, La Fortuna is located in the rainforest, so expect sporadic rain anytime of the year — especially in the afternoon.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height=”15px”][vc_separator][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row anchor=”blog-posts”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Related Blog Posts

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  • [vc_row css=".vc_custom_1633898678384{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}" simple_background_color="#f7f2ee" el_class="premium"][vc_column][vc_column_text]My trip to Costa Rica was planned last minute, but ended up being one of my favorite trips. Also, it was my first vacation together with my best friend of 23 years! Since we wanted

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