Joe E. Says:
As a member of IL, can you guide me about the dos and don’ts visiting Costa Rica? Our objective for this trip is purely to relax, eat well, enjoy the weather.
IL Costa Rica Correspondent Bekah Bottone Says:
Hi Joe,
I’m excited that you’re planning a trip to relax, eat well, and enjoy the weather in Costa Rica.
Here is my DO list:
- Decide if you want to fly in and out of San Jose or Liberia. You may wish to fly into one and out of the other.
- Figure out what you want to do the most. Do you want to explore beaches, volcanoes, and cloud forests? What types of environments do you want to experience?
- Here is a sample itinerary I would suggest… and close to what I am planning for a retreat this November to share with the world. Of course, you may decide to head south from San Jose to visit Manuel Antonio instead of Guanacaste, but I’m partial to the Gold Coast, where I live.
- Fly into San Jose.
- Check out the La Paz Waterfall Garden, or take a Britt Coffee Tour.
- Head to Arenal for two nights—I love the majestic energy of this volcano. I recently stayed in Los Lagos, but there are many options.
- Go to La Carolina Lodge for two nights (one of my favorite places ever— very rustic and allows for such a close connection to nature). Also, visit Rio Celeste.
- It’s beach time. Go to one of the many beaches on the Gold Coast (Tamarindo, Flamingo, Brasilito, Grande, Avellanas, or Negra, to name a few) for a few days. I also love the adventure hike to La Leona waterfall. You can also take a surfing lesson, go deep-sea fishing, or zip-lining.
- Since you are in Guanacaste, fly out of Liberia to head home.
- Learn the phrase pura vida, as you’ll hear it consistently throughout your days in Costa Rica. It translates roughly to “pure life.”
- Take guided tours to learn more about the rich biodiversity in Costa Rica.
- Bring bug spray and sunscreen; both products are pricey down here.
- Bring rain gear or at least an umbrella. Yet remember, just because it may rain doesn’t mean your days will be ruined. It is usually always warm, and the rain makes the country beam with green vibrance.
- Order ceviche, patacones, yuca frita, casados, and chifrijo to try local Costa Rican food.
Here are some recommendations of things NOT to do while in Costa Rica:
- Don’t plan a vacation to Costa Rica between Christmas and New Year’s or during Holy Week. These are the busiest vacation times in the country for residents, so it is best to travel at another time, or you will notice a considerable price hike.
- Don’t leave valuables or bags in your car or on the beach. Be aware of your surroundings, and don’t use your cell phone when walking the city streets.
- Don’t swim just anywhere. Pay attention to where there are rocks (you can usually see them during low tide) and the signs pointing out possible rip currents.
- Don’t swim in estuaries; there may be crocodiles. However, the Langosta Estuary for low tide is one of my favorite places to go with friends on a Sunday afternoon… so it depends on the area. Just be aware!
- Don’t forget to apply sunscreen regularly. Costa Rica is close to the equator, and the sun is hot!
I hope you have a beautiful trip full of adventure, sunshine, and hammock down-time!
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