FAQ
Below are answers to common questions we receive, sorted by topic.
Click on the links below to see questions on each subject.
Email us if you have a question we haven’t answered here.
Climate, Geography, People
Biodiversity
Government and Economy
Food, Health & Safety
Travel Questions
Misc.
Specific To Our Agency
Climate, Geography, People
Where is Costa Rica?
How’s the weather?
When are high and low season?
What is the geography of Costa Rica?
What is the population and ethnic makeup?
Where is Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is located in Central America with Nicaragua bordering to the North and Panama to the South. It is bordered on the East and West by water. The East coast is the Atlantic Ocean and the West coast is Pacific Ocean. Costa Rica is situated very near the equator at just 8 degrees latitude.
How’s the weather?
Costa Rica’s year round climate is pleasant with naturally occurring breezes cooling down most of the coastal areas. Temperatures in the highlands and the mountains are warm by day and brisk at night, giving an “eternal spring” feeling. The average annual temperatures range from 31.7C (89F) on the coast to 16.7C (62F) inland. The rainy, or “green season” lasts from approximately May to December with noticeably drier days during the rest of the year.
When are high and low season?
Many people ask what the general time periods of high and low season are. While every hotel defines this slightly differently, it usually corresponds with the dry / green season months. The dry season usually begins in late November and continues through mid-April. The rains here begin in late April and grow heavy in August, September and October.
While the months of August and September can be exceptionally wet (though some travelers do not mind at all), the beginning and end of the green season are, in our opinion, some of the best months to travel to CR. This is also usually when you can find the cheapest flights to Costa Rica.
What is the geography of Costa Rica?
Rugged highlands are found throughout most of the country, they range from approximately 1,000 to 2,000 meters. The Cordillera de Guanacaste, Cordillera Central, and Cordillera de Talamanca are the principal mountain ranges extending the length of the country. There are several active volcanoes (Volcan Arenal, Volcan Irazu Volcan Rincon de la Vieja and Volcan Turrialba) and the country’s highest mountain (Cerro Chirripo), which reaches a height of 3,819m (12,530 ft.)The country has a relatively long coastline in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as a number of rivers and streams that attract expert kayakers and rafters. Costa Rica’s land mass is 51,100 square kilometers, making it about half the size of Kentucky or two thirds the size of Scotland.
What is the population and ethnic makeup?
Ticos, as Costa Ricans are commonly known, are a fairly mixed bunch. Though the majority of the country’s 3.3 million inhabitants are the descendants of Spanish immigrants, many families originated from other parts of Europe, Asia, Africa and, of course, Central America. You may be surprised by the number of fair-skinned people you’ll see in the country, especially in the Central Valley. In the lowlands, more people are mestizo: a mixture of European and Indigenous blood, whereas the majority along the Caribbean coast are of African lineage, and much of the Talamanca Mountain Range is inhabited by full-blooded Indians of various tribes.
Biodiversity
What type of wildlife can I see in Costa Rica?
How is Costa Rica unique in biodiversity?
What type of wildlife can I see in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has long been a destination of choice for birding enthusiasts, biology scholars, and nature lovers of all types. Nearly all of the National Parks in Costa Rica are home to an incredible variety of wildlife, including those types mentioned above and more. You can also see fantastic jungle creatures on the Osa Peninsula, Tortuguero and other more remote areas. Scarlet macaws, marine turtles, hummingbirds, sloths, leaf-cuter ants, quetzals, toads, frogs, monkeys, crocodiles, toucans, bats, iguanas - the list of wildlife one can see here seems endless. Costa Rica is considered to be one of the most “biologically intense” places on earth, particularly the Osa Peninsula.
How is Costa Rica unique in biodiversity?
Monkeys - white throated capuchin, howler and spider monkeys all reside in the Costa Rican rainforest.
Sloths - tough to spot, two-toed and three-toed sloths move slowly through the canopy in many parts of Costa Rica’s jungles.
Frogs and Toads - some of the most amazingly brilliant colored creatures in Costa Rica are its many frogs and toads.
Lizards - you will no doubt see iguanas if you hit any of Costa Rica’s beaches. Less common are the Jesus lizard and the skink.
Birds - over 850 species of birds (more than all of Mexico and the U.S. combined) reside in or visit Costa Rica. Scarlet macaws, parakeets, quetzals, toucans, pelicans, hawks, egrets, hummingbirds, owls, cuckoos are but a few.
Butterflies - 1,239 species are present in Costa Rica. The most notable is the morpho, known for its brilliant blue color.
Flowers - more popular than insects with most folks, 800 ferns, 1,200 orchids and 2,000 trees give nature lovers plenty to observe.
Sea life - dolphins, whales, manatees, sharks, jellyfish, starfish, urchins abound.
Volcanoes and Waterfalls - The prehistoric feel to the landscape has been used as a backdrop for such movies as “Congo” and “Jurassic Park II”.
Government and Economy
How is the local economy?
Is the government stable?
How is the local economy?
You don’t have to drive very far in Costa Rica, past the coffee, pastures, bananas and other crops, to realize that agriculture is the basis of its economy. Coffee has historically been the country’s most important crop, and Costa Rica continues to produce some of the finest coffee in the world.
Is the government stable?
If you have read any of the many guidebooks on Costa Rica, then you are probably aware that Costa Rica is a diplomatic, peaceful country with NO standing military. In January of 2006 Costa Rica elected a new President who has won the Nobel Peace Prize.
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Food, Health & Safety
Is Costa Rica dangerous for tourists?
What type of food can I expect when dining out?
Are there modern medical facilities?
Is the sun really intense in Costa Rica?
What do I do in case of emergencies?
Are there many mosquitoes?
Do I need to take malaria pills or vaccinations?
Is Costa Rica dangerous for tourists?
Costa Rica remains a very safe, stable country and has been for many decades. Millions of people travel here specifically because they are aware of the safety Costa Rica offers them compared to other countries in the area.
What type of food can I expect when dining out?
Costa Rican local cuisine consists mostly of chicken, beef or fish accompanied with rice and beans. The typical lunch menu is called a “casado” and includes one of the first three items, rice and beans and a small salad. The greater San Jose area has a wide variety of dining due to a high concentration of foreign residents and locals of mixed ethnic backgrounds. Dining options are more limited in the beach towns, although Manuel Antonio offers a pretty impressive variety of restaurants. If you like seafood, you can’t go wrong ordering Dorado (Mahi Mahi) or Yellowfin tuna. In San Jose, Asian, Italian, French and international cuisine are all readily available.
Are there modern medical facilities?
YES! Health care in Costa Rica is excellent and there are several ultra-modern hospitals with English speaking Doctors in the greater San Jose area. Below are some phone numbers. For emergency assistance in Costa Rica, dial 911.Clinica Catolica (225-5055) in Guadalupe
Clinica Americana (222-1010) in downtown San Jose
Clinica Biblica (257-5252, 257-0466) also in downtown San Jose
KOP Medical Clinic (228-4119) in San Rafael de Escazu/span>
Is the sun really intense in Costa Rica?
Being in a tropical climate, it’s not difficult to get sunburned or dehydrated. A bad sunburn or dehydration are two ways to put a major kink in any vacation. Make sure you use plenty of sunscreen (remember, we’re just 9 degrees above the equator!) and drink plenty of liquids so as to avoid such problems.
What do I do in case of emergencies?
In Costa Rica, the 911 Emergency System is in place, however it’s sometimes faster to call the Costa Rican Red Cross (128). Make sure to leave a copy of your itinerary with a family member or a neighbor at home with contact numbers for where you’ll be each day.
Are there many mosquitoes?
There are surprisingly few mosquitoes on the popular tourist beaches. There are more in the rainforest and along the rivers. If you intend to take a river rafting tour or hike the jungle, bring insect rappellent.
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Do I need to take malaria pills or vaccinations?
Although nothing is required for entry into Costa Rica, there are recommendations for precautions when traveling to remote areas. If you decide to take precautions in this regard, it’s best to do so 2 to 3 weeks before your departure. Many passengers ask about Malaria pills. Although we are not doctors, we do not recommend taking Malaria pills unless you are planning on being in a remote or high-risk area. Please consult your physician as well as the CDC’s website for the latest updates when planning your trip to Costa Rica. http://www.cdc.gov/travel/camerica.htm
Travel Questions
What are the identification / entry requirements?
What should I pack in my suitcase?
Any last-minute advice before I get on the plane?
How are the roads?
What are the driving times between destinations?
Where can I exchange money?
How much money should I bring?
Where?s The Best Surf?
Where and when is the best fishing in Costa Rica?
What are the baggage rules on Int’l and domestic flights?
Where are the nicest beaches?
Identification / Entry Requirements:
A valid passport is required. Upon entry, each tourist is issued a 90-day tourist visa. It’s also a good idea to have a copy of the picture page of your passport with you when you travel. If you are not a U.S. resident, please check with your Costa Rican embassy regarding travel requirements as travelers from some countries (China, for example) need to have a visa to enter prior to arrival in addition to their passport.
What should I pack in my suitcase?
- Sunglasses
- Swimsuit
- Beach towel
- A hat
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellant
- Light raincoat and/or umbrella
- Sweater/light jacket
- Long Pants: evenings can be chilly
- Clothing comfortable for hiking, touring, etc. (70-90 degree weather)
- Hiking shoes - Day pack (fanny or backpack)
- Your Passport or Birth Certificate and 3 copies of whichever you bring
- Driver’s license
- Credit card or traveler’s checks
- English/Spanish dictionary
- A Costa Rican guidebook (Fodor’s, Lonely Planet, etc.)
- Drugstore items (toothpaste, soap, lotion, razor, etc.)
- Sandals
- Camera and film
Any last-minute advice before I get on the plane?
• Pack Light! - Especially if you are using domestic flights, as they have weight limits on luggage.
• Customer service here is more relaxed and can be very slow. Relax likewise and be patient.
• Local traffic practices are less ordered and roads are in a state of ill repair. Drive with care while you are here.
How are the roads?
The biggest problem with driving in Costa Rica isn’t the roads, it’s the slow-moving vehicles (mostly trucks) that cause delays and the dangerous passes that frustrated drivers make in attempt to overtake them. If you are traveling with your personal driver you will have the peace of mind in knowing you are in great hands.
What are the driving times between destinations?
It is very difficult to estimate accurate driving times as road conditions, traffic, time of day, and weather greatly affect how long it can take. These are very rough estimates. Typically one can average around 65-75 kilometers per hour on highways and 30-50 on side roads.San Jose to Manuel Antonio: 3.75 hours
San Jose to Arenal: 4 hours
San Jose to Tamarindo: 5 hours
San Jose to Puerto Viejo: 3.75 hours
San Jose to Monteverde: 5 hours
San Jose to Jaco: 2 hours
San Jose to Golfito: 8 hours
Where can I exchange money?
Dollars - Carry US dollars with you when you arrive to Costa Rica. As the local currency is on a fixed devaluation schedule with the US dollar, you will most always get the best rate of exchange.
Credit Cards - Most vendors give discounts for using cash, as credit card merchant companies charge high percentages on transactions here. Some vendors do not accept credit cards, while many only take VISA.Travelers Checks - Although accepted by most establishments, you will usually be charged an exchange commission fee between 2-5%.
Exchange - When you arrive, you may exchange your money at any local bank or most of the upscale hotels (if you are one of their guests). Note that you will get a better exchange rate at banks. You may also get foreign currency by using your ATM card. However, it’s important that you know the exchange rate before you do this. Currently, the rate is about 350 colones to the dollar. In a pinch, dollars are pretty widely accepted, but you’ll probably receive your change in colones.
How much money should I bring?
That really depends on what you intend to do, see, buy, etc. But to give you a fair estimate on costs, a typical lunch costs around $5 at an affordable restaurant or “soda” or up to $15 at a nicer establishment. Beer or mixed drinks run about $2.00 per at a typical bar or restaurant, and up to twice as much at a nicer hotel or high-end eatery. Taxi fares are very affordable compared to U.S. cities. A short trip (2-3km) within San Jose or at a beach town where taxis are prevalent (such as Quepos) costs around $2. Be smart, know the value of the colon vs. your currency and purchase accordingly.
Where’s The Best Surf?
Surfers were among the first travelers to frequent Costa Rica. While there are no mythical Hawaii-size breaks, Costa Rica is a popular surfing destination for its warm water and year-round waves. Pavones, Jaco, Quepos, Tamarindo and Puerto Viejo are all big surf spots. Some surfers bring their own surfboards; others rent or buy and sell boards while here.
Where and when is the best fishing in Costa Rica?
Sport fishing in Costa Rica is excellent on both coasts and there are game fish to be caught during all months of the year. Fishing is of the ?catch and release? variety (although a small number are kept for trophies or for eating) and prices vary greatly in price depending on the boat, outfitter and region. Several world record fish have been caught off the coasts of Costa Rica. On the Pacific Coast, Ocotal/Coco, Tamarindo, Jaco, Quepos and the Osa Peninsula are all fishing hot spots with various charter companies. On the Caribbean Coast, Tortuguero and Barra Colorado are popular. The slowest fishing months are September through November on the Pacific and June and July on the Caribbean, though this varies from region to region. Marlin, Roosterfish, Dorado (Mahi Mahi), Sailfish, Tarpon and Snook (on the Caribbean) as well as Yellowfin Tuna are the prime targets.
Baggage on International and Domestic Flights:
In country flight baggage restrictions vary from carrier to carrier. However, most flights only allow a 25-pound baggage limit per person. In fact, before some flights, they will actually weigh you and your luggage to make sure. For International flights, 2 bags to check and 1 to carry is the
standard (usually with a 75 pound limit for each bag).
Where are the nicest beaches?
There are a variety of beaches here with different widths, sand color, water color, and foliage. Generally considered among the most attractive are (in no particular order):
• Playa Langosta (near Tamarindo) - white sand beach with blue Pacific waters and fantastic sunsets
• Manuel Antonio - one of CR?s most popular for a reason, the National Park is a must-see
• Playa Samara - wide, white sand, plenty of palm trees and hammocks, very swim-able water, uncrowded
• Cobano (near Montezuma) - HUGE white sand beach, great surf and very few tourists
• Pan de Azucar (near Flamingo) - Small, secluded, picturesque white sand beach
• Punta Cocles (near Puerto Viejo) - One of the few living coral reefs in Costa Rica, warm Caribbean water
Misc.
What time is it there?
Is the electricity standard North American voltage?
How much do I tip waiters and other hired help?
What are normal business hours?
What sort of souvenirs and gifts can I find there?
What time is it there?
Costa Rica is 6 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time, which is equivalent to Central Standard Time (CST) in North America. Costa Rica does not change clocks ahead for daylight savings time, so from April through December local time is one hour ahead of CST.
Is the electricity standard North American voltage?
YES! You can plug any normal electric-powered device (hair dryers, shaver, laptop computer, etc.) into an electrical wall outlet in Costa Rica.
How much do I tip waiters and other hired help?
Although tipping is not very common in Costa Rica (because it’s usually included), a general rule of thumb is to tip like you would in your own country. In most restaurants a 10% service charge is already added to your bill. If you receive exceptional service, we recommend leaving an additional 10%. For porters, 150 colones (about 50 cents) per bag is a fair gratuity. Tipping taxi drivers is almost unheard of but if you feel the urge, it will be well received! For tour guides, follow the guidelines for each company or again, tip like you would in your own country for similar services.
What are normal business hours?
Government offices are generally open from 8 am to 4 pm, while banks close anytime between 3:00 and 6:00 pm, according to the bank and its branch. Most shops are open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, while some open at 8:00 am and others close at 7:00 pm; most grocery stores close at 8:00 pm. Some shops also close for lunch, between noon and 1:00 or 2:00 pm.
What sort of souvenirs and gifts can I find there?
There are some really neat locally made products that make great souvenirs or gifts. Costa Rican coffee is among the best in the world and makes a great, affordable gift. Other popular items are hot sauces, hand made wood and ceramic crafts, hammocks, leather rocking chairs and jewelry. The artisan town of Sarchi is a popular tourist stop where gifts can be purchased direct from the craftsmen. There are also plenty of tourist shops in downtown San Jose.
Questions Specific To Our Travel Agency
Does it cost more if I book my vacation through your agency?
Do I need to pay for the activities and transportation once I arrive in Costa Rica?
Will I be traveling with other people during myvacation with EXT?
Does it cost more if I book my vacation through your agency?
Absolutely not! When you book through us you pay LESS than if you book direct because we buy at bulk rates. What you DO get when you book with us is an objective, expert opinion on particular properties, destinations and tours in Costa Rica, as well as an advocate you can call should any part of your vacation be less than satisfactory.
Do I need to pay for the activities and transportation once I arrive in Costa Rica?
No. Each package includes activities and transportation.
Will I be traveling with other people during my vacation with EXT?
No. Our vacations are custom itineraries created for each individual or group. Each package includes private transportation to all destinations.
About Reservation Policies
1. You will receive a confirmation of your request with in 24 hours.
2. Reservations can be made through one of the following methods.
-By calling us toll free at 1-866-478-7891
-By e-mail us at reservations@travelext.com
-By reserving online on our website
Cancellation Policies
For individual cancellations made 48 hours or less prior to client’s arrival, no refund will apply. Exclusive Excursions will refund the deposits received according to the supplier’s policies. (Hotel, Car Rental, Tour Operator).
For group cancellations, Exclusive Excursions will refund the deposit if the cancellation is made at least 45 days prior to group’s arrival, otherwise refunds will be subject to any supplier’s policies involved in our tours programs and packages.
