Costa Rica real estate listings

Travel & Transportation In Costa Rica

There are many ways to get around Costa Rica, whether vacationing, moving/living or just visiting. Below you’ll find detailed information regarding all available modes of transportation, including public transportation (busses, taxis, etc.) and car rentals.

Car Rentals in Costa Rica

When traveling within Costa Rica, the easiest means of transportation is a rental car. Being an elite tourist destination, Costa Rica provides a vast number of Rental Car Agencies, many of which you’ll find detailed below.

Certain Rental Car Agencies in Costa Rica specialize in specific types of vehicles, SUVs for instance, as many visitors intend to check out the wildlife and jungle landscapes found throughout Costa Rica. Other deal mainly in economical sedans and compact cars, intended more for those traversing the beaches and city streets. As you might assume, these are commonly cheaper than SUV types, but all of the prices are generally reasonable.

Since every traveler to Costa Rica is planning their own personal experience, greatly differing from the next guy, we have provided a list of Rental Car Agencies in Costa Rica, each with a brief description of what their services have to offer. All Car Rental Agencies listed have at least one office in or near the San Jose Airport.

ALA Car Rental - 10 min. from San Jose Airport

• Economy Rates
• 4×4’s, Minivans, Passengers Cars, Vans, and SUVs.
• Free Pickup and Delivery Anywhere in San Jose city.
• Free Transportation to San Jose and Liberia International Airports from the rental place.
• Cash and Debit Card Rentals Available.
• Daily, Weekly and Monthly Rentals.
• One Way Rentals San Jose to Liberia, Guapiles and other locations.
• Free Unlimited Miles Available.

Alamo Rent A Car - 10 locations in San Jose (Main Office), Guanacaste, Puntarenas and Alajuela.

• 4×4’s, Economy Cars, Family Vans, and SUVs.
• ISO Certified - high quality service to clients and sensitive to environment.
• One Way Rentals San Jose to Liberia, Quepos, Tamarindo Beach, Samara Beach and other locations.

Budget Rent A Car - More than 10 locations in Costa Rica, including San Jose.

• Large selection of vehicles
• Leasing available
• Free mileage included in all rates
• No booking fees when reserving online
• Guaranteed Rates - the price you reserve is the price you pay.

Car Rentals - Toyota - 4 locations including San Jose Airport and downtown.

• Consistent Rate Promotions
• Late-model TOYOTA, Lexus and Daihatsu vehicles (automatic and manual)
• Road assistance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
• Unlimited mileage available with all rentals
• Free transportation from Airport to office (save 12% Airport Fee)

Discount Car Rental - 5 locations including San Jose Airport and Liberia Airport.

• Large vehicle selection
• Free mileage offered
• Free Pick-up / Drop-off

HERTZ Costa Rica Rent A Car - 6 locations including San Jose Airport and Liberia Airport.

• 35 years experience nationally and internationally
• Pick-up available
• 24-hours roadside assistance
• Guaranteed 3-day advance reservation system
• Discount Purchase Packages for pre-paid daily rates

Bus Lines In Costa Rica

The public transportation system in Costa Rica offers transport by Ferry and Bus in more than 150 cities throughout the country. A complete schedule of all ferry and bus lines, categorized by city, can be found here:

Costa Rica Public Transportation - Ferry and Bus Schedules

Note that all Ferry and Bus Schedules are taken directly from a booklet distributed freely by the ITC (Costa Rican Institute of Tourism).

Taxi Service in Costa Rica

Taxi Cabs are found throughout all major cities and tourist destinations in Costa Rica. Taxis are more colorful than those in the US, diverting from the classic “yellow cab” style most common in America. Look for the meter on top of the car, and/or yellow triangle on the driver’s door, labeling the vehicle a Taxi Cab.

There are 3 types of Taxi Services in Costa Rica: 1) Cooperative - a group of semi-independent owners, 2) Private owners, and 3) Pirate-Taxis, who work on the edge of government regulations. No matter which taxi cab you hail, there are a few important things to keep in mind:

• Taxi rides to/from the San Jose Airport, and other popular, distant locations, have flat government rates. The Taxi Driver will not turn on the meter for these rides, but don’t be afraid to haggle for a deal.
• Always ask the approximate price of a trip before you get in the cab.
• If the cab has no meter, settle on an exact price before you take the trip.
• Most Taxi Drivers do not speak English - know enough of the Spanish language to relate your destination and discuss prices, or have this information written in Spanish beforehand.
• A cab ride in San Jose can easily be compared to that of New York City. Rather than focusing on the near-misses that frequently occur in traffic, enjoy the shop-fronts, landscape and breath-taking scenery as you traverse the city.

Private Transportation

By reserving a Private Taxi, Bus or other mode of transportation, travelers can use the service throughout the day for a flat rate. Much like renting a car, but without having to drive, you and your family/associates can be taken to any location you desire and stay as long as you wish. These types of services are offered by various companies. See below for detailed information on Private Transportation Services.

Costa Rica Taxi - San Jose

• 15 years experience, focusing on safety and comfort
• Private transportation available for up to 8, 15, 30, 40 and 60 passengers.
• Special rates for up to 8 passengers - $165/day
• Tour services include hotels, dining, transfer and entrance to attractions
• Bilingual services available at extra charge
• Tours of Panama and Nicaragua available
• USD and Costa Rican colones accepted

Other Private Transportation Services in Costa Rica

Costa Rica Tours - Manuel Antonio Quepos

Coach Costa Rica - San Jose
Costa Rica Shuttle - San Jose

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Where to Retire In Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a haven for retirees who desire to escape from the hustle and bustle of every day life. Whether it’s lush, rural comfort you seek, or majestic views combined with inner city lifestyle, Costa Rica has something for everyone.

Costa Rica is made up of 7 provincial territories:
Alajuela, Cartago, Guanacaste, Heredia, Limon, Puntarenas and San José.

The Province in which you should search for Real Estate in Costa Rica depends greatly on the lifestyle you desire. As a general rule of thumb - The further away you get from San Jose, the less expensive everything becomes!

San Jose, Costa Rica: San Jose is the capital of Costa Rica, located in the central region of the country. San Jose is a bustling city with all of the modern conveniences one would expect. High-rise apartments, condos and townhouses can be found in abundance. Business properties for sale can also be easily found in San Jose, Costa Rica.

Being a favorite destination of retirees and other real estate investors due to it’s excellent industrial economy, the property prices for both renting and purchasing, as well as hotels, is going to be a little more expensive. The highest majority of Costa Rica’s businesses reside in San Jose.

Alajuela, Costa Rica: Alajuela is located north-west of San Jose, providing basically the same lifestyle with less expense, and a warmer climate. Alajuela is the capital of the Province, and the second largest city in all of Costa Rica - San Jose being the first. Costa Rica’s primary international Airport, Juan Santamaria, is located in Alajuela, just 20 minutes from San Jose by car.

Alajuela consists of many natural wonders and amazing landscapes. The Volcano Poas and Arenal, La Paz Waterfalls and others, hot springs and the world’s largest butterfly farm can all be found here. Travelers to Alajuela will also find the Arenal Lagoon, the largest sweet-water lake and many majestic mountains. It’s easy to see why home buyers, retiring individuals and tourists alike flock to this beautiful region of Costa Rica.

Cartago, Costa Rica: With a capital city by the same name, the Province of Cartago is home mostly to rural surroundings and mountainous scenery, offering the peace and tranquility of the Central Highlands. Noted for it’s Volcanoes and the best White Water Rafting in all of Costa Rica, Cartago is also home to the renowned Technical University, the Basilica.

The numerous farming plantations of Cartago produce vegetables, coffee, sugar cane, ornamental plants, pejibayes, macadamia nuts and other commodities. Many Protected Wildlife Refuges and National Parks are found across the region, including Irazu Volcano National Park, Zapanti National Park and the Guayabo National Monument - the most historic archaeological discovery in Costa Rica.

Guanacaste, Costa Rica: The north-western most Province of Costa Rica, Guanacaste is home to the aptly named “Gold Coast”, a Northern-Pacific region of beaches that draws a mass of tourists to this paradise destination each year. Surfers, hikers, sports-fisherman and sun-lovers alike will enjoy the varitable treasure trove of beauty and activities Guanacaste has to offer. The active volcano, Rincón de la Vieja, is another source of tourist intrigue.

Liberia is the capital city of Guanacaste, whose name derived from a famous Guanacaste tree located in the region. Wide prairies make up a good portion of the Nicoya Peninsula’s landscape, home to cattle ranches, rice plantations and sugar cane farms.

Heredia, Costa Rica: The Province of Heredia, with a capital going by the same name, is the smallest province in Costa Rica. Located north of San Jose and directly to the east of Alajuela, the Juan Santamaria International Airport is not far off. Heredia boasts a uniquely eclectic variety of landscapes, from high mountains and volcanoes to rivers and jungles, to plains and suburban homes, this Central Highland region has something for everyone.

The range of nature-loving activities is enormous, including bird watching, canopy tours, river rafting, hiking and so much more. There are a few industrial zones within Heredia, but the majority of the economy is derived from agriculture - vegetables, coffee, fruits, beans, sugar cane, flowers, plants and dairy-farming.

Limon, Costa Rica: Another province with a capital of the same name, Limon is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea and Panama on the south-eastern edge. The beaches of Limon are some of the most beautiful to be found throughout the region, bringing the tourism rate to significant heights. As such, Limon boasts it’s own international airport as well. The Province of Limon was named for a uniquely classed Lemon Tree found growing in front of the governor’s office.

Other major attractions of Limon include a host of natural wonders and National Parks, such as the Bri Bri Indians Reserve, home to the largest indigenous tribe in Costa Rica, and the Tortugeuro National Park. The relaxed Caribbean style atmosphere of Limon is unlike any other in Costa Rica. There is a Banana Port, as bananas are one of the main exports of Limon, along with palm-oil and pineapple. The production of cocoa, beans, bamboo, pejibaye, fruits and coconut, as well as cattle farming and fishing can be readily found.

Puntarenas, Costa Rica: The southern-most Province of Costa Rica, Puntarenas presents a capital city by the same name, which boasts a hefty economy from the harbour town’s fishing and cruise-line industries. Tourism is significant in Puntarenas as it offers an exotic landscape of beaches stretching across most of it’s coastline border. The most amazing sunsets are said to be found on these beaches, which include such towns as Mal Pais, Montezuma and Tambor on the Nicoya Peninsula. Mountainous areas are also found, like Monteverde and Tilaran.

The most vacation activities and the largest assortment of hotels are found in Puntarenas, claiming the best surf in all of Latin America. The region is often noted as the most biologically diverse in all the world, home to the Absolute Natural Reserve in Cabo Blanco, Dominical and the Corcovado National Park and Piedras Blancas National Park. Agricultural land is found more inland, producing everything from fruits and vegetables to coffee, rice, beans, roots and cocoa.

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Purchasing Real Estate In Costa RicaCosta Rica Real Estate - Protecting Your Investment

Facing all foreign investors today is the fear of inadequate protection on their investments. How can a Real Estate owner from another country be entirely sure that the Real Estate transfer process is performed properly and legally. Investors need to be reassured that the property will remain enjoyable theirs for the duration of the ownership. To receive this assurance, follow these 3 simple steps:

1. Qualified, Experienced Legal Representation & Notary: The attorney hired to lead you through the process should also be a notary. The Attorney/Notary should have adequate experience in Real Estate acquisition, as it is his/her job to provide representation and legal advice throughout the entire purchase process. Referrals, testimonials and a lengthy background in the field should be noted before hiring an Attorney/Notary.

2. Title Guaranty: You must obtain a Title Guaranty upon purchasing the property. The title Guaranty is a binding contract in which a 3rd party is required to compensate the owner should any legal situation arise affecting the property, unless excluded from the coverage. This single document can give Costa Rica Real Estate purchasers the peace of mind and much desired security that the property is solely their own and protected from defect.

A Title Commitment must be issued before the property is purchased, allowing the buyer to examine to Real Estate for approval (lack of defect) before commencing the purchase process. The Title Guaranty won’t be issued until the deal is closed, and will be based on the Title Commitment.

3. Escrow: Obtaining an Escrow service is primarily done to ensure proper handling of all monetary transactions when purchasing Real Estate in Costa Rica. Acting as a 3rd party, the Escrow Agent is responsible for issuing all checks and executing the necessary payment of fees. By involving an Escrow Agent in the purchasing process, the required funds, in their entirety, are assured to remain in one spot, untouched for any other reason than to pay the fees and purchase price. This gives all interested parties, including the Representatives, Brokers, Seller and Buyer alike, the security of knowing the funds will be there when their payment date arrives - mostly at closing.

Proceed to Purchasing Real Estate in Costa Rica - Conclusion

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Purchasing Real Estate In Costa Rica

Costa Rica Real Estate - Conclusion

If you’ve read through the previous documentation, you should now have a full understanding of the procedures involved in purchasing Costa Rica Real Estate, as well as what should be avoided. With this understanding, alleviating all intimidations, purchasing Real Estate in Costa Rica can be a fantastic, life-changing, and pleasurably memorable occasion.

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Purchasing Real Estate In Costa Rica

Costa Rica Real Estate - Taxes & Fees

Transfer Taxes / Stamps: The Costa Rican government charges a Transfer Tax of 1.5% of the purchase price. This fee covers all costs for filing the required paperwork to transfer ownership. An additional 1% is charged for Public Registry Stamps.

Notary Fees: Costa Rican Law dictates the required legal fees charged by a Notary Public - 1.25% of the purchase price.

Survey Fees: The price of Surveying property is dependent upon the size and location of the land. Whether required or desired by the purchaser, capable and qualified surveyors are not difficult to find.

Title Guaranty Fees: This fee is not based on a flat rate or percentage, but rather a sliding scale relative to the purchase price.

Mortgage Registration Fees: In order to register a mortgage deed on the property, Costa Rican government requires a fee equal to 0.6% of the mortgage value.

Escrow Fees: As set forth by the Escrow provider.

Incorporation Fees: Variable, commonly ranging from $500 to $1,000.

Proceed to Purchasing Real Estate in Costa Rica - Protecting Your Investment

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Purchasing Real Estate In Costa Rica

Costa Rica Real Estate - Methods of Purchase

1. Direct Transfer Property Acquisition: When one or more individuals purchase Real Estate directly, placing the property in their own name(s), this is a Direct Transfer Property Acquisition. Essentially, a real person (or persons) is purchasing the property.

2. Corporation Property Acquisition: Corporate Acquisitions are common in Costa. This is when a corporation acquires the property, putting the ownership of the property in the name of the company, rather than a person (or persons). While not a complicated process, setting up a corporation requires an attorney who is knowledgeable in corporate set-up to assist in the process, ensuring all matters are dealt with legally and properly.

The most distinguished advantage of purchasing Real Estate through a corporation is asset protection, as the actual owner remains anonymous.

When a new corporation buys an existing corporation that is owned by another corporation, the ownership remains under the name of the original owner, but is now acquired by the new operation. This may sound confusing, so let’s try an example.

John owns a McDonalds. Being a franchise, the McDonalds is actually owned by the McDonalds Corporation. Sara comes along and buys McDonalds from John, but the McDonalds Corporation still owns it, Sara simply acts as owner by purchasing the shares required to own a McDonalds from John.

Because the true ownership never changed, no paper work must be filed on a government level - therefore no government taxes or stamps must be paid.

Proceed to Purchasing Real Estate in Costa Rica - Taxes & Fees

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Purchasing Real Estate In Costa Rica

Costa Rica Real Estate - Purchasing Procedures

To understand how real estate is acquired in Costa Rica, one must first understand the common terminology associated with the process. Let’s go over a few terms you’ll need to know before purchasing Costa Rica real estate property.

1. Folio Real: Every property has an assigned number, called the Folio Real. This is basically the ’social security’ number of the property, uniquely identifying it from any other property. There are 3 portions of a property’s Folio Real. The first number relates to the province in which the property is located. The second is a 6 digit number that relates to the property itself. The last number indicates the current number of owners/co-owners of the property. In order to obtain a title upon purchase of the property, the previous title MUST include a Folio Real.

2. Transfer of Conveyance Deed (Escritura De Traspaso): This is a document containing all of the information as to the transfer of the property deed. It includes basic information about the seller, buyer, the property and any special terms stipulated within the sale (mortgages, easements, etc.)

The Transfer of Conveyance Deed must be prepared by an Attorney who is also a Public Notary, with records of the document noted in the Attorney’s Notary book as well as the Public Registry of Property. Upon signing the deed, the Attorney is responsible for performing these actions immediately.

The recording process takes two steps. First the Attorney presents the deed to the Public Registry for approval, at which point the property is protected against any third party interest. Once approved, the ownership of the deed is recorded under the new owner’s name.

The immediate recording of transferred property deeds is absolutely essential because Costa Rican law enacts a “first in time, first in right” system. This means until the signed deed is presented to the Public Registry of Property, other third parties may attempt to lay claim on the property.

Power Of Attorney: Obtaining Power of Attorney is sometimes critical in the closing of a real estate purchase in Costa Rica, depending on the buyer’s circumstances. For example, if a buyer does not wish to be present during the closing of the deal, he/she may give Power of Attorney to another individual who may complete the process. To obtain Power off Attorney, the document must be signed in front of a Costa Rican Notary. This may either be done in Costa Rica, or at a Costa Rican Consulate, such as in the United States.

An exception to Power of Attorney is granted to any corporation purchasing property. The corporation may supply a signed proxy letter, omitting the need to visit a consulate.

Note that there are two categories for Power of Attorney - General and Special. General Power of Attorney allows the representative to sign off on multiple transactions on behalf of the purchaser, with the representative recorded at the Public Registry. Special Power of Attorney grants the representative the power to sign only the item specified in the Power of Attorney document, and only under the specifications of that contract. The representative need not be registered at the Public Registry, however a Public Notary should be present when granting Special Power of Attorney. Special Power of Attorney is recommended for purchasers, as it limits the abilities of the representative to purchasing only the specified property.

3. Survey Plan (Cadastral Department): The Cadastral Office of Costa Rica holds the survey records for all properties. Any segregation of property must especially be recorded and kept on file at the Cadastral Office. It is recommended that a survey be conducted before purchasing property because on occasion, the Cadastral Office and Public Registry may not present identical records (because they are separate entities). This prevents any future disputes over boundaries.

Proceed to Purchasing Real Estate in Costa Rica - Methods of Purchase

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Purchasing Real Estate In Costa Rica

Purchasing Real Estate property is often a momentous occasion in one’s life, perhaps the most significant accomplishment one can achieve. As such, it can also be a stressful, if not overwhelming, venture. Unfortunately, this is the case for most Costa Rican home buyers. However, the entire process is made 100% easier simply by being informed.

We’ll start off with 6 Easy Steps To Acquiring Real Estate In Costa Rica. When a buyer finds a property they wish to purchase, these 6 steps make up the basic process.

Step 1: Buyer and Seller must sign an Option To Purchase/Sale
Step 2: Deposit the required funds into an escrow account
Step 3: Title research is performed and the Title Commitment issued
Step 4: Closing the Sale – Transfer of the Deed
Step 5: New owner registered with Public Registry of Property
Step 6: Official Title Guaranty received

Sounds simple enough, right? Each process above is described in full detail below. Again, to be informed is to be free of worry and complication.

The highest stress factors associated with Costa Rica Real Estate acquisition are language barriers, unfamiliarity with Costa Rican law and the numerous related fees. By understanding how these aspects come into play, a buyer can enter into the purchase process knowing what to expect.

Costa Rica Real Estate - Language Barriers
The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish. For the least difficulties purchasing real estate in Costa Rica, it would be recommended to have some knowledge of the Spanish language. However, this is not necessary. Of the 4,000,000+ population, a large number being English speaking immigrants, English is now widespread throughout the region, with most business people especially fluent in the English language.

Costa Rica Real Estate - The Political Aspect
There are several laws governing the acquisition of real estate that must be taken into account. In this section, we’ll try to inform potential buyers of all legalities they may encounter throughout the process.

Which brings us to Purchasing Real Estate in Costa Rica - Property Rights & Types

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Purchasing Real Estate In Costa Rica

Costa Rica Real Estate - Property Rights & Types

Like in most modern countries, there is a variety of Property Types that can be purchased in Costa Rica. The legalities of ownership differ by each Property Type.

Fee Simple Ownership: Fee Simple Ownership is the most basic and popular type of ownership, legally applying to both foreigners and natives of Costa Rica. Fee Simple Ownership gives the purchaser the right to do as they please with the property - use, enjoy, sell, lease, rent, improve, etc. Basically, the property is material yours - do whatever you like with it. Purchasers must pay for a Fee Simple Title to obtain these rights.

In order to purchase a Fee Simple Title, the property must be at least 200 meters inland from the coast. The first 50 meters of coastline, starting at the high-tide line, is officially labeled the “Inalienable Zone”. Any land in this 50 meter coastline strip is considered un-purchasable, un-rentable, un-leasable, etc - it is ‘Public Property’.

Concession Property: Concession Property, located in the “Maritime Zone”, makes up the other 150 meters of coastline property. Any land or real estate in Costa Rica that is more than 50 meters, but less than 200 meters, from the coastline falls into this category, with 95% of the property within this region of Costa Rica. deemed Concession Property, therefore subject to the Maritime Zone Law and other specifications.

Costa Rica defines concession as ‘the right to use and enjoy a specific property located on the maritime zone for a pre-determined period of time’. Concession Property may not be purchased outright, but may be leased. These long-term, renewable leases typically range from $1 to $2 per frontage meter, per year, with leases commonly granted for a 20 year period. For example, a 200 frontage meter purchase, at $2 per year for 20 years equals a one-time payment of $8,000.

The leased property owner has the right to build, subdivide or improve upon the property however they see fit, though the appropriate permits must be acquired from the local municipality.

Ownership Limitations: Unfortunately, when it comes to Concession Property, foreigners do not have the same rights as native residents. Foreigners may not be the majority owner of a Concession Property. They may, however enter into partnership with a citizen of Costa Rica, so long as the ownership is at least 49%/51%, in favor of the legal citizen. If a foreigner maintains residency in Costa Rica for at least 5 years, this law is waved, allowing the foreigner to own Concession Property.

Condominium Law: Many people, Americans especially, tend to think of ‘Condominiums’ as upscale apartment complexes, however in Costa Rica, the term Condominium applies more to any multiple-family housing complex designed to house single families in separate units. Ownership of ‘Condominium’ property is considered Fee Simple, with a few added restrictions to be laid out by the developer.

Condominium laws are generally designed to protect the “look and feel” of a project. Developers use these laws to set architectural guidelines for the purchasers of each condo. When purchasing a condo in Costa Rica, the buyer should be advised to obtain a copy of the “Condominium Law” (as set forth by the developer), from the developer, long before an acquisition is made. This will inform the potential purchaser of any architectural restrictions they may encounter. For example, a condo owner may not be allowed to change the landscape of his/her lawn. In the same token, the purchaser may be partly responsible for a portion of the development’s landscaping fee. The purchaser may be restricted from building a fence or planting trees, etc.

Untitled Property: Untitled property can be found throughout Costa Rica, and is Not Recommend For Purchase. An Untitled Property is one that has no ownership recorded at the Public Registry of Properties. This means it cannot be proven who actually owns the property. Some of these properties has never held residency, while others have maintained occupants for many years. It is possible for someone to attempt to sell an Untitled Property, since no one can rightly claim they own it . However, it is possible for anyone to claim true ownership after another has sold the property, resulting in an enormous amount of red tape.

In short, Never Purchase Untitled Property!

Time Share: Though uncommon in Costa Rica, Time Share Resorts can be found, allowing purchasers to acquire time in a property, rather than the actual property. To acquire a Time Share is to purchase a certain amount of weeks, calendar specific, in which the purchaser may live in/on the property. Costa Rica laws on Time Share properties are the same as Condominium Law’.

Proceed to Purchasing Real Estate in Costa Rica - Purchasing Procedures

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There is much to be known about Costa Rica - some considered general knowledge, other facts little known. This documentation will provide a list of things you should know before traveling and/or moving to Costa Rica.

Will I Need a Passport?
Yes, a Passport is required to enter Costa Rica.

When Should I Travel to Costa Rica?
This depends on your purpose for traveling to Costa Rica. Tourism is a year-round industry in Costa Rica as the temperatures are always pleasant. However, if planning a vacation to Costa Rica, the time to travel depends upon your preferences.

The Green Season: The Green season is between May and November, when tourism is at it’s lowest and the natural wonders at their peak growth. Hotel rates and occupancy levels are generally lower in the Green Season.

The Dry Season: The Dry Season is between December and April, when tourism hits it’s peak. Hotels prices are more expensive at this time and the occupancy levels more to capacity. It is recommended to book well in advance when planning a trip to Costa Rica in the Dry Season.

What is the Weather Like in Costa Rica?
The average temperature in Costa Rica is 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Lowland areas generally see a higher temperature of 80-90, while the highlands are much cooler, around 50-60.

What is the Best Means of Transportation in Costa Rica?
It is recommended to drive an automobile when traversing Costa Rican roads. The public transportation system is very well organized, don’t get me wrong, but for convenience, flexibility, time saved and a great overall experience, renting a car is the way to go.

The road conditions are good, but not all roads are well marked, making travel through some parts of Costa Rica a real adventure. However, Costa Rica is consistently working to improve their road structure.

What is the Crime Rate Like in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a very hospitable, friendly country, but like any other place in the world, criminal activity is present. Simple common sense can be used to avoid any problems. The use of low-denomination travelers checks is encouraged, as well as the in-room safes provided by most hotels, for storing larger sums of cash and other valuables. Like any major city, pick-pocketing and purse snatching can be easily avoided by staying alert and keeping your wallet in your front pocket rather than the back.

Are Vaccinations Required?
No, traveling to Costa Rica does not require any vaccinations. Visitors should bring any prescription medication they would normally take, as well as the common headache and allergy medications. Being in a new place, the food is likely to be different than what your digestive system is familiar with, therefore antacid tablets and diarrhea medicines are also recommended.

Can I Drink the Water?
Water conditions are different in every country throughout the world - not to say one is better than another, just different. The digestive system is accustomed to what a person normally drinks. For this reason, bottled water is recommended, though the water in Costa is generally safe to drink.

Can I use a Major Credit Card?
Yes, hotels and most establishments throughout Costa Rica accept major credit cards.

Can I Use an ATM?
Yes, depending on your destination/location. San Jose offers ATM’s in abundance, however travel to more rural locations may increase the difficulty of finding an ATM. Most hotels will exchange money for their occupants, though the government greatly discourages exchanging money on the street as it poses a high potential of danger to foreigners.

I’m Vacationing in Costa Rica - What Should I Pack?
A tourist in Costa Rica should pack as they would for any vacation, in relation to the extent of their stay and the activities planned. Comfortable hiking boots, rain gear, a light jacket and binoculars are recommended for hiking through the vast natural landscapes - light clothing, sun screen, sun hat and a beach towel for those who wish to visit the many beautiful beaches of Costa Rica. Above all, don’t forget the camera! (plus batteries, film, etc. if necessary)

Tours - Pre-book or Book on Arrival?
Pre-booking tours is always recommended, especially during the Dry Season (December to April), when tourism is at it’s peak. Cancellations and changes in schedule will be penalized, so keep this in mind when pre-booking a tour.

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