International travel seems daunting but it doesn’t have to be. With a little bit of research and the right resources, your Costa Rica vacation will be a breeze. That’s where we come in. At Grande Vacation Rentals, we’ll help you with every aspect of your Costa Rican vacation. To start, we’ve broken down some of our top travel tips to get your Costa Rica adventure started.
Where to start. Costa Rica’s diverse landscape means there’s something for everyone. What kind of trip do you want to have? Are you looking for a little rest and relaxation at your nearest beach? Want a hair raising adrenaline fueled adventure whitewater rafting through the jungle? Surf and yoga retreat? Volunteer to save the turtles and explore the mecca of national parks? All of the above? Think about exactly what you want to get out of your Costa Rica trip. Then call us and we can help you take it from there.
When to go. Costa Rica is a tropical country with distinct wet and dry seasons. While it varies from region to region, Costa Rica’s dry season runs from late November to late April. If you want to lounge on the beach and miss the rainy season in the rainforest, this is the time to come. This is also Costa Rica’s busy season- prices are higher and attractions are more crowded, so make your reservations in advance.
The tropical rainy season (often called the “green season” by locals) runs May through mid-November, turning Guanacaste into a lush paradise. While rain clogged roads may dampen your sunbathing aspirations, there are far fewer travelers. And don’t forget to ask about our low season pricing.
Accommodation. Grande Vacation Rentals has you covered for accommodations for your Costa Rica adventure. From condos to luxury houses, we have stunning tropical vacation rentals throughout Guanacaste. We can even recommend cabinas and small hotels in the area.
Entry and Exit Requirements. U.S. citizens traveling to Costa Rica need a valid passport. Some airlines require travelers to have a round-trip ticket before boarding your flight to avoid Costa Rican immigration fines. There is also an airport departure tax required before leaving Costa Rica. Most major airlines include the exit tax in your plane ticket, but inquire with your airline to be sure.
International flights. The closest airport to Guanacaste is the Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport. It’s the most convenient option for getting to any city in Guanacaste and has connections to several major international cities including Houston, Miami, Toronto, Atlanta Panama and New York. Only 45 minutes north of Tamarindo, in Liberia, the capital of Guanacaste, it’s the most direct location to the Guanacaste Pacific coast.
Travel & Transportation. Depending on your desired excursions, you may need a vehicle to get around. Make sure to do your research and only use reputable rental agencies for renting vehicles. At Grande Vacation Rentals, our concierge can arrange all transportation ahead of time. We only use insured and licensed agencies verified by the Costa Rican Institute of Tourism, ensuring your journey is safe and timely.
Need help? Just ask. At Grande Vacation Rentals, we’re more than just a vacation rental company. Besides our stunning properties, we have the local knowledge and expertise to make your travel experience a breeze. We can help you find the best transportation to and from the airport as well as anywhere you need to go in Costa Rica.
Currency exchange. Don’t change money at the airport- the rates are always extremely high. Use local ATM’s for the best exchange rate.
Safety. It’s always a good idea to be aware when traveling in a foreign country. Obey all local rules and use common sense at night. Make sure you know your way around, always use the buddy system whenever possible and make sure you have all important addresses and phone numbers (hotel, etc.) with you at all times. You don’t need to have your passport with you while exploring Costa Rica — carrying a color photo copy works just as well. You can lock it in a safe upon your arrival to avoid any mishaps.
Personal Belongings. Be aware of your surroundings. At the beach, always make sure at least one person stays by your belongings- do not leave any personal things unattended. Like most tourist destinations, theft does occur and visitors need to be aware.
Weather. While a small country, Costa Rica has a diverse and varied climate. Generally classified as a tropical climate, Costa Rica doesn’t have a true winter season. The country has a wet and dry (or high) season on the Pacific side. Weather can vary wildly depending on which side of the country you’re visiting. Guanacaste, for example, has a dry climate with many tropical dry forests, whereas the Caribbean side of the 130 miles away is humid and sees wet weather and rain throughout much of the year. The average rainfall in the country is 100 inches, and some mountainous areas get as much as 25 feet of rain on a yearly basis!
Tipping. While tipping is traditionally uncommon at small, local restaurants, most restaurant servers nowadays do expect it. All restaurant checks show 13% sales tax and a 10% service fee in the total bill. Diners usually take the 10% included in the bill and add an additional 5-10% depending on the service (same as the standard 15-20% in the U.S.). It is custom to give a few extra bucks to your tour guide and round up to the nearest 100 colones for taxi drivers.
Slow it down. You could spend weeks in Costa Rica and still not see all this beautiful country has to offer. Instead of rushing around, take a note from the locals and have a pura vida vacation. Slow down, choose a few key destinations and enjoy the beauty around you. You can always come back. We’d love to see you again!
The logistics of travel can be boring. But booking accommodations, transport and plane tickets is well worth the travel planning. Plus, at Grande Vacation Rentals, we make it easy. We can help you plan your Costa Rica vacation from the moment your plane touches down.
Grande Vacation Rentals is run by locals. We love this country and bring our decades of experience living here to help you plan your best Costa Rica vacation. From vacation rental properties to excursions and transportation we work hard to make sure every detail of your trip is covered. Whether you’re looking for a condo, house or local restaurant recommendation, we have the best options for you.