Birding highlights of Costa Rica 9 days/8 nights

Naturally beautiful, Costa Rica offers two unspoiled coastlines with spectacular beaches, rainforest, volcanoes and mountains, and some of the most varied biodiversity in the world. Easily accessible by multiple direct flights from North America and Europe, the country’s natural wonders and friendly, peace-loving people make Costa Rica the most visited spot in Central America. With more than a quarter of its territory protected in national parks and private reserves, the possibilities for Costa Rica eco-tours are endless.

Welcome to Costa Rica! To visit our country there are some requirements which must be met.

Remember that:

A return flight ticket is needed when entering Costa Rica. The immigration officer will ask for it upon your arrival. It is advisable to make a photocopy or take a picture of your passport with the entry stamp to carry at all times during your stay.

• Your country of origin determines the amount of days available to stay in Costa Rica as a tourist.
• In some cases, the Immigration official may request you show economic solvency for your stay in the country.
• Even with a 90-day tourist visa, the immigration official determines the duration of your stay as allowed by your passport.

Visitors to Costa Rica must have a valid passport as well as proof of their intent to exit the country before their visa or entry stamp expires, usually within 90 days.

All non-resident travelers must possess a return ticket or a ticket as proof of when they intend to exit the country, commonly referred to as an outbound exit or onward ticket. An onward ticket is required of non-residents who are:

• Traveling on a one-way ticket
• Entering the country with a return ticket dated more than 90 days after arrival
• Flying into Costa Rica and flying out of another country

By law, an onward ticket includes any of the following on approved, commercial transport:

• A pre-purchased bus ticket out of the country
• A pre-purchased flight out of the country
• Proof of passage on a cruise ship

Obligation to Declare when entering or leaving Costa Rica:

When entering or leaving a port in Costa Rica, if you carry an amount equal to or greater than the US $ 10,000 or its equivalent in other currencies, cash or securities, you must request and complete the form provided for this purpose at the migration post and present it to the Customs Authority for verification; The declaration must be made before finalizing the corresponding immigration procedures. The omission of what is established by Costa Rican law (No. 8204, article 35) will result in the immediate loss of money.

What inoculations do I need before entering Costa Rica?

Starting on July 30, 2007, all travelers coming from the following countries must possess a yellow fever vaccination certificate before entry into Costa Rica will be allowed: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and the Republic of Guyana.

Currency

Costa Rican Colón (CRC; symbol ₡) = 100 céntimos. Notes are in denominations of ₡20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000. Coins are in denominations of ₡500, 100, 50, 25, 20, 10 and 5. US dollars are also widely accepted.

Tipping

Tipping is your decision and how much you tip is completely up to you,

although, we have put together some recommendations we know travelers

appreciate.

WHEN AND HOW MUCH TO TIP?

This is the big question and a difficult one. However, as travelers ourselves, we are faced with the same tipping questions you are. Here is what we use as our own guideline, giving lesser or greater amounts – or no tip at all – based on the added value in service, we feel we have received.

• Airport transfer guide: $2.00 per person.

• Local day tour guides: $2.00 - $5.00 per person, per day.

• Full-time driver throughout your itinerary: $1.00 - $5.00 person per day.

• Full-time guide accompanying the tour: $2.00 - $10.00 per person, per day.

RESTAURANTS & LODGES

All restaurant bills in Costa Rica add a 10% gratuity service charge. So, your restaurant tip is covered.

BAGGAGE

If our services include your transfer from the airport to the hotel, and the driver in charge will help with your bags.

TOUR LEADER, GUIDE AND DRIVER

When you reserve the services of tour guides and drivers, you know how important they are for having a better journey. So it is up to you to decide how much to tip.

Banking

Banking hours: State banks Mon-Fri 09h00-15h00. Private banks Mon-Fri 08h00-16h00.

Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa credit cards are all accepted; American Express slightly less so. Many banks will only process MasterCard for cash credits. Cash may be the only form of payment in smaller towns and rural areas but many places will take US dollars, giving change in colónes.

ATMs are common throughout the cities and small towns. They will usually accept foreign cards but in some regions only Visa cards are accepted. Occasionally, paying with credit cards may not be possible for technical reasons. Bringing a good supply of US dollars in cash is advised, as many things such as entrance fees to national parks or meals at restaurants, can be paid for with US dollars.

Although travellers can avoid additional exchange rate charges by taking traveller's cheques in US dollars, fewer and fewer businesses in Costa Rica are willing to accept them, and it is better to use the ATM.

SANSA operates services between San José and provincial towns and tourist resorts, including Tortuguero, Tamarindo, Quepos and Golfito. A bus is provided from the airline offices in San José to the airport. Costa Rica has domestic airline services which offer flights around the country. Much of Costa Rica is riddled with atrocious roads, so flying is often preferred.  

Costa Ricans drive on the right side of the road. Stretches of the Pan-American Highway leading to and from the major cities tend to be okay, but the rest is a mix of dust, gravel, potholes and mountainous roads. You must be over 21 to hire a car, and though an international driver’s license is safest, you are likely to be able to use a full license from your own country. You will need a credit card for the deposit.

There are many different car hire companies in Costa Rica, predominantly in San José and at the main airport, but it is advisable to either book a car through a local travel agency or to be exceptionally careful to note and confirm any damage or scratches to the vehicle before you drive off. Also, ensure that the vehicle comes with a spare tyre and a jack, because Costa Rica’s roads are such that you may well need one.

Taxis are numerous and inexpensive in San José. The taxis are coloured red (except those serving the Juan Santamaría International Airport, which are orange). Uber is also available at much cheaper prices in most areas of the country.

Public transport via road in Costa Rica ranges from the large coach companies such as the Tica Bus and Transnica, which are comfortable and air-conditioned, to little shuttle buses in the Nicoya Peninsula.

Costa Rica also has a railway system that offers visitors a fun way to explore parts of the country.

Costa Rica is a not a major foodie destination, but what it lacks in sophistication it makes up for in choice.

The Caribbean coast tends to be more influenced by the island nations. Jamaican-style jerk chicken is a staple; rice and beans (gallo pinto) are ubiquitous, but more likely to be prepared with coconut milk; and curry spices feature heavily as ingredients, creating dishes with a very distinct flavour from their counterparts on the Pacific coast.

The Costa Rican diet is fairly healthy with low use of dairy or high-fat dishes. Fresh fruits and vegetables make up a high proportion of meals, while pork, chicken and beef are the most popular meats. Seafood is available throughout the country, particularly in coastal regions, with sea bass being the most common fish on menus.

Mains water is  safe to drink. Drinking water outside main cities and towns may be contaminated but this would be a very rare case. Normally all water in Costa Rica is safe to drink, we can´t assure you that this will always be the  case. Bottled water is available and is advised for those who are liable to sensitive stomachs. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat.

Annual rainfall: 2000 - 5000 mm 
Average temperature: 24°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 30°C 
Average lows: 22°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 28°C 
Average lows: 20°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season, from December to April, when the weather is sunny and the wildlife viewing is excellent. 

Lightweight cotton and linen clothing is recommended for most of the year with warmer clothes for cooler evenings. Waterproofing is necessary during the rainy season. Loose-fitting clothing is best. Wear neutral browns and greens for birding and wildlife viewing. Always bring mosquito repellent and sunblock for both day and night.

Plug Type: Type A, Type B 
Voltage (V): 120V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 60Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.