To ensure that you have the best possible holiday experience, we ask you to read the following information carefully. If you have any questions, please discuss them with us before you depart.
Hand Luggage – pack essential items for a day or two in your hand luggage, in case your bags go astray and take a few days to catch up with you, especially if you have any tight connecting flights.
Documents – take a copy of your travel insurance policy with you, and leave a copy of your passport with a reliable contact at home, in case the originals are lost or stolen.
Electronic Devices – ensure these are all fully charge before travel, as you may be required to switch them on at airport security.
Mobile Phones – make sure they are set up for international calls and if you plan to use travel apps such as Google Translate (which is invaluable when travelling in Latin America) or Google Maps, ensure you check your data package with your provider in advance. Alternatively turn off date roaming to avoid large phone bills. Be aware that some rural areas may not have mobile or WiFi coverage.
Clothing – as it rains a lot in Costa Rica, pack lightweight sports clothing that will dry quickly (as jeans take too long to dry). Also pack long sleeved shirts and long trousers to protect against mosquitos in the rainforests (safari clothing is perfect for this). Take good walking shoes that can get wet, an extra pair of trainers (do everything you can to keep this pair dry), extra socks (in case feet get wet), a day pack, sunglasses, sunhat and bio-degradable sunscreen. A rain jacket with hood is needed all year round. Also pack a light jacket, as it can get cold at high altitude and T-shirts, shorts, swim wear, water shoes & flip flops for the beach. Eye drops can be handy, especially if you wear contact lenses, and sanitising hand cleaner. Take a generous supply of insect repellent to spray on your neck, wrists and ankles and avoid using perfume in the rainforests, as this attracts mosquitos.
Medicines - if you travel with prescription drugs, carry an adequate supply in their original bottles/packaging & keep them in your hand luggage, as if lost they may be difficult to replace.
Accessories – pack your phone (with charger and a spare battery pack), camera (with spare memory cards and batteries – a 200 mm zoom lens is good for wildlife photography) and binoculars (large 8x40 is best). We suggest one pair per person, as it can be frustrating to share.
Plugs – type A and B (2 flat blades, as used in the USA). Pack a universal adapter as well as a hand basin plug/stopper, as these are not always provided.
Books – pack a good travel guide and a Spanish phrase book. Knowing a few simple greetings will go down well. Also pack a generous supply of English reading material for quiet evenings and when waiting for flights, as these will be hard to come by.
Water – tap water is generally safe to drink in the cities, but always drink bottled water in rural areas.
Food – Costa Rican cuisine is fairly mild, with a high reliance on fresh fruits and vegetables. The traditional 'casada' dish of rice, black beans, beef, pork or fish is common, combined with salad, vegetables and banana. The seafood is also very good. Ticos (fruit shakes, made with water or milk) are the preferred drinks. Vegetarians and food allergies are well catered for.
Alcoholic Drinks - take care when buying spirit-based drinks, to ensure the seal has not been tampered with.
Recycling – Costa Ricans are very eco-conscious and will expect you to recycle. Many of the hotel rooms provide mini recycling bins.
Taxis – in cities use only regulated taxis, with an on-board meter and yellow triangles on their doors. These are best booked through your hotel.
Self-Drive – driving is on the right. Any valid UK, European or American driving license is accepted as long as it has a photograph and signature. If you take an international driver's licence, you will ALSO need to produce your original driving licence. A credit card in the name of the main driver is also essential. Although most roads in the cities are good, some roads are gravel with potholes (eg Guanacaste) and mountains roads are windy (eg Monteverde), so a 4x4 is recommended. As there are very few road signs, it is essential to hire a GPS. Also purchase a good road map in advance (in English) and download the Google Maps (offline) app. Be aware that you are travelling in a country where driving standards are lower than at home and take all sensible precautions against crime - including not leaving any belongings on display. On gravel roads be careful to avoid stones thrown up by passing vehicles & ensure your tyres are under-inflated when travelling on gravel (ie soft, not hard). Be aware that night falls very early (5.30 pm throughout the year), so plan your driving times carefully to avoid driving in the dark, as there are no lights and very few cats eyes.
Safety – take all sensible precautions. Leave valuable jewellery/watches at home, wear a money belt and be alert when outside your hotel. In particular avoid taking out large wads of cash in public view and keep your spare cash, passport and a spare credit card in your hotel safe.
Indemnities - please be aware it is likely you will be required to sign indemnities for any potentially hazardous activities.
Pack for a Purpose - if you have a little space in your suitcase, local schools & communities always appreciate gifts of pens & pencils, stationery, deflated footballs etc. Specific requests from communities can be seen on the 'Pack for a Purpose' website.
Tipping – this is not compulsory, but if you want to tip because you have received good service, we suggest the following per adult:
- guides/drivers: C 3,500 + C 1,500 = C 5,000 per day (can be reduced for longer stays).
- waiters: no need to tip, as a 10% service charge is automatically added to your bill
- porters: C 500 per bag.
It is not necessary to tip drivers doing short transfers (eg to the airport).
Your Safety - consult the UK Foreign Office website for the latest travel advice www.fco.gov.uk.