Costa Rica Travel - The Basic Information You Should Know Before Visiting Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a tiny Central American country. It has a population of roughly 5 million people, with San José as the capital and major city. Costa Rica is one of the 20 nations in the world with the greatest biodiversity, with experts claiming that "6% of the world's flora and wildlife dwell in Costa Rica". Costa Rica has an area of around 51,100 square kilometres (19,700 square miles) for ecotourism.

Costa Rica Entry Requirement - The Ultimate Guide To Visit Costa Rica

Although Costa Rica is not on the list of visa-exempt nations, you may be permitted priority entry if you hold a valid visa for the United States, Canada, Japan, or Korea, or a Schengen visa that is valid for at least three months. The requirements for visa application will vary depending on the immigration laws of the nation in which you live.

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If you are visiting Costa Rica for tourism purposes, you will need the following documents:

• Original passport with at least 6 months validity and at least 02 blank pages.
• Visa (British citizens do not need a visa to visit Costa Rica and they can stay in Costa Rica for 90 days)
• Costa travel schedule.
• Information on round-trip airfare and hotel reservation (proving you are only staying temporarily in Costa Rica)
• Copy of ID card / marriage registration/household registration book.
• UK Emergency Travel Document

In the situation of the Covid 19 pandemic, Costa Rica has issued additional requirements for entry. From November 1st, 2020, when you want to enter Costa Rica, you must prepare an additional certificate confirming that you have received 2 doses of covid vaccine from the Ministry of Health, otherwise you will have to get disease insurance before entering. In addition, when you arrive in Costa Rica, you must self-isolate for 14 days and undergo a full covid test.

>> Read more: Road Trip Packing List: The Essentials to Bring Along on Your Road Trip

Best Time To Visit Costa Rica for the Best Travel Experience

When organizing a trip to Costa Rica, keep in mind that the weather changes considerably from one place to the next.

Costa Rica's weather is clearly separated into two seasons: the sunny season is from December to April and the rainy season is from May to November.

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The weather varies by location, and the average yearly temperature in Costa Rica is between 15 and 26 degrees Celsius, which is relatively chilly.

If you enjoy nature and wish to see romantic scenery, we recommend visiting Costa Rica between May and July, when the countryside is at its most magnificent. If you wish to participate in seaside leisure activities, visit between September and October, when the waves are large and the turquoise water is ideal for windsurfing. Finally, the months of November through April are ideal for going on a picnic and travelling.

Costa Rita Transportation Tips that Make Your Travel Easier

When you arrive in Costa Rica, you can select the most convenient mode of transportation in the city for your journey. In Costa Rica, the public bus system is the cheapest and frequently the most convenient method to move around. 

The Coca-Cola Bus Terminal in San Jose is Costa Rica's principal bus transit hub. The bus, on the other hand, is extremely packed and cramped the day before and after important festivals.

Taxis in Costa Rica travel as far as possible. It's a good way to go to destinations outside of the city centre where buses aren't available. You may also rent a bicycle and a train if you want to see Costa Rica for yourself and  visit towns for a breath of fresh air and more exploring

10 Best Places You Must Visit When Travelling to Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the few nations where you may get up and personal with animals. Costa Rica is a beautiful rainforest paradise full of animals, adventure activities, and environmental experiences, making it a one-of-a-kind and diversified destination.

Arenal Volcano

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Costa Rica has a variety of spectacular volcanoes, including three that are presently active. The Arenal Volcano has not erupted in recent years – the last time it did was in 1968 – but it remains a spectacular sight for visitors. When you visit here, you will not only have a better understanding of the volcano's active past, but you will also explore many secrets. Sign up for a trip with a guide if you wish to hike the Arenal volcano.

Santa Elena Reservation

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The Santa Elena Reserve is a great spot to visit if you have a passion for wildlife - as the natural environment is highly romantic and lovely, with ancient green woods covered with ferns and very diversified flora. The reserve is blanketed in fog almost all year, which is ideal for the development of woodland vegetation. And, as a result of its distinctive beauty, this location has long been a popular tourist attraction in Costa Rica, attracting both local and foreign visitors.

La Fortuna de San Carlos Town

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The Costa Rican village of La Fortuna de San Carlos has been crowned the finest tourism destination in the world. La Fortuna is a picturesque hamlet in Costa Rica's Northern Highlands. You must go to a well-known and attractive park in this area. The entire town can be seen from the summit of Mount Arenal. Suspension bridges, hot springs, waterfalls, and breathtaking volcanoes are just a few of the activities available.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

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Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, on the Caribbean coast of Limon, is a beach lover's paradise, and this town is one of the best surfing locations in the world. On this stretch of coast, you'll find some of Costa Rica's whitest beaches.

Tortuguero, a hamlet on the Caribbean coast with delectable Caribbean-influenced food, is also one of Costa Rica's most wildlife-rich areas.

Tortuguero National Park

Because of its very high rainfall and rich environment and wetlands, the Tortuguero National Park region becomes biodiverse. This region, which can only be reached by boat or air, is one of the wettest in the country.

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Because this park is such an important turtle breeding area, turtle viewing is the most popular pastime here. Monkeys, sloths, and a variety of other species may be seen when hiking or boating along the canal. The best way to get to the park is via boat, although kayaks and canoes can also be rented.

National Theater in San Jose

This National Theater is regarded as a symbol of San Jose. The building, which was completed in 1897, features a classical Renaissance façade. The exposition of harvested and shipped coffee, painted by Arturo Fontana in Milan in 1897, is the most renowned artwork. Regular concerts are held in the 1040-seat theatre, and galleries frequently host rotating art exhibits by local artists.

Monteverde's Cloud Forest

Costa Rica's Cloud Forest, located near Monteverde and Santa Elena, has become a famous ecotourism destination. The clouds that blanket these woods provide the necessary moisture to keep the region's distinct ecosystems alive.

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Monteverde is the location with the most stunning (and popular) views. An amazing canopy tour and the Zipline Experience, which includes a total of 10 ziplines, a hammock bridge, a slide, and a trip on the gigantic Tarzan swing, are both available in the Monteverde Cloud Forest.

Canoe Island

Cano Island Biological Reserve is a must-see for everyone visiting Costa Rica and interested in water activities. This is one of Costa Rica's greatest snorkelling and diving spots.

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This marine reserve, with five platforms of low-lying reefs holding 15 distinct types of stony coral, may be explored in the clear mild waters of the Pacific Coast.

Tabacon Hot Spring

You should visit Arenal's largest and most gorgeous private rainforest reserve at least once to see Costa Rica's largest natural molten mineral springs. Listen to the sounds and images of natural flora and animals that overwhelm your senses as you walk through the jungle.

 

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There are five main springs, all of which have highly mineralized water heated below by the Arenal volcano's lava. Along the riverbed, there are several cascading waterfalls and warm pools with various temperatures, currents, and levels.

Braulio Carrillo National Park

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Rugged mountains, waterfalls, canyons, volcanoes, and rainforests can all be found at Braulio Carrillo National Park, which is only a 30-minute drive from San Jose. Braulio Carrillo National Park, at 50,000 hectares, is one of Costa Rica's largest protected areas and is situated in one of the country's steepest locations. Because of the park's varied elevations, which range from the peak of the Barva volcano (2,906 meters) to less than 50 meters in the Caribbean lowlands, the park has a variety of ecosystems. Much of the park is covered in primary forest, which has over 6,000 plant species, accounting for half of all known species in the country.

Covid 19 Travel Advice - The Essential Guidance When Visiting Costa Rica

Prior to entering Costa Rica, all non-immigrant, non-citizen passengers will be required to be completely vaccinated and produce documentation of vaccination status.

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Before travelling to Costa Rica, all air travellers aged 2 and above must have a negative COVID-19 viral test or proof of recovery from COVID-19.

Except when eating, alone, or in private houses, you must conceal your face in all public areas, public transportation, and tourist attractions.

If you're looking for a relaxing holiday away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Costa Rica is a fantastic choice. This location does not only provide beautiful and peaceful landscapes for you to enjoy, but it also includes a number of well-known sites to explore. So what are you waiting for if you haven't already planned a trip to Costa Rica?

Vy Nguyen