Travelwise
When is the Best Season to Visit?
Dry season is the most popular time of year to visit the south Pacific Coast of Costa Rica.
But we actually prefer the early wet or “green” season because it’s more lush and green, offers better pricing and more opportunities to encounter wildlife. The wet season in the South Pacific is between June-November, however, the wettest months are generally August - October. In June and July, you’ll most likely get an afternoon shower every day but it’s not the constant downpour every day that you often get in during the rest of the season.
How to Get Here
Since San Jose is the main airport in Costa Rica, this is where you will most likely fly in to.
From there, to get to the Southern Pacific Coast, you have a few options:
The first option (and most costly) is to take a puddle jumper flight with SANSA AIR into Quepos (and rent an AWD or a 4x4 vehicle and drive to Castaway about 1,5 hours south.
The second option is to rent an AWD or a 4x4 vehicle in San Jose with our preferred Costa Rican rental company, VAMOS Rent-a-Car, located just 5 minutes driving from the airport (but you don’t have to, because they will pick you and drop you off to and from the terminal). Your travel journey to Castaway will take about 4-4.5 hours, depending on the traffic and time of the day. Our favorite time is to travel is night.
If you are not keen on driving from San Jose to Uvita (the nearest town to CastAway), the last option is to take Interbus — a shared transportation service from San Jose to Uvita. Once in Uvita, you can rent a 4x4 vehicle so you are able to explore in no matter time.
CastAway Villa is located in Tres Rios mountains a short distance 2.1 miles (3.4km) from CORONADO village on Costa Nera Highway.
Quick note:
- In the last part of your journey you will drive uphill 650 m on gravel road and the last 200m on dirt road, the reason an AWD or a 4x4 is required to reach CastAway Villa.
However, an AWD or a 4x4 vehicle is not only required to reach CastAway Villa (more details offered in welcoming brochure) but also to access as many locations and activities as possible that the rich region of Osa Peninsula can offer. We believe that Castaway is the epicenter of exploration of OSA Peninsula, as it’s equally distanced from all the attractions and necessities in the area.
Renting a Car
If you are planning on renting a car (recommended), you will be able to quickly start enjoying the flexibility it can offer you in the area. Please be aware that an AWD or a 4x4 vehicle is required to reach CastAway Villa and we recommend reserving a vehicle as early as possible in advance.
We’ve been using Vamos Rent-a-Car services for many years and we recommend it as it offers the best value for money. vamosrentacar.com
Tip #1: If you book a car from Vamos Rent-a-Car, mention that you found about them from www.welovecostarica.com/category/travel-services/affordable-car-rental-in-costa-rica/ website. You will get discounts (free cooler, mobile phone with hotspot and GPS, etc.).
Tip #2: The GPS is a must in Costa Rica, so make sure you have a supporting plan for this purpose. Waze is one of the most used Navigation App in Costa Rica, but sometimes Google Maps offers more convenient navigation tools, since the app allows you to access your favorite locations (save from home as part of your itinerary).
Driving from San Jose to Castaway usually takes about 3.5 hours, but it can be slowed down by the heavy vehicles that you’ll have to share the road with. Please also consider weather conditions, rain, night driving and stock up on food and liquids, especially for children. Under these conditions, driving can take up to 5 hours.
If you arrive in the evening, we recommend getting temporary accommodation in a nearby hotel (Hotel Costa Verde Inn is a very good choice) which guarantees a good starting point for driving the next day,after a good breakfast and a good night's sleep. Driving during the day has a lot of advantages, (safety being the first and more important) especially if you are visiting the area for the first time: you'll be able to see the crocodiles in Tarcoles river, admire palm oil tree plantations and the beautiful coast of the Gulf of Nicoya and the Pacific Ocean, which gets sometimes unbelievably closer to the highway, revealing beaches that you are looking forward to enjoying.
We are also recommending saving your favorite locations and displaying them while navigating in the area. This way, all your research from home will turn useful and provide an effective way of exploring the newly discovered territory.
The same strategy can be used for returning to the airport, dropping off the car to the rental agency one day before and taking a taxi to the airport the next day
If you are not comfortable renting a car while in Costa Rica, we totally understand, as the driving style is very likely different from how you got accustomed at home.
You have a lot of airport transit alternatives that get you to the destination (from and to the airport), free of worries and on schedule, as per your requirements. You can also enjoy all the activities and excursions planned, as most of the companies also provide transportation at a very reasonable price.
Gas Stations
The closest toward West: - Plaza Ventanas Gasolinera (8 Km driving West on Highway 34)
The closest toward East: - Servicentro Palmar Norte (22 Km driving East on Highway 34)
Hospitals
Thomas Hospital Casas Casajús (8 minutes driving East on Highway 34, toward Palmar Norte, on the right side of Highway 34)
Max Terán Valls Hospital (1h/80km driving West on Highway 34, toward Quepos)
Traveling During COVID-19
Requirements for Travelers From Abroad
The Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) has an English-language website detailing these entry requirements: www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/planning-your-trip/entry-requirements and for US travelers. We also suggest you check out cr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ before traveling. Another really useful blog with up-to-date travel information and insurance requirements and providers is the travel blog, TWO WEEKS IN COSTA RICA.
COVID Testing
Probably the most convenient re-entry COVID test can be performed at Consultorio Médico Vargas (second floor, TIENDAS GOLLO building, Downtown Uvita). Please check the Government requirements before you even depart to Costa Rica, so you don’t have any surprises at re-entry.
Wildlife viewing
Most wildlife in Costa Rica is well camouflaged or shy and viewing it usually requires great patience.
Often animals and birds may be present but the untrained eye can’t see them. The more still and quiet you are, the more species will reveal themselves.
Wear khakis and colors that blend with the background. Binoculars are essential. It pays to educate yourself about local ecology and the particular species you are eager to see. Bring a good field guide to identify individual species.
Above all, hire a reputable guide.
What to take
Costa Rica has a tropical climate, so dress accordingly. Expect hot days with warm evenings, except in mountain areas, where even days can be chilly.
On higher slopes, cold winds bring fog and driving rain, so wind and rain proof gear is essential. A sweater is useful and a poncho works well against downpours in lowland areas. Loose fitting cotton shorts and T shirts are fine, as is clothing made of quick drying fabrics. Avoid tight-fitting clothes (which promote fungal growth in the hot, humid climate) and bright colors (if you want to get close to wildlife).Life jacket for the little ones should be must. You will want a pair of comfortable shoes for hiking, but be prepared to get them wet. Pack a spare pair. You will need repellent particularly for wilderness excursions. Mosquitos and other biting insects can be ferocious in Costa Rica.
Do not underestimate the tropical sun’s strength. Sunglasses are important and sunscreen is mandatory, even for brief periods outdoors. Wearing a hat or cap will keep you cooler and block the sun.
I.D.
By law, you must carry passport identification at all times in Costa Rica.
A photocopy of your passport photo page should suffice. If you are stopped by the police you may need to present your original passport within 24 h.
Etiquette and Customs
Costa Rican society is more formal than most.
Ticos (especially the more elderly generation) rarely address individuals by their first names without an invitation to do so. They are class-conscious, with campesinos (peasant farmers) and the urban working classes deferring to people considered of a higher status. You will hear the term “vos” used instead of”tu.” They respect professional titles and use them when addressing title holders, such as engineer ( e.g. Ingeniero Rodriguez) and architects (Arquitecto Garcia). Adults are addressed as Senior (Mr.), Seniora(Mrs.) or Seniorita(Miss). The terms Don (for men) and Dona (for women) are used for high-ranking or respected individuals and senior citizens.
Behavior is dictated by quedar bien-a desire to leave a good impression. Ticos are courteous and easily offended. Society operates on “Tico time’; punctuality is not a national trait. Life revolves around family. Personal contacts are the key to success, particularly in business and politics.
Health
The national service, Seguro Social (also known as the “ Caja”) offers medical treatment for tourists for minimal fees.
However, the service is not up to North American Standards and visitors are advised to seek treatment at private facilities. Take out full travel insurance, which should cover all medical costs-hospitalization, nursing services and doctor fees. A medical evacuation clause is also important in case sufficient care is not available and you need to return home.
Keep any receipts or paperwork for insurance claims. Make a note of the generic name of any prescription medications you take before you leave home. They may be sold by a different trade name in Costa Rica.
The main health hazards are related to Costa Rica’s tropical climate where bacteria and germs breed profusely. Wash all cuts and scrapes with warm water and rubbing alcohol. Although most water is potable, it is wise to regard it as suspect. Drink and brush your teeth with bottled water. Boil water when camping in Corcovado National Park to eliminate giardia, a parasite that thrives in warm water. Avoid uncooked seafood and vegetables unwashed salads and unpeeled fruits.
Be liberal with the application of sunscreens and build up your tan gradually as the tropical sun is intense and severe sunburn can effectively ruin a vacation. Drink plenty of water to guard against dehydration. Biting insects are common, particularly in the humid Corcovado National Park. Wear long pants when hiking.
Money Matters
Currency
The national currency is the colon. US currency is widely accepted throughout the country. Most stores, shops, restaurants will accept it; elsewhere you need colons. Exchange rates are notoriously differing, so check the rate before leaving for your trip. Banks in larger towns as Uvita has foreign exchange counters, but expect long lines. Limit the amount of US currency you exchange as only $50 worth of colones can be exchanged for dollars on leaving.
Credit Cards
Credit cards are widely accepted. Visa is the most commonly accepted credit card, followed by Master Card and American Express.
National Holidays
In addition to Christmas, New Year’s Day and Easter, the following national holidays are observed:
- March 19, St. Joseph’s Day
- April 11, Juan Santamaria Day
- May 1, Labor Day
- July 25, Guanacaste Day
- August 2, Feast of the Virgin of Los Angeles
- August 15, Feast of the Assumption
- December 1, Abolition of the Army
- December 8, Feast of Immaculate Conception
Most tourist sites and services and many stores stay open for these holidays, but banks and government offices close. Except for tourist services, the country closes down for Easter week (Wed.-Sun.) when fiestas and religious processions occur nationwide.
Emergencies
Crime and Police
Burglary and petty theft are more prevalent than in most North American cities. Caution should be exercised at all times. In major towns, avoid parks, back streets and unlit areas after dark. Highway robbers target tourists. If you get a flat tire, keep driving to a public place to change the tire. Never leave anything in cars, especially at surfing beaches where car break-ins are endemic. Don’t carry lots of cash or wear expensive-looking jewelry and keep passports and credit cards out of sight; we recommend leaving them in a security box at Castaway. If anything is stolen, report it immediately to the police. For police, fire and ambulance call tel. 911 or tel. 117 for traffic police; call tel. 128 for the Red Cross and tel. 911 for the Fire department.
The I.C.T. (Institute of Costa Rica Tourism) maintains a 24 hours tourist hotline (tel. 800868-7476). Report crimes to the Judicial Police at Calle 17, Ave.16/118 San Jose, tel. 800800-3000 or 800800-0645. Visitors from the USA can request a representative of the U.S Embassy be present.