Costa Rica Travel Specialists
Our Costa Rica specialists are experienced and passionate about the country - between them they have spent many weeks a year researching new experiences and ensuring everything is of the highest standard. They know Costa Rica inside out.
Anna SCosta Rica Specialist01993 838 617
Costa Rica is teeming with wildlife – early starts will give you the best viewing opportunities.
Costa Rica travel specialist - Anna S
NickCosta Rica Specialist01993 838 607
Have your camera at hand during all times whilst in the Arenal region, just in case you're lucky enough to experience an eruption.
Costa Rica travel specialist - Nick
OonaghCosta Rica Specialist01993 838 627
Why not try Costa Rica's most famous activity, canopy zip lining? It's suitable for all ages and it is a great way to see the cloud forest from a different perspective as you fly through the treetops!
Costa Rica travel specialist - Oonagh
SarahCosta Rica Specialist01993 838 623
For a refreshing drink try an 'agua de sapo' or frog water - a zingy blend of lime, ginger and cane syrup.
Costa Rica travel specialist - Sarah
SimonCosta Rica Specialist01993 838 622
If you have the courage and are a wildlife lover, doing some adventure activities such as waterfall rappelling in Costa Rica gives you the opportunity to visit more remote areas at canopy level to see some wonderful wildlife.
Costa Rica travel specialist - Simon
ClaireCosta Rica Specialist01993 838 602
Coffee is an integral part of Costa Rica's history and culture, so be sure to try some of the local black gold on your trip.
Costa Rica travel specialist - Claire
- Anna S
- Nick
- Oonagh
- Sarah
- Simon
- Claire
Practical Information
Costa Rica is one of the most visited countries in Central America and is becoming ‘Americanised’ in places: it can be tough to avoid the numerous people and large-chain hotels that have sprung up.
However, our specialists have travelled extensively throughout the country to find the smaller individually-owned lodges and less travelled areas.
Getting around
Even with the country’s advanced development the roads can be pretty rough so we ensure all our drivers are skilled and used to the road conditions, but be ready for an occasional bumpy ride. Despite the relatively small size of Costa Rica at times we may suggest internal flights for some journeys.
Language
The official language is Spanish, although English is widely spoken.
Money and expense
The Colon is the national currency of Costa Rica. Travellers' cheques in dollars can be exchanged at any bank with a valid passport. We recommend not taking US$100 bills, as there is currently a problem with forgeries, meaning that many banks and Bureaus de Change will not accept them.
Food and drink
A wide range of cuisine can be sampled in Costa Rica from French to Chinese and local dishes. With two oceans as sources, seafood is a Costa Rican specialty, as are native dishes such as "Gallos (open-faced tortillas with beef, chicken or ham) and uniquely spiced and seasoned mashed black beans. Other native specialties are palm hearts, tamales and ceviche. Guaro is the national liquor, while a variety of local rums, beers, and flavoured liquors are also available.
Social conventions and etiquette
Please remember to dress respectfully, covering shoulders and knees when visiting any catholic churches or monuments.
Tipping
Tipping for good service is an accepted fact. A 10% service charge and 13% sales tax are always included in restaurant bills.
Under The Skin
Read
'Costa Rica Wildlife Guides' by Les Beletsky. This outstanding book is a field guide to the natural history of Costa Rica, featuring 350 color illustrations of commonly encountered birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles.
Listen
A mixture of salsa, rock and reggueton are popular sounds to be heard across the country.
Watch
'The Blue Butterfly'. A dramatic adventure about courage, redemption and love being filmed in the rain forests of Costa Rica, and in Montreal.
Eat
The typical dish of Costa Rica is el casado, a popular dish comprising meat or fish, rice & beans, fried plantain, fried yucca and a cabbage and tomato salad. Gallo pinto (rice & black beans) is also frequently eaten, including at breakfast time.
Drink
Guaro - sugar cane liquor is popular with Costa Ricans, which they drink neat, or mixed with juice or soda. It tastes similar to rum, and the main producer is called Cacique.
Word
Pura vida (Pure life), but with the general meaning of "go with the flow!".
Trademarks
Nature, ecotourism, wildlife.
Coffee and chocolates from Cafe Britt.