VILLAS EL CENIZARO
What is the best time to visit
Costa Rica?
Costa Rica can be visited any time of the year. The Green
Season is from May through October, although it can still
rain a bit in November in the Atlantic region. From December
through April is the Gold Season. If you want to travel
around Christmas or Holy Week you should make reservations
in advance, as these times are Costa Rica’s high season.
Are the national parks wheel chair accessible? The Poas Volcano National Park is the only one that offers access for wheel chairs.
Do I need an international drivers license to drive in Costa Rica? You are allowed to drive with your normal drivers license for three months.
Can I get married in Costa Rica? What documents I need? Foreigners can get married in Costa Rica. The documents needed are: - original birth certificate - affidavit of single status - police record - valid passport - divorce decree (if applicable) - These documents need to follow the authentication procedure before being taken to Costa Rica.
What is the difference between the rainforest and the cloud forest? The main difference is that in the cloud forest doesn´t rain as much as in the rain forest. The species of flora and fauna that you might find differ from one to the other.
What kind of inoculations do I Have to take to Costa Rica? No vaccines are required to enter Costa Rica.
Do I need electric adapter for a hair dryer? Outlets are 110 V, with standard US two prong plugs
How many days do I need to enjoy Costa Rica’s wonders? Costa Rica is a country that offers tourists a wide range of activities. Most of them can be visited within 7 to 15 days.
What should pack for my vacation in Costa Rica? When traveling to Costa Rica, it’s important to take into account that climatic conditions vary according to the geographic area, elevation and time of year. It is important to pack: Light, practical clothing, especially short-sleeve shirts and fast-drying cotton pants. For the sun or rain it is advisable to pack waterproof garments. In some national parks it rains nearly year round. Temperatures in Costa Rica don’t get too low, so travelers can pack light, comfortable clothes and some type of jacket. Additionally, pack comfortable shoes and sun block
Do I need a visa and passport to enter Costa Rica? A valid passport is mandatory to enter Costa Rica. It should be valid during the following 6 months from the entry date to Costa Rica. Depending on your nationality, it is possible to enter without a visa. Persons with passports from the United States, Canada and the majority of European countries enjoy this privilege. It is necessary to have a passport to enter the country. You can visit the following internet page to see which countries need a visa to get into Costa Rica and contact your nearest Costa Rica Consulate . www.migracion.go.cr/residencias/directrices.doc
Can handicapped persons travel
to Costa Rica?
Yes, any person can enter the country regardless of race,
religious beliefs or handicap.
Do I need any vaccinations
before coming to Costa Rica?
No vaccine is needed to enter the country.
Can I pay with a credit card
during my stay in Costa Rica?
Major international credit cards are accepted in Costa Rica.
How does tipping for services
work?
In restaurants and other locals the bill includes the 13%
sales tax plus 10% for service, so a tip is usually not
necessary as it is included in the final price. On the other
hand, taxi drivers generally don’t receive a tip. If you are
satisfied with the service you receive, you can tip tour
guides, private drivers, hotel bellhops and chambermaids.
The amount is at your discretion
Is it safe to drive a vehicle in
this country?
You can drive on your home country license for three months.
It is safe to drive in Costa Rica if you take basic measures
such as driving slowly and attentively. Some streets are
less than perfect, and in rural areas you may come across
obstacles like pedestrians and animals
When I leave my lodging, so I
always have to carry my passport with me?
For safety reasons, it’s better to carry a copy of
your passport. It’s always best to have some kind of
identification in case of an emergency.
How does Costa Rica’s taxi
system work?
Should you need a taxi, make sure it’s an
authorized taxi. “Pirate taxis” generally charge well above
the official rates
Authorized taxis are red with a yellow triangle on its doors. This indicates the registration number of the taxi. Also, it is important that the vehicle have a taximeter or maría, as it is known locally. Ask what the rate will be before using the service, as prices can change constantly.
How can I get oriented when
asking directions?
In Costa Rica avenues run through the city east to
west and the streets from north to south. All are numbered
and there usually is a sign on corner buildings. However,
the Ticos don’t use the avenue-and-street method to give
directions; instead, they use reference points, such as
bars, businesses, churches or bridges. Distances are
measured in meters, and it’s easier to use the popularly
accepted method. For example, an address might be given
“from the Church of San Francisco, 500 meters (which means 5
blocks) south and 75 east.”
What are business hours?
Stores and businesses are open from 10:00 a.m. to
8:00 p.m. and the majority of restaurants from 10:00 a.m. to
11:00 p.m
Are there limits on luggage
weight on domestic flights?
All domestic flights allow just 25 pounds of luggage per
person.
How much does the exit tax cost?
The exit tax is $26, payable either in dollars, colones or
with a credit card.
What is Costa Rica’s language?
The official language is Spanish, and it is common to find
people who speak English. In the Caribbean region a dialect
derived from English is spoken.
What is the difference between
the Pacific and Caribbean beaches?
The beaches in the Caribbean region are mostly surrounded by
jungle. The vegetation is determined by tropical rainforests
and clear waters with coral reefs. On the other hand, the
Pacific beaches are drier due to the climate. This area has
more tourism-related development.
Can I fly into one airport and
leave from another?
Costa Rica has two international airports, Juan Santamaría
Airport located in Alajuela and 20 minutes from San José.
The other is Daniel Oduber International Airport, located in
Liberia in the Pacific zone.
What is Costa Rica’s food like?
Costa Rica offers a wide variety of food. The traditional
cuisine is based on rice, beans and salads, always
accompanied by beef, chicken or fish. This dish is known
locally as the “casado.” However, our country also offers
international cuisine with well-known restaurants.
What is Costa Rica’s climate
like?
Costa Rica’s climate is temperate with average temperatures
that range between 14 and 22 degrees Celsius (57 to 77
degrees Fahrenheit). In the Central Valley, where the main
cities are located, the climate is a bit warmer, around 22
degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). Nights can be cool,
while on the coasts the temperatures can be hotter. The
seasons are not very marked; in general each area has a
stable climate, without temperature variations, year round.
However, there is the Gold Season (summer) and the Green
Season (winter).
Who would I call in case of an
emergency?
Call 911 for immediate emergency assistance
What is the electrical system?
The electrical system is 110/60 volts. You can use standard
American plugs for your hair dryer, razor, and other things.
Is the water potable in Costa
Rica?
The water is potable in most of the country, although it is
recommended to drink bottled water, especially in areas
outside of the Central Valley
What should I take for my visit to Costa Rica?
- Two of the most important things to take to Costa Rica are a pair of binoculars (which are difficult to get and are generally not for rent) and a guidebook (we recommend “Birds of Costa Rica”). This will allow you a closer look at Costa Rica’s wildlife.
- Sun block and insect repellant.
- Casual clothes for trips to the city.
- Cotton or light synthetic fabric shirts, short or long sleeve.
- Cotton or light synthetic fabric pants (jeans are not recommended as they don’t dry quickly).
- Shorts for hiking.
- Shoes: Lightweight hiking shoes or boots, sandals, tennis or running shoes.
- Socks: take an extra pair in case your feet get wet.
- Hat with visor for the rain and sun.
- Camera and film.
- An extra prescription for eyeglasses and medications (if applicable).
- Sweater or jacket.
- Swimming suit
Useful Advice
- Travel with your money and passport in separate places in case of robbery or loss.
- Keep valuables and money in a safe place, and only carry as much money as you’ll need for the day.
- Leave a copy of your itinerary, airline tickets, passport, driver’s license, credit cards, traveler’s checks, medical records and important business documents with a family member or friend.
- Be sure that your insurance plan covers emergencies outside of your country. If not, think about getting travel insurance.
- Label your luggage inside and out (name, address and phone number).
- Use luggage tags with information about your office and not your house.
- Carry extra batteries for cameras and electronic devices. You may not have time or be able to get them here.
- When possible, don’t carry jewels.
- Patience. Remember that you are a visitor in the country. Immigration and other practices may be different, so enjoy the difference!
- Pack a small first-aid kit (antiseptics, antihistamines, decongestants, band aids, ointment for bites and rashes, medicine for diarrhea, pain pills).
- Protect your camera, batters etc. in plastic bags. In the case of the moisture of the rainforest, moisture could penetrate your electronic equipment.
- Protection against insects. Insects are attracted to a series of things that you could have in your luggage such as soap and lotions. Non-dangerous insects won’t bother people, but it’s better to keep them away from your clothes.