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Costa Rica may be small, but it packs a real punch. Misty cloud forests and mangroves, castaway beaches, smoking volcanoes, scarlet macaws and incredible coffee - it's a peaceful slice of paradise with something for everyone. This happy nation prides itself on its eco credentials so wherever you go on your Costa Rica Holiday, you'll be doing right by the wildlife and environment too.

View bite-sized | View ready-made Costa Rica Itineraries

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Costa Rica Holidays | Independent Travel | 2019/2020 | Rickshaw Travel

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Costa Rica may be small, but it packs a real punch. Misty cloud forests and mangroves, castaway beaches, smoking volcanoes, scarlet macaws and incredible coffee - it's a peaceful slice of paradise with something for everyone. This happy nation prides itself on its eco credentials so wherever you go on your Costa Rica Holiday, you'll be doing right by the wildlife and environment too.

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Detailed review (and itinerary to steal)

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Detailed review (and itinerary to steal)

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In the summer of 2010, five of my family members and I visited Costa Rica, and I'm so glad we did. This is a beautiful country between the Pacific and the Caribbean. Costa Rica means "Rich Coast", and it ranks first on the Happy Planet's Index as the "greenest" country in the world. They abolished their Army in 1949. Since they have no defense budget, they devote their money to their people in the form of good education and health benefits. Costa Rica boasts a literacy rate of 94.9%. Bananas and coffee are their main exports.

The climate of Costa Rica is tropical year-round. Tourism makes it the most visited nation in Central America. Medical tourism is attractive to Americans because of Costa Rica's proximity (a short flight), the quality of its medical service, and lower costs. The country has gained a good reputation in plastic surgery for these reasons, and now you see resorts devoted to the privacy of patients, affording them luxury while getting their procedure done.

Costa Rica features an awesome variety of natural beauty. Nearly 12% of the country is devoted to the preservation of nature and wildlife, under the protection of the national park system. Costa Rica offers visitors a view of rare birds, turtles, animals, hundreds of species of ferns and orchids-so much so that it is often referred to as the "Garden of the Americas." Other natural wonders include coral reefs, jungle scenery, and a range of active volcanoes reaching a height of 12,000 feet.

Costa Rica refuses to conform to stereotypes about Central American countries; it enjoys a stable democratic government, adheres to high standards of education, and is a relatively prosperous land. I was struck by the cleanliness of the people and the country. They are very friendly people. Since English is required as a second language, it is not difficult to converse with the local people. Their national food dish is gallo pinto, which is cooked rice and beans fried together.

Beginning Our 9-Day Trip

We spent nine days here in this beautiful place. I wish now we had planned for a longer trip. We flew out of Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. The flight only takes about two hours. When you first see Costa Rica from the air as you land, you see miles and miles of green, which I found out later are mostly coffee plantations, and of course, the rain forests. We were met at the Juan Santamaria Airport airport by our friendly tour director, who drove us to the lovely Hotel, the El Rodeo. We had a great dinner there, complete with native food. He would pick us up here in the morning to begin our fabulous trip.

I took all the photos with my digital camera.

Day Two

Day Two: Early the next morning we began driving to the Poas Volcano area and what they call a cloud forest. The diameter of this volcano is one of the widest in the world. After that, we drove to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a Nature Park. We walked spectacular trails that led us to Magia Blanca Falls (the largest and the most spectacular of the falls in the area.) While at this park, we visited the largest enclosed butterfly observatory in the world.

Day Three In Costa Rica

Day Three: Early in the morning, we headed off to do rafting on the Sarapiqui River. This river offers some of Cosa Rica's most lush and vibrant scenery. Free-flowing, it has its origins in clear mountain streams that tumble down through thick rainforest, finally joining together in the crystal waters of the beautiful Sarapiqui. This narrow, low-volume river is ideal for white-water novices, as well as families, all of whom will enjoy its moderately flowing rapids. This journey is excellent for bird-watchers and nature lovers. You will see hummingbirds, toucans, woodpeckers, and scores of other native birds.

Later that day we visited the Ecotermales Hot Springs. This is a wonderful place to just get into the warm water and relax.

Day Four

Day Four: We go to the Monteverde Cloudforest/Sky Trek and Tram and Nature Walk. We hiked through well-marked trails. We spotted a Quetzal, a rare and beautiful bird, and one of the most beautiful birds in the world. We saw lots of monkeys and sloths hanging from the trees. We spent the night at the Trapp Family Lodge. While we were on our hike, a baby sloth fell out of a tree, and our guide gently picked it up and placed it back on the tree where it firmly attached itself. This trip took us all day.

Day Five

Day Five: We're up early and ready for the big Sky Tram/ Zip Line Tour. The view from the Sky Tram was amazing. You look out over the rain forest. The cable runs along the tree tops, and stretches 7000 feet. Here, you have the opportunity to observe and appreciate tropical forest from different vantage points. We then walked across a suspended bridge, called the Sky Walk. This bridge is 300 feet long and 66 feet high. This was a little unnerving, as the bridge swayed a great deal. We also did the "Zip Line" which is cable strung high up in the canopy of the trees. There are platforms about 500 feet apart. They put you in safety gear, harness, helmet, etc. You have to sign a release that they will not be responsible for your safety, and that was a little alarming to me. The guides take you up by steps all the way to the first platform (which is quite a haul up). They make sure you are ready, and then they push you off. And, off you go....attached to the cable. You then zip along to the next platform. I screamed the whole way. There were some people who begged to do it again, but I did not. At the last platform, the only way down is to rappel down. I didn't know what that meant until I had to do it.

Day Six

Day Six: This day we spent traveling for five hours to get to Manuel Antonio, Quepos. We were in a 4-wheel van. The driver didn't seems to notice all the pot holes in the road. At one point, the road was completely washed out, but he didn't even slow down! The drive was well worth it, though. We were tired after the long drive, so we ate a large Costa Rican dinner and went to bed. We stayed at the California Hotel.

Day Seven

Day Seven: We got up early and headed for the Manuel Antonio National Park. An experienced guide took us through the park. He pointed out things of interest along the way. We hiked for 3 hours.

This park is considered to be Costa Rica's most beautiful park, with white-sand beaches ideal for swimming, and tropical rainforest alive with wildlife. There were monkeys and iguanas everywhere. We were pretty tired after this trip. If you go to Costa Rica, invest in some good hiking shoes; you will need them. We just relaxed and went to bed early at the California Hotel.

Day Eight

Day Eight: We were up early, had a good hearty breakfast of gallo pinto, and were ready to go Horseback riding. We really enjoyed the horses, and got the chance to get off and walk underneath some high water falls. That was a lot of fun. This activity took up most of the day. As usual, we were bone tired, had a great dinner, and went to bed. We stayed this night again at the California Hotel.

Day Nine: We slept late for a change. We spent the afternoon on a kayak adventure through canals. We saw lots of wildlife on the side: white-faced monkey, sloths, snakes, crabs, and lots of birds. After this tiring trip, we went back to the hotel to clean up and have a huge dinner. We packed for our trip home.

Goodbye, Costa Rica

We have to say good-bye to this beautiful place. We all had a wonderful time, and would like very much to return one day. I can understand why so many Americans are retiring in Costa Rica. The cost of living is so much less that in the states, the government is stable, the people are warm and friendly, and of course, the main reason I'd like to live in Costa Rica is the weather. It's warm year round. It gets a little cold up in the mountains, they tell us. We didn't go up into the mountains. Another plus for me is that they keep the same time year round, no moving the clocks back and forward.

If you are thinking of visiting Costa Rica, I'd recommend you contact a tour company. You might think you will save some money by renting a car where you arrive in the capital of San Juan. I would discourage you from doing this. The roads in Costa Rica are full of pot holes; they don't mark their streets very well. The natives say they don't repair their roads because they don't want a lot of traffic. The bus and cab systems are very good. It is well worth the cost of hiring a tour company who will drive you around, buy all the tickets for the parks, and pay for the hotels and food. They will take care of everything from picking you up at the airport when you arrive, conducting all the tours, and they take you back to the airport for departure. These costs are all included in their fee. At the end of the tour, if you are pleased with the service you got, you are expected to tip your driver. The tour group we used is called Costa Rican Trails, but there are many of these tour companies. Do some research on the internet to find them. I would also say everyone in your group should be in good physical condition because of the hikes. If you do have someone in your group that is not up to hiking, they could stay behind in the hotel, and let the more adventuresome do the more strenuous things.

I would certainly recommend Costa Rica for a family vacation at any time of the year. I would advise people planning to go to Costa Rica to take a longer trip than we did. If I go again, I will take a two-week tour package. The country is small, but you just can't do it justice in eight days. The two-week tours take you from coast to coast.

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Costa Rica: A Perfect Vacation, With Photos of This Beautiful Country

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In the summer of 2010, five of my family members and I visited Costa Rica, and I'm so glad we did. This is a beautiful country between the Pacific and the Caribbean. Costa Rica means "Rich Coast", and it ranks first on the Happy Planet's Index as the "greenest" country in the world.

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We do not compare all travel insurers or products in the market. Any advice given above is general and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the advice is suitable for you and your personal circumstances, and before you make any decision about whether to purchase a product, you should read the PDS for that product.

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THE 10 BEST Costa Rica Accommodation of 2019 (with Prices) - Hotels in Costa Rica - TripAdvisor

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View deals, see photos and read reviews for the best Costa Rica hotels from travellers like you - then compare today's prices from up to 200 sites on TripAdvisor.

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Ever wondered what it is a monkey finds so fascinating about the forest canopy? Costa Rica is a pioneer in canopy exploration, where thick branches serve as platforms for the adventurous traveler, more than 100 feet above the jungle floor. If you're wondering why you'd want to head to the top of a tree just to look around, remember that 90% of Costa Rica animals and 50% of plant species in rainforests live in the upper levels of the trees. When you explore that far off the ground, the view is something you'll never forget! A Costa Rica zip line tour, hanging bridges hike, or aerial tram tour are all fantastic ways to take advantage of Costa Rica's stunning forest canopy views.

Almost anyone of any age and physical condition can enjoy a Costa Rica zip line adventure as it is not strenuous. Secured into a harness and attached to a sturdy cable, you will have the opportunity to fly through the rainforest canopy and experience a bird's eye view of the lively forest below. A Costa Rica zip line is about a five hour adventure that operates rain or shine all year and is led by bilingual guides. For the non-adrenaline junkie, the aerial tram can take you through the rainforest in comfort and safety. Prefer to linger? Hanging bridges offer panoramic views for acres, and an experienced guide will be happy to point out a variety of birds and animals.

Our Experts highly recommend: the canopy zip line at Arenal Volcano for stunning volcano views.

Arenal Reserve: Aerial Tram & Canopy Zipline

A Costa Rica zip line adventure generally involves taking an aerial tram up into the forest canopy to an elevated platform overlooking the forest floor. Enjoy a bird's eye view as a modern aerial tram takes you through the rainforest in the comfort and safety of an enclosed cab. Once up on the first platform, you click your harness into a pulley and glide across the cable to the next platform, enjoying the scenery from a bird's point of view.

It's one of the most popular destinations to visit in Costa Rica, but sharing the view of the Arenal Volcano with the birds from afar on a zipline or aerial tram is a truly incredible experience. The sheer physical magnitude of the volcano-one of the world's most active until its eruptive cycle ceased in 2010-is uniquely visible in the context of its surrounding rainforest only from above the trees.
Add this tour to our Family Eco Safari itinerary!
Diamante Superman Canopy Zip Line

Many who've visited Guanacaste would be quick to tell you that this region's tropical dry forests, and the wildlife that inhabit them, are best experienced from above. The Diamante Superman zipline is no exception. Fly above the tree tops, mountains and gorgeous Guanacaste coast line on this thrilling aerial adventure.

Jaco Canopy Zipline Tour

For more advanced zipliners or adventurous first-timers, the Jaco zipline tour is a true thrill-the speeds reached are higher than those during a regular beginner's zipline tour. But the speed is not the only draw; views of a waterfall, birds, monkeys, and the enormous Jaco Beach make this zipline tour one of the best.

Jaco Rainforest Aerial Tram

Learn about Costa Rica's nature and wildlife directly from the forest canopy. On the Jaco Rainforest Aerial Tram tour, guests sit comfortably in an open-air aerial tram that glides over the top of the forest canopy, and listen to a professional naturalist guide's explanation of the flora and fauna below.
Add this tour to our Rainforest Adventure itinerary! Add this tour to our Active Costa Rica Adventure itinerary! Add this tour to our Tropical Honeymoon vacation package !
Manuel Antonio Canopy Safari Zip Line

The oldest established canopy tour in the southern zone of Costa Rica, the Manuel Antonio Canopy Safari Zip Line Tour is run by a team that's well-versed in giving visitors one of the best experiences of ziplining Costa Rica. Aside from the ziplining, they also have rappelling lines, a suspension bridge, and an incredibly fun "Tarzan swing." It also serves as a wildlife sanctuary with its butterfly farm, serpentarium, and fishing pond!
Add this tour to your Family Classic Vacation itinerary!
Monteverde Sky Aerial Tram & Zipline

The major draw of the ziplining and/or aerial tram tour in Monteverde is the plants and animals of the region, and the ability that the tour grants to see them from above. The climate of this famous cloud forest has resulted in it being an extremely diverse biome, home to over 100 species of mammals, over 400 species of birds, thousands of insect species, and about 2500 species of plants. Monteverde also contains the largest number of orchids in the world.

San Luis Canopy Tour

For those in Costa Rica's Central Valley region, the cloud forest canopy seems as if it were designed for ziplining. Thrill-seekers can ride 12 different lines between 18 separate platforms and will zip across a gorgeous river landscape a total of four exhilarating times.

Arenal Hanging Bridges Hike & Hot Springs Tour

If you're looking for a mixed bag of activities for your day in Arenal, this one's for you. Walk across a series of suspended bridges that link the treetops for a panoramic view of acres of reserve. Your guide will help you spot lush vegetation and a variety of birds and animals. The day begins with a guided tour of the Arenal Hanging Bridges, full of otherwise unreachable views of the Arenal Volcano. You will traverse over 1.5 miles across 15 suspension bridges, reaching heights of over 200 ft. Your day concludes at the Arenal hot springs where you can relax sore muscles from the morning hike.

Hacienda Pozo Azul Canopy Zipline and Horseback Ride

From the cloud forest, ride on horseback along the Sarapiqui River until you reach the first platform. With 12 cables running between 17 platforms reaching heights of up to 90 feet in the air, zipliners who run the whole course will traverse a large canyon several times, experiencing remarkable open views.

Costa Rica Ziplining & Canopy Tour FAQs:

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9 Best Costa Rica Zip Line & Canopy Tours | Costa Rica Experts

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Ever wondered what it is a monkey finds so fascinating about the forest canopy? Costa Rica is a pioneer in canopy exploration, where thick branches serve as platforms for the adventurous traveler, more than 100 feet above the jungle floor.

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Flights (united, the middle option):  $7705 (but potentially cheaper given dates we're going and if ff points take up to $2000 off cost)
Accommodation: There is a massive selection ranging from $50 a night to $400 (houses resorts and hotels for five people) so let's say $200 a night over 12 days ... : $2200
Insurance: I made an account with compare the market (meeeerkat) that seemed to list some dodgy looking companies I've never heard of. A family of five for 13 days in Costa Rica is looking at around $200 for comprehensive cover from Budget Direct that had unlimited medical cover, 200 excess and $10 000 luggage which seemed like the best option to me but 'Travel Insuranz' was only $105 but seemed weird and didn't have much medical cover. So let's say $200
Exit Fee: (for all five of us) $145 by air, $35 by land
Activities: Once again, the cost of activities vary but if we guestimate, say $1000 should cover some fun activities in Costa Rica including ziplining, hiring scuba gear/snorkels and a guided safari tour based on the general prices I was seeing
Transport: Hiring a car is not recommended by Smart Traveller but public transport and 'directo' buses from city to city are frequent, reliable and cheap as long as you stay wary of theft from the overhead compartments. Bus fares are around $1 USD but city to city buses do not exceed $20. Tuk Tuk's again are very cheap and usually use the local currency and taxis (being careful to only use the official ones) are inexpensive. Maximum $100 on transport.
Food: Street food is cheap and apparently tasty (don't use ice cubes) and restaurant food is a dynamic fusion of latin american cuisines. Most hotels and resorts provide inclusive breakfasts. Supermarkets are scarce but there are plenty of vendors and no shortage of food. The main expense will likely be buying bottled water. I'm not really sure how much this would cost but for a family of five, eating for a week and a half plus buying bottled water will be a reasonably high cost.
Incidentals: For the purpose of this let's allow $400 for incidentals, buying souvenirs and doing unplanned activities.

Total Cost (per my dodgy estimations and based on a 13 day stay in Costa Rica):
$11, 750 plus food and water (my guess is this would be total about $1000)

This is well below a $20 000 budget but my total price doesn't include the cost of food and water because I don't know how expensive this will be and some activities could potentially cost more than what I stated, particularly if we decide to do an overnight safari which I haven't factored in. The price includes $400 of incidental expenditures as well. Once in Costa Rica, if we wanted to extend our trip to Panama flights from San Jose to Panama City are a bit of a rip off for about $200 return pp but it's possible to drive across the border in an authorised zone.

The price would increase obviously should we choose to stay longer or explore other areas in Central America or the Caribbean but the entire trip with extra countries included can be done easily for under $16 000.

None of this takes into consideration potentially saving up to $2000 on flights with frequent flyer points however using those points and flying the shorter one layover flight with Qantas would equalise the price.

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Smart Traveller rates Costa Rica as yellow on its scale (similarly to india, south africa, thailand, nepal) due to the crime rate and risk of theft. This concerned me at first so I did a bit of digging and didn't come across a single tourist who said they had been robbed or carjacked and many raved about the friendliness of locals. There were a few reports of attempted scammings but this is easily avoided by being an attentive traveller. The one thing that smart traveller stressed is that petty theft is common and tourists may be targeted for this and that passports in particular are an attractive item to criminals. Their advice however was simply to keep passports on you at all times and to be vigilant if something seems off. There is an Australian consulate in San Jose but the nearest embassy is in Mexico so losing a passport is not ideal. Smart Traveller recommended against hiring a car and instead suggests using transport provided by your accommodation or official taxis but on the whole deemed the public transport system as safe and well-maintained and to use it if travelling in a group. There is suspicion of drug activity, particularly in the area of Puntarenas so perhaps this is an area to avoid but nothing to me seemed to be of great concern. There is a malaria risk in Costa Rica along with other diseases such as Zika and Rabies. Moral of the story - don't get bitten by the monkeys and take preventative measures against mosquito bites. Should anything go wrong, the medical facilities in San Jose are effective.

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Summary

Exercise a high degree of caution in Costa Rica due to the high risk of serious crime. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times. Monitor the media and other sources about security risks.

National strikes, including road blocks, have been ongoing since 10 September 2018. Delays and disruptions to travel plans are possible. Avoid demonstrations and protests, as they may turn violent. See Safety and security

Violent crime is a significant risk across Costa Rica. Petty crime, including pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common. See Safety and security

The Australian Consulate in San Jose provides limited consular assistance to Australians in Costa Rica. The Australian Embassy in Mexico can provide full consular assistance to Australians in Costa Rica.

Entry and exit

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Australian Government cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination's entry or exit requirements.

Visas

Australian passport holders can enter Costa Rica without a visa for tourist visits under 90 days.

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) can change at short notice. For up-to-date information contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Costa Rica

Other formalities

Entry to Costa Rica may be refused if you're unable to produce evidence of return or onward travel.

Travelling to Costa Rica through the USA and Canada

If you're travelling to Costa Rica via the United States of America (US), you must meet US entry/transit requirements. Check your visa requirements with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate well in advance of travel.

More information: Travel advice for the United States of America

If you transit or travel via Canada, you'll need an eTA (electronic Travel Authorisation) for Canada.

More information: Travel advice for Canada

Travelling minors

Minors travelling alone or with only one parent (or legal guardian) must present a notarised letter of consent from the non-travelling parent(s) to enter Costa Rica. Minors with dual Australian and Costa Rican nationalities require notarised written consent from both parents in order to leave Costa Rica. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Costa Rica for further information.

More information: Travelling with children

Yellow fever

If you have travelled to a country listed by the World Health Organization as endemic for yellow fever in the ten days before your arrival in Costa Rica, you'll need to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate on arrival.

More information: World Health Organization list of countries in which Yellow Fever is endemic

Departure tax

A departure tax of USD29 must be paid when leaving the country by air. The departure tax may be included in your ticket. Check with your airline whether the departure tax is included in your ticket. You can pay the departure tax in USD or Costa Rican Colones (CRC), in cash or by credit card.

When leaving the country by land, the departure tax is USD7. Pay the departure tax at the Bancredito kiosks at border crossing points.

Passport

Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date you intend to return to Australia.

Your passport is a valuable document and attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. Passports are a popular target for criminals in Costa Rica.

If your passport is lost or stolen, you must notify the Australian Government as soon as possible.

Money

Australian Dollars can't be exchanged in Costa Rica, though US Dollars are easily converted. Credit cards are widely accepted.

Safety and security

Crime

The crime rate in Costa Rica is high.

Violent crime

Violent crime, including armed robberies, carjackings, home invasions and gang muggings, in Costa Rica is common. 'Express kidnappings', where individuals are abducted and forced to withdraw funds from ATMs, have also occurred.

Foreigners have been the target of armed robberies and drug-related crime. Tourist attractions, resorts, airports, bus stations, harbour facilities (particularly the ports of Limon and Puntarenas) and public transport are a particular target of criminals. Travellers using unofficial taxis have been robbed and assaulted.

There have been reports of drink spiking, resulting in theft and assault. Sexual harassment and assault of women occurs. The risk of sexual assault or harassment increases when alone on beaches or travelling alone in taxis.

Security risks are increased in the capital city, San Jose. High-risk areas for theft in San Jose include the Coca-Cola bus station, inner downtown areas and public parks. There is some risk after dark of criminal activities on roads from San Jose International Airport.

Plan your arrival to and departure from San Jose airport during daylight hours wherever possible.

Only use official red taxis, which have a yellow triangle on their side panels. Prepaid vouchers for official airport taxis, which are orange, can be purchased in front of the San Jose Airport terminal.

Don't ride in the front seat of a taxi.

If you're female, avoid travelling alone in taxis.

Don't camp on beaches.

Don't leave drinks unattended, especially in bars and places of entertainment.

Pay particular attention to your personal security in San Jose, as well as Tamarindo, Jaco, Quepos, Manuel Antonio and Tarcoles River on the Pacific Coast and Puerto Viejo and Cahuita on the Atlantic Coast.

Petty crime

Petty crime, including pickpocketing and bag snatching, is common. Theft from overhead compartments on busses occurs regularly. Thefts from unattended vehicles can occur in the downtown area of San Jose, near beaches, in national parks and in other tourist areas.

A common ploy used by thieves is to slash car tyres and then assist in repairs, while an accomplice steals from the vehicle. Criminals have also staged deliberate traffic accidents with the intention of robbing the occupants once they have stopped their car.

Pay careful attention to your luggage and personal possessions, especially passports, at all times.

Never leave valuables unattended.

Be careful when travelling on local buses.

Tourist police operate in many tourist areas and can provide assistance in the event of a robbery or other incident. See Where to get help.

Credit card fraud

Credit card fraud is a risk in Costa Rica.

Keep your card in view when conducting transactions.

Check your accounts for unauthorised purchases.

Street money changers often pass counterfeit Costa Rican and US currency. Only change money at banks or official exchanges.

Civil unrest and political tension

Nationwide strikes, including road blocks, have been underway since 10 September 2018. It is unknown how long the strike action will continue. Delays and disruptions to travel plans throughout Costa Rica are possible. Avoid demonstrations and protests as they may turn violent, and do not attempt to cross roadblocks or other protest action.

Civil disturbances, including work stoppages and strikes, may cause disruption to local public services.

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. More information: Terrorist threat worldwide

Local travel

Strong coastal currents, including rip tides on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, can make swimming dangerous. Lifeguards are not common on public beaches and few beaches have signs warning of dangerous conditions. Crocodile attacks have been reported on the Pacific Coast. Seek advice from local authorities before swimming.

Safety standards of tour operators, including for adventure activities, such as white water rafting, bungee jumping, scuba diving and jungle canopy tours, may not be as high as in Australia. Sufficient safety equipment may not be provided, and recommended maintenance standards and safety precautions may not be observed. Always use available safety equipment, such as lifejackets or seatbelts, even if others don't. If appropriate safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Road travel

Driving in Costa Rica is dangerous due to poorly maintained roads and vehicles, local driving practices, inadequate road lighting and signage, potholes and landslides. Serious traffic accidents are common. You are two and a half times more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident in Costa Rica than in Australia.

Crime heightens risks to drivers and passengers:

carjackings occur, often at gunpoint

criminals target stationary cars for 'smash-and-grab' robberies

clearly marked rental vehicles are often targeted for robbery and attack.

To minimise risks when travelling by road:

avoid driving at night wherever possible

drive with the doors locked, windows closed and valuables out of sight

remain vigilant when your vehicle is stationary

park in secured car parks whenever possible

never leave valuables in the vehicle

if you rent a car, ensure you have insurance for theft.

If you're involved in a traffic accident:

by law, you must stay with the vehicle and not move it until the Traffic Police have inspected the scene

authorities may prevent you from leaving Costa Rica until any injury claims have been settled. This could occur whether or not you have insurance and whether or not you were at fault in the accident.

More information: Road safety and driving

Driver's licence

You can drive a vehicle or motorcycle for up to three months with your Australian driver's licence.

Taxis

Official taxis are red and have a yellow triangle on their side panels. Official airport taxis are orange. Prepaid vouchers for airport taxis can be purchased in front of the San Jose airport terminal.

Travellers using unofficial taxis have been robbed and assaulted.

Only use official taxis.

Don't ride in the front seat of a taxi.

If you are female, avoid travelling alone in taxis.

Public transport

The risk of theft on public transport is high. Don't place your passport and other valuables in luggage racks or under your seat.

Air travel

The Australian Government doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths. See the Aviation Safety Network website for information on aviation safety in Costa Rica.

More information: Air travel

Laws

Local laws

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling, especially for an extended stay.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drug laws

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include lengthy imprisonment in local jails.

More information: Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

It's illegal to photograph official buildings. Check with local authorities before taking photos.

There are strict laws protecting wildlife and flora. Speak to your tour guide or local authorities if you're unsure.

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws apply overseas. If you commit these offences, you can be prosecuted in Australia. Laws include those relating to:

bribery of foreign public officials

child pornography

child sex tourism

female genital mutilation

forced marriage

money laundering

terrorism.

Local customs

Photographing children and women, or talking with children may be met with suspicion and violence.

Always seek permission from the child's parents before taking photographs of children or talking to children.

Always seek permission from the woman/women before taking their photograph.

Health

Travel insurance

Take out comprehensive travel insurance before you depart to cover overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation.

Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government won't pay for your medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs. This can be very expensive and cost you many thousands of dollars upfront.

Confirm:

More information: Travel insurance

Physical and mental health

It's important to consider your physical and mental health before travelling, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

At least eight weeks before you depart, see your doctor or travel clinic for a basic health check-up, and to discuss your travel plans and implications for your health.

Get vaccinated before you travel.

If you need counselling services while overseas, contact the Australian Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra on +61 2 6261 3305 and ask to speak to a Lifeline telephone counsellor.

More information:

Medication

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Take prescription medicine with you so you remain in good health. Always carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating what the medicine is, how much you take and that it's for personal use only.

Before you leave Australia, check if your medication is legal in each country you're travelling to.

More information: Prescription medicines

Health risks

Mosquito-borne illnesses

Malaria is a serious risk in the provinces of Limon and Puntarenas, including near the border with Panama. Other insect-borne diseases (including, dengue fever, Chikungunya virus, chagas' disease and leishmaniasis) are also a risk to travellers, particularly during the wet season (April to November).

There is widespread transmission of Zika virus in Costa Rica. If you're pregnant, discuss any travel plans with your doctor and defer non-essential travel to affected areas.

Protect yourself against mosquito-borne illnesses:

ensure your accommodation is mosquito proof

take measures to avoid insect bites, including using always using insect repellent and wearing long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing

consider taking prophylaxis against malaria.

More information:

Other diseases and health issues

Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including tuberculosis, typhoid, hepatitis and rabies) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time.

Drink boiled or bottled water.

Avoid ice cubes.

Avoid uncooked and undercooked food.

Don't swim in freshwater lakes and rivers as they can be contaminated.

Seek urgent medical attention if you suspect poisoning, if you have a fever or suffer from diarrhoea.

Medical facilities

Public medical facilities are of a reasonable standard in the capital San Jose, but are very limited in smaller towns and rural areas. Private medical facilities are available and well equipped. Costa Rica has decompression chambers at some beach resorts, including Liberia and Samara.

Doctors and hospitals require cash payment prior to treatment.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a destination with appropriate facilities. Medical evacuation and medical treatment can be very expensive.

Natural disasters

If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Hurricanes and severe weather

Costa Rica experiences hurricanes and associated landslides, mudslides, flooding and disruptions to essential services and infrastructure. The hurricane season is June to November, but tropical storms and hurricanes can occur in other months. The direction and strength of hurricanes can change with little warning.

The rainy season in Costa Rica normally occurs between May to November, although it can extend until January. Heavy rainfalls can cause landslides and mudslides.

If you're travelling during the wet season:

know your hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans

carry your travel documents at all times or secure them in a safe, waterproof location

monitor local weather forecasts and media reports

contact your tour operator to check whether tourist services at your planned destination have been affected.

If there is a hurricane or one is approaching:

Flights in and out of hurricane-affected areas could be delayed or suspended. Available flights may fill quickly. Contact your airline for the latest flight information. A hurricane could also affect access to sea ports in the region.

In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe hurricane may not be available to all who may choose to stay.

More information:

Earthquakes, volcanos and tsunamis

Costa Rica is subject to earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but Costa Rica's susceptibility to earthquakes makes destructive tsunamis more likely.

The Turrialba volcano has been particularly active since May 2016, causing ash fall and vapours. Ash clouds have caused airport closures and flight disruptions in the past.

Monitor local media and weather reports

Know your hotel's procedures in case of an earthquake.

Check with your airline or travel provider for the latest information on disruptions.

If there is natural disaster, follow the instructions of local authorities.

More information:

Where to get help

Depending on what you need, your best option may be to first contact your family, friends, travel agent, travel insurance provider, employer, or airline. Your travel insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Emergency phone numbers

Firefighting and rescue services: 911 or 118

Medical emergencies: 911 or 128

Criminal issues, contact police: 911

Always obtain a police report when reporting a crime

Tourist police operate in many tourist areas and can be contacted by dialling 911.

Tourism services and products

For complaints relating to tourism services or products, contact your service provider directly.

Australian Government

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

The Australian Consulate in San Jose, headed by an Honorary Consul, provides limited consular assistance to Australians in Costa Rica. The Consulate does not issue Australian passports, but can conduct passport interviews and provide provisional travel documents for emergency travel to the nearest Australian Embassy.

Australian Consulate, San Jose

Third Floor, Oficentro Torre La Sabana
La Sabana, San Jose, Costa Rica
Phone: +506 8995 9900
Email: aushonconsul.costarica@gmail.com

You can obtain full consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in Mexico.

Australian Embassy, Mexico City

Ruben Dario No 55 (Polanco)
Col Bosque de Chapultepec., C.P.
11580 Mexico D.F. Mexico
Phone: +52 55 1101 2200
Fax: +52 55 1101 2201
Email: consularpassports.mexico@dfat.gov.au
Website: mexico.embassy.gov.au

Check the Embassy website for information about opening hours and temporary closures that may affect service provision.

If you're unable to contact the Embassy in a consular emergency, you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

Additional information

Additional resources

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Exercise a high degree of caution in Costa Rica due to the high risk of serious crime. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times. Monitor the media and other sources about security risks. National strikes, including road blocks, have been ongoing since 10 September 2018.

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There are many resorts, hotels, houses and camping/bungalow style accommodation options that have a full spectrum of pricetags and qualities ranging from dodge to exorbitant. Like the Guardian article recommended there are many locally operated inns and hotels as well as family stays and jungle cabins that help sustain the local economy. From a quick glance at tripadvisor, there are numerous options for fantastic places to stay offering wildlife experiences, adventures and beaches.

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Stunning beaches surround the country. Many with resorts that are perfect to relax in after a week of adventure

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Flying to Costa Rica is unavoidably expensive and tedious. The cheapest airline is Delta which flies via LA and then Atlanta and then onto San Jose with short layovers arriving in 24 hrs from $1473 (prices likely to be even lower given our departure date - this was for June). United flies return from $1641 via LA and then Houston (though with a painful 4hr layover in Houston). Qantas flies in just 20 hours with one short layover in Dallas from $2199.

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It would definitely be beneficial to brush up on Spanish before visiting as all signs and information in Costa Rica are written in Spanish excluding hotels and resorts. Under 10% of the population speak a Creole-English mix. Most guided safaris run with an english speaking guide.

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THE 5 BEST Costa Rica Safaris (with Photos) - TripAdvisor

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Top Costa Rica Safaris: See reviews and photos of safaris in Costa Rica, Central America on TripAdvisor.

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Costa Rica Safari Vacations - Wildlife Packages in Costa Rica

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With over 850 bird and 250 mammal species, there is no better place in the Americas to observe wildlife! The following are among our favorite Costa Rica safari vacations.

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Family whitewater rafting takes you through the stunning landscape.

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boats and boating equipment and supplies

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Jungle Ziplining!!

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Free canopy walks

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If you want an adventure holiday, this is the go. From birdlife tours and wildlife safaris in Barra Del Colorado Reserve to crocodile kayaking to jungle ziplining to scuba diving to volcano hiking to turtle sanctuaries every avenue of adventure is covered. As the country is small, travelling around is easy and most roads are well established. Australian family of four described the scenery as "like nothing we've ever seen before. Costa Rica you took our breath away. This was the perfect mix of relaxation on the beach and jungle exploration with the friendliest locals in the world." Wildlife safaris take you on the search for jaguars and wild cats, rare monkeys, tapirs, exotic birds, crocodiles, poison dart frogs, snakes, sloths and more. The safaris from what I've seen are very reasonably priced and many self guided jungle walks and nature reserves are completely free!

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One of the best places in the world to see toucans

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We'll be travelling during turtle season

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Many sloths are endemic to Costa Rica, yet are easy to spot

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Visas into Costa Rica aren't required for Australian passport holders and free entry is available for Australian tourists for up to 90 days provided you can show evidence for onward or return travel. Important to know however that if you leave the country by air there's a US $29 departure tax (this is sometimes covered by the airline ticket). If we decide to travel to one of the neighbouring countries by road, all tourists must go through a recognised border crossing and pay US $7. Returning back into the country is free. There is little worry about corruption from authority figures given government pathways are used. There are high punishments for government figures or police who try to scam or accept bribes however in touristy areas people have tried to scam tourists selling tickets for fake tours. This is mainly concentrated around Puntarenas and can easily avoided by using legitimate companies. San Jose, while small, is a well-developed city with good medical facilities and many banks and ATMs. The Costa Rican currency is the colon which can only be converted from US dollars though most tourist destinations accept American money and credit cards. Food, clothes, accommodation and transport in Costa Rica are cheap comparatively to Australia but Smart Traveller recommends using credit cards for most transactions due to counterfeit money.

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Also just a short distance from San Jose is the Braulio National Park with jungle boardwalks and monkeys everywhere. This is a more touristy national park

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tropical and subtropical coniferous forests

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The Irazu Volcano is a 30 min drive from San Jose and walking to the top provides breathtaking views over the city and surrounds

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The mountainous skyline of San Jose.

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Costa Rica is a small Central American nation boasting wildlife rich jungles and pristine beaches. The capital San Jose has a population of 350 000 and the country has many active volcanoes to the north, bordering with Nicaragua. Costa Rica is hurricane prone but the season extends from May to November accompanied by tropical rains and an increased tsunami risk. January is the dry season and just avoids peak tourism in February. Costa Rica hosts many endemic flora and fauna species which make it a tourist attraction, particularly for American tourists and tourists from South America and neighbouring Latin America however all review sites I viewed say that while many coastal resorts have an excess of tourists, the capital and jungle areas of the country are largely untapped and provide a unique experience to immerse in the local culture against a stunning natural backdrop.