Travel Guide
Airports
The two major airports in Costa Rica are Juan Santa-maria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose and Liberia International Airport. Each airport is on opposite side of the country. Liberia is the main airport for the western coast and surrounding cities, while San Jose has a more central location.
Budget Travel
No matter what your budget is, there is some way to make it work in Costa Rica. While you might not get to do all the canopy tours and whitewater rafting, there is still plenty to see and do for free. Your best bet is of course hostels. Not only do they offer a cheap place to stay, but like minded travelers can offer advice on free and cheap things to do.
Costa Rica Airfare
Prices obviously vary depending on your departure location. But in The US, anything between $300 and $600 is a good deal. Your best bet at getting a good deal is to either book way in advance or at the last possible minute. If you can arrange to fly midweek and at less trafficked hours, you’re likely to save a few bucks.
Costa Rica Cities
There are a number of beautiful cities in Costa Rica. All of which have their own unique charm. To name all the best cities to visit would take pages. So, here’s a narrowed down list of our top Costa Rica cities.
- Manuel Antonio
- Montverde
- Tamarindo
- Drake Bay
- Jaco
- Rincon de la Vieja
- Cahuita
- Tortugero
- Puerto Viejo
Family Travel
Traveling with the entire family isn’t as hard as one would imagine. There are a number of resorts that offer special children’s and family programs. Many tour operators also have separate children’s activities so that parents and children can have their own adventures. Many, but not all, hotels in Costa Rica offer a discount for children 12 and under. Ages 4 and under are usually allowed to stay for free. This rule varies from hotel to hotel, so don’t assume your children can stay for free without checking first.
Luxury Travel
If all you want to do on your trip to Costa Rica is spend time at the spas, have hour long massages, and be pampered 24 hours a day; you’ll have no problems doing so. There are plenty of all inclusive resorts around the country. Many offer on location spas, hot tubs, and private cabanas. There are also an array of unique luxury accommodations and activities. Some of which include spa treatments at Tabacon Hot Springs and luxury vacation rentals all over.
Nature Travel
Whether you want to explore on your own or on a guided tour, there is plenty of nature travel to be had in Costa Rica. Even the most budget friendly hostels are sure to offer some sort of guided tour to local waterfalls, volcano’s, or secluded beaches. There are also plenty of resorts that are geared specifically towards ecotourism that rest deep in the jungle and offer daily adventures into the wild.
Rental Car
Renting a car in Costa Rica isn’t a good idea unless completely nessicary. The rental process is intense and is an easy way to be ripped off when it comes time to return the car. It’s a common practice for rental companies to charge you for small scratches and dings in the car if you failed to point them out prior to taking the car. Locals also drive like bats out of hell, roads are lined with potholes, intersections unmarked, and no attention to speed limits are paid.