San Gerardo de Dota Holidays

Costa Rica's a country that lives by the motto of 'pura vida', and you'll see that 'pure life' ethos reflected wherever you go. This genuine commitment to preserving the environment means you can enjoy an intense wildlife experience whilst still leaving minimal impact (even the country’s main domestic airline is proudly carbon-neutral). This is not somewhere you go to discover ancient ruins or colonial cities, towns and ‘people-made’ things are simply not what Costa Rica is about. You go to completely immerse yourself in the country’s wildlife, volcanic scenery, get a dose of adventure, and then unwind after it all on a jungle-fringed beach.

Costa Rica is great for all ages; it is an incredibly family-friendly destination, but some truly unique lodges also make it consistently popular with honeymooners. This peace-loving nation is also the safest in Central America – the army was abolished here in 1948 – and its friendly people will welcome you with open arms. 'Pura vida' really couldn't be more of a fitting motto for such a green and exhilarating country, one that’s politically stable and enjoying the highest standards of education, healthcare and social responsibility in the entire region. Life here really is as pure as it gets.

The obvious attractions, combined with an excellent tourism infrastructure and ever-increasing flight connections from the USA and Europe, do mean that much of Costa Rica does now feel well and truly ‘discovered’. That said, there are still ways to escape the crowds. We know Costa Rica intimately and can design a bespoke itinerary that gets you beyond the more well-trodden tourist trails wherever possible, staying in some more unusual and remote places. If you’re prepared to travel out of season and spend a little more money for private tours of the national parks, you’ll also experience a quieter side of Costa Rica.

However, if time and budget constraints do still limit you to visiting the main tourist centres at peak times, remember that you can still forge your own entirely unique experience of Costa Rica with a little imagination. Your first glimpse of a prehistoric-looking sloth in the trees, for example, will be a lasting memory, even if other people happen to be enjoying the spectacle at the same time as you. Base yourself in a jungle lodge that lets you delve into the rainforest at dawn when birds and monkeys are waking, and you’ll certainly get to experience your own little slice of paradise.

Costa Rica is a destination that can be enjoyed almost all year -round. Climate conditions in most of the country are loosely determined by two seasons – a dry season running from December to around April, and then a rainy (or ‘green’) season, which officially begins in May and ends in November.

The reality is that the weather in Costa Rica can be unpredictable throughout the year. In a country with so much rainforest, heavy tropical showers can be frequent even in the driest months of January and February – this is what makes the country so beautiful. 

You shouldn’t be completely put off travelling during much of the wet season. In the first part of the season, you’ll likely notice very little difference, with heavy rain often limited to later in the afternoons, and national parks benefitting from fewer crowds. September and October are generally the wettest months across much of the country, particularly on the Pacific coast. Rain can become so heavy that road travel is disrupted, and some hotels and lodges close for annual maintenance.

The Caribbean coast, however, follows a different weather pattern. Here, the weather is at its most unpredictable, with heavy rain possible at any time of year. Interestingly, September and October are actually among its driest months, making this a good time to explore this side of Costa Rica.

If wildlife is high on your wish list, it's worth thinking about when you travel, too. Green turtles come ashore to nest around Tortuguero between July and October, while humpback whales can be spotted off the Pacific coast between July and November, and again from December to March. Our experts can help you plan your trip around the wildlife you'd most love to see.

We think two weeks is just about right for a first trip to Costa Rica, giving you time to explore volcanoes, cloud forests and the coast without feeling too rushed. Short on time? You can still see plenty in 10 days, particularly if you concentrate on a few key places. Lucky enough to have three weeks? You could venture further off the beaten track, add a few more wildlife experiences or simply spend longer enjoying the places you love.

One of our favourite ways to explore Costa Rica is to combine Arenal's volcanoes and hot springs with the misty cloud forests of Monteverde and a few days on the Pacific coast. Tortuguero is a wonderful addition if you're keen on wildlife, while the Osa Peninsula is well worth considering if you fancy getting further off the beaten track. Our experts will help you work out which places to combine, taking travel times and the time of year into account.

There's quite a bit of flexibility when it comes to the cost of a Costa Rica holiday. You might fancy a simple jungle lodge with wildlife right on your doorstep, somewhere rather special overlooking Arenal Volcano or a secluded hideaway on the Pacific coast. As a guide, our 16-day Classic Costa Rica itinerary starts from £4,995 per person, including flights. The time of year, length of your trip, choice of accommodation and how you get around will all affect the price, and we'll happily help you work out where to splash out and where to save a few pennies.

Food

Though not as renowned as other countries in the region for the creativity of its cuisine, you will still eat well in Costa Rica. Typical local dishes, whilst not particularly imaginative, are always hearty and use the freshest ingredients, usually from proudly organic and sustainable sources.  A portion of chicken or fish served with rice, pinto beans, and salad is a classic meal in Costa Rica, which can be brightened by the ubiquitous ‘salsa lizano’ – a sweet and smoky sauce with a gentle kick, that is something of a national obsession.

Italian restaurants are popular across the country, as are American-style grills, but influences also come from closer to home. From South America, a fondness for ceviche fits well in a country that is blessed with such bountiful coastlines. And from Costa Rica’s Caribbean neighbours, creole influences can be found, making the region around Puerto Viejo de Talamanca a great place to sample some more colourful fusion food. It’s also worth noting that in a country so well set up for international visitors, vegetarians and those with food intolerances won’t struggle to find places to cater for them in Costa Rica.

Eating out in Costa Rica is not cheap compared to many of its Central American neighbours – you should expect to pay similar prices to the UK to eat in well-established restaurants in the main tourist centres. More affordable meals can be found in towns that have ‘sodas’ – informal local diners where many Costa Rican locals eat, which often serve a set daily menu and don’t usually charge the 13% sales tax found in established restaurants.

Drink

Coffee is, somewhat inevitably, Costa Rica’s national drink. The country is famous for its excellent Arabica coffee, so it's well worth sampling a cup or two while you're here.

Beyond coffee, Costa Rica’s proliferation of jungle fruits means you will find plenty of refreshing juices and smoothies to choose from. Wine can be expensive here, and is generally imported from South America or the US, but reasonable local lagers can be found almost everywhere. Costa Rica’s local cane spirit is not one to write home about, but top tip!.. It’s infinitely more palatable when blended in a fruity cocktail!

British Airways operates direct flights from London Heathrow to San José, Costa Rica's capital. There are also some very good indirect options, with flights from the UK connecting via Madrid, Paris or Bogotá, for example, often with just one change of plane and a relatively hassle-free connection.

Several US airlines also offer good connections from the UK. You'll need an ESTA travel authorisation or the appropriate visa to transit through the USA, and you'll have to clear US immigration, but these flights can sometimes work out considerably cheaper. Some also offer the advantage of flying home from Liberia, saving you a lengthy road transfer back to San José if you're finishing your holiday on a northern Pacific beach.

You can visit Costa Rica without a visa for up to 180 days under a tourist visa waiver.

We recommend that all clients check all entry requirements with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) before travel to ensure that you will be allowed to enter.

If you're flying to Costa Rica via the USA, you'll need an ESTA travel authorisation or the appropriate US visa, even if you're only in transit. You can apply for an ESTA through the official US government website, and we'd recommend doing this well before your departure.

As we're not medical experts, we'd always recommend speaking to your GP or a travel health professional well before your holiday to check which vaccinations or other precautions you might need.

There are a few mosquito-borne diseases to be aware of in Costa Rica, including dengue, Zika and malaria, although the risks vary depending on where you're travelling. We'd recommend taking sensible precautions against mosquito bites, including wearing long sleeves and trousers when appropriate and using a good insect repellent. If you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy, it's particularly important to seek medical advice about the risk of Zika before travelling.

If you're arriving in Costa Rica from certain countries where yellow fever is a risk, you'll need to provide proof of vaccination, unless an exemption applies.

You'll find plenty of useful, up-to-date information on TravelHealthPro and the FCDO's Costa Rica travel advice.

We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you have booked your holiday, and declare any pre-existing medical conditions to your insurer – some may be able to provide cover for these conditions for an additional premium.

As with any destination, it's worth taking a few sensible precautions when travelling around Costa Rica. Keep an eye on your belongings, particularly in busy tourist areas, and avoid walking alone in poorly lit or isolated places after dark. We'd also recommend using official taxis or arranging transport through your hotel when heading out in the evening.

Before you travel, it's always worth checking the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) travel advice for any updates.

Swimming in Costa Rica

Swimming in Costa Rica’s many pristine beaches is always an attraction, though due to the presence of rip tides and strong currents in some regions, we always recommend asking at your hotel for the safest spots to swim. Children should be supervised on beaches and at hotel pools at all times.

Horseriding in Costa Rica

Horseriding can be a wonderful way to enjoy Costa Rica’s landscapes, but there are inherent risks involved with riding, anywhere in the world. Wearing a helmet is highly recommended for your own safety – please ask your guide if one is not automatically offered.

The local currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC). However, US dollars are widely accepted across the country, and you'll see prices in dollars in many tourist areas. Costa Rican Colones are difficult to obtain or exchange outside of Costa Rica, so while you may receive them in change, it’s handy to use them up for small purchases such as bottles of water before you leave the country. We recommend bringing US dollars with you, and you’ll find major credit and debit cards are accepted in the majority of hotels and restaurants.

A 10% service charge is automatically added to bills in all restaurants in Costa Rica (except in the informal ‘sodas’), and additional tips are not expected on top of this. Nor is it expected to tip taxi drivers. Tipping porters who assist with your luggage is appreciated, though – a couple of US dollars will usually suffice.

For guides, tipping is entirely discretionary, but it’s a nice gesture if you have enjoyed your tour. Around US$ 5 –10 per person is about average for a regular tour, and you may also wish to tip drivers who have been with you for longer periods (though not as much as the guide).

More independent travellers will find self-driving a pleasant way to travel around Costa Rica, though a sense of adventure is required. Once you are outside the main towns and cities, the condition of the roads can vary drastically. Bumpy, unsealed roads with potholes can be commonplace, getting you quickly acquainted with the ‘Costa Rican massage’ and making a 4x4 vehicle generally advisable. Distances may appear short on the map, but the condition of the roads (particularly in the rainy season when landslides can close routes) means travel times should not be underestimated.

GPS will assist you in getting to the main destinations in Costa Rica, but a common frustration is a lack of street signs, making the final stretch of your journey to your hotel often the most bewildering. Other drivers can also pose a problem; though usually very laid-back people, some Costa Ricans seem to undergo a complete change of character behind the wheel. You will see frequent speeding, drivers on their phones and some feats of extraordinary impatience whilst they try to overtake in some hair-raising situations! So it’s best to keep your wits about you, as you would when driving anywhere.

We believe travel should be a force for good. That means exploring with open eyes, treading lightly, and respecting the people and places that make the world so special. Our code of conduct isn’t about rules, it’s simply a guide to help you travel thoughtfully, ethically, and with care. Because every small choice makes a big difference.

• If you choose to trust us with your holiday, we’ll send you a “Travel Facts” document when confirming your booking. This includes useful facts and travel advice, such as restaurant recommendations, reading tips, basic language information, cultural traditions, climate information, brief historical overviews, and more. We feel that this offers a useful insight and can help you interact with local residents in a more sensitive, well-informed manner. Please do try to take the time to read this information before your visit, it’s worth the time!

• A number of the countries in which we operate holidays are religious societies with a widely observed set of customs. Always respect these norms, particularly when visiting religious buildings.

• To the best of our knowledge, all hotels, lodges, and camps within our portfolio operate stringent measures to minimise water usage. All of our destinations have issues with water supplies to a certain extent, so feel free to raise any possible wastage should you encounter it during your stay, either with the accommodation or with us upon your return.

• Please ask permission before taking photographs of people, and respect their wishes if they are not happy to be photographed. We find that friendly requests and a smile are usually met with a ‘yes!’

• Strive, where possible, to make your own contribution to environmental practices as you travel. This might include minimising your electricity usage, not smoking in protected areas, avoiding coral while snorkelling, and safely disposing of all litter (recycling where possible).

• Where possible, try to purchase from local suppliers. This includes shopping for souvenirs, dining out at restaurants, and booking additional excursions during your free time. In areas where haggling is an accepted part of daily life, don’t be offended if you’re unable to obtain what you perceive as a fair price for an item.

• We emphasise to local suppliers that our clients should never be taken on unsolicited shopping trips, but if this does happen, try to retain your sense of humour, provide a firm refusal to participate and do let us know about it on your return. We pass on all feedback from every trip undertaken with us to our relevant local suppliers, who all share our commitment to travelling with sensitivity.

• Please don’t remove any indigenous items from their natural habitat and attempt to bring them home as a souvenir. This particularly applies to everything from coral, shells, plants and food in the natural world, to cultural artefacts and antiques.

If you’re unsure about anything relating to the above, please feel free to chat to us. We’ve travelled extensively in the country and will be more than happy to offer our considered advice.