Costa Rica (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Matthew Firestone [4]
Because of the number of North American and European tourists, some Costa Rican towns experience a mini high season in June and July, during the northern summer holidays. Expect to pay high-season prices in some towns at this time.
For surfers, the travel seasons vary slightly. For the most part, the Pacific coast sees increased swells and bigger, faster waves during the rainy season, starting in late June and peaking in the worst rainy months of September and October. The Caribbean side has better waves from November through May. Some breaks are consistent year-round.
Wildlife enthusiasts may wish to plan their trip around the seasons of the critters. Turtle season on the Caribbean coast is from late February to October, with the peak season for leatherbacks in April and May, and for green turtles in August and September. On the Pacific coast, the season for leatherbacks is from October to March.
Bird-watchers will be overwhelmed by feathered friends any time of year, but the best season to spot the resplendent quetzal is between November and April. Spring (March through May) and autumn (September through November) are good times to watch the migratory flocks.
Fishing is also good year-round, but you might choose your season if you have your heart set on a specific fish. Anglers head to the Caribbean coast between January and May in search of tarpon, while the autumn (September through November) is the season for snook. On the Pacific coast and in the Golfo Dulce, the best time to snag that sailfish is between November and May.
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COSTS & MONEY
Travel costs are significantly higher here than in most Central American countries, but cheaper than in the USA or Europe. And if you’re arriving from inexpensive Central American nations, such as Nicaragua, get ready to bust that wallet wide open.
DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT…
checking the latest visa situation (click here) and government travel advisories (click here)
insect repellent containing DEET; and, if you’re planning large-scale jungle adventures (or staying in budget lodging), a mosquito net
learning at least a few basic phrases in Spanish
Pepto-Bismol or an antidiarrheal, in case you get a bad dose of the runs
sunblock and a hat, so you don’t get cooked by the tropical sun
clothes that you don’t mind getting absolutely filthy or wet
a swimsuit and a beach towel
a poncho for rainy days and wet boat trips
a pair of river sandals or reef-walkers and sturdy jungle boots
an alarm clock for catching early morning buses
a waterproof, windproof jacket and warm layers for highland hiking and camping
a flashlight (torch)
binoculars and a field guide
miscellaneous necessities: umbrella, padlock, matches, pocketknife
an appetite for fresh fruit
a thirst for cold lager
your sense of adventure
Prices in Costa Rica are frequently listed in US dollars, especially at upmarket hotels and restaurants, where you can expect to pay international prices. Most types of tours are charged in US dollars. In fact, US dollars are widely accepted, but the standard unit of currency is still the colón. See also boxed text.
IT MUST BE THE MONEY
Starting in 2010, Costa Rica will roll out some seriously big bills, namely in denominations of 20,000 and 50,000 colones. Since almost two-thirds of the cash currently circulating is in 10,000 colones bills, the Central Bank is hoping that the larger denomination bills will result in a more equal distribution of money.
According to the treasury director of the Central Bank, one side of the six new bills will feature important figures from Costa Rican history, while the other will highlight the country’s natural heritage.
Of course, if you’re going to roll out some new currency, then why not add a bit of flash to the cash? The new bills will have variable lengths, and there’s even talk of switching from cotton fiber to plastic. After all, there’s nothing worse than trying to dry out your wallet after a serious surf session!
Shoestring