Costa Rica FAQs

Thinking of travelling to Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is one of the world’s great ecological wonders. In an area only two and a half times the size of Wales, there are smoking volcanoes, verdant rainforests, stunning tropical beaches and beautiful cloud forests. Costa Rica holidays are a popular choice due to the abundant wildlife you can spot: the tiny Central American nation is home to monkeys, sloths, iguanas, turtles and over 850 species of birds: more than in Europe or North America.

Our FAQs answer some of the most common questions we get asked about Costa Rica; you can explore our full programme of holidays to Costa Rica or contact one of our travel experts to find out more about the destination.

Before You Go

Q: Do I need a visa to travel to Costa Rica from the UK?

A: British passport holders do not currently require a visa to visit Costa Rica for stays of up to 90 days. Your passport should normally be valid for at least six months from the date you enter the country.

As is often the case globally, immigration officials may ask for proof of onward travel and accommodation details upon arrival, so it is worth keeping copies of your itinerary and booking confirmations to hand.

If you are flying via another country, especially the US, you need to comply with the appropriate immigration requirements. Please ask us for details.

We recommend checking the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s latest advice before travel, as entry requirements can change.

Q: What vaccinations do I need for Costa Rica?

A: We recommend speaking to your GP or travel clinic before travelling to Costa Rica for the latest health advice and vaccination recommendations.

There is no yellow fever risk in Costa Rica itself. However, if you have visited or transited through a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission within the previous seven days, you may need proof of vaccination upon arrival.

TravelHealthPro, the up-to-date travel advice resource run by the National Travel Health Network and Centre, also recommends travellers have adequate travel health insurance before travelling. You can read their full guidance on travelling to Costa Rica here.

Q: What should I pack for a holiday in Costa Rica?

A: The temperatures in Costa Rica can vary significantly depending where you are visiting. On the coast, daytime highs of over 30°C are possible. In the highlands of the Monteverde Cloud Forest, temperatures at night can drop to lower than 10°C. Therefore, a variety of clothing, suitable for hot and cold weather is advisable. Rain is possible throughout the year, and can be heavy, so waterproofs are also recommended. Insect repellent is advisable, especially for jungle areas.

If you visit Tabacon Hot Springs near Arenal, the pools can be slippery, so please bring non-slip sandals.

We recommend you carry a copy of your passport with you at all times.

Please bring any medication you may require from the UK.

Q: What plug sockets do I need for Costa Rica?

A: Costa Rica uses flat two-pin US-style plug sockets and operates on 110V electricity, so travellers from the UK will need a travel adapter.

Practical Information

Q: Where is Costa Rica, and which parts will I be visiting?

A: Costa Rica is located in Central America, between Nicaragua and Panama, with coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea.

Llama Travel holidays typically include destinations such as Arenal Volcano, Tortuguero National Park, Manuel Antonio, Corcovado National Park and the Villa Blanca Cloud Forest.

Q: What is the population of Costa Rica?

A: Costa Rica has a population of around 5 million people.

Q: What is the capital city of Costa Rica?

A: San José is the capital of Costa Rica and the country’s largest city.

Q: What is the time difference between the UK and Costa Rica?

A: Costa Rica operates on GMT -6 year-round. This means Costa Rica is usually six hours behind the UK during British Summer Time (BST), and seven hours behind during the winter months.

Q: How long does it take to fly from the UK to Costa Rica?

A: There are no year-round direct flights from the UK to Costa Rica, so journeys usually involve one stop, often via Madrid, Amsterdam or the USA. Flight times are typically between 14 and 18 hours depending on connections.

Q: What language is spoken in Costa Rica?

A: Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica, although English is widely spoken in hotels, lodges and tourist areas.

All guides used on Llama Travel holidays speak English.

Q: What currency is used in Costa Rica?

A: The currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colón, although US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.

Credit and debit cards are commonly accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops, and cash machines are available in most towns visited on our tours.

Q: What’s the weather like in Costa Rica?

A: Costa Rica can be visited throughout most of the year, and Llama Travel operates departures from November to April, as well as July and August. The driest months are generally from December to April, whilst the green season brings more frequent tropical showers, often in the afternoon.

The climate varies across the country. Coastal and rainforest regions such as Tortuguero, Manuel Antonio and Corcovado are warm and humid year-round, with temperatures often reaching 30°C, whilst cloud forest areas such as Villa Blanca are cooler, particularly in the evenings.

Q: Do I need to tip in Costa Rica?

A: If you receive good service, you may want to leave a tip. This is completely at your discretion. If you want to tip guides, US$3-5 per person per day is usual if you are in a group and approximately US$2-3 is usual for drivers or transfer staff. Service is usually included in restaurants so tipping is not normally expected. Please give any tips directly to the person you would like to tip to ensure that they get it.

Q: Is Costa Rica good for first-time visitors to Central America?

A: Yes. Costa Rica is often considered one of the easiest countries in Central America for first-time visitors thanks to its good tourism infrastructure, relaxed atmosphere and focus on eco-tourism.

Health & Safety

Q: Is Costa Rica safe to travel to?

A: Costa Rica is considered one of the safest countries in Latin America and most visitors have a completely trouble-free holiday.

As with anywhere in the world, sensible precautions should still be taken, particularly in cities and busy tourist areas.

Q: What happens if I get ill while in Costa Rica?

A: If you become ill during your holiday, your guide, lodge or hotel staff will help arrange medical assistance if required.

Private hospitals and clinics in Costa Rica are generally of a good standard, particularly in San José.

We recommend bringing an adequate supply of any prescription medication you may require during your trip.

Q: Do I need travel insurance for Costa Rica?

A: Yes. All travellers should have comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment, cancellation and emergency repatriation.

If you plan to take part in activities such as ziplining, rafting or kayaking, please ensure your policy covers these activities.

Connectivity & Communication

Q:  What are the options for mobile data and SIM cards?

A: Most UK mobiles will work in Costa Rica, although we recommend checking with your provider before travel if you are unsure. eSIMs, such as Airalo or Holafly, are becoming an increasingly popular and often cost-effective way to access mobile data abroad. Local SIM cards are also widely available in Costa Rica.

Q: How do I phone the UK from Costa Rica?

A: To phone the UK from Costa Rica, dial +44 and then the UK number, leaving out the first ‘0’.

Q: How do I phone Costa Rica from the UK?

A: To phone Costa Rica from the UK, dial +506 followed by the Costa Rican number.

Getting Around

Q: How do I get around in Costa Rica?

A: Most journeys on Llama Travel holidays are by private vehicle or shared transfer.

Road conditions vary across Costa Rica. Main roads are generally paved, although some rural roads can be winding or bumpy, particularly around rainforest and cloud forest regions.

Certain destinations, such as Tortuguero, can only be reached by boat.

Q: Are Costa Rica holidays active?

A: Most holidays in Costa Rica involve a reasonable amount of walking, often on rainforest trails or uneven paths. There are also optional activities available, including ziplining, rafting, hanging bridges and kayaking.

Food & Drink

Q: What’s the food like in Costa Rica?

A: Costa Rican food is fresh, simple and varied. Rice, beans, tropical fruit, seafood and grilled meats all feature heavily. One of the country’s best-known dishes is gallo pinto, a traditional combination of rice and beans often served for breakfast. Costa Rica is also famous for its excellent coffee and chocolate.

Q: Can I drink tap water in Costa Rica?

A: Tap water is generally safe to drink in many parts of Costa Rica, particularly in cities and tourist areas. However, bottled or filtered water is often recommended in more remote regions like Tortuguero.

Q: Is alcohol available in Costa Rica?

A: Alcohol is widely available throughout Costa Rica, including local beers, cocktails and imported wines and spirits. Imperial is Costa Rica’s best-known local beer.

What to See

Q: What are the highlights of Costa Rica?

A: Costa Rica offers an incredible variety of landscapes and wildlife experiences within a relatively small country. Highlights include Arenal Volcano, Tortuguero National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, Corcovado National Park and the cloud forests around Villa Blanca.

Q: What wildlife can you see in Costa Rica?

A: Costa Rica is one of the best wildlife destinations in Latin America. Depending on where you travel, you may spot sloths, monkeys, toucans, scarlet macaws, iguanas, crocodiles, caimans and sea turtles. The country is also home to over 850 species of birds.

Q: Can you see sloths in Costa Rica?

A: Yes. Sloths are one of Costa Rica’s most famous animals and are commonly spotted in rainforest areas such as Arenal, Tortuguero and Manuel Antonio.

Q: Can you see turtles in Costa Rica?

A: Yes. Tortuguero National Park is one of the Caribbean’s most important turtle nesting areas.

Green turtles, leatherback turtles, hawksbill turtles and loggerhead turtles can all be seen during nesting season, which generally runs from April to October.

Q: Is Costa Rica good for birdwatching?

A: Costa Rica is one of the world’s leading birdwatching destinations, with over 850 recorded species. Popular species include toucans, hummingbirds, scarlet macaws and the Resplendent Quetzal.

Q: What is Arenal Volcano like?

A: Arenal is Costa Rica’s most iconic volcano, famous for its almost perfectly conical shape.

The surrounding area offers rainforest walks, hot springs, hanging bridges and excellent wildlife spotting opportunities.

Q: What is Tortuguero National Park like?

A: Tortuguero National Park is one of Costa Rica’s best wildlife destinations, known for its rainforest canals, tropical birdlife and turtle nesting beaches. The area can only be reached by boat or light aircraft, giving it a wonderfully remote feel.

Q: What is Corcovado National Park like?

A: Corcovado National Park is often considered the jewel in the crown of Costa Rica’s national parks. Located on the remote Osa Peninsula, it protects one of Central America’s most biodiverse rainforests and is home to all four species of Costa Rican monkey.

Q: How many days do I need in Costa Rica?

A: We recommend allowing at least 10 to 14 days to experience Costa Rica at a comfortable pace. This gives you time to combine volcanoes, rainforest, wildlife and beaches without rushing between destinations, with the option to add extensions such as Corcovado Coast, Manuel Antonio or Pacuare Lodge for a longer trip.

Q: Can I combine Costa Rica with Panama?

A: Yes. Costa Rica combines very well with neighbouring Panama.

Panama City offers a fascinating contrast to Costa Rica’s rainforests and beaches, with highlights including the Panama Canal and the historic Casco Viejo district.

Q: Can I combine Costa Rica with Guatemala?

A: Yes. Costa Rica combines very well with Guatemala for travellers interested in both wildlife and culture.

Whilst Costa Rica is known for its rainforests, volcanoes and wildlife, Guatemala offers colourful markets, colonial cities and impressive Mayan ruins such as Tikal.

Still have questions about travelling to Costa Rica?

Our team is happy to help. Call us on 020 7263 3000 or explore our Costa Rica holidays to start planning your trip.