{"id":9676,"date":"2019-09-02T10:49:58","date_gmt":"2019-09-02T16:49:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adobecar.com\/?p=9676"},"modified":"2024-07-02T16:25:20","modified_gmt":"2024-07-02T22:25:20","slug":"visiting-costa-rica","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adobecar.com\/en\/about-adobe\/visiting-costa-rica\/","title":{"rendered":"Top Ten Travel Tips for Visiting Costa Rica with Adobe Rent a Car"},"content":{"rendered":"

Costa Rica Natives<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span>When it comes to traveling in Costa Rica, we know what we\u2019re talking about! Adobe Rent a Car is one of Costa Rica\u2019s largest and most reliable, 100% Costa Rican-owned rental car agencies. We\u2019ve been leading the national rental car industry for nearly 30 years.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span>As transportation experts, we want to make sure that your visit to Costa Rica is the safest most enjoyable experience possible. Whether for business or pleasure, you deserve the best!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span>The following TOP TEN list of Travel Tips for visiting Costa Rica will ensure that you\u2019re well informed and prepared the moment your flight touches ground in the land of <\/span>Pura Vida<\/span><\/i>!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Top Ten Costa Rica Travel Tips<\/b><\/h2>\n

 <\/span>Tip #1: Getting to Costa Rica<\/b><\/h3>\n

 <\/span>Costa Rica\u2019s Ministry of Tourism and the Institute of Tourism (ICT) have invested a lot of time and effort into promoting the country as a prime vacation destination. Because of the growing interest from overseas airlines, international flights to Costa Rica are increasingly more affordable.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span>In recent years several international airlines chose Costa Rica to be their Central American hub. Adding direct international flights to their rosters on a regular basis.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span>When you\u2019re planning your trip, start looking for flights ahead of time. Especially if you want to visit during peak season. Costa Rica\u2019s peak, or high season, coincides with North America and Europe\u2019s winter months, from December to April. Peak season then reappears during the traditional summer months of July and August.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Tip #2: Top places to visit in Costa Rica<\/b><\/h3>\n

 <\/span>It\u2019s not so much a matter of where to go in Costa Rica. It\u2019s how to see as much as possible while you\u2019re here. And no matter where you go, you\u2019re likely to find a national park nearby!<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span>Costa Rica is literally brimming with fascinating places to visit. Choose from cool mountains blanketed in rain and cloud forests. Or steamy volcanoes with mineral-rich hot springs bubbling forth from underground rivers. Or mile upon mile of palm-lined beaches, and huge swaths of lush jungle lowlands interspersed by quiet mangrove canals and rivers. This little country has it all!<\/span><\/p>\n

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Plan Ahead<\/b><\/h4>\n

It\u2019s good to do your homework ahead of time. If your vacation is only one week, then we suggest you visit a total of two–maximum three–destinations. Getting from one place to another can be time consuming. So, it\u2019s best to get the most out of each experience and spend less time on the road.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Most Popular Costa Rica Destinations<\/b><\/h4>\n

A visit to La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano is a national favorite. The iconic Volcano with its abundant hot springs, waterfalls, adventure tours, and a huge national park is a must do. Located in the central lowlands, getting there takes about the same amount of time (3 hours) from either the San Jose (SJO) or Liberia (LIR) international airports.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span>Another favorite for visitors who are short on time but want to experience as much as possible is Manuel Antonio. Located on the Central Pacific Coast just past the port town of Quepos, Manuel Antonio is an authentic Costa Rican paradise.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span>Although it\u2019s the smallest park in the country, Manuel Antonio National Park is a national treasure. Visitors will see a plethora of wildlife when walking the well-maintained trails. The park\u2019s three pristine beaches are also considered some of the world\u2019s most beautiful.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span>See our articles on <\/span>The Top Places to Visit in Costa Rica, Corcovado National Park, Isla Tortuga, National Parks, and Uvita <\/b><\/a>for more information<\/span>.<\/b><\/p>\n

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Tip #3: When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?<\/b><\/h3>\n

 <\/span>Dry Season = High Season<\/b><\/p>\n

The best time to visit is generally during the dry season from December through April. The tropical climate is more conducive to serious exploration and the roads are usually in better condition. Even the rainforests have a few hours during the day that are dry.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span>July and August are another good time to visit. A seasonal meteorological phenomenon over the Caribbean provokes a reduction in rainfall over much of the country. This is known as<\/span> St. John\u2019s Little Summer.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/span>One downfall is that the dry season is also Costa Rica\u2019s high tourist season and prices are literally at their highest. Around major holidays and New Year\u2019s Eve, you\u2019re likely to find that most hotels are fully booked, and the most popular beaches and towns can get crowded.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span>Nonetheless, if you book your hotel and transportation ahead of time you shouldn\u2019t run into any problems. Most tour providers are working overtime during these months, so you\u2019ll have plenty of exciting tours to choose from as well.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span>See our <\/span>Costa Rica Weather <\/b>article for more Costa Rica weather tips.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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Rainy Season = Discounts and No Crowds<\/b><\/h4>\n

Traveling during the rainy, or green season from May through November has its perks. Firstly, \u201cgreen season rates\u201d mean that hotels, in-country flights, and even car rentals are discounted. The tropical environment is in full bloom, and visitors don\u2019t have to fight the crowds when frequenting popular restaurants or hotels.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Discover your Caribbean Side<\/b><\/h4>\n

When the rainy season is at its heaviest throughout most of the country, the Atlantic Coast comes alive. September and October are the official summer months on Costa Rica\u2019s Caribbean side.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span>Wildly popular destinations like Tortuguero National Park and the vibrant beach towns of Cahuita and Puerto Viejo are thriving, and the warm beats of Reggaeton can be heard far and wide. Surf, snorkeling, and scuba diving conditions are at their peak, and numerous beautiful national parks await exploration.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span>See our article on <\/span>Puerto Viejo <\/b>for more information.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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Tip #4: Getting around Costa Rica<\/b><\/p>\n

 <\/span>Renting a car is indisputably the best way to get around Costa Rica. Nothing beats the freedom that having your own car offers. Choose where you want to go and when you want to get there.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span>Unlike most other car rental agencies, Adobe Rent a Car guarantees no hidden fees. What\u2019s more, we also have the largest fleet of vehicles, and all of our cars are less than two years old.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span>See our article on<\/span> The Car Rental Process <\/b>for more information.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

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Mandatory Liability Insurance<\/b><\/h4>\n

Costa Rican law dictates that all car rentals must include third-party insurance coverage. The fee is charged as a daily rate and determined by the type of vehicle you rent. Customers will then need to either purchase additional insurance coverage or use their credit cards insurance waiver (CDW).<\/span><\/p>\n

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Mandatory Damage Deposit<\/b><\/h4>\n

It is customary to provide a damage deposit when renting a car in Costa Rica. Most companies ask anywhere between $1,500 to $3,000. At Adobe Rent a Car we ask a low, flat-rate $1,000 damage deposit for all of our rentals.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span>We\u2019ll refund your deposit within two to three business days once your rental is concluded and if no fines or additional charges were incurred.    <\/span><\/p>\n

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Tip #5: Money, Money, Money<\/b><\/h3>\n

 <\/span>The official currency in Costa Rica is the Col\u00f3n. At the writing of this article, the exchange rate was 589 colones to 1 USD. Use the helpful XE app or<\/span> online converter<\/span><\/a> to determine the going rate when you travel.  <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span>U.S. Dollars are accepted virtually everywhere. Be aware that some hotels, restaurants, and tour providers may charge you a higher exchange rate when you pay with dollars. Large grocery stores, gas stations, and banks will always honor the official exchange rate.<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span>To avoid being overcharged when paying with USD, follow these simple guidelines:<\/span><\/p>\n