Costa Rica
Costa Rica, located in Central America, is a small tropical country renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, breathtaking scenery and commitment to environmental protection. Costa Rica's natural wealth is a major feature. The country is home to a wide variety of ecosystems, from the white-sand beaches of the Caribbean coast to majestic volcanoes and lush rainforests. National parks such as Manuel Antonio National Park and Tortuguero National Park offer opportunities to observe flora and fauna, including monkeys, toucans, sloths and sea turtles.
Capital
San José
Spoken Languages
Spanish
Currency
â‚¡ - Colon Coastaricien
1 â‚¡ = 0,0017 €
International calling code
+ 506
Visa
It's a bit of a pain, but the website of the Costa Rican embassy in France (Paris only) is nowhere to be found.
This site explains everything, but it's all in Spanish. In any case, even if you're working, you don't need a visa if you're staying less than 90 days. Otherwise, you can call the embassy on 01.45.78.96.96, and they also have a facebook page here.
Good luck!
Les faux pas
In Costa Rica, there are two types of beach: surfing beaches and swimming beaches. So don't go swimming on a beach reserved for surfers.
Also, never oh never go swimming in rivers. Crocodiles are kings there, and they're pros at playing hide-and-seek.
The pint of beer costs
2,60€
57% cheaper than in France
The cost of life is
8%
cheaper than in France
-39%
-60%
-27%
The McDonald Menu costs
7,70€
22% cheaper than in France
Local Expressions
Quelques bases d'espagnol :
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Hello : Hola
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Thank you : Gracias
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Please : Por favor
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Yes : Sí
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No : No
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How are you ? : ¿Cómo estás?
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Pardon me : Perdón
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Good Bye : Adiós
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My name is... : Me llamo...
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How much does it cost ? : ¿Cuánto cuesta?
Más Tico que el gallo pinto
“More Coast ricain than a coq taché (traditional Costa Rican dish)”, basically this expression means you're like a real Costa Rican.
Pura vida
Pure vie": They use it all the time instead of saying ‘ça va’ or ”merci
For those that like the beach : Tortuguerro - Cahuita - Arenal
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For a good meal : La Criollita
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If you are missing the EMOTRE : Josephine Nicole Night Club - Club Paradise
For a good drink : Puerto Viejo
Places to visit à San José
Culinary Specialty
Gallo Pinto
Black beans and rice
Casado
Rice with fish and chicken
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An anecdote
Justine: “I've had my bag stolen (a few thefts in touristy stuff), so remember to take a bank card that can easily be reissued abroad (you don't need to be in France to get it back) and take photos of your papers.”
Un must-have
Justine: “A kway, flip-flops, sun cream, sunglasses and swimsuit ofc.”
Attention
Justine: “They use cash a lot, they get up early, they don't drive well, they're very religious so there's nothing on Sundays, for bus companies you'd better ask the locals, there's not much on the internet.”
Cimate
Costa Rica enjoys a warm tropical climate all year round, but can be divided into two main seasons: dry and wet.
Dry season (December to April): This is the most popular time to visit Costa Rica. The weather is generally sunny, with little precipitation. It's also the hottest time of the year, with average temperatures between 27°C and 32°C.
Wet season (May to November): During this season, it rains more frequently, especially in the afternoon. However, showers are generally short and intense, leaving clear skies afterwards. Temperatures remain pleasant, hovering around 25°C.
Regional variations: The Pacific coast is generally drier and sunnier than the Caribbean coast, which experiences more constant humidity and more frequent rainfall throughout the year. Mountainous regions can be cooler, especially at higher altitudes.
Microclimates: Due to Costa Rica's varied topography, there are microclimates in certain areas. For example, the Arenal volcano region is known to be wetter and rainier than the central plains.
So it's important to pack light, breathable clothing.
If you're visiting the mountains, don't forget to pack warmer clothes and good, comfortable hiking boots.
It's a good idea to bring a waterproof jacket, as it can rain, even in the dry season.
Don't forget to bring sun cream, a cap, a swimsuit and mosquito repellent!
Vaccins
Costa Rica does not require mandatory vaccinations for travelers from most countries, including France. However, for optimum health protection, we recommend that you keep up to date with your usual vaccinations, and consider additional vaccinations depending on your activities and itinerary.
Systematic vaccines to check: Hepatitis A and B
Recommended vaccines depending on activities and region:
Typhoid: Recommended if you plan to get off the beaten track and eat in street food establishments.
Rabies: Consider this vaccine if you plan outdoor activities and potential contact with wild animals.
Yellow fever: Generally not necessary, but recommended if you are traveling to certain areas close to Panama. Check vaccination requirements with health authorities before departure.
Souvenirs
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Coffee from Costa Rica
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Handcrafted jewelry
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Salsa Lizano: Salsa Lizano is a versatile Costa Rican Worcestershire sauce made with oak-aged vegetables, spices and fruit. It adds a savory touch to meat, seafood, vegetables and even eggs.
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Wooden masks: Colorful, hand-carved wooden masks are popular Costa Rican souvenirs. They often depict wild animals, indigenous figures or grotesque faces.
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Spices: such as allspice, cinnamon, turmeric and ginger.
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Costa Rican rum
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Leather goods
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Paintings
How to get around
Justine : "Un kway, des tongs, de la crème solaire, lunettes de soleil et maillot de bain ofc."
Lots of buses, but no season tickets. You pay every time you get on, and if not, uber, didi or idrive aren't too expensive to get around.
Most of the nice spots are reached by bus. The network is organized in a star shape around San José, so it's more complicated to reach two places in the country directly, without going back via the capital (so it's more practical to live around the capital).
There's no single company covering the whole country. There are lots of small companies, often covering only one region/section, so it's a bit tricky to find timetables.
Useful sites to use are YoViajo (https://yoviajocr.com/), horario de buses (https://horariodebuses.com/FR/cr/) and, if not, the companies' facebook and internet pages (where you'll find the most reliable information).
The Music
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Tambito: Considered by some to be the national rhythm, tambito is of uncertain origin, although it may derive from Spanish dances. It's a lively, upbeat form of folk music, often played with guitar, marimba and percussion instruments. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8gu-fsdP14
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Swing criollo: Adapted from Colombian cumbia, swing criollo is festive, danceable music. It became very popular in Costa Rica in the 20th century and is often played at parties and celebrations. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iB4-DVp_G8A
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Calypso: Found mainly on the Caribbean coast and influenced by Afro-Caribbean immigrants, calypso is a musical genre that is both festive and socially critical. It is often accompanied by steel drums and lyrics sung in the local English dialect. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=7znpoNGI7_Y
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In addition to these traditional genres, Costa Rica also saw a wave of popular music called Chiqui Chiqui in the late 1970s and 1980s. This genre consisted of adaptations of popular international songs (pop, rock, disco) mixed with local rhythms such as calypso, cumbia and merengue.
Housing
Tip for choosing a safe neighborhood: ask local residents for recommendations.
Advice from someone who's been on an internship: San José, the capital, very nice with the barrio Escalante or Aranjuez.
San José:
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Barrio Escalante: Trendy neighborhood with many restaurants, bars and cafés. Affordable housing and easy public transport.
San Pedro: Central neighborhood with lively nightlife and many shopping options. More expensive than Barrio Escalante.
Rohrmoser: Quiet, safe neighborhood with plenty of green space. More expensive than San Pedro.
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Guanacaste:
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Tamarindo: Popular beach town with lively nightlife and many outdoor activities. Expensive accommodation, especially in high season.
Playa Conchal: Pristine white-sand beach with turquoise waters. More expensive than Tamarindo.
Santa Cruz: Casual surf town with a bohemian atmosphere. Affordable accommodation and easy public transport.
Puntarenas:
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Manuel Antonio: National park with lush tropical flora and fauna. Expensive accommodation, especially in high season.
Montezuma: Secluded beach village with a hippie vibe. Affordable accommodation and limited public transport.
Santa Elena: Mountain town with a cool climate and many outdoor activities. Affordable accommodation and easy public transport.
Neighborhoods to avoid:
Tip from someone who's been away: bus station area (paso de la vaca)
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San José:
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Pavas: Central neighborhood with high crime rate.
La Uruca: Industrial district with few attractions for students.
Desamparados: Outlying neighborhood with problems of poverty and violence.
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Limón:
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Cahuita: Beach village with a strong presence of drug dealers.
Puerto Limón: Port city with high crime rate.
Puntarenas:
Puntarenas: Port city with prostitution and drug problems.
Garabito: Neighborhood with problems of poverty and violence.
Guanacaste:
Liberia: City with a high crime rate, especially at night.
Nicoya: Neighborhood with problems of poverty and violence.
Budget for rent: around 400/500 euros for a T2.
How do you find accommodation? A lot of it is by word of mouth
Where to go out
Bar El Pueblo, San José
Atmosphere: Friendly, relaxed atmosphere, with live music on certain evenings.
Price: Good value, with drinks starting at US$2.
Specialities: Local and international beers, cocktails and pizzas.
Address: Calle 5, Avenida Central, San José
El Cuartel, San Pedro
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Atmosphere: Sports bar with a large terrace and a magnificent view of the city.
Prices: Affordable, with drinks starting at US$3.
Specialties: Burgers, tacos and nachos.
Address: Avenida Central, San Pedro
The Beer House, Tamarindo
Atmosphere: Beer bar with a wide selection of local and international craft beers.
Price: Moderately priced, with beers starting at US$4.
Specialities: Burgers, pizzas and chicken wings.
Address: Calle Principal, Tamarindo
La Casita del Barco, Puerto Viejo
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Atmosphere: Bohemian cocktail bar with breathtaking sea views.
Price: More expensive than the other bars on this list, but the cocktails are worth the detour.
Specialities: Original cocktails made with fresh fruit and local rums.
Address: Playa Cocles, Puerto Viejo: Playa Cocles, Puerto Viejo
Le Tiki Bar, Nosara
Located on the beach at Playa Guiones, this bar is the ideal place to relax and enjoy the view. They offer a wide selection of cocktails, beers and wines, as well as delicious bar food.
Address: Playa Guiones, Nosara
Opening hours: 11am-11pm
The Beach Bar, Tamarindo
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This bar is located directly on Tamarindo beach, making it the ideal place to people-watch and enjoy the sunset. They offer a wide variety of drinks and dishes, as well as live music every night.
Address: Playa Tamarindo, Tamarindo
Opening hours: 10am-2am
The sunset bar, Manuel Antonio
This bar sits atop a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, offering spectacular views. They offer a wide selection of cocktails and tapas, as well as live music on certain evenings.
Address: Manuel Antonio
Opening hours: 11am-11pm
Lazy Lizard bar, Puerto Viejo
This bar is located on the beach at Playa Cocles, a popular surfing and swimming destination. They offer a wide selection of drinks and dishes, as well as live music every night.
Address: Playa Cocles, Puerto Viejo
Opening hours: 10am-2am
Goldfish bar, Montezuma
This bar is located on a secluded beach in Montezuma, making it the perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle.They offer a variety of drinks and dishes, as well as hammocks and rope swings where you can relax.
Address: Montezuma
Opening hours: 11am-11pm
Where to eat?
Restaurante El Grano de Oro, Alajuela
Atmosphere: Family atmosphere with Costa Rican home cooking.
Prices: Affordable, with dishes starting at US$4.
Specialties: Gallo pinto (rice and beans), tortillas and picadillo (a dish based on minced meat, vegetables and spices).
Address: Calle 2, Avenida Central, Alajuela
El Sapo Dorado, Puerto Viejo
Atmosphere: Casual atmosphere with terrace and sea view.
Prices: Moderately priced, with dishes starting at US$8.
Specialties: Fresh seafood, grilled fish and burgers.
Address: Playa Cocles, Puerto Viejo
Soda Tapia, San José
This family-run restaurant serves traditional Costa Rican dishes at affordable prices. The atmosphere is friendly and the service is excellent.
Address: Avenida 10, Calle 11, San José
Opening hours: 7am-7pm
Rico's Restaurant, Puerto Viejo
This restaurant is known for its delicious Caribbean specialties, such as jerk chicken, rice and beans and plantains. Prices are affordable and portions are generous.
Address: Puerto Viejo
Opening hours: 8am-8pm
Restaurant La Palapa, Manuel Antonio
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Ce restaurant en plein air est l'endroit idéal pour savourer un délicieux repas avec vue.
avec vue. Le menu comprend des plats typiques du Costa Rica comme le casado, des plats de poisson frais et du ceviche local.
Adresse du restaurant : Manuel Antonio
Heures d'ouverture : 11 h - 22 h
La Casona restaurant, Montezuma
This restaurant offers Mexican and Costa Rican cuisine in a beautiful seaside setting. The menu includes dishes such as burritos, fajitas and enchiladas.
Address: Montezuma
Opening hours: 12h-22h
Some activities
1. Zip-lining through the rainforest
2. Volcano hiking
3. Surfing on the Pacific coast
Location: Available in many parts of Costa Rica, including Tamarindo, Jaco and Nosara.
4. Visit a coffee farm or cocoa plantation
Location: Available in Costa Rica's coffee-growing regions, including the Central Valley and the San José area.
5. Sunbathing on a Caribbean beach
Location: Available in many parts of Costa Rica, including the Caribbean coast.
6. Diving and snorkeling
7. White-water rafting
8. Discover indigenous villages
9. Waterfall swimming: Discover Costa Rica's magnificent waterfalls and refresh yourself in their crystal-clear waters. The La Fortuna waterfall and the Rio Celeste waterfall are two of the most impressive sites to visit.
10. Relax in the hot springs: After a day of adventure, relax in Costa Rica's natural hot springs. The Tabacon and Baldi hot springs are particularly renowned for their relaxing properties.
11. Visit traditional villages: Immerse yourself in Costa Rican culture by visiting traditional villages such as Monteverde and La Fortuna. You'll discover local handicrafts, taste typical cuisine and meet friendly locals.
must-do: hike with a guide in the national parks, who will take you to the best spots and tell you the best anecdotes.
national parks: Manuel Antonio, Corcovado and Tortuguero
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