Questions tagged [costa-rica]

Questions about travel relating to the Republic of Costa Rica in Central America.

Costa Rica (Spanish for rich coast) is a republic in bordered by to the north and to the south, the to the west and the to the east. Its capital and largest city is , also home to the main international gateway at Juan Santamaria International Airport (). Direct international service is also available to Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport () in the northwest.

Costa Rica has been a major international destination for tourism since the 1980s, particularly (including travel) to its rainforests and mountains, but also visits to its beaches and volcanoes, and .

General information

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What does i.i stand for in a menu in Costa Rica

I am looking at some menu photos from Costa Rica and I noted that they list two prices, and the second has i.i. next to it. What does this mean? Here is an example(taken from here): Googling did not help. My speculation is that first price is…
Ivaylo Strandjev
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Getting to San Andrés

Last year in Valencia, Spain I happened to talk to a Colombian woman who generously praised San Andrés as a destination. San Andrés y Providencia is an archipelago (and a departamento) in the Caribbean Sea belonging to Colombia. San Andrés, the main…
Jonik
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May I wwoof or exchange work for a bed in a hostel in Costa Rica as a tourist?

I am wondering about the rules for WWOOFing (working in an organic farm for a part of the day in exchange for a bed and sometimes a breakfast/multiple meals) or work exchange (same thing but for other types of tasks) in Costa Rica. I have read some…
Vince
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Can I enter Panama and Costa Rica on a 5-year, multiple US visa?

I have a 5 year validity US visitor's visa, with three years left, and want to visit Panama and Costa Rica for two weeks as a tourist. My travel agent says I can simply use my USA visa to enter those two countries. Can I enter Panama and Costa…
iqbalzeb
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In Costa Rica - Invite Strangers to Dinner?

We are traveling in rural, southwest Costa Rica. We were walking down the road and began talking to two local guys in their 20s. They offered to give us surfing lessons, and eventually said "you can come over for dinner" ... The invitation made us…
Chris
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Are there transport options in Costa Rica than can be shared between travelers?

I am aware of public buses, flights, and shuttle bus companies Grayline and Interbus Do you have other suggestions? Are there easy ways to book shared cars or shuttles with other travelers? Do you particularly recommend or advise against any of…
gmich
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Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua

I want to go to Costa Rica and I am considering going to Panama and Nicaragua as well. I wonder though, what will I be able to find in Panama and Nicaragua that I will not be able to find in Costa Rica? It get the impression that the landscape, the…
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Turtle-watching in Costa Rica and Panama in April

Where can I watch the turtles lay their eggs in Costa Rica and Panama in the second half of April? I am mainly interested in places that are accessible by car (4x4 is fine).
Grzenio
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Sleeping near San Jose airport (Costa Rica)

I am arriving at the San Jose airport in Costa Rica rather late in the evening (with small children). I would like to stay overnight somewhere close, ideally without going into San Jose itself (which I don't really want to visit anyway) and even…
Grzenio
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Which trekking shoes to get for trekking in Costa Rica

I'm about to travel to Costa Rica, on a trip that will include a serious hike. My travel company recommends hiking shoes in category B/C for this trip. However, when I search for this type of shoes I always end up with heavy leather GoreTex shoes…
Cloud
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Where can we Rent/Ride ATVs and Off-Road Motorcycles near San José?

We're in Costa Rica in the San José area (Santa Ana), and we are looking for a place to rent and ride ATVs and off-road motorcycles, perhaps in the mountains. Are there any businesses in the area that offer off-road trails and rentals?
user82
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Bus from Monteverde to Liberia, Costa Rica

Concerning bus travel in Costa Rica, my boyfriend and I are trying to get from Monteverde to Liberia early in the morning on public buses. Our hostel in Monteverde told us that there is a bus from Monteverde to Irma that departs at 4:20 AM. Once we…
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Do minor children require a visa if their parents enter Costa Rica on student visas?

I am planning a semester stay in Costa Rica with my family for language school and volunteer work. I think I'm fairly informed about the residency statuses and the mechanics of the 90-day tourist visa (extended by the 72-hour shuffle to Nicaragua…
Ben Collins
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Is my US Driver's License valid in Costa Rica for Motorcycles?

I will be in Costa Rica for an extended period — long enough that it would make sense for me to rent a vehicle for the duration rather than rely on taxis. Based on what I've observed of the traffic around the San José area where I will be visiting,…
user82
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Is it worth bringing a stroller to Panama and Costa Rica?

I am wondering if it is worth bringing a stroller with us to Panama and Costa Rica. We will be with our 5 month old baby and 3 year old toddler. We would use the stroller either for the small one (for a nap, etc) or for the toddler when she gets too…
Grzenio
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