What to Expect
Climate
The climate in Costa Rica is idyllic, particularly in the Guanacaste province. Here in Playa Hermosa, from December thru April, the climate is dry with virtually no rain, particularly closer to the Pacific coastline where Hermosa Heights is located. Showers may be in the forecast for Liberia, but you’ll arrive here at Hermosa Heights to perfect sunny days during what Costa Ricans consider their “summer”. During the rainy season, known as the green season, you’ll likely see some late afternoon or evening showers, but the morning and early afternoon are typically perfect. Temperatures can vary with altitude, however daytime temperatures usually range from the eighties to the nineties in degrees Fahrenheit or high twenties to mid-thirties Celsius. At middle elevations temperatures are usually in the seventies Farenheit (low to mid-twenties Celsius). The mercury can fall as low as the forties and fifties Farengeit (five to mid-teens Celsius) at the top of the mountains, so if you plan to do some extensive high altitude hiking, be sure to bring a jacket.
Getting Around
Currency
Costa Rica’s currency, the colon (colones plural) currently exchanges at around 500 colones per US dollar. If you think of a 5,000 colones note as a ten dollar bill and a 10,000 colones note as a twenty dollar bill, you’ll be right on target. However, US currency is accepted everywhere.
Transportation for Airport
We can arrange for private transportation aboard one of our luxury “Turismo” buses, a private chauffeured vehicle, car rental, or you may opt for an Airport Taxi. Please note that the taxis at the airport are red and those at the San Jose Airport are orange. Always take the approved taxis from the airport for service and cost assurances.
Transportation While Here
We can arrange for private transportation aboard one of our luxury “Turismo” buses, a private chauffeured vehicle, car rental, or a local taxi.Typical Road Conditions
All of the major arteries in Costa Rica are nicely paved. However, don’t be surprised if you happen upon a dirt road on one of the side streets. Many of the car rental companies offer GPS and the directional signs are plentiful and easy to read. You should always take extra caution while driving here. At times the terrain can be challenging, cars may pass unexpectedly on narrow roadways, an occasional disabled car in the middle of the roadway, or even a few wayward cattle on some of the side roads….. Nonetheless, driving is fun when proper care is taken, and you might find some locations on Google maps.
Health and Safety
Immunizations
Costa Rica is the most modern and sanitary country of the Central American isthmus, so it presents few health worries. No shots are required for travel to Costa Rica. And yes, you can drink the water and eat the fresh vegetables. However, if you are traveling on to more remote sections of Central America, such as Guatemala, Panama, El Salvador or Honduras, a vaccination against hepatitis A is strongly recommended. Contaminated water is the common source: a shot of immune globulin give adequate temporary protection. A physician friend of ours, who has vacationed in Central America for the past 25 years recommends a hepatitis vaccine for all travelers regardless of where they go in the world — from Cartago to Copenhagen.