Costa Rica is rich in natural splendor, history, culture and amazing attractions. A visit here can be an incredible experience, whether you’re coming for a week or planning to stay quite a bit longer. However, there are a few tips you need to know in order to ensure that your stay is as enjoyable as possible. Below, you’ll find some of the most important tips for travelers to the country.
Be Prepared for Nature
Costa Rica is located in a geologically active area. This means that it can experience both volcanic activity and earthquakes. Make sure you are familiar with the most tectonically active areas of the country so you are aware of your risks. While the country has not been hit with severe problems, you should be familiar with what to do in the event of an earthquake. This includes what to do if you’re in the open, or in an urban area when an earthquake hits.
Medical Help Is Widely Available
When it comes to medical treatments, you’ll find that Costa Rica has an immense amount to offer. The nation is actually a huge part of the medical tourism industry. As such, you’ll find hospitals, doctor’s offices and medical clinics throughout the nation, though they are more heavily concentrated in areas closer to major cities. This means that should something untoward occur during your stay here, you should not expect complications – the country has some of the best doctors and other medical practitioners in the world.
Be Prepared for Off Road Travel
While Costa Rica has many urbanized areas, much of the country requires travel in vehicles capable of driving off road. You’ll find a range of jeeps and other such vehicles operating in the country, but travelers should be prepared for this type of travel. Off road driving, whether on your own or with a guided tour, is rougher than what many Westerners are used to at home.
Know Spanish
While most English speakers will get by just fine in urban areas, venturing out to some of the more outlying areas will require knowing at least a little Spanish. While travelers certainly do not have to be fluent in Spanish, basic knowledge of common words and phrases is highly encouraged.
With these tips, you should be able to plan an enjoyable vacation in Costa Rica, whether you’re staying for just a few days or are contemplating something longer.
Solid advice for anyone looking to visit or even live in Costa Rica. The part about speaking some Spanish at least is very true. In big cities or tourist areas there might be more English speakers. But in outlying areas they are much fewer.