How to Travel Through Costa Rica

Traveling to Costa Rica from the United States is not very difficult. Beyond the receipt of a passport, you are ready to go. Once you arrive in Costa Rica, you should know a few different ways of traveling through the country. Whether you are staying in one spot or you are traveling around to numerous destinations, it is safe to know how to travel when necessary.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Passport

1. Grab a taxi upon arrival at the Juan Santamaria International Airport. Numerous taxi drivers await your arrival just outside the doors beyond customs. They will ALL try to get you as a customer so be prepared for the bombarding. It is best if you can choose a taxi driver before you arrive and have him waiting for you. Ask your hotel or lodging for recommendations on someone trustworthy.
2. Travel by bus. You can get anywhere in Costa Rica by bus except for the swampy northern part of the Caribbean. Traveling through Costa Rica by bus is generally cheap, ranging anywhere from $5 to $25 for a one-way ticket. Many of the more expensive buses have racks on top for storing luggage and surfboards. The less expensive buses are usually old United States’ school buses. Downtown San Jose has a bus hub hosting travel by bus to anywhere you would like to go. Either catch a taxi to the hub or hop on a bus at the airport upon arrival.
3. Grab a short taxi ride to the nearby airport of Nature Air where you can catch a flight to any number of fantastic locations. Tickets are fairly inexpensive, generally between $40 and $60 each way. The planes are extremely small so expect a shaky flight. Book your Nature Air flights early. The flight times are pre-determined, and only a few people can board each flight.
4. Rent a car. If you have time to plan ahead, have the rental agency meet you at the airport or at your hotel. Otherwise you can begin the process of renting a car at the airport. Choose a car that will be able to trek through deep streams and over rocky roads.
5. Hitchhike if you have the time and the inclination! Hitchhiking is reasonably safe in Costa Rica and a great way to meet locals and become immersed in the culture. You may want to give the driver a little bit of gas money but otherwise this mode of transportation is free.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that tires are never included in the car insurance if you rent a car, so be careful! The roads throughout the country are treacherous at best and will destroy tires quickly and easily.
• Carry your cash money in different pieces of baggage so if a piece of your luggage is lost or stolen, not all of your money goes with it.