Costa Rica

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Costa Rica

The Very Best of Costa Rica

• Cruise the canals of Tortuguero National Park in search of wildlife
• Walk in the foothills of Arenal Volcano
• Traverse the hanging bridges of Arenal and Monteverde Cloud Forest

Save up to £150 per person

Nov 2026 - Apr 2027

19 days

Prices from £5,745 Per person

Find out more

Frequently Asked Questions about Costa Rica

• Is there a time difference?

  The Costa Rica time zone follows Central Standard Time (GMT-6) and the time difference between Costa Rica and the UK is six hours behind in winter and seven hours behind in summer.

• What is the currency?

  The currency in Costa Rice is the Colon, however, US Dollars are widely accepted too.

• What will the weather be like?

  Costa Rica is a tropical country so rain can fall at any time of year. Expect drier weather between December and April on the Pacific coast and between March and September on its Caribbean coast. It is important to note that climates may vary between different regions. Note: Weather patterns are generally becoming less predictable so the information we provide should be used as a guide only and is no guarantee of the weather at the time you travel. We also recommend checking up-to-date weather forecasts before you travel.

• What clothing should I take to Costa Rica?

  Dress for our tours is generally relaxed and informal during the day, dressing to suit the weather conditions and the activity you are undertaking. Evening dinners are also informal, with smart casual dress being the norm.  It’s likely there will be occasions when exploring you’ll be walking on uneven surfaces, so we recommend sturdy and comfortable walking shoes. Wearing layers of clothing means it’s much easier to deal with potentially varied weather conditions – and it’s always advisable to carry a waterproof, good insect repellent, a high factor sunscreen lotion and a hat for protection from the sun.

• How much should I tip in Costa Rica?

  In Costa Rica, it is customary to offer gratuities, particularly in the hospitality industry, as a way of showing your appreciation for good service. Tips remain discretionary, however if you are happy with the service you have received, we would suggest the following amounts:

  • Tour Manager: US$ 5.00 per person per dayDriver: US$ 3.00 per person per day

  It is helpful to know that tipping in restaurants, for meals not included, is customary. Costa Rican law requires restaurants to include a 10% service charge (tip) and 13% sales tax in their prices, though practices vary.  Please note that some restaurants do not include these amounts in the menu price. In such circumstances, you should expect to see this added to the bill. Should your bill include state “taxes are not included” or “impuestos no incluidos”, please anticipate an additional 23% above the menu price to cover both the 10% tip and the 13% sales tax. Should your bill include the 13% sales tax, anticipate an additional 10% above the total cost to allow for a 10% tip. For those opting to leave a gratuity at restaurants, paying in local currency is advisable.

  A Cautionary Note: 

  Some establishments might present an additional bill featuring a section for tips, despite the inclusion of the 23% for service and sales tax on your initial bill.

  This practice mirrors the U.S. custom of tipping 15-20%, despite the service and sales tax already being covered by the initial payment.

  Receiving a bill in English with a designated section for tipping might lead some to believe they haven’t yet tipped, prompting them to leave an additional amount.

• What are the entry requirements for Costa Rica?

  The following information on entry requirements, passports and visas is for British Citizens only.

  Any visa information covers visa requirements for the duration our tour stays in any given country.

  If you intend to stay longer you should seek additional information before booking.

  Holders of a British Subject passport, non-British citizens and holders of a passport endorsed in anyway should check immigration requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate of the country to be visited, as should clients with dual nationality or renounced citizenship.

  It is important to recognise that whilst the information is correct at the time of publishing, all requirements may change, and all clients must check the up-to-date position in good time before departure with the Embassy or consulate of the country(ies) you are travelling through and to.

  We also suggest referring to the UK government’s Foreign Travel Advice website for advice about travelling abroad, including the latest information on safety and security, entry requirements and travel warnings.

• Do I need to renew my passport?

  A valid ten-year British passport is required for all our holidays, valid for a minimum of six months after your return date to the UK. If you are not currently in possession of a valid passport, please make sure you leave plenty of time before your holiday to apply for this document.

  A full British passport presently takes approximately up to 10 weeks to obtain. If you are 16 or over and have not yet arranged a passport, you should apply for one at least 10 weeks before your departure from the UK. The UK Passport Service must confirm an applicant’s identity before issuing their first passport and will ask them to attend an interview to do this. Please note, if you need to apply for visas after you receive your new passport, you will need to factor in additional time for this.

  For more information on passport and entry requirements please visit the Government Passport Office website or see our website for more details.

• Do I need any vaccinations for Costa Rica?

  Health facilities, hygiene and disease risks vary worldwide and may change at any time. You should take health advice from your GP or local travel clinic about your specific needs as early as possible and ensure that vaccinations or preventative measures are taken early enough (which may be a month or more prior to departure) to be fully effective by the date of travel. In addition to the UK government’s own travel advice website, we also recommend visiting the NHS Travel Vaccinations website for more information any required vaccinations.