Animal lovers, thrill-seekers, seaside bums, and anybody trying to take a stroll on the wild aspect will discover numerous choices in magical Costa Rica. 

Vacationers will discover jaw-dropping, glowing white-sand seashores positioned simply steps away from lush rainforests, that are dwelling to sloths, a number of species of monkeys, and lots of of brightly-coloured birds.

The nation ranked thirty eighth on the 2022 World Peace Index, making it the highest Latin American when it comes to security. In distinction, Mexico — the second-most-visited journey vacation spot for Canadians exterior of the USA — ranked 137th. 

Right here is the whole lot it’s worthwhile to know to guide a visit from Vancouver to Costa Rica. 

What airways fly to Costa Rica?

Costa Rica has two principal airports: Daniel Oduber Quirós Worldwide Airport (also referred to as Liberia Worldwide Airport) (LIR) and Juan Santamaría Worldwide Airport (SJO). There aren’t any direct flights to both airport from Vancouver Worldwide Airport (YVR) however there are quite a few choices that solely embrace one stopover.

Whereas there are alternatives with stopovers that do not exceed an hour, these choices are dangerous. Stopovers beneath two and even three hours could lead to a missed connection, notably at massive airports corresponding to Los Angeles Worldwide (LAX) and George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) in Houston.

Airways that fly to or partially to Costa Rica by way of one in all their airline companions embrace:

• Air Canada
• Air Transat
• Alaska Airways
• American Airways
• Avianca Airways 
• Delta
• JetBlue
• United Airways
• WestJet
• Copa
• Aeromexico

When ought to I guide my ticket to Costa Rica?

Tickets to Costa Rica are comparatively reasonably priced year-round. It is not unusual to buy a last-minute ticket for a flight out of Vancouver at a steal, however you may also depend on a wide range of choices for tickets booked a number of months upfront, too. 

Ticket costs solely begin to climb when booked too far upfront. For instance, reserving a ticket in December for a flight in June will slap an additional $200 on the value.

There are reasonably priced choices to each airports from YVR however ticket costs are barely decrease for flights to LIR. Whereas they could contain a few stops, it is not unusual to snag offers beginning at just below $500, though the layovers could really feel considerably painful. That mentioned, various choices for less than $100 to $200 that provide shorter journeys. 

Ticket costs for flights from Vancouver and connecting to SJO begin at round $60 greater than ones to LIR.

When is the very best time of 12 months to go to Costa Rica?

The perfect time of 12 months to go to Costa Rica is between December and April, however it doesn’t have a “hurricane season” due to its location. Many travellers additionally like to go to the tropical oasis through the nation’s wet or inexperienced season from Could to June or in November when it’s usually much less crowded. 

Is it protected to go to Costa Rica?

The Authorities of Canada advises vacationers to train a excessive diploma of warning in Costa Rica as a consequence of crime. 

Petty crime, corresponding to purse snatching, happens often. Vacationers are thought of rich and are sometimes focused. Passport theft can be frequent and will increase through the peak vacationer seasons, from November to Could and from July to August.

Whilst you’re in Costa Rica:

• make sure that your belongings, together with your passport and different journey paperwork, are safe always
• carry your passport, together with the Costa Rican entry stamp acquired on the immigration entry level
• keep away from exhibiting indicators of affluence or sporting costly jewelry
• keep away from carrying massive sums of money or pointless valuables
• keep away from remoted or abandoned areas
• keep away from strolling alone at evening
• concentrate on your environment, notably in crowded and vacationer areas
• be further cautious when withdrawing money from ATMs

Violent crime towards vacationers is much less frequent however does happen. Discover out extra details about locations that you could be wish to keep away from. This web page additionally has details about journey tourism and what it would be best to take note in case you plan to take pleasure in excessive sports activities or actions. 

Do I want a visa to go to Costa Rica?

Canadians can journey to Costa Rica as vacationers for as much as a most of 180 days visa-free. However all the next entry necessities have to be met:

1) a sound passport (which should have a validity of not less than 1 day left);

2) proof of financial solvency of not less than US$100 per thirty days of authorized permanence within the nation;

3) a ticket to exit Costa Rica throughout the most licensed interval of 180 days and;

4) not having an obstacle to entry into the nation.

It’s essential to receive a allow to entry nationwide parks. Go to the Costa Rica Vacationer Board to acquire this.

What actions are you able to take pleasure in in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is taken into account a paradise for individuals who take pleasure in excessive sports activities and actions together with browsing, zip-lining, white-water rafting, mountain biking, scuba diving, bungee leaping, cover touring, horseback using, and extra. There are additionally loads of enjoyable hikes and excursions to take that do not contain jaw-dropping heights and speeds. 

However there are quite a few dangers related to these adrenaline-fuelled pastimes. 

The Canadian authorities warns that journey sports activities might be harmful in case you aren’t ready or the realm is unsafe. Trails are hardly ever marked, and climate situations can change quickly, even in summer season. Security options on small boats utilized in river and lake excursions aren’t at all times dependable.

Animals corresponding to jaguars, pumas, wild pigs, and toxic snakes are frequent in densely wooded areas.

In the event you intend to apply journey tourism:

• by no means achieve this alone, and don’t half together with your expedition companions
• receive detailed info in your exercise and on the setting during which you can be earlier than setting out
• purchase journey insurance coverage that features helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
• make sure that your bodily situation is sweet sufficient to fulfill the challenges of your exercise
• keep away from venturing off marked trails
• don’t camp or sleep in a single day on seashores
• make sure that you’re adequately outfitted and convey enough water
• keep knowledgeable of climate and different situations which will pose a hazard
• know the signs of acute altitude illness, which might be deadly
• inform a member of the family or buddy of your itinerary
• chorus from utilizing amenities or gear you probably have doubts about their security

How a lot cash will I spend on lodging?

Relying on what sort of expertise you hope to take pleasure in in Costa Rica, it’s possible you’ll favor to guide an all-inclusive resort possibility as an alternative of reserving your lodging by itself. 

Costs for lodging begin with ultra-budget choices, corresponding to $34 for a “glamping” possibility positioned in central La Virgen, which places campers near the Braulio Carrillo Nationwide Park and Poas Volcano Nationwide Park.

On the opposite finish of the spectrum, an unique villa for teams known as Villa Punto de Vista is positioned within the Puntarenas Province on a panoramic shore “the place the jungle meets the ocean.” It prices hundreds of {dollars} per diem however presents a gourmand expertise in a secluded retreat.

Discover extra details about thrilling locations in B.C. and throughout the globe, in addition to journey offers and ideas, by signing up for V.I.A.’s weekly journey publication The Wanderer. Since journey offers can promote out, discover out the day they’re posted by signing up for our every day Journey Offers publication.

Ship story ideas, questions, or locations you’d wish to see featured by e mail to elana@vancouverisawesome.