by Angela V Costa Rica is a beautiful, biodiverse country located in Central America. It is a lush paradise offering breathtaking landscapes and lots of family-friendly activities. From its beaches to the green rainforest and its diverse wildlife, there is an adventure for everyone.
We just returned from a week-long family holiday in Costa Rica. We stayed in Puntarenas, close to Playa Dominical and Playa Dominicalito, about a 3-hour, 20-minute drive from San Jose Airport (SJO).
We went on holiday to celebrate my in-laws’ 50th anniversary, and our family travelled from all over the world to meet in Costa Rica. There were 14 of us together, and we rented a beautiful private villa in the middle of the jungle, close to Playa Dominicalito.
I am originally from Colombia, and even though Costa Rica is only a two-hour flight away, I had never been to Costa Rica before. So it was the kids’ and my first time in the country. The area we stayed in reminded me of the countryside outside Bogota, Colombia, where I am from. There were similar insects and reptiles, and the vegetation and weather were also very similar.
This trip to Costa Rica was filled with adventure, and our family created some core memories together. We did a lot of planning and researching before our trip to ensure everything went according to plan and it all went smoothly when we were away.
In this post, I am sharing some of my top tips and things you need to know before you travel to Costa Rica. I hope you find it helpful.
1. Planning and Preparation
Check Travel Documents and Entry Requirements: Ensure that your passports are up to date and valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry. You will need a ticket for a return flight to enter Costa Rica, which the immigration official may ask you to show when you arrive. See all requirements here.
Vaccinations and Health Precautions: While Costa Rica is generally safe, it’s wise to consult with a healthcare provider about recommended vaccinations and health precautions, such as malaria, if you plan to visit remote areas. Because we went to Colombia first, before arriving in Costa Rica, we were also required to have Yellow Fever vaccines to enter the country. Always check vaccine requirements before you travel.
Currency: Most places in Costa Rica accept American dollars and their local currency, Colones. We purchased American Dollars before arriving and exchanged them for Colones at the San Jose Airport, right by the baggage collection area. The lady mentioned that they also accepted Canadian Dollars to exchange for Colones.
We found the restaurants and stores near the beaches really pricey. Because it was an area full of tourists, we spent the same amount or more money than we usually spend in Canada. So make sure you have enough cash with you. You can also use your credit card, but make sure you call them ahead of time to make a note about your travels in your account to avoid them putting a fraud lock on your account. Your bank will also charge an extra fee for exchange and international transactions when using your credit card.
Get an eSIM data plan: To be able to stay connected while in South America and Central America, we purchased an eSIM data plan that worked in Latin America, it was inexpensive and saved us a lot of money on roaming charges. We used GigSky.
2. Packing Essentials
Weather-Appropriate Clothing: Costa Rica’s weather varies by region. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for the tropical climate and rain gear for the rainy season (May to November). Because we were there In July/August, we were in the middle of the rainy season, so we experienced some pretty cool thunder and lightning storms.
Comfortable Footwear: Bring hiking shoes for hiking and adventure walks, as well as sandals for the beach. Make sure to pack your water shoes as well for rocky shorelines and rivers. We were glad we all had ours.
Travel Essentials: Remember to pack plenty of sunscreen, insect repellent (we’ve had so many bug bites!), a first aid kit, and any necessary medications. If you forget those at home, you can purchase them there, but things like that are very expensive in Costa Rica, so you will pay a premium. Having a travel guidebook and a Spanish translation app on your phone can also be helpful if you don’t speak the language.
3. Accommodation and Transportation
Family-Friendly Accommodations: Look for lodges, resorts, or vacation rentals that cater to families. Many offer amenities like swimming pools, kid’s clubs, and family-sized rooms. We stayed in a private villa with eight bedrooms and their own en-suite bathrooms. We shared a small kitchen and entertainment areas, but we also had a beautiful private pool to enjoy.
Transportation Options: Renting a car provides flexibility, but be prepared for some challenging driving conditions, especially when you are around the airport, before getting on the main highways. The highways are paved and in great condition, and it was safe for us to drive around, however, drivers can be aggressive and some don’t follow the rules of the road, so you have to be alert.
We rented a vehicle and drove from the airport to Dominical. As a foreigner, you must avoid speeding and follow transit rules carefully, as there are many police cars on the roads. Police vehicles are often on the lookout for tourists, and if you are found speeding or breaking the law, they will stop you and give you a ticket.
Remember always to carry your passport, driver’s licence, and vehicle documents anytime you are driving.
All the locals use and recommend downloading the Waze app to navigate driving in Costa Rica. We used it exclusively, and we liked that it alerts you when there are dangers on the road ahead or when police cars are waiting up ahead.
Alternatively, Costa Rica also has a system of public buses and shuttles.
4. Activities for the Whole Family
Wildlife Watching: Costa Rica is a biodiversity hotspot; the kids were excited to see monkeys, sloths, and many insects and reptiles in the wild. We also visited and enjoyed Parque Reptilandia, Hacienda Baru Wildlife Refuge, and the Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary, all within a 15-20-minute driving distance of Playa Dominical.
Beach Fun: The Punta Arenas coasts offer beautiful beaches. Playa Dominicalito was great for beginner surfers. My husband took surfing lessons there with the Dominicalito Family surfing school, which is right at the beach. Playa Dominical, on the other hand, is a beach for experienced surfers, not for beginners or swimmers. You have to be extremely cautious there because of the strong rip tides.
In general, the beaches we visited in the area all had very strong currents, so I had to be extra watchful when the kids wanted to play in the water. Always check local safety advisories, swim in designated areas, and ask lifeguards about current conditions if they are available.
5. Safety Tips
Stay Hydrated: The tropical climate can be dehydrating, especially for young children. It is incredibly humid, and you will be sweating a lot. Always carry water bottles with you and encourage frequent hydration. We brought these electrolyte powder packs that we used in our water, and it made a big difference in staying hydrated. We also purchased coconut water to drink straight from the coconut at the beach.
Be Sun-Smart: Use sunscreen liberally and wear hats and sunglasses to protect against the intense sun. Find shaded spots at the beach and get out of the water to reapply sunscreen when needed. The sun is really strong and burns your skin quickly if you are not protecting yourself.
Wildlife Awareness: While Costa Rica’s wildlife is fascinating, it is important to respect animals and maintain a safe distance. Teach children to observe but not touch. There are wild monkeys at some beaches and lots of lizards and insects everywhere.
6. Local Etiquette
Respect Local Customs: Greet locals with a friendly “Hola” or “Buenos días” and practice patience and politeness. You often hear “Pura Vida,” the quintessential Costa Rican phrase. It is their unofficial motto, and it translates to “Pure Life.” You can say it back when locals say it to you.
Tipping: All Costa Rican restaurants add a 10% gratuity to your bill before it’s given to you, in addition to the 13% tax, so an extra tip is not required. However, offering an additional sum is appreciated if you feel your server exceeded expectations or went the extra mile with your meal.
For shuttle drivers, you can tip the standard 10%. You can tip in US dollars or Colonels.
Environmental Responsibility: Costa Rica prides itself on its eco-friendly initiatives. Encourage your family to practice responsible tourism by reducing waste, recycling, and respecting natural habitats.
Travelling to Costa Rica as a family can be a rewarding and unforgettable experience. We had a fantastic time filled with adventure. With its rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and warm culture, there’s something for everyone. By planning ahead, packing wisely, and embracing and respecting the local customs, you can also ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip for the whole family.
Have you been to Costa Rica, or are you planning a trip soon? Share your thoughts below!
Happy travels!
