After arriving at Juan Santamaria International Airport, (about twenty minutes from San Jose, where  international flights to Costa Rica arrive), we chose to get our bearings by staying  at the Pariso Tropical hotel in Alajuela.  The owner of this homey hotel is a kind family man who speaks decent English and is named Carlos.  Like most of the natives we met on our journey, he was very helpful, even drawing us a map to Jaco and Playa Hermosa, our next destination.  His hotel was affordable and felt like an oasis with an impressive fruit orchard amidst the hustle and bustle of the somewhat dirty city of Alajuela.  

If you are arriving at the airport late in the day, we suggest staying in Alajuela in order to get your bearings and rest up for the next leg of your trip.  If you have all day and a good idea where you are going, you may just want to go straight from the airport to your next destination.

No visas  are necessary in order to travel to Costa Rica--just a valid passport. A valid passport is routinely accepted at banks when you change money and at hotels when you register.  We suggest taking the time to obtain a passport if you don't have one since a passport simply makes travel in Costa Rica easier.  US citizens traveling in Costa Rica can stay for ninety days.

Dress for comfort, and leave your jewels and dressy clothes at home, unless you plan on spending alot of time in San Jose or a resort area.  Be aware when you are packing that it  takes jeans and some heavier clothes a long time to dry, especially during the rainy season.  Boots or tennis shoes must be able to get wet.  We recommend several treatments with camp dry or some other water repellent treatment.  Rubber boots are recommended for the rainforest.  A rain poncho which is  open on both sides is also a good idea because it can get sweltering hot   and a poncho helps protects backpacks, cameras etc.

Definitely bring wide brimmed hat, sunscreen, insect repellent,  calculator, pocketknife, antibacterial wipes, anti- itch ointment , anti diarrhea medicine, an assortment of ziplock bags, plastic water bottle, water purifier,  flashlight, binoculars,  your favorite film, camera batteries, and necesssary medicines.

The monetary unit is the colon (co-LONE)  Bills come in denominations of 5, l0,50,100,500, 1,000, and 5,000.   Hotels and banks usually charge a small amount for changing traveler's checks.  Banks are usually a safe bet but often have long lines.  Hotels are easier to exchange money in, but be aware  that  in smaller hotels,  sometimes there is  insufficient cash to change your checks into colon notes. 

Bus service is fairly reliable and inexpensive, but if you can afford it, rent a car.    We found the car rental prices comparable to or higher than in the United States, but felt much safer and more independent having our own vehicle.  To rent a vehicle,  you'll need a valid driver's license, passport, and credit card. Be sure to check the vehicle for dents, scratches, etc before signing any papers. Do not leave anything of value in a parked car. Check the spare and jack.  You never know when you might need them. 

Four wheel drive vehicles are somewhat expensive  but   come in handy in mountainous areas such as Monteverde, especially during  the rainy season.  Expect bumpy roads with plenty of potholes.  Auto insurance is mandatory and will be added to your bill.  (Somewhere around $10 or $15 a day in our experience).  Watch the gas gauge since gas stations are often few and far between in rural areas.  We found the native drivers in Costa Rica to be pretty wild and willing to take plenty of chances, especially when passing on country roads.  Don't be surprised to see horses and cattle roaming the streets freely, sometimes holding up traffic.