... Traveling to Costa Rica ...
by Infocostarica Staff

Costa Rica can be accessed by air, land and by sea. There are regular flights from the United States and other countries through American Airlines, Taca, United, Viasa, Continental, Sahsa, Mexicana, Iberia, KLM, Sam and others.

Cruise ships can also transport the more luxury-minded tourists to this tropical country. Costa Rican ports, Caldera and Puerto Limón, are frequent stops for cruises after visits to the Caribbean or to México. The trips taken by tourists within the country can't be as thorough as by longer-stay visitors, but they have improved with time. Some cruise lines are: Clipper Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Royal Caribbean and the Royal Viking Line.

The more adventure oriented visitor may choose to arrive to the country on a bus or a car. The trip on both means of transportation takes about three weeks from the United States. Since the political situation has stabilized in the region, the land option has become more attractive for many travellers. The Pan-American Highway stretches all the way from Mexico to Panama, and its condition varies depending on the region.

Regardless of which means of transportation you choose, you must bring at least the following documents: passport, visas, driver's license and another form of identification. The U.S. driving license is good all throughout Latin America, including Costa Rica. Another basic thing to bring is of course, money. Dollars can be changed into "colones"(the national currency) at the airport, banks and many hotels and some businesses. Traveler's checks and credit cards are also welcome at most of the businesses in the country.

Aside from bringing the logical documents, travelers to Costa Rica must bring other essential articles. Clothes should include informal outfits, including T-shirts, jeans, tennis shoes and lightweight pants (in case of rain). The wardrobe should include both pieces for the beach (bathing suits, shorts), as well as pieces for cooler weather, such as sweaters or jackets. Finally, tourists should bring at least one semi-formal outfit, since Costa Ricans like to dress up for certain social events, ranging from a night at the disco to a concert in the National Theater. The best tip for choosing your clothes is to keep in mind the variety of microclimates as well as the diversity of activities that the traveler might participate in.

Other essential objects that a traveler to Costa Rica must include in his/her luggage are: suntan lotion (in C.R. it's extremely expensive) insect repellent (for rural expeditions), a camera and TONS of film. Film in the country is extremely expensive and it's a good idea to spend your money on something that you won't be able to get back home.

Costa Rica is often misjudged and considered an underdeveloped country. Even though it still retains some qualities that identify it as such, the country is also advanced in many respects. Traveling to Costa Rica and through Costa Rica is not as difficult as in other more backward countries, and it can be extremely enjoyable and worthwhile.