Frequently Asked Questions About Costa Rica

Where is Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is a country in Central America bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south/southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the west and south and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Costa Rica is 10 degrees north of the equator.

Do you need a passport to go to Costa Rica?

A valid passport with at least six months remaining before the passport expires is mandatory to enter Costa Rica.

What is the weather like in Costa Rica?

CR is tropical and has 2 well defined seasons. Dry season: or summer normally called Verano, It goes from December through May. Temperatures are from 60 F to 95 F depending on the area. There is not much rainfall, except in the highlands & the Caribbean area. In the Pacific lowlands it rarely rains.

Rainy season: Normally called Invierno, It goes from May through November. Humidity is very high. Temperatures drop a little bit. Rainfalls increase significantly. The Pacific side is usually dry & sunny in early mornings with good probabilities of rain in the afternoon. In the Caribbean area rainfalls are expected.

What are the temperatures in Guanacaste?

During the winter the daytime temperatures stay between 72 to 85 degrees cooling to the low 70’s in the evening. Summer brings higher daytime temps up into the 90’s but with the steady breeze it will always cool down to the mid to high 70’s in the evenings. Guanacaste is known as the dry forest with low humidity. Temperatures cool as you go up in elevation and winter lasts longer.

Is it necessary to be fluent in Spanish?

No. English is widely spoken and taught in schools as a second language. Spanish is the official language but you will be surprised at how many people even in small villages speak English.

What is the time zone?

CR is on Central Standard Time (-6GMT) and does not observe Daylight Savings

Is the water safe to drink?

Yes, the water IS safe to drink unlike other Latin countries. Costa Rica has similar standards found in the U.S. for ensuring clean potable water is available to its citizens. Remote areas may be an exception.