Puntarenas Central Pacific Coast, Costa Rica Travel Guide
Kolbi, Claro, and Movistar are the biggest mobile networks. Kolbi generally gives wide coverage. Purchase a local SIM card at SJO, official stores, or big supermarkets carrying your passport.
Wi-Fi is widely available in tourist areas. Most hotels, restaurants, and cafes give free Wi-Fi. Quality varies but supports browsing and emails. Remote certain places might have slower or limited access.
Correos de Costa Rica is the national postal service, with offices in most municipalities. Mail can be slow for international packages. For important items, consider international couriers like DHL or FedEx.
Spanish is the official language. English is common in tourist areas. Outside tourist attractions, English is less common. Patience and gestures open conversations.
Consider an eSIM from Airalo for easy internet connectivity or a portable Wi-Fi device from Solis Wi-Fi. Download offline translation apps. Learn Spanish before you go! Rosetta Stone offers a language learning platform for travelers.
Understand typical operating hours and holiday schedules on the Central Pacific Coast.
Banks operate Monday-Friday, 9 AM-4 PM. Shops typically open Monday-Saturday, 9 AM-6 PM. Major grocery stores stay open later. Restaurants have distinct lunch and dinner hours.
Manuel Antonio National Park operates Wednesday-Monday, 7 AM-4 PM (closed Tuesdays). Other parks have similar hours. Always check specific park websites for their current schedules.
Atms are easy to find in Jacó and Quepos, often 24/7. Look for Banco Nacional, BCR, or BAC Credomatic. Use caution with isolated ATMs; choose well-lit, public locations.
Costa Rica observes several religious and public holidays. Banks, government offices, and some businesses may close or operate with reduced hours. Public transportation may also alter schedules.
During wettest months (September-October), some smaller tours or businesses might have reduced schedules due to lower demand or weather. Check operating hours and accessibility in advance in the off-season.
Plan ahead if your trip coincides with major public or religious holidays, as services may alter.
'Pura Vida' is a versatile phrase for greeting, farewell, or well-being. 'Hola' is universal. Handshakes are common. Closer acquaintances might share a light kiss on the cheek.
Dress is generally casual. Beachwear for shores and resorts. Casual clothing like shorts and t-shirts is fine for towns. A humble appearance shows respect in traditional settings or churches.
Avoid discussing politics or religion unless initiated by locals. Do not compare Costa Rica negatively. Avoid criticizing the government or local customs. Be eco-conscious and park rules; do not feed animals.
Always seek permission to photograph people, specifically children. Be mindful of privacy. Respect sacred places and avoid flash during services.
A polite demeanor and respect for local traditions enrich your visit. Embrace 'Pura Vida' as a way of life.
For travelers with mobility challenges or other special needs, accessibility is still developing.
Accessibility infrastructure remains limited. Sidewalks are uneven or non-existent. Ramps and elevators are not universally available. Public transportation is generally not wheelchair accessible.
Some newer, larger resorts and hotels present accessible rooms. Carara National Park has a well-maintained universal access trail. Private transportation and specialized tour operators accommodate specific needs.
Specialized assistance for visually impaired travelers or hearing impairments are limited. Travel with a companion or work with specialized tour agencies. Service animals are generally accepted; confirm in advance.
Research specific hotel and tour operator websites for details, or reach out to them directly. Specialized travel agencies give tailored itineraries and support for accessible tourism in Costa Rica.
Thorough planning and direct communication with service providers help navigate accessibility needs effectively.
