Uvita Central Pacific Coast, Costa Rica Travel Guide
Plan your journey in stages for a smooth experience.
Steps to take at different intervals before your trip.
Confirm passport validity (6+ months) and start visa application if needed.
Book international flights; prices usually improve with early booking.
Research and book main Uvita accommodations, especially for peak times.
Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical, cancellation, and activities.
Purchase domestic airfare, shuttles, or rental cars (4x4 often proves a good choice). Book major tours.
Talk to doctor for vaccinations/advice. Start learning Spanish. Buy Travel gear.
Verify all reservations. Print/save digital copies of important documents.
Notify bank/credit card companies of travel plans to avoid transaction issues.
Start packing, making sure appropriate clothing/gear present. Organize home care.
These items often need booking well ahead of time.
Before departing, take these steps at home.
These first steps upon arrival result in a smooth transition into your Uvita adventure.
ATMs generally give better exchange rates than airport currency exchange counters.
Organize your departure from Uvita as carefully as a arrival.
Buy any desired souvenirs a day or two before your departure to avoid last-minute rush.
If you plan to ship larger items home, ask about carrier options and customs requirements at your local post office or with the vendor.
Costa Rica lacks a widely implemented VAT (Value Added Tax) refund scheme for tourists, so do not expect to claim tax back on purchases.
Verify your check-out time with your accommodation.
Grant ample travel time from Uvita to SJO or LIR (3-4 hours to SJO, 4-5 hours to LIR), plus extra buffer for possible traffic or road conditions.
If you rented a car, grant extra time for the return process at the airport or designated drop-off point, and for any shuttle transfer to the terminal.
Verify your return flight details 24-48 hours before departure.
Check any online check-in requirements.
Repack your luggage, making sure all your belongings count.
Weigh your bags to avoid overweight fees.
Hold a small, empty bag packed for laundry or dirty clothes. This separates clean and soiled items.
Also serves for last-minute souvenir shopping.
Reach the international airport at least 3 hours before your scheduled international flight departure time.
A final review before you leave Uvita.
Be aware of airline baggage rules.
Ensure sufficient time for security checks, which can vary.
Locate your departure gate well in advance of boarding time.
