Peninsula De Nicoya, Costa Rica
This guide covers required preparations from months out to your arrival.
Plan your trip with this detailed schedule.
Your passport must have at least six months of validity beyond your planned departure from Costa Rica. Renew if needed.
Confirm if your nationality requires a visa for tourist entry into Costa Rica. Most Western nationalities do not need one for stays up to 90 days.
Secure your international flights to SJO or LIR. This is important for better prices and availability, especially for high season travel.
Secure your lodging in Montezuma. This is important if you travel during high season or for specific properties.
If you plan to fly from SJO to Tambor (TMU), book these flights. Capacity is limited.
Arrange shared shuttles or private transfers from your arrival airport to Montezuma.
Photocopy your passport, visa, onward travel ticket, and travel insurance policy. Store physical and digital copies separately from originals.
Inform your bank and credit card companies about your travel dates to avoid flags on your accounts.
Download offline maps for Montezuma on Google Maps and the Spanish language pack on Google Translate.
Obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation/interruption, and theft/loss of belongings.
Arrange for mail collection, pet care, and home security before you leave.
Pack items appropriate for a tropical climate and your planned activities.
Withdraw some local currency or USD. Notify bank/credit card companies of travel plans to avoid issues.
The first few hours upon arrival are often busy. A checklist for organization.
Proceed through immigration and customs clearance. Have your passport and onward ticket ready.
Pick up your luggage.
Exchange a small amount of local currency or use an ATM to withdraw Colones for immediate needs.
Locate your pre-arranged transport (shuttle) or the official taxi stand.
Once you arrive at your accommodation, familiarize yourself with the immediate area.
Locate nearby restaurants, local shops (pulperías), and the main bus stop.
Reconfirm your flights (international and domestic), accommodations, and tour reservations.
For international flights, arrive at SJO or LIR at least 3 hours prior to departure.
Allow ample time for travel from Montezuma to Tambor airport or the Puntarenas ferry terminal.
Factor in potential delays due to road conditions, ferry schedules, or traffic.
Confirm all return flight details, including times and terminals.
Ensure all your documents (passport, boarding passes) are organized and easily accessible.
Arrange for mail collection, pet care, and home security before your departure.
Advance planning makes your journey smoother.
Costa Rica does not have a general VAT refund system for tourists.
Inquire about shipping costs for large items from local shops or the post office in Cobano.
