While Costa Rica is one of the top travel destinations in Central America, many visitors may not realize they're entering a whole new world when they stop off their flight.

Whether travellers are heading south to take in Costa Rica's ecotourism hot spots or head out into the Pacific for a charter fishing adventure, visitors should be prepared to expect the unexpected.

We've compiled a list of some of the top travel tips for an upcoming stay in Costa Rica: 

1. Rain, rain won't go away. The wet stuff falls from the sky year-round in this lush country. While this is healthy for Costa Rica's rainforest, unexpecting tourists often are caught unprepared. So make sure to pack a poncho and/or other raingear to deal with the wet Costa Rican weather.
2. Dollars and sense. The Costa Rican currency is called colones. While many hotels and tour operators list prices in U.S. dollars, it helps to familiarize yourself with the currency to avoid any confusion. To get a sense of average prices, the conversion hovers around 500-550 colones to US$1.
3. 'Tis the season. Peak travel season for this tiny Central American nation is between Christmas and New Years, so if you plan to visit for some fishing or family time, book well in advance.
4. They see me rollin'. Road conditions vary signficantly throughout the country. As can be expected, roads are better in more populated areas, whereas many mountain roads have never been paved. This is a good thing to keep in mind if you plan to rent a vehicle during your stay.