Travelers demand perfection from their Costa Rica vacations. They’ve been promised white sand and blue seas, and they expect that promise to be fulfilled.

Touring a foreign country isn’t always idyllic, however. Emergencies may instead occur, with travelers suffering from illness, disputes, thefts and other problems. These situations can’t be properly planned for. They’re unfortunate side-effects of crossing borders.

It’s important, therefore, to know all local emergency numbers.

Those entering the Los Suenos, Jaco or Manuel Antonio regions should note this Frommer's Travel Guide information:


Remember these numbers, along with contact information for your lodgings or charter services, to ensure total safety while visiting Costa Rica.

To learn more about emergency numbers click here.

It’s always a holiday in Costa Rica. The sugar-soft beaches and lush jungles keep guests happily trapped in summertime bliss.

Throughout the year, however, there are many official holidays and travelers should know when they occur - both to properly plan their vacations and to be respectful toward important cultural events.

When visiting the Los Suenos region keep this calendar in mind.

January 1st: New Year’s Day
April 11th: Juan Santamaría Day
May 1st: Labor Day
July 25th: Annexation of Guanacaste Day
August 2nd: Virgin of Los Angeles Day
August 15th: Mother’s Day
September 15th: Independence Day
October 12th: Columbus Day
December 25th: Christmas Day

Be aware of major holidays in Costa Rica and plan all trips accordingly. Remember that all charter services, tours and lodgings should be booked in advance to compensate for the crowds.

Crossing borders isn’t always complicated.

Those who wish to explore Costa Rica may find themselves able to move freely throughout the country, even without the assistance of a visa. Up to 90 days of unhindered traveling can be granted to individuals who have nothing more than passports.

How is this accomplished?


Costa Rica now offers blanket permissions to specific countries, allowing citizens to enter the Jaco, Los Suenos and other Central Pacific regions without visas. These countries include: the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Brazil, Greece, Argentina, Finland and Puerto Rico.

Why do these areas have immunity from the visa law? They've have reached good standing within Costa Rica and are supported by the National Board of Tourism, as well as the Embassy. They pose no security threats and have instead actively participated in trade or diplomatic matters. Their citizens, therefore, are extended certain courtesies.

To see if you qualify for passport entry, visit the Costa Rican Embassy’s official site (choose the Spanish or English version).

A Costa Rica tourist visa gives travelers 90 days to explore the many rain-forests, canals and volcanoes. It grants unlimited access to the Central Pacific, allowing guests to live as locals.

Once the 90 days come to an end, however, those guests will be forced to leave - unless they get visa extensions.

A visa extension allows travelers to remain in Costa Rica for an indefinite period of time. They’re not easy to obtain, however. Each one is reviewed individually, with a series of rigorous standards applied. According to the National Board of Tourism, approved visas fall under special circumstances, such as medical, educational or professional.

To receive one it is strongly recommended that tourists seek out the Costa Rican embassy. There they will be offered a full list of rules and regulations. This is the best way to secure an extension and remain in the Los Suenos or Jaco regions.

Those wishing to sample the Pacific lifestyle will require a visa. Learn more about the application process here.

A Costa Rica vacation sparks thoughts of unspoiled beaches and distant jungles, villages tucked far from the paved road chaos. Travelers expect a world untouched and completely secluded.

Such thoughts are perfectly reasonable, but they can lead to tourist confusion. Many travelers are uncertain about how they'll pay for all of that tranquility. 

Don't fret. Los Suenos, Jaco and other Central Pacific regions boast the same currency options found throughout the rest of the world.

Major credit cards are accepted by hotels, boutiques, upscale restaurants and rental agencies. Local services, like charter ships or adventure tours, can also receive payments from Visa, Master Card or similar options. If cash is required, ATMs or even banks will exchange international dollars for colones, the local currency. There are many ways to fund every vacation.

Costa Rica is a country unlike any other. It's not without modern payment methods, though. Expect easy conversions and convenient charges.

Costa Rica is settled along an equatorial line, resting between Northern latitudes and two oceans. This creates a tropical climate that persists throughout the year, much to the delight of tourists.

According to the World Weather Headquarters, the average temperature throughout the Central Pacific is between 71°F and 81°F. The days are uniformly warm, punctuated by strong breezes and slight humidity. This creates an ideal setting for travelers.

It should be noted, however, that the Los Suenos region does receive heavy bursts of rain from May until November. This reflects the country’s unique position, which puts it directly in the path of Pacific storm currents. These storms tend to arrive late in the evening, though, and can be adapted to while on vacation.

For more information about Costa Rica’s weather click here.

To learn how the temperatures will impact vacation homes or charter services contact Go Costa Rica Vacation.

Tucked along the western curve of Costa Rica is the Puntarenas Province, more commonly called the Central Pacific.

This lush stretch of land spans almost 12,000 square kilometers and features some of the country’s most iconic scenery - including Manuel Antonio National Park, Jaco Beach, Monteverde and Montezuma. It is the largest province in Costa Rica and is a center of eco-tourism and deep sea trade.

Those in the Los Suenos area will find themselves clinging to the Puntarenas coast, following white sand from Esparza to Corredores. Expect endless outdoor activites and resort amenities.

To learn more about the Puntareras Province click here.

Costa Rica is recognized for its geography. Within its borders are inlets, volcanoes, coral reefs and canals. It plays host to 5% of the world’s total bio-diversity, and millions of tourists arrive each year to sample its stunning scenery.

How is it possible for this tiny country to maintain such lush landscapes? Simply explained, Costa Rica embraces the green philosophy.

Within recent years the Central Pacific has become a center of environmentalism. Over 25% of the country is protected, with countless sanctuaries, preserves and national parks constructed. Extensive laws limit deforestation, and government officials provide incentive programs to cities, towns and citizens alike - encouraging jungle management instead of farming or logging.

These policies now combine for country-wide conservation and undeniable beauty.

Discover all that Costa Rica has to offer. Visit the Los Suenos area today for deep sea wonders and rainforest adventures.

To learn more about environmentalism in Costa Rica click here.

Travelers often fumble with foreign phrases. Unfamiliar words and overly emphasized vowels can shift the meanings of even the simplest sentences.

This is a cause of concern for many visiting Costa Rica, where a vast collection of indigenous languages - including Bribri, Maleku and Boruca - can seem impossible to learn.

The Central Pacific offers more than variations of Spanish, however. Instead tourists will discover strong global influences.

Thoughout Los Suenos, Jaco and Manuel Antonio, guests will be greeted with many dialects. English is the second most common language, reflecting the steady arrival of Canadian and U.S. travelers. Expect German, Italian and French to prove the country’s European popularity as well. Versions of Creole are also found, adding Caribbean flavor.

Traveling along the Pacific coast is no longer a challenge. Diverse languages and cultures allow tourists to instead assimilate with ease.

Costa Rica is famed for its bio-diversity. Its population, however, proves just as dynamic.

Travelers arriving to the Central Pacific will be greeted by a vast collection of cultures and nationalities. According to the Department of Economic and Social Affairs (more commonly called DESA), the demographics of Costa Rica are:

• Castizo (pure Hispanic): 65.80%
• Mestizo (European or Amerindian descent): 13.65%
• Mulato (African or Native American descent): 6.72%
• African-Caribbean: 1.03%
• Amerindian: 2.41%
• Asian: 0.21%
• Immigrant (specifically reflecting North America, Colombia, Panama or Nicaragua): 9.03%
• Other: 1.15%

Costa Rica is a cultural mecca, with individuals from across the globe flocking to its Pacific coast and thrilling landscapes. Discover a population that is ever-changing and ever-important.