Costa Rica Travel Guide:

Entry basics (passport, onward ticket, visas)

You’ll need a valid passport and proof of onward/return travel. Visa requirements depend on nationality; many visitors are visa-exempt for short stays. The official tourism board
maintains current entry requirements; check them—plus your own embassy’s guidance—
close to travel. Keep a copy of your accommodation details and travel insurance handy in
case you’re asked on arrival.

Your gateways: SJO vs. LIR (and how they fit an itinerary)

Costa Rica’s two main international hubs are SJO (Juan Santamaría International, San
José/Alajuela) and LIR (Daniel Oduber Quirós International, Liberia/Guanacaste). SJO
typically has the most routes and pairs well with Central Valley, Arenal/Monteverde, and
southern Pacific plans. LIR is convenient for Guanacaste/northern Pacific routes. If youritinerary includes Montezuma later on, either airport works—choose based on the rest of your loop and flight options.

Hop, ferry, or drive: getting to the Nicoya Peninsula

If your route includes the lower Nicoya Peninsula, you have three solid options after landing:

• Short domestic flight + transfer: SANSA & Costa Rica Green Airways operate flights to Cóbano (ACO); from there it’s about 20 minutes by road to Montezuma. (routes can shift seasonally—check schedules). Flying trims hours of road time and gives you a scenic hop.
• Drive + ferry: Many travelers drive to the Puntarenas–Paquera ferry, then continue to towns like Montezuma, Santa Teresa, or Malpaís. Book ahead in peak windows and arrive early; the crossing itself is a calm, easy part of the day.
• Private transfer/charter flights: Handy for families or groups on tight timelines; cost is higher, but logistics are minimal and door-to-door.
• Tourist taxi boat: A fast Jaco ↔ Montezuma/Santa Teresa link (about 60–90 minutes,weather permitting) with limited luggage—book ahead and check sea conditions the daybefore.

Once you’re on the peninsula, plan one “move” day, then keep most days walkable or short-
hop local.

Getting around: car rentals & shuttles

Car rentals work well if you like flexibility. Drive in daylight, watch speed limits, and expect a mix of highways, village roads, and speed bumps. If you prefer not to drive, shared or private shuttles connect airports, ferry ports, and major towns. Build in time buffers; a “quick” coastal hop can stretch with weather or ferry lines, especially in Green Season afternoons.

Seasons: Dry vs. Green (and why both are good)

On the Pacific side, Dry Season (December–April) brings consistent sun and easy planning for outdoor days. Green Season (May–November) means lush hillsides, fuller waterfalls, active wildlife, and typical showers late in the day. You’ll find fewer crowds and strong value in Green Season. If you’re peninsula-bound, check our take on timing in Why Green Season is the Best-Kept Secret for Visiting Montezuma.

What to pack (short version)

Think breathable layers, a light rain jacket, swimwear, sturdy sandals or walking shoes with
grip, reef-safe sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle. For a traveler-tested checklist by
season and trip style, see What to Pack for Montezuma.

Money, payments, tipping

The currency is the Costa Rican colón (CRC); cards are widely accepted in tourism areas, and ATMs are common in towns. USD is accepted by hotels/tours, but small shops may prefer colones. Restaurants usually include a legal service charge; adding a little extra for excellent service is appreciated. Keep a small stash of cash for markets, parking, and tips where cards aren’t practical.

Language, etiquette, and useful habits

Spanish is the official language; English is common in tourism zones.A few basic phrases— hola, por favor, gracias go a long way. Dress is relaxed; resort-casual is fine almost everywhere. Ticos are friendly and direct but not rushed; if meeting  or pickups run a few minutes late, it’s rarely a cause for stress. On trails and beaches, pak up your trash, use marked paths, and keep respectful distance from wildlife.

Safety: low stress, simple precautions

Costa Rica is welcoming and most trips are incident-free. As in any destination, keep valuables out of sight, don’t leave bags unattended or in parked cars, and use ATMs in busy, well-lit areas. At the beach, ask locals about riptides and follow flags; on trails, carry water and wear proper footwear. If you decide to rent a car, drive defensively and avoid night driving on unfamiliar roads. Common sense here goes a long way.

Health and connectivity

Tap water is potable in many regions; if you’re unsure, ask your hotel and carry a reusable bottle to refill. Pack any personal medications and a simple kit (electrolytes, band-aids, motion sickness tabs). For connectivity, consider an airport eSIM/SIM or keep your phone on Wi-Fi—most hotels and cafés offer strong signals. Outages are rare but possible during storms; plan offline maps for remote areas.

Building an itinerary with flow

A classic route balances 3–4 bases rather than many one-nighters. For example: Central Valley arrival night → Arenal/La Fortuna (volcano/hot springs) → Monteverde (cloud forest) → Nicoya Peninsula (Montezuma or Santa Teresa) → airport city. Each leg becomes a “chapter” with its own pace.

When Montezuma fits the plan, expect a walkable base near small coves and waterfalls, a lively but compact town, and plenty of one-adventure-a-day options:

• Montezuma Waterfalls for shaded hikes and cool pools.
• Isla Tortuga by boat for snorkeling and a relaxed beach day.
• A Blue Zone farm visit to see how local families grow food and live with intention.
• Seasonal bioluminescence nights that feel other-worldly.

A few days here break up a fast loop with a genuine connection to the place.

Food with a sense of place (and one easy recommendation)

Costa Rica’s food culture is grounded in freshness—rice and beans, plantains, tropical fruit, local cheese, tortillas, simple grilled fish, and great coffee. On the Nicoya Peninsula, seafood is a highlight; look for menus that name local sources and keep preparations clean and balanced.

If Montezuma is on your route and you want a table that reflects the region, Restaurante Agrá at Hotel nYa cooks with seasonal produce, fresh fish and seafood from artisanal fishers along the Nicoya Peninsula, and well-done beef cuts/steaks, with vegetarian and vegan dishes by design. It’s open to the public for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Responsible travel in a conservation country

Costa Rica’s protected-area network is one of the world’s great success stories. That legacy is felt on the trails (Cabo Blanco, Curú, Romelia near Montezuma; national parks across the
country) and in daily choices. Use reef-safe sunscreen, skip single-use plastics when possible, and choose certified or community-based tours. If your stay includes Montezuma, ask your
hotel about local conservation projects or clean-ups you can join for a morning—small effortsthat add meaning to a beach day.

FAQs: quick answers for first-timers

• What’s the best time to visit?
  There’s no “wrong” month. Dry Season (Dec–Apr) is predictable and sunny; Green Season (May–Nov) is lush, quieter, and great for waterfalls and wildlife.
• Do I need a car?
  Not necessarily. If you’re combining a few destinations and like flexibility, rent a car and drive in daylight. If you prefer to relax, use shuttles between bases and walk/short
  transfer locally.
• How many nights per stop?
  Aim for 3+ nights per base so you’re not always packing. Two nights can work in cities or before a flight but often feel rushed in nature destinations.
• Can I drink the water?
  Often yes, especially in cities and many established hotels. Ask your stay for local advice and refill a reusable bottle.
• Is cash required?
  Cards are widely accepted; carry some colones for markets, parking, and tips in smaller shops.

A quiet nudge for Montezuma and Hotek nYa

If your Costa Rica travel guide ends with a few beach days, Montezuma is an easy chapter to add: walkable, low-key, and close to coves and waterfalls. nYa Hotel sits in the jungle about 50 meters from the ocean; rooms are designed for calm mornings (balcony or terrace coffee, wildlife in view), a pool and hammocks for mid-day pauses, and Restaurant Agrá for seasonal cooking at night. If you’d like help fitting Montezuma into your route or comparing transport options (flight to Cóbano, ferry timing, or a simple transfer), send us a note—we’re happy to help you bring your trip vision together.