Costa Rica: What to Know Before You Visit Costa Rica

Heading to Costa Rica and not sure what to expect? Well, here are things you need to know before you head to Costa Rica, whether you are heading to Jaco, Arenal, San Jose, or Manuel Antonio. We talk about driving in Costa Rica, the Food in Costa Rica, Accommodation, and attractions in Costa Rica.
Everything you need to know about a Costa Rica vacation.
Filmed in Costa Rica
Copyright Mark Wolters 2020
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[@ephedra443]

As a Costa Rican-American, I am quite impressed with this video. You gave great and accurate advice, and you even talked about some of the lesser known staples of Costa Rican culture that most tourists would not even think about while they're here. Pops Ice Cream, Lizano Sauce, Imperial Beer, Tres Leches, and Chicharrones are all giant staples of Costa Rican food culture, and are definetly some things tourists should try out if they have a chance! Especially the Lizano Sauce... once you try it you will be hooked. You can buy a whole bunch to bring home and Lizano basically goes well with any type of dish Americans could make at home and tastes so good.

[@woltersworld]

We buy 9-10 bottles each trip to bring home. I'm almost out so will need to get back to CR :) thank you for the nice comment

[@mnm4ever7591]

I love Costa Rica! I did wildlife research there a few years ago and I definitely left part of my heart with the jungle and I can't wait to go back! ❤️

[@crash8563]

Beautiful destination. Def on the list once life gets under go again

[@julioocano1547]

Thanks very much for the thorough video, I really appreciate your time and effort to explain your experience in Costa Rica

[@ticousa]

Awesome !!! Thanks a lot . Definitely we going . Looks amazing 😻

[@bobwalker1727]

Really helpful video 👌🏾 thanks dude

[@MrsLegalDiva]

Pura Vida! Costa Rica is such a beautiful country. Took a 10 day tour awhile back to see the country. The food was delicious and they had the most amazing coffee I ever tasted. All the food was fresh and the views were incredible. And the people were so welcoming. We had a great time. Thanks for posting this, we need the distraction 😍

[@leslybarahona80]

Do you need any vaccinations to go to Costa Rica ?

[@1GreatLake]

Loved it last February. Great place for the extreme sports as well as relaxing on the beach

[@jennydoesamerica]

What kind of extreme sports?

[@MrGuitars8]

I Love this video because it has so much information and Costa Rica looks like a Fantastic Place to both visit or even Call Home .

[@JamesonDizzle]

Oh man I just got back from Costa Rica in March into this hell of coronaviris 🤦‍♂️ I should have just stayed...

[@nickbrooks7171]

Sorry to hear that! I’m Costa Rican living in Canada but going back to live in my home town soon :)

[@offthebeatenpathadventures1348]

I can't wait to zip line in Costa Rica. It looks gorgeous.

[@johndeneen980]

Outstanding job!

[@corinnes.7619]

You are the most wholesome thing on the internet

[@afzalshaikh2128]

Appreciate your video. I’m planning trip with my family of 5 in March.

[@alejandromarinrojas7867]

Hello greetings from Tres Ríos Santiago del Monte I am Costa Rican, Thank you for visiting my country. have a nice happy new year 🇨🇷🇨🇷🇨🇷🇨🇷👍 Pura vida

[@whitneyunedited]

We just came back from Costa Rica early this morning. I'm missing it so much already! Oddly enough, I loved the dirt roads. The natural look just made me feel so calm while we were there. Also the roads are bumpy but not nearly as bad as people made it sound before we went. I also completely agree with resort-ification. We stayed at a really great all-inclusive resort but when we left I did feel a bit like we missed out on really seeing Costa Rica as a country. Thankfully the people who worked at the resort were all local, so we had a lot of fun chatting with them and learning about Costa Rica. The people were all so kind and so friendly 💜 I can't wait to hopefully go back some day! I've only been home a day and I already miss it so much.

[@ItsJustMe0585]

I really want to go here, more than anywhere else in central/south America. It just looks amazing!

[@ConstanTime]

Can't wait to go back!!!!!! I'll be in the first flight once all this madness is over!

[@jenniferjuradovitto2532]

Wow. This is the great place my dear. I love this place

[@woltersworld]

Thank you

[@kineticallyme]

Thank you for the info!

[@damasovi_travels1244]

amigo, thank you for posting a new video!! I would love to go to Costa RIca soon!!

[@HENRYALESSANDRO]

I AM FROM COSTA RICA AND I INVITE YOU TO VISIT MY COUNTRY, AND SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL I AM FROM COSTA RICA AND I INVITE YOU TO VISIT MY COUNTRY, AND SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL

[@victoriaf.74]

Costa Rica, Pura Vida! 😍

[@domiven7]

You have the best video about Costa Rica!

[@dgh1876]

Very helpful video! Going there hopefully in September can’t wait!!

[@andleebgulkhan2531]

Did you go in September? How’s it?

[@dgh1876]

@@andleebgulkhan2531 No they weren't letting Georgians in at that time so we changed our trip to Cancun Mexico

[@CostaRicaStory]

Thanks Mark!

[@dlast7112]

Good to see a consistent flow of destination videos again. Was worried you would stop with the lockdown as people aren’t going away anytime soon. Should have been in Slovenia this week - gutted!

[@EnTorontoCanadaETC]

thanks for the information is completely true

[@woltersworld]

Thank you.

[@dwalker6868]

Thank you

[@elenabomfim665]

I'm 16 and have been to costa rica four times already hahaha! It's great!

[@HENRYALESSANDRO]

I AM FROM COSTA RICA AND I INVITE YOU TO VISIT MY COUNTRY, AND SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL I AM FROM COSTA RICA AND I INVITE YOU TO VISIT MY COUNTRY, AND SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL

[@bobwalker1727]

@@HENRYALESSANDRO NO

[@MybeautifulandamazingPrincess]

I have been there too multiple times and other latin American countries too, cause my parents Sail a lot 😄 I'm 14

[@BillGreenAZ]

8 degrees north latitude. Bring sunblock! If you don't you won't feel it until it's too late.

[@nickbrooks7171]

I am Costa Rican but living in Canada but I have decided to leave Canada to go back down there. Bye Canadá and Hi Costa Rica!!!

[@luisarellano9078]

Oh my god you make me hungry I miss my food country Ecuador mi guatita so yummy

[@MrThumbbreaker]

Great videos. Subbed. 👍

[@stephenokane8148]

I went in March it is fun

[@sahilanant123]

0:18 When the centre of gravity shifts backwards :)

[@woltersworld]

Tidal wave!

[@sahilanant123]

@@woltersworld :D

[@AstaJ10]

Is this the second video you upload about Costa Rica? 😅🤔 I'm not complaining!

[@ADVENTURECAMPitelli]

We had to cancel our trip to Costa Rica. We would of had some amazing videos but oh well. Hopefully travel will exist again soon so be can go back.

[@rmknicks]

Costa Rica is so fun. I recommend it to everyone.

[@Russianbro777]

I met a Costa Rica person in AZ, very friendly.

[@RodHerzstrom]

Pura vida mae :D!

[@frednich9603]

That zip lining looked amazing. Sorry you couldn't partake. Maybe next time? I am used to checking weight limits on trips. Too often I see 250 for parasailing, horseback riding, ect, and those days are too far behind me. Might be able to swing 275 again someday. Congrats on the weight loss!

[@woltersworld]

Yeah. Same here. I find 250 is like the main tipping point. Still got a ways to go.

[@darksid356]

Heading down there in 21 days en counting

[@billyruben6540]

"Husky Man Surfing" is my favorite thing ever.

[@woltersworld]

the only way to surf :)

[@ash_posh_omg]

Hey what shutter companies would you recommend to pick up and drop back off in San Jose to the fun activities like zip lining, hot springs etc?

[@TravelTherapy022]

Very informative 👏 channel? By the way where are you originally from??

[@Mu93508]

Love Costa Rica go to every year. Couldn't go this she had due to this virus heartbroken

[@Mu93508]

Could not go this year

[@Jay-rk1wh]

What part of Costa rica do recommend?

[@danielvillalobos6611]

@@Jay-rk1wh Although you didn't ask me, Limon is a must according to me. It's on the Caribbean side, it has a completely different vibe to it, lot's of white sand beaches (which are less common on the pacific side), lot's of coral reefs, surfing is great, less touristy, cheaper, and overall great. Anyway, Costa Rica is a small country, so you could still visit several regions within a short amount of time. La Fortuna is pretty popular, Manuel Antonio and Quepos area as well, Guanacaste as a whole is beautiful if you enjoy the beach and warmer weather, and Osa Peninsula and the southern Pacific are well known for more adventure; also, if you like a bit the city environment, I would definitively give even a short shot at San Jose, it may not be as beautiful, orderly or vibrant compared to cities in North America, Europe and even other Latin American countries, but it sure has some nice and interesting places to visit

[@HENRYALESSANDRO]

I AM FROM COSTA RICA AND I INVITE YOU TO VISIT MY COUNTRY, AND SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL I AM FROM COSTA RICA AND I INVITE YOU TO VISIT MY COUNTRY, AND SUBSCRIBE TO MY CHANNEL

[@jordanginn2766]

i’m crying i now am desperate to go to costa rica

[@laurenml1222]

Mark can you please tell me which airport to fly into from Florida and what hotel would you suggest with a nice beach access?

[@sunny_dhende6289]

Mark, what resort did you stay at?

[@frednich9603]

I was playing the "how long did he wait to post this video" game. I guessed early 2018, and then when it was over I saw the recommended video of "the don'ts of Costa Rica" from December of 2017. I was close but no cigar.

[@woltersworld]

Yeah. I've got some time to get back to some of our older videos. But they are still right on

[@frednich9603]

@@woltersworld it was good! Between your weight loss, how much the kids have grown, and Jocelyn's hair cut, it's almost like looking back in time.

[@woltersworld]

Yeah. It gets me sometime too. Was watching a few of the old kids food videos and was like... dang they got big. Liam was crying about getting old watching them

[@stephanieyu5101]

Hi there! I came across your video when I was doing research on Costa Rica, did you fly into San Jose ? How is the safety in Costa Rica ?

[@nansemendoza7341]

what week specifically were you here and what was the average temp?

[@mattcook8930]

You know it's a beautiful place when it looks like you're speaking in front of a green screen 😂

[@wackys_1572]

We and my dad are thinking about visiting tamarindo in September I’d that a bad idea or not really

[@trevincollins6998]

Which side is better the Pacific or Caribbean?

[@richardcaldwell3225]

have you guys ever been to Spain?.....as that is our next destination after all this is over.....can you guys do something on Spain if youve been there.......stay safe guys xxoo

[@woltersworld]

We have quite a few Spain videos. Just search "Spain Wolters World" and a bunch will show up

[@paultipton743]

As a person who frazzles in the sun like yourself have mentioned in some videos when would you say is the best time of year to visit Costa Rica

[@danielvillalobos6611]

If you don't like the sun, you can visit anytime between June to November. Rainy season to me is actually wayyy nicer than dry season, you'll get sunshine in the morning even tho the temperatures stay relatively low 10-30 degrees Celsius (depending on where you are) and in the afternoon you'll get rain (not everyday, tho at the height of the rainy season you might get rain everyday, and also the intensity may vary again depending on where you are) and the temperatures will drop. So rainy season, June-November, there's way less sun, is cooler than dry season, everything is GREEN (very very green) and even tho it rains, there are heaps of things to do if you're not afraid of getting a little wet or looking alternatives to outdoors activities ;)

[@hlynnkeith9334]

Panama?

[@MbisonBalrog]

The Hwy from San Jose to Pacific Coast is scary. On cliff, very winding , no street lights, oncoming traffic high beams. Can’t see where going might fall off cliff.

[@woltersworld]

And it's better now than it was so that tells you a bit.

[@rmknicks]

We flew to Liberia, which is a lot closer to the Pacific Coast, but same! Plus we had cows blocking the road. I love it there!

[@MbisonBalrog]

Wolters World it’s a modern hwy with tolls and pavement just poorly designed. Turns too sharp. Lanes too thin. No shoulder not enough lights. Need to separate oncoming traffic more

[@plrebooks.]

Can i have your advice between mexico (Cancun) and costa rica? I am looking to relocate for online work. Where do you advice between both? Thanks in advance.

[@thembones12]

Man power cheaper in Mexico than Costa Rica - 2nd world country while Mexico is 3rd world .. Also Cancun is a tourist destination area...

[@donnawoodford6641]

Does Copa Airlines fly into C.R.? My flight to Panama on 4/22 got cancelled, so maybe when I reschedule after 4/30, I'll do C.R. as a destination instead. 🌞

[@victoriaf.74]

Donna Woodford Yes, it does, have to go to Panama first, and then run to catch your plane... very short layover. Costa Rica PURA VIDA!

[@danielvillalobos6611]

Actually Copa operates around 11 flights a day to San Jose and also has flights to Liberia, it is second in importance to the company after Panama of course

[@belengardea2658]

No pics of your hotel accomodations😩

[@davidb9166]

Is it a good place for Americans to retire and move to?

[@chocoflan6672]

when in doubt about transportation just take an uber

[@Julie-7605]

Lot of Canadians live in Costa Rica.

[@nickbrooks7171]

I’m from Costa Rica and live in Canada but bc I miss Cost Rica people warm hearts, I’ve decided to leave :(

[@winec00ler]

I was invited as a plus one to a Costa Rican wedding in early December - is that an ok time to go? Thanks Mark

[@woltersworld]

Yeah. October is the wettest. Rain dies out by end of November so should be good. Have fun!

[@robertombricen7966]

Pura vida, a Costa Rican here, yes is the best time of the year. It's a transition period between rainy season and dry season, so it is sunny but not very hot, kind of windy...

[@johnnyjr.2619]

Do they have uber?

[@danielavalverde621]

Yes, we do :)

[@ahmd5]

Of course, you'll eat rice....after all Costa Rica means the rice coast 😂😂 Ok I googled the meaning and it turned out to be the rich coast. Sorry 🇨🇷🇨🇷🇨🇷. Rice in Spanish is Arroz

[@leslybarahona80]

Do you have any vaccinations to go over there ?

[@henrymorales1096]

No

[@Bill-dj9hv]

Walters went surfing and fell off the board and caused a tsunami.

[@ecurewitz]

There are no birds of paradise in Costa Rica, or anywhere else in Latin America. They are from New Guinea, parts of northern Australia and some nearby islands. There are numerous other colorful tropical birds native to Costa Rica such as icterids, parakeets, tanagers, toucans and many others

[@promisestarxd9487]

I laugh at your 50 spf. I from Texas and we can’t hit the beach or stay out all day with anything less than 75, definitely 100 for the face.

[@jessesanchez5492]

What’s so funny about what he said? He’s not talking about Texas is he? Irrelevant

[@AlexGonzalez-jf4wk]

There is high number of criminals in Costa Rica. Be careful do not go there. People think this is a great country. Uruguay, chile are other great countries instead of costa Rica

[@danielvillalobos6611]

La tasa de criminalidad en Costa Rica es de las más bajas de America Latina (crimenes por cada 100.000 habitantes) y de igual manera la tasa de homicidios es baja para éstandares latinoamericanos (11.1 para el 2019 por 100.000 habitantes) y ya con este van a ser tres años seguidos que el total de homicidios disminuye.

[@AlexGonzalez-jf4wk]

@@danielvillalobos6611 no me dijas que ya bajo si estaba 23 por cada 100, 000 habitantes la tasa de criminalidad. Mas los que esconden. Pobre costa pobre. Siempre seran pobretones.

[@danielvillalobos6611]

Nunca mencioné la tasa de criminalidad, mencioné la tasa de homicidios.

[@nickbrooks7171]

Be aware he is not from Costa Rica. he might be one of Costa Rica neighbouring countries who is jealous of Costa Rica .

[@AlexGonzalez-jf4wk]

@@danielvillalobos6611 Daniel esos ticos dis que son la suiza de america. Son la suicida porque alli te mata la policia militar que es operada por mafias narcos y pandilleros. Ese pais esta lleno de pobresa pero los medios de cominicacion esconden los numeros. Siempre sera pobretones y pura desgracia enves de pura vida.

[@robocoastie]

Forget everything he said. Go to the interior heart of country away from that tourist fake crap - see the people, visit churches and missionaries who will take you to and work with or serve the people. It will CHANGE your life. And you’ll be amazed what they teach YOU about faith, generosity, family and so on.

[@SandeepSingh-tr7jy]

Really mark is this the right time to release travel videos. People are suffering and dying. Show some sympathy

[@sahilanant123]

Its an old video man, just uploaded now. He has urged ppl many times in live chats and few other vids to not travel right now.

[@woltersworld]

Sandeep, I was with you for three weeks. We only did live feeds and virus travel related content, but we had numerous requests to put out "normal" travel content so people had something to watch besides "the virus is going to kill us all" so we started putting out basic travel videos. We have had an incredible response from people who were thankful to have some normalcy back in their life by having these videos. I can understand if you are upset, but the homeschooling parents that have written to say thank you for giving them their geography lesson and the people who have written to say thank you for some normalcy again win here.

[@PauloGaetathe_original]

@@woltersworld True, it was amazing to watch it, even though we all know that it's not feasible at the moment but it will be again sometime in the future.

[@woltersworld]

One day we all will be out traveling again. We just need to stay smart for now. Thanks for watching!

[@SandeepSingh-tr7jy]

To each his own mark. I am not here to argue with anyone