Best Time to Visit

Costa Rica offers warm weather all year round with an average annual temperature of about 29 C (85 F) on the coasts and 26 C (80 F) in the countryside and in the mountains. While the air temperature is always pleasant, one thing to keep in mind is the amount of rain. Mid-December to April is the dry season and is also the highest tourist season — the cold weather in the Northern Hemisphere and the promise of daily sunshine lead vacationers to the beaches of Costa Rica. The rest of the year you are likely to have some totally overcast days and daily showers that cool down the air. This less touristy period will be easier on your wallet and you are less likely to get a sunburn. Don't forget to apply sun cream regardless!

Passport / Visa

Citizens of the European Union as well as Australia, New Zealand, North America, and most countries in South America do not require a visa to visit Costa Rica. Visitors with a valid, multiple-entry visa or residence permit issued by any country of the European Union, Canada or the United States can also visit without a visa, for a stay of 30 days maximum. Requirements for other visitors depend on their nationality, and are best checked with your local consulate.

• Web:

  www.iatatravelcentre.com

Quepos La Managua Airport (XQP)

Quepos La Managua Airport is located approximately 5 km (3.1 miles) from Quepos. It services Nature Air and Sansa airlines, with flights to and from Palmar Sur, Puerto Jiménez, and San José. Taxis line up outside the terminal. The taxi ride from the airport into Quepos takes approximately 20 minutes. Most local hotels also provide free airport shuttle services to their guests.

• Address:

  Quepos La Managua Airport

Tobías Bolaños International Airport (SYQ)

The closest international airport is called Tobías Bolaños International Airport and is situated about 130-140km from Quepos, basically next to San José. Aerobell, CarmonAir and Taxiaereo offer daily charter services from this airport.

• Address:

  Andalucia, San Jose

• More info:

  Also referred to as Pavas International Airport

Public Transport

There are two types of public buses, direct and 'collective'. The direct bus goes straight from Quepos to Manuel Antonio and the 'collective' stops along the way for pick up/drop off. Usually it leaves every 30 minutes, but after 5 or 6 pm it is once an hour.

Taxi

Taxi service is readily available in Quepos. While all taxis have meters, negotiate the taxi fare before entering the taxi. In Quepos, you can find a ride at the taxi stand south of the market. Uber operates in the Puntarenas Province, though there aren't very many cars operating there.