FAQs

1. Does the package price include domestic airfare and if not how much will total domestic airfare cost?
2. What is the baggage allowance for domestic flights?
3. Where should I purchase my international airfare?
4. Is tipping included and if not, how much should I tip?
5. Should I take cash or credit/debit cards?
6. Are U.S. dollars and Travelers Checks accepted or should I change money before traveling?
7. What should I pack for my trip and what kind of baggage should I bring?
8. How do I organize an optional excursion?
9. What Standard of Hotel will I be staying in?
10. Do you offer any travel insurance?
11. Are airport taxes included and if not how much should I budget?
12. What about additional taxes - how much should I expect to pay?
13. What vaccinations are recommended for this adventure?
14. What is the latest I can book?
15. How do I pay?
16. Are meals included?
17. I am a single traveler, is this tour for me?

1. Does the package price include domestic airfare and if not how much will total domestic airfare cost?

All package prices include public shuttle transportation in small vans that run on set schedules. You are welcome to upgrade to a private car with an English speaking tour guide or rental vehicles and in some cases even boats or flights. Unfortunately the package price does not include these upgrades*, but we can and do pre-purchase all domestic transportation at superb rates. These rates tend to change during the seasons so please feel free to contact one of our professional Travel Advisors for a quote on all the domestic transport you will need on your trip.

*Please note that do to their remote locations, domestic airfare is included in any package which incorporates Corcovado and boat transfers are included in all Tortuguero packages.

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2. What is the baggage allowance for domestic flights?

Costa Rica’s two domestic airlines, NatureAir and Sansa operate small 14 and 19 seat passenger aircraft on all their routes. Due to size limitations, passenger baggage is restricted to 30lb per person and additional baggage may be refused, may require a significant excess fee and may be considered standby luggage. Additional luggage can be stored at your San Jose hotel or can be delivered to your next transfer location if you have a private transfer.

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3. Where should I purchase my international airfare?

We do not usually purchase international airfare for our clients but can easily do so if requested. Generally we recommend purchasing international airfare through internet web-based companies such as www.flycheapol.com or www.expedia.com. They do offer the best deals in international airfare and are highly recommended. Please note that we do not receive a commission from any of these companies – we are simply trying to live up to our name and provide you with the best possible prices out there.

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4. Is tipping included and if not, how much should I tip?

Tipping is not included in our tour rates but a 10% tip is often included in restaurants (check the receipt or ask: ¿Está la propina incluida?). Latin Americans in general are inclined to tip very little if they leave a tip at all. We at Costa Rica For Less are inclined to follow a more liberal approach and feel that you should tip according to how well you were served. Always remember though that in Latin American countries, a few dollars saved for you is often enough to feed someone for over a week.

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5. Should I take cash or credit/debit cards?

We recommend our clients bring cash and a Credit Card and/or Debit Card. Do not use the Credit/Debit Card to pay for meals etc., but to withdraw money from secure Automatic Teller Machines which are widely available. Firstly, you get a much better exchange rate this way and secondly you avoid the risk of a scam artist duplicating your card, being double charged or your credit cards being stolen.

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6. Are U.S. dollars and Travelers Checks accepted or should I change money before traveling?

US Dollars are accepted in some places and banks (which exchange money for the best rates) are very easy to find. Travelers Checks can be quite useful but keep in mind that the exchange rate is much lower for them than it is for cash (you lose approximately 5 to 10%). In general we recommend bringing a mix of cash, Credit Cards and Travelers Checks. Remember that it is always better idea to take a little more rather than a little less in case of emergencies.

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7. What should I pack for my trip and what kind of baggage should I bring?

We recommend bringing a backpack or duffel bag, as suitcases can be cumbersome at times. However, it is not impossible to travel with a suitcase if you should prefer to do so. Keep in mind that you will regularly have to carry your own luggage on and off buses and up and down staircases. Suitcases with wheels may not work well on dirt or cobblestone roads. We also recommend you bring a day bag to carry provisions with you while on tour and also so as to have your money, tickets and travel documents with you at all times.

Don’t forget to bear in mind current weather conditions. Costa Rica has a hearty rainy season when ponchos and umbrellas become indispensable.

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8. How do I organize an optional excursion?

If you wish to take an optional excursion all you need do is contact your Costa Rica For Less Travel Advisor and all will be arranged. If you know of any excursions in any of the Latin American countries we offer (Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Argentina and Ecuador) that are not published on our website – let your Travel Advisor know and we’ll get you on that tour.

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9. What Standard of Hotel will I be staying in?

All of our hotels meet U.S. standards. We at Costa Rica For Less strive to make sure your stay in Costa Rica will be as comfortable as possible. All of our hotels are hand-picked, boasting high rankings in guide books and travel rating websites. In addition, we have visited and tested all of the hotels in the area and are convinced that the ones we offer provide the very best service there is, at the best value. All our hotels have: private bathrooms; clean facilities; charming architecture; single and double beds; friendly and efficient staff (this makes a big difference); and a good location. Most of our hotel rooms have: telephone; cable TV with major international networks. Information on all of the hotels we offer - with pictures - is available on our website. Take the time to choose what you believe will be the hotel that best suits your needs, desires and aspirations for the trip. If you have heard of a hotel in the area and are interested in it but cannot find it on our website, contact us and we will arrange for you to stay in it.

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10. Do you offer any travel insurance?

For your own peace of mind we suggest that you purchase travel insurance so you are positive that your full investment will be covered (including international flights and our entire package). If you do not already have some form of travel insurance we recommend this travel insurance firm: www.itravelinsured.com. iTravelInsured is one of the industry's leading travel insurance providers - covering hundreds of thousands of travelers. Their travel insurance plans offer coverage for vacation and trip cancellation, travel interruptions and delays, emergency medical and health expenses, lost baggage and more. Follow the link if you would like more information about our travel insurance.

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11. Are airport taxes included and if not, how much should I budget?

Airport Embarkation Taxes are not included in the price of the package and neither are they included in the price of the ticket if flying out of Costa Rica. The Costa Rican Airport Authorities require that every person pay a departure tax upon leaving the airport. The cost of the departure taxes are:
International Departure Tax: $26 US

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12. What about additional taxes – how much should I expect to pay?

Costa Rica’s value added tax (VAT), which is abbreviated locally as IVA, is 13%. More often than not, prices on menus and in stores have already taken this percentage into consideration for the ticket price. However, we suggest that you ask: ¿Están las impuestos incluidos?.

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13. What vaccinations are recommended for this adventure?

Costa Rica requires no vaccinations to enter the country, except for passengers coming from countries where cholera and yellow fever are endemic (please check the list of included countries).

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14. What is the latest I can book?

The latest one can book is 10 business days prior to arrival. We need to have received your payment in full as well as all relevant information regarding your trip at least 10 working days before you begin your trip - or a late booking fee will apply.

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15. How do I pay?

You may pay for your trip in a number of different manners. We accept checks, wire transfer payments, and direct deposits. It is completely up to you. Please ask your sales representative for more details.

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16. Are meals included?

All breakfasts are included - except where stated otherwise. All of our lodges as well as our “All Inclusive” hotels provide all meals and beverages (and in some cases even alcoholic beverages). Overall, for lunch and dinner we prefer giving our clients the option of choosing where and what they would most like to eat. Latin America has a number of fantastic restaurants at a great value and the cuisine is absolutely superb. We will be more than happy to send you a list of all of our favorite restaurants in the different areas you will be visiting.

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17. I am a single traveler, is this tour for me?

Yes. We have had many single travelers throughout the years and never had any problems. These group tours will be the perfect opportunity to travel with a friendly and interesting people throughout your entire trip. Your comfort and especially your safety and security are our utmost concern.

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