Hey guys, we're off to on our travels on the 19ths of July to Peru on a Gap tour along the Inca Trail and also the Amazon for 18 days before flying to Costa Rica for two weeks, possibly extended for three weeks if we can. Our question is how much money do we need to take to Costa Rica and in what currency. We aim to be using local transport to get around Costa Rica and staying in hostels where possible and whilst there want to have some form of adventure with the likes of white water rafting, canopy trails, jungle treks and also seeing the arenal volcano.
So we are just asking for some advice from people that have been there at this time of year as to how much money they took, what currency is best to get and whether travellers checks are the best idea
Many thanks
James and naomi
Reply to this Hello,
First of all, you're going to adore Costa Rica... pura vida, indeed!
Do yourself a favour and take colones and US dollars (skip the travelers cheques). A safe rule of thumb for those intending to engage in adventure eco-tourism is approximately 150,000 colones per week per pair. That should cover transportation, tours, meals, lodgings. Things like rafting, tours and such will cost anywhere from $20 US to $100 US per person, and if paying in colones you can typically get a better deal than exchanging US dollars. A prudent policy would be to keep about $200-$300 US each as back up money for emergencies or if there is no ATM nearby. Visa and Mastercard are readily accepted nearly everywhere and if you're on the Plus or Cirrus network for your debit card you can use ATMs at banks.
When you get to La Fortuna, I recommend La Choza Inn (see our blog, www.mytb.org/ticotime for our experiences) as they're very affordable and the atmosphere is excellent. Not to mention that Eagle Tours is headquartered out of the hotel. I couldn't more highly recommend the Rio Celeste tour (~ USD $70/each). And if you're going between Arenal and Monteverde area, don't cheap out... take the jeep-boat-jeep. It's well worth it.
Good luck, I just know you'll have a blast!
Pura Vida!
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