San Jose (SJO) Airport is located about 3 hours from La Fortuna.

There are several ways to get to La Fortuna from the airport. The cheapest and longest way is by public bus. Busses depart from the airport at 8:15 a.m. and 3 p.m. It's about $4-5 per person. If you plan to take public transportation, please buy your tickets prior to arriving at the airport to ensure there is availability. Rental cars range from $30-60 per day and can be picked up at the airport. We rented but were not aware that certain navigation apps will not work efficiently, and they will take you on dirt roads. ONLY use Waze for your navigation, and you should avoid any unwanted "adventures." Group shuttles can accommodate 10 people and range from $60-80 per person. You can always take a shuttle to La Fortuna and then rent a car locally if you have any reservation on driving on the windy, dark roads. Adriana on WhatsApp can assist you in arranging a shuttle or private car. Message her with your flight information, and she'll be happy to assist you. Private ride ranges from $100-150. There is also a short 30-minute flight on SANSA Airlines that goes to La Fortuna from San Jose once a day.

Costa Rica is a very safe country. They don't even have armed forces. Although, like any area, be aware of pickpockets. We felt extremely safe the whole trip.

Some essentials are: passport (6 months+ before expiring), drivers license, bug spray, lightweight clothes, bathing suits, sandals, poncho, dancing shoes, hat, prescription medication, hangover cures 😜, and sunglasses. If you want to take advantage of more adventurous activities, then bring: hiking boots, water shoes, long sleeves, and pants for hikes.

The exchange rate is 550 colones to 1 US dollar. The rates are subject to change. Most places will accept US dollars but will give you change in colones. Be aware of the change you receive if you choose to use dollars. Most banks have ATM machines with a small fee but are closed at night for security reasons. Most places accept ATM and credit cards. Please notify your bank prior to arrival so they are aware of your international travel plans. You don't want your accounts frozen because your banks are protecting you against potential fraudulent charges.

Restaurants typically charge a 10% service charge, so check your bill to see if it's included. People typically tip another 10% on top of that depending on the service. When breakfast is included in your hotel, $1 per person is sufficient. Tour guides, busses, and maid service are about $2-5 per person.

We will be attending in the "dry" season. Saying that, expect light to heavy rain for parts of the day. It's a tropical Rainforest. Pack a poncho or windbreaker.

You will NOT need an electrical adapter.

Yes. In La Fortuna, the water is taken from the natural springs and is extremely clean. Ask about other regions if you're planning to extend your trip.

No. 80% of the economy is based on tourism. Most people will speak English. It is recommended to use minimal Spanish if you know a bit. It shows respect to the local culture. Pura Vida is a local phase meaning "simple or pure life". It's often used as a greeting or a goodbye. It's a reminder to be thankful for what you have and try to live without worries.

No. It's currently in a dormant state. Although most of the hotels are built on natural hot springs. I highly suggest taking advantage of them.

Yes. There are jaguars and pumas, but they're extremely reclusive animals, and it would be rare to encounter them. Crocodiles live in certain rivers. Only swim in rivers that are suggested by tour guides or that you research well. Vipers and other poisonous snakes are present. Just stay 4 feet away, and you'll be fine. Wear boots while hiking. Bullet ants and poison arrow frogs live in the jungles. Hike with a guide or on established trails and you'll be safe.

Most places are on a septic system. Dispose of your toilet paper in the trash cans.

I highly recommend downloading WhatsApp. It is free of international charges and has far better service than your phone. Mobile service can be spotty.

We do NOT recommend driving at night far distances. The roads are mountainous and have many potholes. Driving locally is fine.

Central time. One hour later then California.

1. Soda La Horminga. Local cuisine where you can have one of the best Casados. 2. Soda Viquez. Full buffet of local cuisine. 3. Ketsup. A food truck. The natural fries are a must try.

1. Soda La Parada. Extensive menu (pasta, pizza, burgers, seafood, pork chops, etc) 2. Tiquicia. Local cuisine located close to the waterfall entrance. Try their famous margaritas. 3. Kappa sushi. A small sushi bar but has the freshest fish in town. 4. Cafe Mediterraneo. Woodfire pizza and fresh pasta.

1. Snapper's. Fish and steakhouse with a Costa Rican and Caribbean flare. 2. Nene's. Seafood and steakhouse. 3. Selva Rustica. One of the best steaks in town. Located on the edge of the forest for animal sightings.

1. Don Rufino's. Elevated surf n turf with six prix fixe menus. 2. Las Ventanas. Located in the Springs resort, they incorporate flavors from around the country with all locally sources fruits and vegetables.

I suggest arriving 2 days prior to the wedding. If there are any delays with flights, lost luggage, etc., you'll be fine. This way, you have a full day to relax, do an activity, or just relax by the pool with no travel stress.

I provided a list of activities and their websites. However, I highly recommend going on Viator. There are many bundled full day adventures to enjoy.

Check with your cell phone provider prior to coming so that you know what is covered under your plan. We had free texts, but phone calls were 10 cents per minute. Ask about your Gs. We were on a 3G plan, but the US works off 5Gs. We paid $35 to upgrade to 5Gs (for 10 days) because our GPS would not work.

We will be staying at Kioro Suites and Spa from July 18th-22nd. We loved Kioro. It has a spectacular view of the volcano, natural hot springs, stunning gardens, a jacuzzi in every room, A delicious free breakfast was included. Feel free to stay anywhere else. There are 150 different hotels in the area that vary in prices. There are no chain hotels. Everything is owned by local families. They range from beautiful resorts to bed and breakfast. There are also many options on Airbnb. When I looked last, there were beautiful homes with pools that sleeps 10-12 people for $250-350 a night. After that, we will head to the Coast at Manuel Antonio from July 22nd-27th. Feel free to join us for the whole time or have your own experiences in different regions of the country.