Q. What is the climate like in Costa Rica?
A. Guanacaste is less tropical and humid than the rest of the country. Its dry grasslands and woods are sometimes reminiscent of landscapes from the African savannah. We will be visiting during the rainy season, but thanks to Guanacaste's arid climate, the rainy season is milder than in other regions of the country. Average temperature of 91°F (33 °C).

Weather report - 10-Day Forecast

Q. What is the official language?
A. Spanish/ English understood at the resort

Q. What is the local currency?
A. The Costa Rican Colon (CRC) is the currency of Costa Rica. The symbol for the Colon is ₡; the currency is subdivided into 100 centimos. Many places in Costa Rica accept the US Dollar unofficially.

Q. Which electric plugs are used there?
A. Plugs are 2-pin the same as most found in the US. Current is 110Volts/60Hz. Europeans will need an adapter.

Q. What are the entry requirements?
A. Passports must be valid for at least 3 months. For UK, US, Guyana passport holders do not need a visa. A return flight ticket is needed when entering Costa Rica. The immigration officer will ask for it upon your arrival. It is advisable to make a photocopy or take a picture of your passport with an entry stamp to carry at all times during your stay.

Q. Do I need travel vaccinations?
A. Travelers should be up to date with routine vaccinations in their country of residence including MMR and Tetanus. Hepatitis A is recommended. Always seek advice from your local travel health professional 4 weeks prior to travel so they can assess your individual risks and advise.

Starting on July 30, 2007, all travelers coming from the following countries must possess a yellow fever vaccination certificate before entry into Costa Rica will be allowed: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and the Republic of Guyana.

For more information click here.

Q. How much do I tip in the DR?
A. 10% - 15% is customary. Some restaurants add gratuity to your bill so do check.

Q. How do I get to Guanacaste?
A. Flights from most major ports with various airlines to Guanacaste Airport, officially Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (IATA: LIR, ICAO: MRLB), also known as Liberia International Airport.

Q. Where is the resort located?
A. The Hotel Riu Guanacaste, is situated in Guanacaste, in northern Costa Rica, in a seafront location on Mata Palo Beach. It is 18 km / 11.2 miles from Playas del Coco with shops and restaurants, and the closest village is Nuevo Colón, 3.5 km / 2.2 miles away. The closest airport is Liberia Airport, 33 km / 20.5 miles away, a 40-minute drive.

Q. Does the hotel have a spa?
A. Yes, there is a steam room, sauna, spa treatments, and fitness center on-site.