All ATV drivers must be a minimum of 16 years old. All ATV drivers must also have a valid driver’s license. Children under 16 and anyone without a driver’s license are welcome to ride as passengers on someone else’s ATV.
We require a $1000 damage deposit for every 4 machines used. A hold will be placed on your credit card at the start of your ATV tour, and then released once the machines are returned in the same condition in which they were rented.
Our condo rentals require a $1000 damage deposit for each condo you rent. The damage deposit is taken at check in and released after a post-stay walk-through has been conducted by the condo management office. In the case of missing items or damage done to the unit and/or its contents, condo management will remove the cost of those damages from your deposit before returning the remainder of the deposit to you. In cases where monies have been removed from your deposit, you will be issued a receipt for the damaged or missing items.
Above all things that distinguish High Season from “Green” Season is the rain. The rain is occasional in High (or Dry) Season, whereas consistent afternoon showers are the norm in “Green” (Rainy) Season. Though the Rainy Season is considered to begin in April or May, the heaviest rainfall typically occurs between September and November.
Costa Ricans are not strangers to the generous tippers from the United States, and in fact many depend upon it. Service industry workers such as drivers and guides are accustomed to receiving what their equals might receive in the US.
However, one notable exception is the Costa Rican restaurant. It in not uncommon to be automatically charged 10% for service and 13% for taxes at many restaurants in Costa Rica. Though some unknowingly tip 15% - 20% on top of this inflated amount, adding 10% for excellent service can be seen as both a gesture of generosity and understanding.
‘Tico’ is simply the Costa Rican term for Costa Rican - there is no positive or negative connotation to the term. Similarly, ‘Gringo’ is simply the word for American - there is no positive or negative connotation.
As a side note, ‘Americano’ is not a recognized way to express that someone is from the United States as everyone in Latin America considers themselves to be an Americano. The correct way of indicating you are from the United States is Estadunidense. For most, the term Gringo is a much easier way to express their nationality.
Voltage/electricity in Costa Rica is the same as the United States with two/three-pronged outlets giving 110 volts. European electronics will require a converter.
Costa Rica is in the U.S. Central Standard Timezone. However, Costa Rica does NOT observe the daylight savings changes observed in the US, and therefore varies by one-hour for half of the year.
It is always a good time to visit Costa Rica! High Season is considered by most to run from December to April, though in more heavily touristed areas it can be considered to extend through early August. Some people, however, prefer the “Green” Season because the temperature is a bit cooler and the more popular tourist areas are less crowded.
Though no vaccinations are required to enter Costa Rica, it is always a good idea to check the CDC - Center for Disease Control website for up to date information on any area you are traveling to.
