Untamed Costa Rica

Important Notes

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into San Jose Airport (SJO) and fly out of Liberia Airport (LIR).

What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?

At 5 pm you will meet your guide and and the other Flashpackers before our welcome dinner at a top local restaurant. We recommend arriving no later than 3 pm.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

There are no activities planned for the last day, so you can leave any time you wish. We end at an amazing beach property so you might want to leave late and spend the day enjoying the facilities. The airport is approximately 20 minutes away from your final hotel.

Are airport transfers included?

If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you book pre-tour accommodation with us, your airport arrival transfer will be included. If you book alternative pre-tour accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport you must arrange your own arrival transfer.

Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and will be in groups depending on flight times. Sometimes this means waiting in the airport for a short while until other flights have arrived.

We don’t offer a departure transfer as Flashpackers leave at different times of the day and many stay for extra nights. We will offer you support with finding a local taxi.

Do I need a visa?

You do not need a visa if you’re visiting as a tourist from the EU, UK, USA, Australia or Canada. Please check with your local consulate/embassy if the country you are travelling from requires a visa.

Alternatively, you can check the requirements here: https://migracion.go.cr/Paginas/Visas.aspx

We recommend that you have at least six months validity remaining on your passport and can show a return ticket.

What fitness levels do I need for this trip?

Overall, Costa Rica is one of our more active adventures with a few hikes and rafting. We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.

Do I need to be able to swim?

Whilst it’s not compulsory that you’re able to swim in order to book this adventure, we can only let competent swimmers take part in the rafting activity due to health and safety requirements. If you can’t swim or simply don’t want to do the rafting, that’s no problem – we’ll be able to arrange other means of transport for you.

Do I have to take part in the whitewater rafting?

None of the activities on this trip are compulsory and if you don’t feel comfortable taking part in the rafting, you can travel by 4×4 to the rainforest lodge. Please note that there won’t be an alternative activity provided instead of the rafting, but the lodge itself is a lovely place to relax in the rainforest.

What sort of travel insurance do I need?

Please bear in mind that this trip includes adventurous activities, such as canyoning and rafting. Your travel/medical insurance should cover you to raft up to and including class IV rapids.

Will the itinerary change?

These changes can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting.

What are the Covid-19 requirements for visiting Costa Rica?

Due to the changeable nature of Covid-19 entry requirements, we strongly advise Flashpackers to consult the travel advice issued by your local consular services well in advance of your departure date. Some countries do still require travellers to comply with pre-arrival testing and/or vaccination requirements. Links to the key consular services can be found on our Safety page.

What other vaccinations and medication will I need?

We recommend checking with your local travel clinic six to eight weeks before your trip to see if any medications or vaccinations are required.

Are there any other special requirements?

As you’ll be rafting to your remote lodge on Day 2 and leaving your main luggage behind (which you’ll be reunited with on Day 4 in Arenal), we ask that you bring a separate smaller bag with you to Costa Rica. You’ll use this to pack everything you’ll need for the few days you’re in the rainforest (2 full days, one morning).

What should I pack?

Your Costa Rican adventure involves a huge variety of activities, so you’ll need to pack a range of clothes. Generally, we recommend loose-fitting and light casual wear to keep you cool in the tropical heat, but one warmer layer may be required for the evenings and rooms with strong air-conditioning. Rain can occur at any time of the year, so it’s definitely worth bringing a lightweight rain jacket.

What you pack is personal to you and our list is certainly not exhaustive. If you have any questions about what to pack for your trip to Costa Rica, please get in touch with one of our friendly Trip Experts.

Baggage

• A large backpack or suitcase. It’s up to you whether you bring a backpack or a suitcase, but either way, a soft-sided bag is best for packing into transfer vehicles.
• A smaller luggage bag big enough to hold two or three days’ worth of essentials and clothes. This will be used when you raft to your remote rainforest lodge on day two. You’ll be reunited with your main luggage on day four in Arenal.
• A day bag. This will need to be big enough to fit your daily essentials in, such as water and your camera.

Clothing

• Lightweight clothes. T-shirts and shorts are perfect in Costa Rica’s tropical climate.
• Activewear. Breathable and lightweight materials will help you stay comfortable during the more energetic activities, such as hiking.
• Swimwear. You’ll have plenty of chances to get in the water, so it’s worth bringing two pairs of swimwear so that one can dry.
• Sunglasses/sunhat. The sun is likely to be very strong during the day, so protecting yourself with sunglasses and a sunhat is vital.
• A light waterproof jacket. Rain showers can occur at any time of the year, so it’s worth packing a light waterproof jacket or a poncho.
• Light jumper/sweater. It’s unlikely to get cold, but you may want to bring a light jumper/sweater for any rooms with strong air-conditioning and for the plane.
• Linen trousers. Always handy for keeping the sun off of your legs.
• An evening outfit. Whether or not you bring evening wear is up to you, but you may want one set of nicer clothes for the bars and restaurants in San José.

Shoes

• Hiking boots/shoes. Some of the hiking you’ll be doing will be on muddy, slippery terrain. If you plan on hiking in sneakers, please make sure they are breathable and sturdy, with a good amount of tread on the soles.
• Comfortable trainers/sneakers. You’ll need a comfortable pair of breathable shoes for day-to-day activities.
• Sandals/flip-flops. It’s a good idea to bring a comfortable pair of shoes for relaxing in.

Accessories

• Electricals, chargers and accessories.
• Plug socket adaptor. Costa Rica uses the same plugs as the USA. They have 2 flat prongs and are known as type A.
• Refillable water bottle. This will reduce your group’s plastic footprint.
• Head torch/torch
• Book or music. For transfers and any relaxed evenings, you may want a book or some music.
• Eye mask and earplugs. If you’re a light sleeper, you may feel more comfortable bringing an eye mask and earplugs.
• Beach towel. You will need a towel for the beach. A travel towel is a good alternative if you want to save space in your bag.

Toiletries/medical

• High SPF factor sun cream.
• Moisturiser.
• Lip balm with SPF.
• Insect repellent.
• Anti-bacterial gel.
• Painkillers.
• Shampoo and conditioner. Most hotels will be able to provide these, but we recommend bringing your own as small plastic bottles aren’t environmentally friendly.
• Personal toiletries including a toothbrush, deodorant, razors, hairbrush etc.