Lupita’s guidebook

"If you have been to Costa Rica, or if you are planning a Costa Rica vacation, one term you should be familiar with is “Pura Vida” (pronounces poo-rah vee-dah). Simply translated, it means “simple life” or “pure life”, but here in Costa Rica, it is more than just a saying—it is a way of life. Costa Ricans (Ticos) use this term to say hello, to say goodbye, to say everything’s great, to say everything’s cool. However, it is not the words that reflect the true meaning of ¡Pura Vida!. Pura Vida is the way Ticos live."

Drinking tap water in Villarreal is totally fine, however, we do not recommend drinking tap water in Tamarindo. We do have close by supermarkets, so if drinking bottled water gives you a pace of mind you have that option as well.

If you’re taking a taxi, negotiate the fare with your driver before getting into the cab. Otherwise, you’re at risk for getting ripped off.

"Tamarindo is at its busiest and most expensive during the dry season between November and April. You’ll definitely want to book your accommodations and tours well in advance if you’re coming during this time!" Ticos tend to come to the beach during their holidays making accommodation even pricier. Being New Years and Semana Santa the most popular Holidays for Costa Ricans, booking well in advance it's a must.

"If you want to avoid the tourist fuss and get more economic rates for lodging, the early months of the rainy season are a great time to travel to Costa Rica. Tourism during this time of year can still provide for a great experience, especially the more eco-touristy attractions. Rivers run higher and even the dry-forests of Guanacaste turn green and lush. However, during the rainy season roads get muddy and rivers start to swell, making travel throughout the country a more challenging experience".

It’s typically hot and humid all year-round in Tamarindo, with temperatures staying pretty consistent. The dry season is rather intense in Guanacaste. April is the warmest month of the year with temperatures up to 96°F (36°C), therefore, we recommend packing lite if you want to come during the dry season. For the wet season we still recommend packing lite, just add a rain jacket.

The essential items you need to bring to Costa Rica are face masks, hand sanitizer, sandals, swimwear, mosquito repellent, sunscreen with at least SPF 30, hiking shoes or sneakers, sunglasses, a hat, battery pack, medical kit, waterproof phone case, camera, day pack, rain jacket and an insulated water bottle.