Our best tour in Costa Rica!
I am a bird lover, and booked the early bird watching tour through Pura Vida Tours. They picked me up by 5:00 in the morning and drove for 15 minutes to get to the rain forest by the National Park. My guide (Javier) was great; he pointed out so many birds, and even made some strange noises to attract them! He was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and professional. I highly recommend this tour, as well as Pura Vida Tours, they really provide excellent service.Published 23 feb 2010 - kulasito
great day with pura vida!
i did the all day combo/adventure tour with pura vida and it was a great day! it started early - got picked up at 7am and didnt get dropped off until 10pm - but it went by so fast! it started on the hanging bridges, then on to the la fortuna waterfall, lunch in la fortuna, hiking at arenal, watching for lava (which we saw!), then to the hot springs. our guide was so knowledgable about everything costa rica - the plants, animals, culture, everything - and didnt mind the gazillion questions that we asked. everything was perfect!
Published 26 ene 2010 - carolinah2137
Exceptional experience!
My boyfriend and I just got back from touring Costa Rica. While in La Fortuna, we booked a tour to the hanging bridges, La Fortuna waterfall, and a sunset hike at the Arenal Volcano with Pura Vida tours. Our guide was Javier, a former biology teacher. He will tell you that he only speaks 'un poquito' english, but it is near perfect. He was very engaging and knowledgeable about the flora and fauna. He helped us take pictures of birds from far away through his binoculars. At the very beginning of our volcano hike there was an absolutely miserable downpour and we were all completely soaked. I think that most of us on the tour were considering not completing the hike, but Javier convinced us to and the rain stopped in 10 minutes, the sun came out, and the hike was well worth it. The tour was very prompt and professionally run. I would seek out Javier for other tours if we go back (especially Rio Celeste!) - he really seems to love his job and meet new people. Highly recommended!!
Published 18 ene 2010 - puppy_doc
Excellent service for my student tour group
I connected with Pura Vida Tours several years ago when I first started bringing my college student group to Costa Rica for an ecological study tour. I will be using them for the fourth time this year. They have consistently provided me with great service organizing activities. They also provide knowledgeable, well spoken English speaking guides.
Published 10 nov 2009 - Toad_seeker
IS PASSPORT NEEDED TO ENTER TO COSTA RICA?
Yes, a valid passport is needed to come to Costa Rica.
DO I NEED A VISA TO GO TO COSTA RICA?
Depending on your nationality is possible to enter to the country without visa. The ones with passports from United States, Canada and most of the European countries count on this privilege.
CAN I ENTER TO COSTA RICA WITH A ONE WAY AIRTIQUETE?
All the visitors should have a roundtrip tiquete like requirement to enter to the country.
IS AN INTERNATIONAL DRIVER´S LICENSE NEEDED?
It is allowed to drive with a license of your country for a period of three months.
CAN I GET MARRIED IN COSTA RICA? WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED?
It is possible for foreigners to get married in Costa Rica; the required documents are the following ones: Original birth certificate, Prove of being single, Police Record (background check), Valid Passport, divorce Certificate (if applied). These documents should be authenticated before being brought to Costa Rica
WHICH IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RAINFOREST AND CLOUDFOREST?
The main difference is that there is more precipitation in the rainforest. The flora and fauna species are different from one forest to the other.
IS THE WATER DRINKABLE IN COSTA RICA?
The water is drinkable in most of the national territory. We recommend drinking bottled water especially in areas near to the coast.
IS THERE TRAIN SERVICE IN COSTA RICA?
There is a train that goes from San Jose to Caldera (Puntarenas). For more information call (506) 2233-3300 or (506)2221-0777.
WHAT´S THE CURRENCY IN COSTA RICA?
Our currency is the COLON. American dollars and credit cards can be used.
CAN I USE CREDIT CARDS IN COSTA RICA?
Most credit cards are accepted. Besides you will find money machines located nation wide.
WHAT TYPE OF VACCINES DO I NEED TO ENTER TO COSTA RICA?
No vaccine is needed to enter Costa Rica.
DO I NEED AN ELECTRIC ADAPTER FOR MY HAIRDRYER?
Our electric system is of 110 volts with standard plugs of 2 plates.
WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE NECESSARY TO BRING A PET TO COSTA RICA?
All the dogs and cats that will enter Costa Rica should have a certificate of health emitted by a veterinarian and endorsed by a veterinary service. The physical exam should be carried out two weeks before the trip date. The required vaccines are: distemper, hepatitis, lestospirosis, parvovirus and rabies (for animals older than 4 months)
HOW MUCH IS IT FOR THE EXIT TAX?
The exit tax is equal at $24, payable in dollars, colones or by credit card.
HOW DO I GET A WORK VISA?
You should apply for a visa of this type in the Consulate of Costa Rica.
ARE THE NATIONAL PARKS ACCESSIBE FOR PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL DISSABILTIES?
The only national park that has wheelchair access is the Poás National Park.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR A LEGAL RESIDENCE?
There are different forms of legalizing your status: temporal residence, retired, government international mission. For further information please communicate with the consulate of Costa Rica or with the association of Residents to www.casacanada.net
IS THERE A TOUR OPERATOR THAT OFFERS SERVICES FOR PEOPLE WITH PHYSICAL DISSABILITIES
Khosta Rhoda offers special tours for people with physical disabilities.
DOES AN AMERICAN LEGION EXIST IN COSTA RICA?
There is one for those who have been in the army. Also they can contact the association of Costa Rican Residents at www.casacanada.net or call (506) 2233-8068.
IF I DECIDE TO STAY LONGER, CAN I EXTEND MY VISA WHILE IN AM STILL IN COSTA RICA?
You just have to leave the country for 72 hours (Nicaragua or Panama), when you come back your permanence would be automatically extended for 90 days?
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO THE RAIN FOREST?
All you need is insect repellent, rain gear and comfortable shoes.
ARE THERE LOCAL AIRLINES THAT FLY IN THE COSTARRICAN TERRITORY?
Costa Rica is divided in 7 provinces: San José, Alajuela, Heredia, Cartago, Puntarenas, Limón y Guanacaste.
WHICH ARE THE REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER COSTA RICA?
To enter Costa Rica, you need to bring your passport. This should not expire or lose its validity before the following six months from the time you enter the country.
The citizens with passport of anyone of the following countries can stay in Costa Rica for 90 days without visa: Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France and dependences, Germany, Greece, Holland and dependences, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxemburg, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Rumania, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States, Czech Republic and Uruguay.
The citizens with valid passport of anyone of the following countries can remain in Costa Rica for 30 days without visa, and once in the country they can request an extend of their permanence" to the Office of Migration that allows to lengthen the stay until a total of 90 days: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Bulgaria, Chile, Dominique, El Salvador, Granada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Iceland, Ireland, Jamaica, Kenya, Mexico, New Zealand, Philippines, Russia, San Cristóbal, San Marine, Santa Lucía, San Vicente, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Surinam, Taiwan, Turkey, The Vatican, Venezuela, Estonia and Monaco.
The citizens of the countries that don't appear in the previous lists should obtain a visa from a Costa Rican embassy or consulted before traveling here.
Useful maps
Live Chat
(506) 2233-3300 or 
(506)2221-0777.
(506) 2233-8068.
(506)22258-1558.
