What is "Tico Time" and how does it affect travel in Costa Rica?

"Tico Time" refers to the relaxed, slower pace of life in Costa Rica, where appointments may run late. If a tour pickup is delayed by up to 15 minutes, it's advisable to relax; for longer delays, contact local support at 2694-0019.

What is Costa Rica's standard cancellation policy for travel services?

Costa Rica's standard policy is no refund for cancellations with less than two weeks' notice, and partial or no refund even with more notice, due to the reliance on international tourism. Changes may incur a $25 per person fee, and processing times can be slower.

What should I expect regarding wildlife and amenities in Costa Rican accommodations?

Expect to encounter geckos, which are beneficial for mosquito control, as it's difficult to completely seal out the rainforest environment. Ecolodges and beach bungalows prioritize comfort in unique locations, so amenities like televisions and air-conditioning are not always available; review your itinerary for specifics.

Should I expect rain during my trip to Costa Rica?

Yes, as Costa Rica is a rainforest environment, you should expect at least some rain. Bringing rain gear and quick-dry clothing and shoes is highly recommended to prepare for the climate.

Those Costa Ricans have a different word for everything

Good to Know

Embrace the unique rhythm of Costa Rica, where "Tico Time" encourages a relaxed pace and appointments may run late. Travelers should be aware of local cancellation policies, which typically offer no refunds for last-minute changes due to the reliance on international tourism. Expect to encounter the natural environment, including geckos, and note that amenities like air-conditioning are not guaranteed in all ecolodges. Review your itinerary to ensure a seamless journey.

Steve Martin has a classic comedy routine "Boy, those French, they have a different word for everything!" Well, Costa Rica has a different way of doing a lot of things and your vacation will be much more enjoyable if you're informed about some of them and have realistic expectations.

Tico Time - Relax it's a Vacation

Everything is a little more relaxed in the tropics and things move at a slower pace. Fifteen minutes late might just be considered early for an appointment and it's so ubiquitous that they even have their own phrase for it "Tico Time."

If your tour pickup is a little late please spend the time relaxing and watching the birds in the gardens. Our reservation, confirmation and re-confirmation system works and you haven't been forgotten. If it's more than 15 minutes then give us a call (locally, 2694-0019) and we'll find out what the delay is.

Changing Your Mind

Costa Rica relies on international tourists and it's quite unlikely anyone will hop on a plane to fly down and fill your hotel room or take your horseback ride.

Because of this and cultural norms the standard operating policy in Costa Rica is no refund for cancellations with less than two weeks notice and partial or no refund even with more notice.

If you're willing to pay for the cancelled room or activity we'll help you make changes while you're traveling if availability allows, but reserve the right to charge $25 per change per person to cover the cost of our employee's time (more for super saver plan).

Keep in mind that even if you're willing to accept the expense of making changes, that while we work at a U.S. standard pace, most of the providers we're working with are strict observers of Tico Time and changes might not get done as quickly as you (or we) would like.

EEEEK! There are Lizards on the Wall

Those lizards are geckos. They eat mosquitoes and they're your best friend in the tropics. Even the most modern steel and glass skyscrapers in downtown San Jose end up with bugs inside and there are no hotels or resorts in Costa Rica that can completely seal out the environment.

It's the rainforest, so you should expect at least some rain. Coming prepared can make all the difference, so remember to bring rain gear and quick dry clothing/shoes.

Ecolodges and beach bungalows are built to provide you a reasonable level of comfort while visiting unique and often remote locations. Please don't assume that amenities like televisions and air-conditioning are available.

The room descriptions on your itinerary are complete and accurate so you should review them now and make sure you'll have what you want. If not, the sooner you let us know the less expensive it will be to move you to another accommodation.

We're not able to change the culture or the climate and you won't change it either so please understand the things that work differently and respect the possibility that the way you're used to might not be the only way. After all, those Costa Ricans, they have a different word for everything!

Frequently Asked Questions Index Page

Frequently Asked Questions

What is "Tico Time" and how does it affect travel in Costa Rica?: "Tico Time" refers to the relaxed, slower pace of life in Costa Rica, where appointments may run late. If a tour pickup is delayed by up to 15 minutes, it's advisable to relax; for longer delays, contact local support at 2694-0019.
What is Costa Rica's standard cancellation policy for travel services?: Costa Rica's standard policy is no refund for cancellations with less than two weeks' notice, and partial or no refund even with more notice, due to the reliance on international tourism. Changes may incur a $25 per person fee, and processing times can be slower.
What should I expect regarding wildlife and amenities in Costa Rican accommodations?: Expect to encounter geckos, which are beneficial for mosquito control, as it's difficult to completely seal out the rainforest environment. Ecolodges and beach bungalows prioritize comfort in unique locations, so amenities like televisions and air-conditioning are not always available; review your itinerary for specifics.
Should I expect rain during my trip to Costa Rica?: Yes, as Costa Rica is a rainforest environment, you should expect at least some rain. Bringing rain gear and quick-dry clothing and shoes is highly recommended to prepare for the climate.