Traveler Information

Where will AdventureNEXT Costa Rica take place? 

Get ready for the adventure of a lifetime at AdventureNEXT Costa Rica will be held in La Fortuna - Arenal area of Costa Rica at the Los Lagos Hotel. Hailed as the adventure traveler’s haven, Costa Rica boasts vast mountain ranges, unspoiled rainforest, and miles of pristine beaches on both the Caribbean and the Pacific. From coast to coast, Costa Rica offers an ideal playground for those seeking to fully immerse themselves in nature and Tico culture; this country packs a punch when it comes to adventure travel. Surfers love riding the world class waves, wildlife lovers flock to spot some of the over 500,000 species in one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, and hikers revel in the vast amount of ecosystems and trails. Come and join us this November to experience the Pura Vida lifestyle. All the plenary, sessions and lunches will take place in the local area of La Fortuna, and stay tuned for exact details. 

Getting to Costa Rica

All Hosted Delegates will fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), which serves the San Jose, Costa Rica area. Many international airlines fly in and out of SJO, including American Airlines, Delta, British Airways, Lufthansa, United, Avianca, and LATAM. For more information about Juan Santamaría Internatinal Airport, please visit their website.

Transfers

Hosted delegates will be transferred from the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) to the DoubleTree by Hilton in Cariari prior to the start of the Pre Adventures on November 12, and from the event venue to the international airport, on November 20.

Transfers from in/out of the main hotels to/from the AdventureNEXT Costa Rica venue will be provided according to the event schedule to all delegates.

Getting Around Costa Rica 

You have many options to travel around Costa Rica! There are plenty of buses, taxis, flights, and cars available to get you where you need to go. Take a look below for more information for transportation tailored to your itinerary.  

• By bus

Buses are by far the most popular and cost efficient way to travel around Costa Rica. You can find local bus terminals in almost every town in Costa Rica. You can find the bus schedule via this website. If you prefer a private shuttle, Interbus can take you wherever you would like to go within the country. 

• Rental car

Renting a car is a way to see the country on your own terms! You can explore at your own pace, and access more remote parts of Costa Rica. 

17 November 2024 – AdventureNEXT Costa Rica 2024 opening reception   

18 November 2024 – Keynote presentations, Marketplace / Adventure Accelerator, Keynote presentations, free night to explore La Fortuna

19 November  2024 – Keynote presentations, Marketplace / Adventure Accelerator, Keynote presentations, Closing Cocktail

20 November 2024 – Departure

PRE-ADVENTURES

Unbelievable adventures await on AdventureNEXT Costa Rica! A land of lush rainforests, misty cloud forests, and pristine beaches, offers a plethora of adventures for nature enthusiasts, thrill-seekers, and culture aficionados alike. During AdventureNEXT Costa Rica Pre-Adventures, delegates will find beautiful vistas, turquoise blue rivers, towerings volcanoes, and opportunities to connect with the local community. We will learn about the steps Costa Rica has made towards a sustainable future, and see firsthand how they are doing that through the many hiking trails, family-run permaculture farms, and connection to nature seen in everyday life. In Costa Rica, every adventure is an opportunity to connect with nature, discover new cultures, and create unforgettable memories in one of the world's most biodiverse destinations. Whether you seek adrenaline-pumping thrills or tranquil moments of reflection, this enchanting country offers something for everyone to enjoy.

Stay tuned for more information about Pre-Adventures for AdvetureNEXT Costa Rica!

Accommodations 

Costa Rica has it all when it comes to accommodations: luxury hotels, eco-lodges hidden in the jungle, hostels, and beach front cabins. Whether for a solo trip or group travel, you can find whatever you are looking for. From the pristine beaches to the dense jungle, learn more about your sustainable accommodation options here.

Costa Rica is open for travel for all tourists, and many countries do not need a visa to enter, including the USA, Canada, and many European countries. In order to enter Costa Rica, you will need the following:

• Proof of departure or onward travel from Costa Rica
• A valid passport 
• You have the funds needed for the duration of your stay

Please note that as of July 30, 2007, Costa Rican authorities require all travelers from the following countries to have a certificate of vaccination against yellow fever: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Colombia and Ecuador, as well as the Republic of Guyana.

For more information on visas, please visit this webpage.

For an official list of all countries that need a visa to visit Costa Rica, please click here!

If you are traveling from these countries, you do need to have a Yellow Fever vaccine to enter Costa Rica: Bolivia, Brasil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, French Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Trinidad y Tobago, Surinam, and Venezuela.

Important information you will need to know when traveling to Fiji; 

• Climate 

Various factors affect the climate in Costa Rica, including the geography, the sea breezes, and atmospheric pressures. The main mountain range in Costa Rica runs northwest-southeast, which divides the country into two distinct regions: the Pacific and the Caribbean. The Pacific region is characterized by a dry and a wet season, with the peak of the dry season being in February and March. The Caribbean is a bit more wet and rainy, even during its dry season. Costa Rica is a tropical climate that has many geological features that make each province’s climate different and unique!

• What to wear 

At ATTA (Adventure Travel Trade Association) events, the attire is “Adventure Casual”. This simply means jeans or pants with a shirt/ blouse or workshop appropriate tops. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable and “adventure – ready” outfits.  

• Languages 

Spanish is Costa Rica’s official language, with the majority of the population speaking English as a second language. To learn more about Costa Rica, check out this webpage.

• Electricity 

Costa Rica uses 110-120V in electrical current and a frequency of 60Hz. Their outlets are similar to those in North America, type A&B. If your devices do not fit the power socket or require different voltage, then you may need travel adapters or converters.

• Currency 

The official currency of Costa Rica is the colon, however US dollars are widely accepted. Coin denominations come in 5, 25, 50, 100, and 500 colones and bills come in 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 colones. Credit cards are accepted throughout the country, and ATMs are widely available in most larger cities like San Jose, but can be sparse in smaller towns and the countryside. It is recommended to have some colones on you just in case a small shop or taxi (for example) only accepts cash.

• Tipping 

Tipping is not mandatory in Costa Rica, but it is always appreciated! If you decide to tip, 10% is the standard percentage to tip. In many restaurants, the tip is included as a “service tax” and is usually 10% of the meal. If you would like to tip over the service tax, please feel free as it will show appreciation to the service workers.

• Credit Card 

Most major credit cards like MasterCard, Visa and American Express are widely accepted in Costa Rica. It is recommended that you check with your issuing bank about foreign transaction fees.

• Mobile Phone Service 

You can bring your unlocked cell phone to Costa Rica and purchase a prepaid SIM card for your phone. Costa Rica has 3 major network providers: ICE, Claro, and Movstar. ICE is a government-owned network provider and will have the most coverage available throughout the country. You can purchase SIM cards at kiosks when you arrive at the airport, or at any major network stores in San Jose or other larger cities. 

• Drinking Water 

Keeping with the sustainability focus in the country, all of the tap water in Costa Rica is completely potable! This is a wonderful way to cut down on plastic bottles and single use plastics. Bring your own water bottle to refill with the taps while you are in Costa Rica!

• Emergency Call 

Vital numbers that can come in handy during your stay in Costa Rica; 

• Emergency: 911
• National Police: 1117
• Firefighters (bomberos): 1118
• Red Cross: 1128
• Transit Police (for car accidents): 9245

• Time Zone 

Costa Rica observes one time zone, GMT-6. Since Costa Rica does not observe Daylight Savings Time, from mid March-October they are in the same time zone as Mountain Standard Time, and from November- mid March, they are in the same time zone as Central Standard Time in the United States.

Important Notice: The ATTA highly recommends that all AdventureNEXT Costa Rica 2024 participants purchase travel insurance to provide the level of protection and support you require during your involvement at the event and during Pre-Adventure activities.

By choosing a Pre-Adventure, you recognize that neither the Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), nor its agents, servants, employees, and/or officers, are in any way responsible for any activities conducted by other entities. You further agree to Release and Discharge the ATTA and its agents, servants, employees and/or officers from any claim relating to either the selection of the other entities or the suitability of the entity to provide the indoor or outdoor activity. You recognize and understand that the safety laws, regulations, and requirements for any indoor or outdoor activity may vary widely from your home country’s similar laws, regulations, and requirements. You also understand that medical care in Costa Rica may differ from your home country and you agree to Release and Discharge the ATTA and its agents, servants, employees and/or officers from any claim relating to medical services.