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Prepare your trip to Costa Rica with RIU

Summer is approaching and the time has come to decide where to spend your next holiday. Today we are giving you all the reasons you need to travel to this wonderful Central American country, and discover its breathtaking natural grandeur. It is so incredible that you will never finish exploring its spectacular scenery, lush jungles teeming with unique biodiversity, majestic volcanoes soaring into the sky, and idyllic beaches. It is the perfect setting for unforgettable adventures combined with moments of relaxation.

Come explore the wonders of Costa Rica and discover the country of “Pura Vida”.

Suspension bridge in Costa Rica

What should you know before going to Costa Rica?

We know that when preparing for a trip you probably have hundreds of questions. And RIU is here to help you answer them and get everything organised:

– What should you pack in your suitcase when travelling to Costa Rica?

The first thing to think about when the travel date approaches is what you need to pack in your suitcase. Well, it’s easy! Here are some tips so that you don’t forget anything.

1. Opt for cool, breathable clothing, such as cotton t-shirts, shorts and skirts. Include a pair of long trousers and a light jacket for cooler nights and to protect you from mosquitoes.

2. A pair of closed-toe, comfortable walking shoes is a must, especially if you plan on hiking through the jungle or going over uneven terrain. Also pop in some sandals or flip flops for beach days and water-based activities.

3. Don’t forget your toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap and other personal care items. Consider bringing insect repellent and sun cream.

4. Make sure you bring your camera or smartphone with you to photograph the incredible Costa Rican landscapes. Plus, bring a power adapter if you need one, and a portable battery to keep your devices charged during your adventures.

– What should you visit in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is synonymous with wild and protected nature. There is a network of national parks and biological reserves that covers 25 percent of the country, and you can take part in all kinds of activities. And why not? We have prepared a small list of must-see places for your stay with us in Guanacaste.

Guanacaste Beach in Costa Rica

1. Naranjo Beach: ideal for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle and enjoy the beauty and serenity of nature. Its quiet, pristine atmosphere best characterises this beach, where you will find kilometres of golden sand fringed by palm trees and plenty of rustic, unspoilt charm.

2. Rincón de la Vieja National Park: known for its volcanic activity, this area is known for its spectacular landscapes and a wide variety of outdoor activities. From countless hiking trails for lovers of long walks to relaxing soaks in the pools from hot springs. And much more!

Rincón de la Vieja National Park, Costa Rica.

3. Barra Honda National Park: famous for its impressive limestone cave formations, this spot is ideal for people who love caving and adventure. The caverns offer the opportunity to explore a fascinating underground world filled with stalactites and stalagmites.

4. Liberia City: affectionately known as the “Ciudad Blanca”, or White City, due to its historic white buildings, it is one of the best examples of a colonial city in the country. Its streets are lined with classic adobe and wooden architecture, and beautifully decorated colonial buildings.

– Where can you stay in Costa Rica?

If you are wondering which hotel you should stay in, we cannot pass up the opportunity to tell you about the two hotels that RIU has in Costa Rica: The Riu Palace Costa Rica and the Riu Guanacaste.

Hotel Riu Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

Both are located on the edge of Matapalo Beach. The Riu Guanacaste, has a total of 701 rooms and is ideal for families, as it has an extensive entertainment programme for both children and adults, a Splash Water World with several slides, a 24-hour All Inclusive service, and the famous Riu Parties every Friday, alternating between the White and Neon themes. Next door we find the Riu Palace Costa Rica, with 538 rooms, for anyone who wants to add an extra touch of luxury to their stay for the whole family.

Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica.

Travel to Costa Rica with RIU

In case you decide to stay at a RIU hotel, we are going to take this opportunity to answer some of the questions you might have before coming. To do this, we have based our answers on the most frequently asked questions from other guests. Take note!

– How do I get to the RIU hotels in Costa Rica?

Guests travelling to Liberia Airport (LIR), about 45 minutes away from the hotel, who book through on riu.com have an included pick-up service.

– If I have a booking at the Riu Palace Costa Rica, can I use the facilities at the Riu Guanacaste?

All Riu Palace clients have access privileges to all Riu Guanacaste services except the dinner service, which must be at your hotel. This means you can enjoy the Riu Party, the Splash Water Word and the different bars and restaurants during the day.

– Restaurants: Bookings, opening hours and dress code.

You do not have to book a table at the hotel restaurants and tables are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. In addition, through the RIU app you can check all the opening-hour information.

There is no dress code requirement for dining, but there are some items that are not permitted, such as sleeveless t-shirts for men.

– All inclusive: Minibars and Room Service. 

We are often asked if room service and the minibar are included, and the answer is yes, they are part of the 24 hour all-inclusive service.

– Trips.

Questions about trips are very common, especially excursions to volcanoes and how best to visit them. At the hotel reception you will find reps from a number of reliable companies who can prepare and organise all kinds of trips for you.

-Animals and wildlife.

This is probably the most frequently asked category of all. Visitors are always interested in where they are most likely to see monkeys or typical Costa Rican animals.

We recommend going down to the beach area early in the morning, as there are usually dozens of them, or visit the Diamante animal sanctuary and zip line park next door.

In Costa Rica you can see up to six different species of toucans.

This year marks 15 years since RIU arrived in this wonderful destination, so we are celebrating! For us, there is no better way than to welcome you to our hotels and offer you an unforgettable experience.