12 Commonly Asked Questions about Nicoya

Nicoya is a wonderful town that has nice weather, lots of interesting places to visit and friendly people.

We gathered our 12 Commonly Asked Questions about Nicoya and we hope this information is helpful for you.

1.What to bring?

Nicoya is located 123 meters (403.5 feet) above sea level and is part of a Dry Tropical Forest. The average temperature is 27C (81F).  The climate is hot and dry most of the time.

T-shirts, sandals and comfortable shorts are appropriate for class, and just about everywhere else.  Bring tennis shoes for hiking and walks, a pair of jeans or light pants, swimwear, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellant.

2.What about the weather?

Costa Rica has two seasons; the Dry Season is our summer and the Rainy or Green Season is our winter.

Our summer is from December through April, with clear skies and almost no rain. Daytime temperatures generally range from 28C (85F)  to 34C (95F). The temperature throughout the year will vary slightly.  December and January are normally the coolest months.

Our winter is from May to November during which we can get significant rain.  Usually the morning will be sunny and a good rain shower will follow during the afternoon or evening. September and October are the rainiest months and during this time we recommend you bring a light rain jacket.

3. How to get to Nicoya?

Costa Rica has two International Airports, Juan Santamaría in Alajuela (also known as San José airport) and Daniel Oduber in Liberia.

Liberia Airport:

Most students fly into Liberia Airport (LIR), because of its close proximity to Nicoya.  It is only an hour’s drive from Liberia to Nicoya.  American, United, Delta and US Airlines have non-stop flights from the U.S. directly to Liberia.  Air Canada and WestJet also provide direct flights from Canada.  We will meet you at the airport and drive you to Nicoya.

San Jose Airport:

Our representative will meet your flight at the international airport in San Jose then take you to the bus station where you’ll board your express bus to Nicoya.  The bus trip to Nicoya takes 4.5 hours from San Jose.

4.What about the food and water in Nicoya?

Costa Ricans’ diet is based on rice and beans and these two foods are part of daily Tico life. It is normal to eat Gallo Pinto (a traditional dish), eggs, fruits and toast for breakfast. For lunch the Casado consists of a serving of rice and beans accompanied with salad, fried plantains and one portion of grilled or stewed meat (fish, pork, beef).  The Casado is sometimes offered for dinner as well.

Many other dishes such as rice with chicken or shrimp, Chifrijo, a variety of Ceviches, Chicharones, Olla de carne (soup), a wide variety of Picadillos (prepared diced vegetables) are part of Costa Rican culinary identity.

Due to the variety of fruits and vegetables, meat and poultry production, and close proximity to the Pacific and Atlantic oceans, Costa Rican cuisine benefits from a wide range of ingredients and local dishes.

The water is safe; don’t worry about drinking tap water, drinking beverages with ice, or eating vegetables and fruits washed with the water. Government agencies are vigilant in assuring safe water quality. If you have doubts you can always buy bottled water.

Nicoya’s water has high levels of calcium.  When combined with vitamin D (acquired by safe sun exposure) it helps to promote stronger bones, meaning fewer fractures and fatal falls among the elderly, and far less heart disease, among other benefits.

5. Is Nicoya a safe town?

Nicoya is a safe town where people are friendly and respectful.  Police are part of the community and you will see them constantly patrolling the streets.  Of course you should always practice general security habits concerning your personal safety and belongings.

6. What is there to do in and around Nicoya?

Nicoya is centrally located with easy access to the beaches and many nearby national parks. Normally your class schedule will be from 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

During your free afternoon time you can go to the beach, work out at a gym, walk the city,  or visit our National Sports Complex.  The Complex includes an Olympic-sized swimming pool, jogging track, tennis court, basketball court, soccer field and more for your enjoyment at a minimal cost.

Tours can also be scheduled for kayaking to Isla Chora, sightseeing at Palo Verde National Park, experiencing coffee production at a plantation, visiting Guaitil Pottery Village, as well as many other places of interest.

7. What is the local currency?

The value of the Colón keeps fluctuating, but in general you can consider each $2 USD as ¢1000 colones.

In Nicoya you will find 4 banks, as well as ATMS, to get cash.  You may wish to bring a small amount of U.S dollars and exchange them at a bank for the local currency, the Colón.

In most places you will be able to pay with your credit card. If using U.S. dollars we recommend low denominations such as $5, $10, and $20.   However, some stores will only accept colones.

Most places will not accept $50 bills or higher.

If you visit the bank it is mandatory to take your passport with you.

8. What about volunteer programs?

Volunteer programs are available.  Volunteering will help you to improve your Spanish language skills, develop social awareness and leave you with an appreciation for Costa Rican life and culture.

During your visit you can enroll in our volunteer programs:

• Ostional Turtle Reserve, minimum 10 days required after you complete your course.
• Senior Assisted Living Center.
• Student Teacher.

9. What will a homestay be like?

We have excellent homestay families who are all prescreened, most of whom we have known for many years.

They enjoy hosting students and will do everything possible to make your stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Our families come from all walks of life, have interesting life stories to share with you, and they will want to know about your life in your home country as well.

10. How to get around?

Transportation should not be a worry; you can easily find buses, taxis, shuttle service, car rentals and private transportation.

If you want to take an afternoon trip to the beach the bus service is an excellent option. To get to the closest beaches (Samara & Carrillo) the ticket is approximately $3 USD. For travel within Nicoya a taxi will be a better option. Please note that Nicoya is a small town and most things you can find within walking distance.

Shuttle service, car rentals or private transportation are good options if you are going to travel longer distances.

11. How is the health system?

Costa Rica has a strong healthcare system and Nicoya has the largest public hospital in the area. Nicoya offers a wide range of medical services provided by the public hospital, private clinics and doctors’ offices. There are also dental and optical clinics.

Non-prescription drugs are readily available from drugstores in Nicoya.  If you have travel medical insurance it is important to contact your provider and verify the procedure in order to apply the coverage.

12. What about phone and internet service?

In the town of Nicoya you have full cell phone coverage and Wi-fi is readily accessible.  If you want to make local calls or text we recommend you buy a prepaid Sim card.  It is very easy, economical, and available everywhere and you won’t have to pay any roaming charges.  Some cell phone companies do not have full coverage in rural areas. Making collect calls from Costa Rica is no longer an option.

In Costa Rica the app WhatsApp is very popular, so you can always use that to communicate with family and friends back home, and within Costa Rica at no charge.  And, you may want to also have SKYPE for your international calls.