Things To Do
in Ciudad Cortés

Small local market where vendors sell fresh fruit, seafood and prepared snacks; great for tasting local fruit, empanadas and freshly prepared fish dishes in the morning.

Simple open-air eateries offering quick lunches like casado (entrée with rice, beans, protein and plantains), fresh ceviche and cold drinks — ideal for inexpensive, authentic meals.

Standards are friendly and polite: a handshake and eye contact on first meetings, and ‘buenos días’ or ‘pura vida’ are common greetings.

Locals value the environment and natural resources — avoid littering, respect wildlife and follow guide instructions in protected areas.

Dress is casual and modest; while beachwear is fine at the shore, wear appropriate clothing in town, shops and religious sites. Public displays of anger are frowned upon; keep conversations calm and respectful.

Small towns are tight-knit; ask before photographing people and respect private property — building friendly rapport goes a long way.

Tipping is appreciated but modest: 10% in restaurants if service is not included, small tips for guides and drivers, and rounding up for taxi fares. In small sodas and kiosks tipping is not expected but a small token for excellent service is welcome.

Cash is king in Ciudad Cortés — Costa Rican colóns are preferred, but US dollars are often accepted in border areas and tourist services. Credit cards work in a few restaurants and lodges; ATMs and card networks are limited, so bring enough cash for local expenses.

Expect drier days, more sunshine, lower river levels and easier road conditions — best time for beach activities, boat trips and overland travel. This is peak tourist season in parts of the south, so book accommodations in advance.

Frequent afternoon and overnight rain, lush vegetation and fewer visitors. Travel times increase on rural roads because of mud and occasional washouts; wildlife is active and landscapes are vividly green.

The heaviest rainfall typically falls in these months; expect daily heavy showers, swollen rivers and limited access to some remote areas. Good for low-season deals but not optimal for road-based itineraries.

Transitional periods that can offer a mix of sun and rain with fewer crowds; ideal if you want good weather without the full dry-season prices.

Protected rainforest with trails for day hikes featuring wildlife, birds and primary/secondary forest scenery; guides can enhance sightings.

Short, low-impact walks through mangrove systems ideal for wildlife viewing and photography, often accessible by guided kayak or boat tours.

Private or community trails that showcase agricultural landscapes, local flora and rivers — great for short walks and cultural insight.

Coastal treks and beach access paths near Playa Zancudo and other shoreline areas combine easy walking with marine views and tide-pooling opportunities.

Small regional airport on the Osa Peninsula offering domestic flights to/from San José; useful for accessing Corcovado and Osa attractions, but requires road transfer from Ciudad Cortés.

Regional airport serving the Golfito area with limited commercial flights and charter options; reachable by road and useful for domestic connections.

Across the border in Panama, David has regional and some international flights and can be a practical entry/exit point for travelers combining Panama and southern Costa Rica visits; check border-crossing requirements.

Costa Rica’s main international gateway in San José; 5–8+ hours by road from Ciudad Cortés depending on route and traffic — most international travelers connect here before traveling south.