Though you shouldn't expect the kind of colour and verve that you'll find at fiestas in Guatemala, Costa Rica has its fair share of holidays and festivals, or feriados , when all banks, post offices, museums and government offices close. In particular, don't try to travel anywhere during Semana Santa , Holy (Easter) Week: the whole country shuts down from Holy Thursday until after Easter Monday, and buses don't run. Likewise, the week from Christmas to New Year invariably causes traffic nightmares, overcrowded beaches and a suspension of services.

Provincial holidays , like Independence Day in Guanacaste (July 25) and the Limón Carnaval (the week preceding October 12), affect local services only, but nonetheless the shutdown is drastic: don't bet on cashing travellers' cheques or mailing letters if you're in these areas at party time.