COSTA RICA

Costa Rica, a Central American gem, is a pioneer in eco-tourism, celebrated for its extraordinary biodiversity. With a history of stable democracy since 1949, it famously abolished its army, dedicating resources to education and conservation. This lush nation, nestled between the Pacific and Caribbean, is a haven of rainforests, volcanoes, and pristine coastlines, embodying the “Pura Vida” philosophy.

Region: Central America

Capital: San José

Official Language: Spanish

Level of Travel Safety: Exercise normal precautions. Petty crime is common, especially in tourist areas. Be aware of surroundings and secure your belongings.

A map of Central America with Costa Rica highlighted.

Why Visit Costa Rica?

Biodiversity Hotspot: 5% of the world’s species—spot sloths, toucans, and monkeys in Manuel Antonio or Corcovado.

Adventure Capital: Zip-lining (Monteverde), surfing (Santa Teresa), and whitewater rafting (Pacuare River).

Beaches for Every Mood: From party hubs (Tamarindo) to secluded paradises (Playa Carrillo).

An aerial view of a wide, curving beach with turquoise water and green hills in the background.

Volcanoes & Hot Springs: Hike Arenal or soak in Tabacón’s thermal waters.

Eco-Tourism Pioneer: Stay in carbon-neutral lodges and support conservation.

Pura Vida Lifestyle: A laid-back ethos focused on joy and nature.

An aerial view of a white sand beach bordering a dense green forest and clear blue water.

Essential Trip Information

Costa Rica allows visa-free entry for tourists from many countries (including the U.S., Canada, EU, UK) for stays up to 90 days.

Check official requirements for your nationality here.

Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay.

Immigration may ask for proof of onward travel (e.g., return ticket) and sufficient funds (US$100–300 per week).

Tourist visa extensions are possible but require a visit to immigration offices.

Costa Rica uses the Costa Rican Colón (₡), but US$ are widely accepted (bring small bills; change may be in colones).

Exchange rate: ~US$1 = ₡530 (check current rates before travel).

Best Ways to Handle Currency:

  • Before Your Trip: Exchange a small amount of colones; ATMs offer better rates.

  • During Your Trip: Use ATMs at BAC San José or Scotiabank (low fees). Credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) work in tourist areas, but carry ₡10,000–30,000 (US$20–50) cash for rural areas.

  • What to Avoid: Airport exchange kiosks (high fees) and paying in USD for small purchases (poor rates).

Spanish is the official language. English is spoken in tourist areas.

Helpful phrases:

  • “Pura vida” (Hello/Thanks/All good).
  • “¿Cuánto cuesta?” (How much?).

Generally safe, but watch for petty theft (e.g., unlocked cars, beach bags).

Avoid isolated areas at night (e.g., San José’s El Carmen district).

Emergency number: 911.

No mandatory vaccines, but Hepatitis A/Typhoid are recommended.

Malaria risk is low, but dengue occurs (use mosquito repellent).

Tap water is safe in most areas (avoid rural wells).

Travel insurance is essential (medical care is good but pricey).

Buses: Cheap but slow; Tracopa and Transportes Jacó are reliable.

Domestic flights: Sansa Airlines (US$50–150) for quick hops.

Driving: Roads are bumpy; 4×4 needed for Nicoya/Osa Peninsula.

Taxis/Uber: Use official red taxis (meters) or Uber (San José only).

Costa Rica is moderate to expensive for Central America, especially in tourist hubs.

Accommodation:

  • Budget: Hostels/guesthouses (US$15–40/night).

  • Mid-range: Eco-lodges/3-star hotels (US$60–120/night).

  • Luxury: 4-5 star resorts (US$150–400+/night).

Food:

  • Quick eats: Sodas (local cafés) (US$5–10/meal).

  • Casual dining: US$12–25/person.

  • Fine dining: US$30+/person.

Drinks:

  • Beer: US2–4(bars),US1–2 (supermarkets).

  • Cocktails: US$6–12.

Transportation:

  • Public buses: US$1–10 (long-distance).

  • Taxis: US$10–30 for short trips (use official red taxis or Uber).

  • Car rentals: US$40–80/day (4WD recommended for rural areas).

Money-Saving Tips:

  • Eat at sodas for cheap, authentic meals.

  • Travel in shoulder seasons (May–June, Sept–Nov) for lower prices.

  • Use shared shuttles (e.g., Interbus) instead of private transfers.

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Explore Costa Rica

Located on the Central Pacific coast, this stunning park is a perfect blend of pristine white-sand beaches, lush rainforest, and abundant wildlife. Expect to see monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds.

Dominating the northern lowlands, Arenal Volcano is an iconic conical peak near the adventure hub of La Fortuna. Here you can enjoy hot springs, zip-lining, waterfall rappelling, and hiking in the surrounding national park.

Situated in the Tilarán Mountains, this mystical cloud forest is renowned for its incredible biodiversity. Experience hanging bridges above the canopy, extraordinary birdwatching (including the Resplendent Quetzal), and rich plant life.

Found on the northern Caribbean coast, this remote park is a vital nesting ground for various sea turtle species. Accessible only by boat or plane, it offers unique canal tours through dense rainforest, teeming with wildlife.

Located in the remote southwestern Pacific, the Osa Peninsula is considered one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Corcovado National Park within it is a haven for jaguars, tapirs, and a vast array of wildlife, offering an unparalleled wilderness experience.

On the southern Caribbean coast, Puerto Viejo offers a vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture, reggae rhythms, and stunning laid-back beaches. It’s perfect for surfing, exploring Cahuita National Park, and enjoying delicious local cuisine.

Stretching along the northwestern Pacific coast, Guanacaste boasts some of Costa Rica’s most famous beaches. These areas offer excellent surfing, snorkeling, luxury resorts, and stunning sunsets, making them ideal for beach lovers.

The bustling capital city, located in the Central Valley, offers a cultural contrast to the country’s natural wonders. Explore museums, historic theaters, and vibrant markets, and use it as a base for day trips to volcanoes and coffee plantations.

 In the northwestern Guanacaste Province, this park features an active volcano and diverse ecosystems. Hike through dry forest trails to see bubbling mud pots, volcanic fumaroles, and beautiful waterfalls, offering a unique geological experience.

This region, south of Manuel Antonio, is known for its rugged beauty, incredible whale watching opportunities (especially Uvita’s Whale’s Tail), and a more relaxed, eco-conscious vibe, perfect for nature enthusiasts and surfers.

Smart Travel

Key Advantages:

  • Lowest Prices
  • Fewer Crowds
  • Lush, vibrant landscapes
  • Waterfalls are at their fullest
  • Excellent for whitewater rafting

Main Drawbacks:

  • Daily afternoon rain showers
  • Some rural roads can be muddy
  • Limited sunbathing opportunities on some days
  • Higher humidity

Key Regions:

  • Caribbean Coast (e.g., Limón, Puerto Viejo): Often experiences drier weather when the Pacific side is rainy.
  • Southern Pacific (e.g., Osa Peninsula, Dominical): Rainforests are incredibly lush, great for wildlife spotting.
  • Central Valley (e.g., San José, Poás): Milder temperatures, and the surrounding countryside is vibrant.
  • Arenal & La Fortuna: Hot springs are even more inviting in the rain, lush volcano views.

Key Advantages:

  • Ideal Weather (mix of sun and some rain)
  • Manageable Crowds
  • Reasonable Prices
  • Excellent wildlife viewing as seasons shift
  • Good for surfing as swells begin/end

Main Drawbacks:

  • Weather can be unpredictable (can lean more dry or rainy)
  • Some popular areas still see moderate crowds
  • A brief lull in some larger festivals

Key Regions:

  • Guanacaste (Pacific Northwest): Enjoy lingering dry season sunshine before the rains, or the first green sprouts.
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest: Perfect balance of mist and clearer skies, ideal for birdwatching.
  • Nicoya Peninsula: Great for beach lovers, with fewer people and comfortable temperatures.
  • Manuel Antonio: The national park is less crowded, allowing for better wildlife encounters.
  • Dry Season (Mid-December – April)
  • Christmas and New Year Holiday Period
  • Easter/Semana Santa
  • Mid-July (small peak due to school holidays)

Planning Your Trip

Pura Vida: The national motto—means “life is good.” Use it as a greeting/thank you.

Tipping: 10% is often included; extra 5–10% for great service. Tip tour guides (US$5–10/day).

Dress: Casual (shorts, sandals) but modest near churches/rural areas.

Wildlife: Never feed animals (monkeys, sloths)—it harms their health.

Haggling: Not common—fixed prices in shops/tours.

Accommodation: Hostels (US$15–30), mid−rangehotels (60–150), luxury (US$200+).

Food: Sodas (local eateries, US$5–8), casual restaurants 10–20), fine dining (US$40+).

Activities: Zip-lining (US$50–80), park entrances (10–20), surf lessons (US$40–60).

Transport: Buses (US$5–20/day),rental car 50–100/day + gas).

Daily Budget:

  • Budget: US$50–80 (hostels, buses, sodas).

  • Mid-range: US$100–200 (hotels, tours, rental car).

  • Luxury: US$300+ (eco-lodges, private guides).

Free Wi-Fi: Common in hotels/cafes; slower in rural areas.

SIM Cards: Kolbi (best coverage) or Liberty—US$10 for 5GB at airport kiosks.

eSIMs: Airalo offers Costa Rica packages (US$15 for 3GB).

Essential: Covers medical emergencies (hospitals can demand upfront payment).

Adventure Coverage: Verify if your plan includes zip-lining, surfing, or whitewater rafting.

Recommendations: World Nomads or SafetyWing (budget-friendly).

From eco-lodges to beachfront hostels, Costa Rica caters to all budgets.

Eco-Lodges:

  • Luxury: Nayara Tented Camp (Arenal), Lapa Ríos (Osa Peninsula).
  • Budget: Selina (chain with coworking spaces, ~US$30–80/night).

Beach Hotels:

  • Mid-range: Tamarindo Diria (Pacific), Le Cameleon (Puerto Viejo).
  • Budget: Rocking J’s (Puerto Viejo, hostel vibes).

Mountain Retreats:

  • Monteverde: Chira Glamping or Santa Elena hostels.

Tip: Book 3+ months ahead for December–March stays.

Public transit is cheap but slow; renting a car offers flexibility.

Buses:

  • Affordable (US$2–10 per trip) but time-consuming—great for budget travelers.
  • Reliable companies: Tracopa (San José to the Pacific), Transmonteverde (to cloud forests).

Car Rentals:

  • 4×4 is essential for rural areas (US$50–100/day). Book early in peak season.
  • Watch for potholes and “unmarked” speed bumps (tumulos).

Domestic Flights:

  • Sansa or Skyway fly to destinations like Quepos (US$80–150 one-way)—saves time.

Taxis/Rideshares:

  • Official red taxis (use meters; short rides ~US$5). Uber operates in San José.

Shuttles:

  • Shared vans (US$25–60/person) connect tourist hubs (e.g., La Fortuna to Monteverde).

Handy Tips

Costa Rica uses the Costa Rican Colón (₡), but US dollars (US$) are widely accepted in tourist areas. Bills come in ₡1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 denominations; coins include ₡5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 500.

  • Exchanging Currency: Avoid airport exchange kiosks (high fees). Use ATMs (“cajeros automáticos”) or local banks for better rates.

  • Using Cards: Credit/debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) are accepted in most hotels/restaurants, but carry cash for rural areas, markets, or small vendors.

  • Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is appreciated but not always expected (10% service charge is often included).

    • Restaurants/Bars: 10% extra if service charge isn’t included.

    • Taxis: Round up or tip 5–10% for long trips.

    • Tour Guides: US$5–10 per person for group tours.

    • Hotel Staff: US$1–2 per bag for porters; $1–2 per day for housekeeping.

Spanish is the official language, but English is spoken in tourist areas. Helpful phrases:

  • “¿Dónde está…?” (Where is…?)

  • “¿Cuánto cuesta?” (How much does it cost?)

  • “La cuenta, por favor” (The bill, please).

  • “Pura vida” (Literally “pure life”—used for hello, goodbye, and everything in between!).
    Pro Tip: Costa Ricans (“Ticos”) are friendly but polite—greet people with “buenos días/tardes” before asking questions.

Costa Rica is one of Latin America’s safest countries, but petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing in San José) occurs.

Emergency Contacts:

  • 911: All emergencies (police, medical, fire).
  • Tourist Police: Dial 911 or visit offices in tourist areas (English-speaking).
  • Your Embassy: Keep details handy (most are in San José).

Stay Alert: Avoid flashing valuables on beaches or buses; use hotel safes.

Costa Rica uses 120V/60Hz with Type A/B plugs (two flat pins or three pins with a grounding prong). International visitors will need an adapter; converters are rarely necessary for modern electronics.

Tap water is safe to drink in most areas (including San José and tourist hubs). In remote regions, opt for bottled water or ask locals, “¿El agua es potable?”

Many businesses close on:

  • 1 Jan: New Year’s Day.

  • Mar/Apr: Holy Week (Semana Santa)—major travel week; book ahead!.

  • 11 Apr: Juan Santamaría Day (hero’s celebration).

  • 1 May: Labor Day.

  • 25 Jul: Annexation of Guanacaste.

  • 2 Aug: Virgin of Los Ángeles (pilgrimages to Cartago).

  • 15 Sep: Independence Day (parades + lantern festivals).

  • 25 Dec: Christmas Day.

Stores: Typically 9:00–19:00 (malls open until 21:00).

Markets: Farmers’ markets (“ferias”) are weekly (e.g., San José’s Feria del Agricultor on Saturdays).

Pharmacies: “Farmacias” like Fischel are common (some 24/7 in cities).

Gallo Pinto: National breakfast of rice and beans sautéed with onions, peppers, and cilantro.

Casado: A lunch staple—rice, beans, salad, plantains, and your choice of meat or fish.

Chifrijo: Pub favorite—fried pork, beans, pico de gallo, and tortilla chips layered in a bowl.

Ceviche Tico: Fresh fish (often tilapia) cured in lime juice with onions, cilantro, and peppers.

Olla de Carne: Hearty beef and vegetable stew traditionally served on Sundays.

Tamales: Holiday favorite—corn dough filled with pork or chicken, wrapped in banana leaves.

Rondón: Caribbean-style seafood stew made with coconut milk, fish, plantains, and spices.

Patacones: Twice-fried green plantains, crispy on the outside and perfect for dipping.

Arroz con Leche: Creamy rice pudding flavored with cinnamon and cloves.

Tres Leches Cake: Moist sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk—decadent and beloved.

Alcoholic:

  • Guaro Sour: Costa Rica’s national cocktail made with sugarcane liquor, lime, and sugar.

  • Imperial Beer: The country’s most iconic lager—light, crisp, and everywhere.

  • Pilsen: A slightly stronger national beer, also widely available.

  • Craft Beers: Try Costa Rica’s Craft Brewing Co. for tropical IPAs and pale ales.

  • Cacique Guaro: Sugarcane-based spirit—strong, clear, and often mixed in cocktails.

  • Rum Ron Centenario: Premium aged rum with caramel and spice notes—great for sipping.

Non-Alcoholic:

  • Agua Dulce: Warm drink made by dissolving raw cane sugar in hot water or milk.

  • Refrescos Naturales: Fresh fruit smoothies made with local mango, papaya, or pineapple.

  • Café Chorreador: Traditional drip-brewed coffee using a wooden stand and cloth filter.

  • Chan Drink: Slightly gelatinous local drink made from chan seeds soaked in sweet water.

  • Guayabo Juice: Tart and tangy juice made from native guava—refreshing and vitamin-packed.

Museo Nacional de Costa Rica: Housed in a former fortress with bullet holes from the 1948 civil war.

Teatro Nacional: Grand neoclassical theatre in downtown San José, opened in 1897.

Guayabo National Monument: Ancient pre-Columbian city ruins near Turrialba.

Bribri Culture: Indigenous experiences near Puerto Viejo—learn about cacao ceremonies.

Ox Carts of Sarchí: Hand-painted and UNESCO-recognized—once used to carry coffee.

Fiestas de Palmares: Country-wide festival with bull riding, parades, and music in January.

Catholic Traditions: Pilgrimage to Cartago’s Basilica de los Ángeles every August.

Tico Expressions: Learn local slang like “pura vida” (pure life) and “mae” (dude).

Coffee Heritage: Visit Doka Estate or Britt Coffee Tour to explore Costa Rica’s coffee legacy.

Limonese Culture: Afro-Caribbean rhythms and cuisine on the eastern coast.

Ziplining in Monteverde: Glide above cloud forests and watch for quetzals.

Surfing in Tamarindo: Excellent waves for beginners and pros alike.

Hot Springs in La Fortuna: Soak with a volcano view at Tabacón Thermal Resort.

Night Hikes: Explore the jungle after dark in places like Drake Bay.

Wildlife Tours: Sloths, toucans, and howlers in Manuel Antonio National Park.

Turtle Nesting in Tortuguero: Watch green sea turtles lay eggs (Jul–Oct).

Horseback Riding: Ride through coffee farms or alongside waterfalls.

Yoga in Nosara: Wellness retreats tucked in tropical forest near the beach.

Sunset Sailing: Pacific catamaran cruises from Papagayo or Tamarindo.

Beach Hopping: Explore remote sands from Santa Teresa to Playa Conchal.

El Steinvorth (San José): Hipster-chic bar in a restored colonial building.

Antik (San José): Popular nightclub with electronic music and rooftop views.

Café de los Deseos: Artsy San José bar with cocktails and poetry nights.

Treetop Lounge (Santa Teresa): Sunset cocktails with ocean views and boho vibes.

Lizard Lounge (Tamarindo): Fun beach-town spot for dancing and live music.

Sano Banano (Montezuma): Classic for dinner and mojitos near the beach.

Selina (Various Locations): Hostel bar chain with good DJs and happy hours.

Koki Beach (Puerto Viejo): Oceanfront cocktails with a Caribbean twist.

Bar La Selegna (La Fortuna): Local spot with karaoke and guaro specials.

Rum Bar (Nosara): Chill Caribbean-style rum shack with reggae nights.