Costa Rica is best known for its rainforests, waterfalls, volcanoes, cloud forest, black sand beaches, and coffee. You will also find sloths, monkeys, colorful frogs, tropical birds, and nesting sea turtles. Continue reading this Costa Rica travel guide, including the top things to do in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is referred to as the adventure capital of Central America. The country receives over 2.66 million tourists each year. Planning international travel can be overwhelming and time-consuming while working full-time. Use this Costa Rica travel guide and the following Costa Rica travel blog posts to plan your perfect vacation.
READ Things to Do in Northwest Costa Rica, One Week Itinerary (coming soon)
What You Need to Know When Planning a Trip to Costa Rica
Where is Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is in Central America with a population of over 5.1 million. The country is about the size of West Virginia and is bordered by Nicaragua, Panama, the Pacific Ocean to the West, and the Caribbean Sea to the East. Although Costa Rica appears small, it takes longer to get around the country than it appears on a map. Costa Rica is divided into seven provinces: Guanacaste, Puntarenas, Alajuela, Heredia, San Jose, Cartago, and Limon. San Jose is the capital with a population of 1.5 million people.
What language is spoken in Costa Rica?
The national language of Costa Rica is Spanish, with its own form of slang. Tourism is a main source of income, and many locals speak English. It is important to at least try to speak the common language before resorting to English. FluentU offers a helpful list of common words and phrases to learn before you travel. You will also find tutorials on YouTube.
Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica?
According to Project Visa, US citizens do not need a visa for a visit up to 180 days in 6 months. Immigration does require the address of your first accommodation and proof of onward travel from Costa Rica. Your passport must not expire for six months from the conclusion of your trip.
What is the currency in Costa Rica?
The currency in Costa Rica is the Colón. The exchange rate is about 500 CRC to $1 USD. Untorn and unmarked USD are also widely accepted in Costa Rica. Don’t be fooled by ‘0 commission’ money exchangers because the ‘service fee’ is high. Be sure to download a free currency calculator before you arrive.
Can I use credit cards and ATMs in Costa Rica?
ATMs are available in large cities. Banco Nacional (BN) or Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) as they offer fee-free ATM withdrawals with foreign cards. Avoid large fees by using your bank’s international partner in Costa Rica, and Google its location before you travel. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Costa Rica; you will need a 4-digit PIN from the bank. American Express and Discover may be accepted. Save money on fees with a credit card that waives foreign transaction fees, and ask for payment to be in colones; you will get a much better exchange rate from your bank. It is always a good idea to carry some cash.
How much should I budget per day in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is the most expensive country in Central America. Expect prices similar to those in the United States. Tipping is not necessary in restaurants. Staff are paid a living wage, and an additional 10% services charge is built into the prices. According to Budget Your Trip, the average daily cost of traveling in Costa Rica is $138. Expect to pay $1,935 + airfare for a one-week trip for 2.
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is warm year-round. Temperatures are warmer along the coast and cooler in the rainforests. The temperatures in Costa Rica range from the 80s or sometimes low 90s °F at the beach (27-32 °C) to crisp 60s and 70s °F (16-22 °C) in the higher elevation mountains.
The wet season runs from May to November, and the dry season is from January to April. The high season in Costa Rica is the dry season, expect high prices and crowds. The shoulder season is the beginning of December; many Costa Ricans travel around the Christmas holidays, and prices increase. The low season is during the wet season. Be aware that dry season means less wet, not actually dry!
What type of transportation is available in Costa Rica?
There are two international airports. One in San Jose (San Jose International Airport SJO), and the other in Liberia (Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport LIR). Use SJO if you plan to visit the Caribbean coast, South Pacific Coast, or Osa Peninsula, and LIR for Guanacaste or Nicoya Peninsula. La Fortuna and Monteverde can be reached from both airports. There are many direct flights to Costa Rica from the US, Canada, and Europe. A direct flight from Newark or LAX to San Jose is 5.5 hours.
Car rental is the best way to see the country. Note that driving is on the right side (like the United States and Canada), gas is expensive, and insurance is mandatory. The roads are typically 2 lanes with narrow shoulders. There are few street lights or street signs, and road conditions are unpredictable with big potholes. Renting a 4X4 is recommended. To legally drive in Costa Rica as a tourist, you need to have your original passport (not a color copy), your original driver’s license, and a valid tourist stamp with you.
I chose to book escorted excursions. While this option is less flexible than car rental, I did not want to drive on poor roads in the dark, so it worked well for me during this trip. Alternatively, the country is connected through tourist shuttles and public buses. Uber is illegal, but it is available.
What kind of adaptor do I need in Costa Rica?
The plugs in Costa Rica are Type A, and the standard voltage is 110 V, the same as in the United States and Canada. If you are traveling from other countries, I recommend buying a universal adapter with surge protection. You will need a converter if you plan to use an electric razor or blow dryer.
What should I pack for Costa Rica?
The necessities include bug repellent wipes for rainforest hikes, sunscreen, hiking shoes, sunglasses, a hat, a day bag, motion sickness medicine for rough roads, an insulated water bottle, a waterproof phone case, a raincoat or poncho for the rainforest, water shoes, and a swimsuit. Pack lightweight, quick-drying clothing. Bring at least one pair of long, quick-drying pants for hiking, a long-sleeve shirt for sun and insect protection, and a sweater for high-elevation areas.
Is Costa Rica a safe country for solo travelers?
According to Travel Safe Abroad, there is a low overall risk of travel in Costa Rica. However, there is a high risk of natural disasters such as floods, landslides, cyclones, or volcanoes. Pickpockets and petty theft are common in San Jose and other large cities. Whenever traveling, don’t leave valuables out in the open in your hotel while you are out, keep your wallet and phone in your front pockets, and never walk around at night alone. Dial 911 in an emergency. Contact the US Embassy for non-urgent emergencies, such as a lost passport.
What food do I need to try in Costa Rica?
Common Costa Rican foods include gallo pinto (rice and beans), chorreadas (corn pancakes), Rondón (seafood and coconut stew), and ceviche. For a sweet treat, try a copo (shaved ice with kola syrup, powdered milk, and condensed milk). And, do not miss pipa fria (cold coconut water). Be sure to eat a meal at a soda while in Costa Rica. A soda is a small, open-air, family-run restaurant serving only Costa Rican food. Order a casado, which is a plate of rice, beans, salad, meat, and usually plantains.
Costa Rica Travel Guide Tips
- It is safe to drink the water in Costa Rica.
- Hire a guide to search out wildlife for you on excursions; it’s worth the money.
- Bring binoculars for rainforest hikes.
- Mosquitoes can carry dengue and Zika, cover bare skin, and use insect repellent containing at least 20% DEET.
- The sun rises and sets about 6 AM and 6 PM every day.
- Costa Rica does not permit the removal of sand or shells from the country.
- The Costa Rica drinking age is 18.
- Gambling and prostitution are legal in Costa Rica.
- Bring a GoPro to attach to your helmet while ziplining.
- Police can stop and ask for your papers at any time. Carry a color copy of your passport and a photo of your tourist stamp with you.
- It is hot and humid in Costa Rica; drink lots of water.
- Do not swim or surf alone. Rip currents are common; look out for warning flags. A red flag indicates a danger zone, while a black flag means stay out of the water.
Top 10 Things to See and Do in Costa Rica
- Zipline through the cloud forest
- Hike to the famous La Fortuna Waterfall
- Relax in a thermal hot spring at the base of Arenal Volcano
- Walk the Mistico Hanging Bridges
- Look for sloths on the Bogarin Sloth Trail
- Search for baby turtles
- Take a tour of a coffee farm in the Central Valley
- Explore the jungle canals by boat in Tortuguero National Park
- ATV through the jungle
- Experience a rainforest night walk and search for bright colored frogs
Be sure to check the Costa Rica Board of Tourism for upcoming festivals, special events, and what’s happening during your stay.
Costa Rica Travel Guide: Interesting Facts
- Costa Rica means rich coast in Spanish.
- Costa Rica does not have an army.
- 28% of all land in Costa Rica is protected.
- Costa Rica has over 800 miles of coastline.
- There are 121 volcanoes in Costa Rica, 7 of which are active.
- 25% of the country is protected land, including 25 national parks in Costa Rica, 10 biological reserves, 61 wildlife refuges, and 31 protected zones.
- Costa Rica has 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Cocos Island National Park, Area de Conservación Guanacaste, La Amistad International Park, and the Stone Spheres of the Diquis.
- The main crops in Costa Rica are bananas, coffee, sugar cane, rice, pineapples, and beef.
- Costa Rica runs on renewable energy for about 300 days a year.
- Costa Ricans refer to themselves as “ticos” (males) and “ticas” (females).
- Costa Ricans live by the philosophy of pura vida (“pure life”).
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Pura Vida! Enjoy your time out of the office!