Discover the ultimate guide to planning your dream trip to Costa Rica, a land of unparalleled biodiversity, volcanic landscapes, and pristine beaches. From navigating the lush rainforests to embracing the local "Pura Vida" lifestyle, this guide provides essential tips on transportation, the best times to visit, and how to travel sustainably.
Whether you are seeking adrenaline-pumping adventures like ziplining through the canopy or looking for a tranquil wellness retreat by the Pacific, Costa Rica offers something for every traveler. Learn how to optimize your itinerary, save money on local experiences, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of this Central American paradise.
The very name of this Central American country evokes paradisiacal visions of white sandy beaches and world-class waves, surrounded by bright green rainforests. Costa Rica is blessed with these assets and much more, with the highest level of biodiversity in the world, towering volcanos, rainforest trails, a lively capital and a taste of the Caribbean along its eastern coast. It’s the perfect destination to get your adrenalin rushing, with a massive array of active adventures, then slow down to immerse yourself in nature at an eco-lodge, on the beach, in the jungle, under a waterfall, or in thermal springs.
Trip Planning
Best Time to Visit: Dry season is generally the best time to visit, with more guaranteed weather that won´t get in the way of your perfect vacation and runs from November to April. There are other advantages to travelling in the wet “green season”, including cheaper hotels and excursions, as well as fewer people!
Language: Spanish
Currency: Colones
Getting Around
For a number of reasons, travel times always seem a little longer compared to their distance on a map! The unpaved and often winding roads, elevation changes, and weather conditions, can make journeys longer than you expect. Public transportation is cheap but not always the best way to travel around and can be challenging, especially if you don’t speak Spanish. It is easy to rent a car if you’re comfortable driving or book a shuttle such as Interbus, or hire a driver-guide, especially in San Jose. You can also make use of the decent taxi services.
Travel Tip: Always Pack a raincoat in Costa Rica and never rely on the weather forecast! It is usually wrong! Rain is common, but the sun will still usually make an appearance for at least part of the day. Embrace the rainfall as it is one of the reasons this country is so lush and abundant.
Things to Do
Build an ideal Costa Rica itinerary to include adventure, nature, culture, wildlife, and wellness. And don´t forget, food! Sample the traditional food on offer around town or the local brew on a culinary or craft beer tour. Soar through the treetops like Tarzan with an upgrade on the classic vine, instead use a zipline to immerse yourself in the natural environment of the rainforest. Tour an organic coffee or chocolate plantation, after all, when in Rome! Take a surf class, dive into the aquatic realms, or reset yourself with some peaceful days by the ocean!
If sun, sand, and surf sound like your idea of fun, head to the Pacific side and beach hop down the coast to find your “perfect playa”
Visit the Caribbean coast from August through December and witness sea turtles laying their eggs and watch as they hatch and run back to the sea. Tortuguero National Park is the largest nesting site in the Western Hemisphere for these incredible and endangered green sea turtles.
Where to Stay
When you touchdown in San José, stay at the magnificent Grano de Oro Hotel. This boutique hotel, overflowing with luxury, charm and character, has an elegant restaurant, and is top of the San Jose list for accommodation options in the capital.
Arenal has it all, with the exception of a coastline! and it should be your next stop-off. Spend at least a day or two here to soak in the thermal hot springs, hiking an active volcano, zip through the forest canopy, and go looking for wildlife, before you head for the beaches. You can find the full range of accommodations in the area around Arenal: luxury hotels such as Arenal Kioro with direct views to the volcano, and one of the best options in the area.
If you’re after black sand beaches and breaking waves, spend some time on the Caribbean coast. Along the way, stop off at the Sarapiqui area to see impressive wildlife, such as toucans, howler monkeys, red-eyed tree frogs, and green macaws, which are all natives of this area and don´t forget to go out white water rafting!
On the opposite side of the country, the Pacific coast is the perfect place to soak up some rays and do some scuba diving. Inland or in the ocean! The Blue Zone is known for its impressive marine life as well as its wellness retreats.
Culture and Customs
The spirit of “Pura Vida “, literally translates to “pure life” but is used to describe so much more including “no worries” and “all is good”, is a way of life around these parts and you will find “Ticos” warm, friendly and welcoming, especially outside of the city.
Tipping is not mandatory but you’ll see that restaurants include a 10 percent service charge and leaving some extra cash for the server is always appreciated. You should also tip tour guides and drivers that give great service. These tips range from $5-20 per day per person depending on the group size; If you are pleased with your salon or spa experiences, leave 15 percent for the provider. Ask permission before photographing anyone, as a common courtesy. Costa Rica contains 6 percent of the world's biodiversity, so do your part to protect it. Don’t disturb wildlife and natural environments and always heed guide instructions, they know how to best preserve this immaculate environment.
Be mindful of your valuables when walking in crowded areas, markets or on public transport. While Costa Rica is generally a safe country, pickpockets do exist. Necklace snatching occurs occasionally in San José, so it’s best to leave jewellery in a safe or at home. San José is a growing city with new neighbourhoods appearing every day. If you spend any time in San José, take advantage of the free city tour so you can familiarize yourself with the safer neighbourhoods and get the best and most up-to-date insight from the local people.
Money Saving Tips
- Take a free walking tour in San José.
- Skip expensive meals and hit up a local pulperia (grocery store) for snacks such as tortilla chips, cheese, refried beans, and avocados instead.
- Book a homestay experience to connect with locals and save some cash.
- Travel in the green season when rates are lower.
If you’re visiting Arenal area, consider staying at a hotel with hot springs on-site so you can avoid paying an additional fee for one of the larger hot springs available. Buy gifts such as coffee, Lizano sauce, and local chocolate from the grocery store where prices are generally lower than the tourist shops. If you’ve got time in San José, the Mercado Central (Central Market) is also an option. Patrons are largely local, so prices tend to be more reasonable than you might find in other areas.
Bring your own reusable water bottle to refill from the tap. You will not only save money but you’ll also help the planet by creating less single-use plastic waste. Tap water in Costa Rica is generally safe to drink so stock up!
