Travel Guide

Costa Rica Travel Guide

By Brandon B.June 13, 2023

Costa Rica Travel Guide Overview

Pura Vida. Adventure lovers fly to Costa Rica to experience the ultimate get away. This country seems have it all — pristine beaches, untouched rainforests, exotic wildlife, beautiful people and delicious food. All trails lead to a majestic place where one can enjoy nature at its finest. We hope this Costa Rica travel guide can help you plan your trip, learn about the must-see places in the Costa Rica, give you travel tips and ensure you make the most out of your trip to the Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Travel Guide: When to Visit

The best time to visit tropical Costa Rica is during the dry season, which usually runs from late November to April. During this season, the hotels, resorts, beaches, and natural parks are packed. However, there are a lot of things to explore in this central American country, and you can always find a secluded and quiet beach or spot here.

Another time to visit is what the locals often refer to as the “wet season,” or “green season,” because this is the time when foliage grows rapidly. It runs from May to April. The weather is still good, and rain usually lasts for just a few hours, so tourists can still enjoy themselves. This might also be the perfect season for budget travelers because accommodations are less expensive during these times.

Costa Rica Travel Guide: How to Get There

Most international flights land at Juan Santamaria International Airport, located near the capital city of San Jose. There are also some flights that land directly at Daniel Oduber International Airport in Liberia. Tourists who want to explore the beaches in the Guanacaste region should try to fly into Liberia.

Tourists coming from Panama (20 hours) and Nicaragua (11 hours) can travel to Costa Rica by bus.

Costa Rica Travel Guide: Getting Around

There are a lot of things to see and do in Costa Rica, and there are still undiscovered places. The routes can be challenging, so getting around even just in one city can be pretty expensive. For budget travelers, shared shuttles are recommended. They go to popular destinations, and one of the best things about this is that you get to mingle with other tourists. It is also possible to rent private vans. This is best if you are in a large group, and can split the cost.

Going around via public buses is also possible. One-way tickets (for example, from San Jose to Manuel Antonio) cost about $8, which is very cheap. However, you must do a lot of research since the street system in Costa Rica is not that well developed.

Costa Rica Travel Tips

Do eat at the sodas. Sodas are family-run Eat and Drinks in various cities in Costa Rica that serve delicious local cuisine. What’s the best thing about sodas? Food is reasonably priced.

Do take a surfari.There are a lot of amazing beaches in Costa Rica, and it is one of the top surfing destinations in the world. Visit the beaches of Manuel Antonio or Puerto Viejo to catch some amazing waves. Surfing lessons are also offered here.

Don’t do anything that will harm the forests and the wildlife. The local government and the people care for the rainforests and wildlife, so it is very important for the tourists not to do anything that will harm the environment.

Don’t forget to be “one with nature.” Enjoy some quiet moments with Mother Nature once in a while in Costa Rica. It’s not everyday that you get to see marvelous forests and amazing views. If possible, find time to put your phone down and just enjoy the surroundings.

Costa Rica Travel Guide: Typical Costs

Price Range for Hotels

Since Costa Rica is one of the top destinations in Central America, the cost of accommodation can get pretty high depending on where you want to stay. The price range for a budget dorm room at a hostel is around $10 to $20, depending on the season. A small budget room in the city costs about $20 and up, while beachside lodges and decent rooms in a boutique hotel cost about $100 and up. The price of 5-star hotel accommodations starts at around $150. The currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colon. $100 is equivalent to about 50,000 colons. US dollars are accepted in popular tourist places.

Cost of Meals

A delicious Costa Rican dish in a tourist area would cost about $6 to $15. Try the street food though—it’s much cheaper. Foods like empanadas or pastelillos along the streets cost about a dollar.

For those looking for Eat and Drinks that serve international cuisine in tourist areas, prepare to spend about $20 to $40.

Price Range for Hotels

Since Costa Rica is one of the top destinations in Central America, cost for accommodation can get pretty high. Price range for a budget dorm room is around $9 to $20, depending on the season. A small room in the city costs about $20 and up while beachside lodges and decent rooms in a boutique hotel costs about $100 and up. Price for a 5-star hotel accommodation starts around $150. The currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colon. $100 is equivalent to about 50,000 Colon. US dollars are accepted in popular tourist places.

Cost of Meals

A delicious Costa Rican dish in a tourist area would cost about $6 to $15. Try the street food though – it’s much cheaper. Foods like empanada or pastelillo along the streets costs about a dollar.

For those looking for Eat and Drinks that serve international cuisine in tourist area, prepare to spend about $20 to $40.

Photographs

Where to Go in Costa Rica

These four places are spread across the country, and the roads are slow, so pick the ones that fit your route rather than trying to see them all. Arenal and Monteverde sit in the same northern highlands and pair well, while Manuel Antonio is on the Pacific coast and Tortuguero is on the remote Caribbean side. Give each at least a night or two.

Arenal Volcano rises to about 1,670 meters above the lowlands and dominates the skyline around the town of La Fortuna. It is the country's most iconic peak, and the easiest first stop if you are building a northern loop.

Monte Verde Cloud Forest Reserve sits in the Tilarán mountain range in Puntarenas province and protects one of the most intact cloud forests in the country. It has long drawn naturalists and birdwatchers, so it rewards anyone who likes slow walks and wildlife over big views.

Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio is on the Pacific coast, roughly three hours south of San José, and mixes rainforest, wildlife and accessible beaches in one visit. Howler monkeys call from the canopy along the trails, which makes it an easy pick for a first trip.

Tortoguero National Park is a remote Caribbean reserve built around water rather than roads, covering 46,872 hectares of rainforest, wetlands and coastline in Limón Province. It protects an important nesting beach and takes more effort to reach, so it suits travelers with time to spare.

FAQ

How many days do you need in Costa Rica?

Plan at least a week, and ten days to two weeks is better if you want more than one region. Journeys are slow because roads can be challenging, so travel days eat into your time. Pick two or three bases, such as the Pacific coast, Arenal and Monteverde, rather than trying to see everything.

Is Costa Rica expensive?

Costa Rica is one of the pricier countries in Central America, mostly because of accommodation costs. You can keep costs down with hostel dorms, local sodas, street snacks and public buses, while beachside lodges and boutique hotels cost noticeably more. Green season usually brings cheaper rooms. Check current rates before booking.

Do you need a car in Costa Rica?

No, you can see the main destinations without a car using shared shuttles and public buses. Shuttles suit budget travelers and reach popular spots, while private vans work for groups splitting the cost. Buses are cheap but need research. Roads can be challenging, so a rental is mainly worth it if you want remote areas on your own schedule.

Is Costa Rica safe for tourists?

Costa Rica is generally safe for tourists, though petty theft is the most common problem. Keep valuables out of sight, never leave bags in parked cars, and use licensed transport. Rip currents can also be a concern at beaches, so heed local warnings. Check your government's latest travel advisory before you go.

Do people speak English in Costa Rica?

English is widely spoken in tourist areas, especially at hotels, tour operators and popular beach towns, but Spanish is the national language. Away from the main resorts, you will find less English. Learning a few phrases, including the local pura vida, helps with buses, sodas and small towns, and locals appreciate the effort.

Is it worth visiting Costa Rica in the green season?

Yes, the green season is worth it if you can handle some rain. Rain usually lasts just a few hours, the weather is still good, and the foliage grows quickly. Rooms are cheaper and crowds thinner than in the dry season, which runs from late November to April. Pack a rain jacket and plan outdoor activities for mornings.