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These days, a trip to Costa Rica seems to be on everyone’s bucket list! We’ve been hearing more and more stories of friends, acquaintances, andlots of our readers planning their upcoming trips and activities in Costa Rica and asking us for some Costa Rica travel tips!
Every year, close to 3 million tourists visit Costa Rica, that’s equivalent to the size of the entire population of Costa Rica!这是a huge number and one that’s likely going to increase in the coming years. Some expats in Costa Rica grunt and complain about the crowds, butwe are thrilled to hear that more people are traveling to experience this beautiful country!
If you are one of the lucky many that are planning a Costa Rica travel in the near future, there aresome helpful things to knowabout Costa Rica.
Having spent many months in Costa Rica, and with Max having grown up here,we can share a few things to know before going to Costa Rica.After helping 40 of our friends and family make their way to Costa Rica forour wedding in 2015, we know exactly the questions on first-time travelers’ minds.
We decided tocompile all our tips and tricks for traveling to Costa Rica: what to bring, what to avoid, and what to wear!Here are our top Costa Rica travel tips!
Things to Know Before Traveling to Costa Rica
Brush up on Your Spanish
The official language in Costa Rica is Spanishand a large majority of Costa Ricans speak English in the touristic areas. But, not all of them do!这是a good idea to brush up on your Spanish or bring a phrasebook to get around if you plan on visiting Costa Rica. It never hurts to know a bit of the local language.
Locals love to chat. Don’t be surprised if someone strikes up a conversation with you in the streets. Tourism is on the rise in Costa Rica, and locals are eager to welcome you to their country.
When people think of visiting Costa Rica, we often get asked, “What’s thebest time of the year for visiting Costa Rica?” And our answer is always the same, “Any time is a good time!”
Costa Rica has two well-defined seasons: Thedry season, which runs from December to Apriland thegreen season from May to November.
Dry Season in Costa Rica
Don’t be fooled by generic weather forecasts;the weather here really depends on what part of Costa Rica you are visiting.
Dry Season in Northern Guanacaste
Costa Rica’snorthern Guanacaste is the country’s driest region.If you are spending time in Guanacaste during the dry season, prepare for very hot days. Beautiful blue skies are common, but so are droughts.During the rainy season,you can expectless rain in the Guanacastethan the rest of the country. Afternoons and evenings are usually rainy but mornings remain clear and sunny.
Dry season in Playa Lagartillo, Guanacaste
Dry Season in Central Valley
In the Central Valley surroundingSan Jose, inMonteverde,Arenaland other mountainous regions across the country, theweather is much cooler and rainier.So if your itinerary includes a stop in any of these regions, pack layers and rain gear no matter what time of the year you are visiting.
这是逻辑单元h and wet on the trail inside the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, despite it being the dry season
Dry Season in Southern Puntarenas
The lusher parts of the country in the south like Manuel Antonio, Osa Peninsula, andSouthern Puntarenas have a longer rainy seasonbut that means they stay green for longer during peak months.
Mangroves in Osa Peninsula stay wet all year round
Green Season in Costa Rica
September to October is Costa Rica’s low season. It is also known as green season because of the country’s forest and flora are lush from the season’s extra rainfall.
Many businesses shut down during this time of year; so if you do decide to visit, expect a quieter experience.
Our Costa Rica travel guide advice: don’t be afraid to visit Costa Rica during the rainy season.The prices are the lowest you will find all year round, and the crowds are almost non-existent.This time of the year, travelers simply jam-pack their mornings and enjoy lazy afternoons reading a book in a hammock to avoid the rain!
Hazy afternoon in Playa Ventanas, Uvita, Costa Ballena during the Green Season
Peak Season in Costa Rica
December and January are the most popular months for tourism.The surroundings are still lush after the rainy season, and the weather along the coast is fantastic: 25-30°C (77 – 86°F) during the day and 20-25°C (68 – 77°F) at night. This is the busiest time in Costa Rica and the most expensive time to visit.
All hotels and even some tours will add a “high season” premium to their prices.Foreign tourists are not the only ones traveling during this time. Domestic tourism is also on the rise during this time of year.
Busy day on Tamarindo Beach, Guanacaste during Peak Season
If youhave no choice but to travel during the high season, consider these travel tips:
Always book well in advance.
Start your sightseeing early in the day, or opt for later in the afternoon when crowds are at their lowest.
Consider going off the beaten path and visiting somelesser-known destinations. By doing so, you will ditch the crowds and get to experience a different side of the country: cheaper prices, authentic experiences, and local interaction.
Best Time to Visit Costa Rica is Late November or Early December
We recommend visiting in late November or early December.During this time of year, the rainy season is typically over, and there is lots of sunshine to enjoy.The landscape is super green and lush from the rainy season. Restaurants, accommodations, and attractions are all open the pricesare reasonable because the crowds have not arrived yet.
We recommend starting on the Northern Guanacaste. These areas are the driest in the country during this time. In the Southern Peninsula rain sometimes lingers a little longer.
Tamarindo Beach without the crowds!
One Week in Costa Rica is Not Enough
The country may look small, but there areso many amazing activities in Costa Rica. There are hundreds of beaches to explore,two dozen national parks, half a dozen volcanoes and an immense number of activities to take part in during your visit.
Many travelers ask whether it is possible tosee Costa Rica in a weekand our answer is:it really isn’t.
To really appreciate Costa Rica, you have to give yourself time to really soak it in.You can’t base yourself on the beach in Guanacaste and take day trips to check outArenal Volcano,Manuel Antonio National Park,Monteverde Cloud Forest和其他主要景点哥里克a.The distances between them may not look far apart,but trust us, the drives are long and exhausting!
For example, the drive time between Tamarindo Beach, Guanacaste to Monteverde Cloud Forest is a minimum of 3 and a half hours by car. If your taking public buses add a couple of hours more.The trip requires bus transfers.
Suspension bridge along the Puente Trail in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
It is not realistic (or enjoyable) to travel a minimum of 7 hours for a day trip. If a week is all you have, come to terms with the fact that you won’t see it all and treat it like a little sneak preview.
We think thateach destination in Costa Rica warrants at least 2-3 daysto appreciate and to get a good taste of the country.
You’ll want to spend at least 2 weeks in Costa Rica.A fortnight will give you just enough time to soak up the atmosphere and try the wide variety of fun activities Costa Rica has to offer.
Yes – Costa Rica is a safe country when using common sense and basic safety precautions. The most dangerous part of the country is the capital,San Jose, especially at night.
Our traveler tip for San Jose is not to linger in the city for too long, but if you must spend a few days in the capital, opt to stay in Escazu, the safest and nicest neighbourhood in San Jose, and explore the city during the day.
Inside a “Soda” in San Jose
Other Costa Rica Safety Tips & Considerations
The biggest safety risk in other parts of the country is petty theft, like pickpocketing or bag snatching, so keep your valuables in a safe place and don’t flaunt your expensive possessions.
The beaches at night are a popular place for petty theft!
When traveling around the country, don’t carry your passport with you at all times.Instead, take a photo of your passport picture and your entry stamp page on your phone to be able to present it in the case of random inspection.
Don’t venture off the beaten path at night in busy touristic areas.Opportunistic crime and drug-related scams are more likely to occur. Be careful to always keep an eye on your drinks when enjoying a night out.Solo women travelers should be especially careful.
Tap Water in Costa Rica is Safe to Drink
One of the important things to know about Costa Rica is that tap water in most parts of the country isperfectly safe to drink.So, save the environment and don’t buy bottled water.
We served flavoured tap water at our wedding in Costa Rica
Bring a good insulated reusable water bottlewith you and refill it straight out of a tap. We recommendHydroFlask, it’ll keep your water cold for up to 12 hours even in the hot sun. This is one of our most important Costa Rica tips and tricks!Their double wall and vacuum insulated technology makesHydroFlaskso effective.Cold drinks stay icy for up to 24 hours,and hot drinks will stay steaming for up to 6 hours.There is a good variety of colours and designs to choose from too. It also protects against flavour transfer. So, your waterwon’t end up tasting like yesterday’s juice.
For parts of Costa Rica where potable water is not available, we recommend usingSteriPen Ultra. This powerful tool杀死99.9%的细菌和病毒在水里, using a UV light. Simply, hold the pen in the water for 90 seconds. No need to buy any more single-use plastic bottles.
Buy a Local Sim Card to Stay Connected in Costa Rica
Staying connected while in Costa Rica is easy without paying $30-50 for a roaming plan. Wi-Fi is easy to find in touristy areas in Costa Rica.Most hotels and restaurants that cater to foreigners will have free Wi-Fi for you to use during your stay.You can call and message your family and friends back home for free using Whatsapp, Facebook, Viber, Facetime, or Skype.
You can top up your local SIM in any supermarket in Costa Rica
You can also save on roaming fees by unlocking your phone before you leave homeand buying a local sim card upon arrival in Costa Rica. When in doubt, go withKolbi.There is a Kolbi Shop in Liberia Airport. A tourist SIM Card will set you back less than a dollar. They offer a number ofpre-paid plans,depending on what you need.For 2,500 Colones ($4.30 USD), you can get 200 SMS, 3.4 minutes of talk and 150 MB of Data.
If unlocking your phone is not an option, we recommend investing in aWi-Fi Hotspot device, likeSolis Hotspotthat gives you continuous high-speed data for as little as $9 USD! You can choose plans by the month, by the day, or by gigabyte with no extra fees. Andthe best part is that you can use it across multiple devices, so the whole family can stay connected at once!
Currency Exchanges in Airports Don’t Always Offer the Greatest Rates
哥斯达黎加的当地货币是冒号。It was named after Christopher Columbus, who is known as Cristobal Colon in Spanish. The value of the Colon has been slowly inching upward as their economy continues to grow largely from tourism, agriculture, and electronics.
Both USD and Colones are interchangeable across the country, but if you are going to use USD, keep the bills small (under $20). If you are buying souvenirs or bargaining with someone, paying in Colones will often land you a better price since most places exchange at a lower rate.
When it comes to money, one of the most important things to know about Costa Rica is thatcurrency exchange rates at the airports can be hit or miss.More often than not we have found these rates to be daylight robbery, so here are our travel tips for Costa Rica to save you some money:
Bring US cash and exchange into local currency (Colones) as you go.
Any local business big or small will offer you a minimum rate of 550 Colones to USD $1 (At the time of writing the exchange was 578 Colones to USD $1).
Pay with US dollars at large grocery stores and get Colones back
They have computerized rates that are very favourable and some of the best in Costa Rica.
Withdraw cash from an ATM
We recommend Scotia Bank or BNCR. Withdraw the maximum amount ($500, if you can) to avoid paying the $5 foreign transaction fee on every $100 you withdraw. If you can manage to take out over $500 in one go, then you are likely only paying around 1% per transaction and getting a great exchange rate in the process.
Get cash out in cities so you can enjoy the Costa Rican countryside worry-free
Banks Aren’t Always Easy to Find
If you run out of cash, you can always withdraw more using your Debit/Credit Card from any ATM. Some machines will even give you the option to withdraw both USD and Colones. But, keep in mind that there areNO ATMsin smaller towns, so make sure you withdraw cash in big cities.
Don’t Forget to Add Insurance to Your Car’s Rental Price
Insurance on car rentals is mandatory in Costa Rica, but be aware thatit’s not included in the price listed on many car rental websites online.Typically the additional cost is around $10/15 a day for mandatory third-party insurance and unfortunately in9 cases out of 10 it’s not something that can be covered by your travel insuranceor your credit card insurance, so budget accordingly.
It is worth checking your credit card, and travel insurance before you rent to see what is included. Liability insurance is sometimes covered by some credit cards.
Rental car insurance is mandatory in Costa Rica and you can only imagine why…
Driving in Costa Ricashould be left to confident drivers.Drivers here can be aggressive and if you want to get anywhere, especially in places like San Jose, you’ll have to keep up with the locals.
A lot of the roads in Costa Rica and not paved,they are dirt roads with potholes and are often in bad condition.Drive slowly, watch out for potholes and for other cars driving on the wrong side of the road. Sometimes the potholes are so bad that driving on the wrong side of the road to avoid a huge pothole is the only option.
There are no road/street names or house numbers in Costa Rica.With the exception of San Jose, street names and house numbers do not exist in other parts of the country.Instead, directions are given using landmarks and sights as references. For example,“300 meters north of the blue church, 80 meters west, house before the barking dog with one eye.”Yes. We are not joking!
No public transport can get you here!
UseWaze. It is the nation’s best navigation app. It has become superior to other navigation apps because of the unique challenges thatdriving in Costa Ricapresents.Waze is community-based, which means thatevery day thousands of locals update the service in real time.The app provides information on construction, real-time traffic, and even the location of police speed traps.
Otherwise, you can useGoogle Mapson your phone, or downloadMaps.mean app that you can use offline to get step-by-step navigation without Wi-Fi. (It’s one ofour favourite travel apps!)
Driving at night has its own set of challenges.The roads are rarely well-lit and are always shared with people, cattle, stray dogs, iguanas, and so on. Exercise an extra level of caution and don’t be afraid to use your high beams.
If you come to a river crossing,don’t stress. Cars cross it on a daily basis and you can too. Test the depth of the river by walking across it on foot first. If it the level is below your exhaust pipe, it’s safe to cross.Drive SLOWLY, or you will flood your car’s engine!
If you are driving on the beach,avoid soft sand and always use 4WD, go fast or you are bound to get bogged down.
Always fill up at gas stations in big citiesto get the best price. Gas may be hard to find and will likely be a lot more expensive in smaller towns.
Shuttlesoffer another great way to get around Costa Rica and are particularly useful for those that do not feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica.
UseBookawayto search for all available transportation options including car, bus, bus-ferry, minivan or flight tickets in Costa Rica
Evaluating the river depth at a river crossing in Costa Rica
Buses in Costa Rica are Reliable and a Great Alternative to Getting Around by Car
There is awell-developed bus system in Costa Rica,您可以使用绝对在the country. The buses are not chicken buses, but comfortable, often air-conditioned coaches.The ride may be a bit longer(depending on the number of stops along the way) than driving by car,but it can be quite comfortable.
You can plan your bus journey ahead of time by usingThe Bus Scheduleor get advice on the best route from your hotel/hostel. Keep in mind that most of the time bus tickets can’t be purchased ahead of time, you simply pay the driver (in Colones) when you get on at the bus station.Keep in mind, that some buses will continue past your stop. So it is a good idea to ask the driver to notify you of your stop or follow the route with a navigation app.
Popular Bus Routes
San Jose to Arenal Volcano (La Fortuna):Buses leave every few hours, with 1 transfer in Ciudad Quesada. There are 2-3 direct buses per day that take approximately 4 hours and leave in the morning.
San Jose to Manuel Antonio National Park:Direct buses leave San Jose a minimum of 5 times per day, depending on the day of the week. They typically leave early in the morning and take 4.5 hours, or 3.45 hours respectively.
San Jose to Tamarindo:There are 2 direct buses per day. The first leaves at 8:30 a.m and arrives at 2:00 p.m, and the second leaves at 4:00 pm and arrives at 9:30 pm.Buses take approximately 5.5 hours.
Manuel Antonio to Tamarindo:This route requires 2 transfers. It begins from Manuel Antonio to Orotina, Orotina to Espanza, and finally Espanza to Tamarindo. There are two bus routes per day, the first route leaves at 5:00 a.m to arrive at 2:00 p.m.However, we don’t recommend it because the first transfer is scheduled to arrive at 8:00 a.m,which is the same time the second bus leaves.There may be traffic or other complications that may delay the bus. The second bus leaves at 8:00 a.m and arrives at 9:30 p.m, for a 13.5 hour travel day.
Tamarindo Beach, Costa Rica
Costa Rica Can Be Expensive
One thing to know about Costa Rica is thattraveling here is not cheap.In fact, it’s the most expensive country in Central America!
Budget at least $50USD/day/person for a backpacker style trip, and anywhere between $100-300 USD for a nice hotel, organized activities, and daily meals at highly rated restaurants.
Price list at the Harmony Hotel Juice Bar in Nosara, Costa RicaHotels add up to a lot, especially if you are planning to travel during the high season. If you are looking for the best deal online, search for your dates and destinations usingBooking.com.
Vaccinations are Not Needed For a Trip to Costa Rica
No vaccinations or special medications are needed for Costa Rica. But doremember travel essentials like a first aid kit,sunscreen, and lots ofmosquito spray!
The mosquitos here carry a number of diseases like Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya. They are not widespread, but we know plenty of locals that have caught these diseases.
Don’t forget to bring bug-spray to Manuel Antonio Beach!
Don’t Dress To Impress
Costa Rica isn’t really a place for fancy dresses and nice clothes.Simplicity and comfort rule the local dress code across the country.Trust us when we say, the ocean and the jungle don’t care for your jewelry and perfectly done hair.In Costa Rica, less is more.
Your clothes will get dirty, your hair will be frizzy, your nail polish will peel off, and being constantly dirty from dust, sand, or mud will become the norm. Don’t stress about it. Embrace it!
The ocean doesn’t care what you wear, it just cares that you stop by for a visit!Breathable, quick-drying fabrics will be your best friend in Costa Rica. In the beach towns, you’ll live in a bathing suit. Flip Flops will be your go-to choice of footwear 90% of the time but do bring a pair of closed-toe shoes for zip-lining andhikes. We recommendKeenorChacosandals.
Rain gear is a must at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Don’t Forget The Exit Tax
This often catches travelers off-guard.A $29 USD tax is due at the airport before you can check into your flight. It can be paid with cash (USD or Pesos), or credit card at the airport. Some airlines have begun to build this tax into the price of the flight ticket.
If your airline has taken care of it, it will be listed as Costa Rica Baggage Inspection Fee, International Boarding Tax or something of the like on your airfare breakdown. Unfortunately,there is no collective term that has been adoptedby the participating airlines just yet.
A great place to enjoy the ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle
Expect The Unexpected
This is our most important Costa Rica tip for travelers! In Costa Rica, nothing ever goes according to plan. If you think you have your Costa Rican trip planned out to the tee and that nothing can shake up your perfect holiday plan, we promise you are wrong.Travel is unpredictable no matter where in the world you go.
Back in 2016,Oksanabroke her legwhile surfing in Costa Rica仅仅从跳她的冲浪板。我们没有have travel insurance at the time and had to pay over $7000 for her surgery in a private hospital. That is a mistake we are never going to make again! Now we always travel with insurance and recommend it to others!
Travel insurance covers the unexpected, which is why it’s among our most important Costa Rica tips and tricks. Aside from getting sick or hurt, missed flights, lost baggage, car accidents, natural disasters, even the death of a family member is often covered.
In Costa Rica, the unexpected seems to creep up a lot more often.And if you are not prepared for it (mentally more so than anything else), it will undoubtedly hit you over the head and threatened to ruin your Costa Rican holiday.
Playa Samara, Guanacaste, Costa Rica
We witness it on a daily basis here. It’s not that Costa Rica is an unsafe country, or that there is more corruption here, or that things are less organized.这是just that the country is run on thePura Vida outlook, a feeling of optimism and positivity.
The locals swear by their stress-free laid back attitude and aren’t about to ruffle their feathers when something doesn’t go according to plan.“Pura Vida”,they say, as they sit down and crack open a can of Imperial.Everything will be ok in the end.
So follow their advice and embrace their attitude.When things go wrong, shrug it off and roll with the punches.
Are you planning a trip to Costa Rica? Have questions about your trip? Leave a comment below and we’ll try to help you out!
We are Oksana & Max, eco-conscious travelers on a mission to inspire responsible travel practices around the world. We are storytellers, photographers, and videographers traveling the world full-time in search of outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, cultural experiences and ways to make a positive impact on the destinations and communities we visit.
39 thoughts on “Costa Rica Travel Tips: Things to Know Before Traveling to Costa Rica”
Juli
Thanks for these tips! I’m a single 31 year old female traveling to Costa Rica this July 2016 for 17 days. I’m staying at a yoga retreat for the first 8 days and the remaining time I have not yet planned. I will be in line for the first week and would really like to be on the coast for the second week. I heard Santa Teresa is amazing what recommendations do you have for a single female traveling alone looking to stay on a budget but also willing to spend a little.
Santa Teresa is supposed to be lovely, but we haven’t been there yet. We would highly recommend Samara or Nosara on the Pacific Coast. Both are lovely towns, perfect for yoga lovers. You can read more about the towns in our posts below:
This is really accurate, I´m costarrican and I really enjoy the article, just 2 advices: Waze is way better than Google Maps in here, I totally recommended! (I really hope you see this) The other thing is about the gas, it has to be the same price all over the country, and our laws demand it that way, so, if someone is charging you more you should denunciate it!
Thanks for the input, Emilia. We have heard of Waze before, but haven’t given it a try yet. Google Maps has not let us done in Costa Rica yet! As for the price of gas, the small side of the road stall definitely overcharge (i don’t think they abide by the laws all that much), but that’s the “convenience tax” you pay to fill up in a small town without having to travel to a city with a real gas station.
No vaccinations or special medications are needed, but do bring lots of mosquito spray as the mosquitos here carry a number of diseases like dengue, Zika and Chikungunya. They are not widespread, but we know plenty of locals that have caught these… and they are not pretty!
We’re planning a Costa Rica trip but since we’re leaving our kids home we only have 5 days. In what area would you suggest staying? We want a good mix of waterfalls, hiking, and beaches. We were considering guanacaste.
Hello! Thanks for the wonderful advice. I will be studying abroad in Costa Rica January through April. I will primarily be in Heredia but will be traveling throughout the country as well. Several packing lists recommended trial runners or hiking boots. I do not have either but have considered purchasing a pair if it is worth my while. I will be packing in a large checked bag a carry on duffle and a backpack so light weight is a priority, I certainly plan on bringing my chacos. Is it redundant to bring keens as well? Do I need hiking shoes that cover my ankles? Also is it safe to go for a jog/run in most cities. Thanks!
凯瑟琳,你绝对不需要登山靴(over the ankle) for Costa Rica. Trail runners or even just regular running shoes will suffice. The only reason why we recommend having something other than chacos, is because you will need closed toe shoes for some activities like ziplining, horseback riding, etc. Parts of San Jose can be a bit dangerous, so depending on where you are staying running alone may not be the best idea, but outside of San Jose it’s pretty safe, especially during the day. Hope you enjoy your time in CR!
I’m 38 and female and traveling solo in April. Based on travel schedules I need to stay on night in front end in San Jose and backend. Are hotels close to the airport ok? Any suggestions?
We’ll be in Costa Rica 8 nights. We’re flying into San Jose and staying 2 nights, then headed to Arenal for another 2. After that we’re planning to pass through Monteverde and head to the beaches. What are your recommendations for where to stay near the ocean for a few (2 or 3) nights, keeping in mind that we’ll be driving back to San Jose for one last night before leaving in the morning?
For the best beaches, we suggest the North Pacific Coast. Tamarindo is one of the most popular beaches in this area. It can get pretty crowded, but it has lots of restaurants, shops, and other facilities. Alternatively, we love the quiet area near Playa Avellanas (just south of Tamarindo). It’s more rustic down here and less developed, but easily accessible by car and a great place to relax and enjoy the Pura Vida lifestyle!
Loved this article and all the tips. We are planning to take our 3 children (11, 7, and 5) and will be traveling with another family that has 3 children similar ages, in April. We are looking into renting a house. We found one located in the Tango Mar Resort near the peninsula. None of us have been to Costa Rica so if you have any suggestions or maybe a better recommendation for places to stay please let me know! Thanks!
Also- it’s possible I may be pregnant in april, any things I should keep in mind traveling there while pregnant?
A house rental is a great idea for a family. Makes things easier than stuffing all of your a small hotel room. So thumbs up for that. We would suggest that you choose the location of your rental based on the activities available nearby. What do you want to get out of your trip? Do you want to spend time on the beach? See some wildlife? Try surfing? Maybe go ziplining? What kind of vacation are you looking for? If you want to chat further drop us an email atcontact@www.tiacso.com
It really depends what part of the country you want to visit. Some parts, especially Guanacaste stay fairly dry for the majority of the year, so September or end of November would be good times to travel. It’s the lowest season and you’d find the best rates, but unfortunately for the same reason, you will find fewer options. Many hotels and restaurants close in Sept-Oct. South Pacific gets more rain and places like Monteverde for example, are rainy no matter what time of the year you visit. Generally, May to November is considered to be Green Season, so if you want a good balance of sun/value, plan a visit for the start or very end of the green season.
Hi! I highly recommend added the Waze App to your travel section and actually replacing google maps with it. Waze is updated more often then google maps and has costa rican roads that google maps does not. It is almost more reliable.
Dear Oksana! We will be visiting Costa Rica for the first time with my family an it is gonna be our first big trip together. We are first going to Corcovado region. But I really don’t know where to go. Is it better to stay in Drake Bay or near Puerto Jimenez region? And how many days is good to stay there? Hope you can help us! Warm greetings from Holland, Els
我们建议住在波多黎各吉梅内斯。这是a bit more developed with more hotel options, restaurants, and tour providers. We would recommend spending 3 days minimum there, especially if you want to take an overnight trip to Corcovado. But you can easily find enough to do for 5-7 days. We have a good article on Puerto Jimenez that may help you in your planning.//www.tiacso.com/things-puerto-jimenez-osa-peninsula/
Hi ! Your site is very informative thank you so much for all your wisdom!! My wife and I are coming down next month foe 10 exciting days, November 12 thru the 22. WE CAN’T WAIT!! SOOOO EXCITED!! We will be visiting San Jose, Toruguero, Monteverde and Arenal. I am hoping we get lucky with the weather and maybe the tail end of the rain?? Do you have any advise for us, as far as what to expect for weather? I know we are going to experience quite different weather in each place, will it be very cold in Monteverde? Or Arenal? Daytime or Nightime. I understand Tortuguero will be quite warm even though it may rain alot? Any advise on what we might expect would be greatly appreciated!! PURA VIDA!!!
Hi, I loved reading your articles about Costa Rica. We are planning on going as a family (kids 12 and 14) for a good fortnight to Costa Rica. We would like to see the wildlife, go hiking, explore the country, try a zip line and ideally a swim/surf/beach. We are very unsure if to go in April/Easter and have the sun and the beaches or go in July/August with more rain and more wildlife. Those are the two big school holidays we can use. I am a bit worried that we will go in July and can’t swim in the waterfall pool and the hot springs, it is to wet for the beach. But it would be great to see the turtles and whales in July. What would you recommend? We are travelling from Europe so doubt we will be back again soon after. Thank you so much, Frankie
你好,弗兰基,4月/复活节是一个非常忙碌的时间in Costa Rica, not just because it’s a popular time of the year for international tourists, but it’s also one of the local’s favourite time to travel. So prices are high, hotels are overbooked and beaches are often very crowded. We would definitely recommend July over Easter. The weather in July is usually quite nice, the rains sometimes stop for 2-3 weeks in July and you can enjoy the nice weather with lush green surroundings. But even if it does rain, it’s usually for 1-2 hours int he afternoon, so there is lots of time to enjoy beaches and outdoor activities.
Hi! We are traveling to Guanacaste and staying near Playa Hermosa. We are hoping to have some photos taken to announce our pregnancy! Do you have any local photographers in the area you recommend?
We don’t personally know any photographers in the area, but can recommend a service like Localgrapher, that will match you with available photographers in the area. We’ve used them to have our photos taken while traveling in South Africa and had a great experience. Here is our article on it for more info://www.tiacso.com/vacation-photographer-localgrapher/
我们计划去圣何塞,因为它diversity, beautiful scenery, and exceptionally high outputs. San Jose is a creative and thriving high-tech culture epicenter. We booked a flight to San Jose to explore the city’s economic hub and cultural traditions. After reading your blog we are excited to visit San Jose.
As the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose lacks some of the appeals that the rest of the country promises. So we do hope that your travels take you beyond San Jose as well. Enjoy your trip.
Your CR travel tips post was very helpful! We are considering La Fortuna for our honeymoon next May. I have never been to the rainforest before, but excited to take it on. One thing – I am slightly anxious about illness or parasites. We plan to stay in a resort. There is always a risk, but any trouble/experience with these in your CR travels? Thanks!
La Fortuna is a great destination for a honeymoon. You’ll have a blast. We have a dedicated article on Arenal/La Fortuna, to help you get more info about this particular destination. While Arenal is technically a rainforest, you wont find yourself living in the jungle during your stay. La Fortuna is a town with shops and restaurants and other amenities. If you are worried about illnesses and parasites, we recommend not drinking water from the tap (it’s generally safe but if you want to be extra safe, don’t risk it) and bringing along a UV filter like Steripen (you can buy it on Amazon) to purify your water. Eat at well-rated restaurants to ensure that food safety is not compromised, stick to vegetarian meals if ever in doubt, and wash or sanitize your hands frequently. Hope that helps. Enjoy your trip!
I am looking for an in-country tour for my grandson and me as I can make our own travel arrangements. He would like to do some rain forest and jungle things and also take some surfing lessons too. Our target month is August, but Sept. would also work. Are there any local tour groups you recommend?
We recommend that you do a blended itinerary, book your own accommodation, and separate transportation (you can either rent a car or book transfers from one hotel to another) and then book local guides for each destination, where needed. We, unfortunately, do not have a recommendation for a tour group you can join.
Thanks for these tips! I’m a single 31 year old female traveling to Costa Rica this July 2016 for 17 days. I’m staying at a yoga retreat for the first 8 days and the remaining time I have not yet planned. I will be in line for the first week and would really like to be on the coast for the second week. I heard Santa Teresa is amazing what recommendations do you have for a single female traveling alone looking to stay on a budget but also willing to spend a little.
Hi Juli,
Santa Teresa is supposed to be lovely, but we haven’t been there yet. We would highly recommend Samara or Nosara on the Pacific Coast. Both are lovely towns, perfect for yoga lovers. You can read more about the towns in our posts below:
//www.tiacso.com/nosara-a-surfing-expat-community/
//www.tiacso.com/samara-beach-town-in-costa-rica-hard-not-to-love/
Thank you for the tips–now I know what to pack! My husband and I are planning to go to Costa Rica in September.
Enjoy your trip! The weather is so lovely here now, I hope September doesn’t end up being too rainy!
perfect pictures
This is really accurate, I´m costarrican and I really enjoy the article, just 2 advices:
Waze is way better than Google Maps in here, I totally recommended! (I really hope you see this)
The other thing is about the gas, it has to be the same price all over the country, and our laws demand it that way, so, if someone is charging you more you should denunciate it!
Thanks for the input, Emilia. We have heard of Waze before, but haven’t given it a try yet. Google Maps has not let us done in Costa Rica yet! As for the price of gas, the small side of the road stall definitely overcharge (i don’t think they abide by the laws all that much), but that’s the “convenience tax” you pay to fill up in a small town without having to travel to a city with a real gas station.
Woohoo my kind of place have a t-shirt that fits right
In see Costa Rica in 29 days
Enjoy the trip!
Can you tell me whether I need to get any vaccinations or take any medications before I come?
No vaccinations or special medications are needed, but do bring lots of mosquito spray as the mosquitos here carry a number of diseases like dengue, Zika and Chikungunya. They are not widespread, but we know plenty of locals that have caught these… and they are not pretty!
Are there places to snorkel in Costa Rica?
We’re planning a Costa Rica trip but since we’re leaving our kids home we only have 5 days. In what area would you suggest staying? We want a good mix of waterfalls, hiking, and beaches. We were considering guanacaste.
Hello! Thanks for the wonderful advice. I will be studying abroad in Costa Rica January through April. I will primarily be in Heredia but will be traveling throughout the country as well. Several packing lists recommended trial runners or hiking boots. I do not have either but have considered purchasing a pair if it is worth my while. I will be packing in a large checked bag a carry on duffle and a backpack so light weight is a priority, I certainly plan on bringing my chacos. Is it redundant to bring keens as well? Do I need hiking shoes that cover my ankles? Also is it safe to go for a jog/run in most cities.
Thanks!
凯瑟琳,你绝对不需要登山靴(over the ankle) for Costa Rica. Trail runners or even just regular running shoes will suffice. The only reason why we recommend having something other than chacos, is because you will need closed toe shoes for some activities like ziplining, horseback riding, etc. Parts of San Jose can be a bit dangerous, so depending on where you are staying running alone may not be the best idea, but outside of San Jose it’s pretty safe, especially during the day. Hope you enjoy your time in CR!
I’m 38 and female and traveling solo in April. Based on travel schedules I need to stay on night in front end in San Jose and backend. Are hotels close to the airport ok? Any suggestions?
Anytime we need to layover in San Jose, we stay at the Adventure Inn (https://www.booking.com/hotel/cr/adventure-inn.html?aid=945723). The offer a free shuttle to the airport which is really convenient.
We’ll be in Costa Rica 8 nights. We’re flying into San Jose and staying 2 nights, then headed to Arenal for another 2. After that we’re planning to pass through Monteverde and head to the beaches. What are your recommendations for where to stay near the ocean for a few (2 or 3) nights, keeping in mind that we’ll be driving back to San Jose for one last night before leaving in the morning?
Thanks in advance for your expertise!
For the best beaches, we suggest the North Pacific Coast. Tamarindo is one of the most popular beaches in this area. It can get pretty crowded, but it has lots of restaurants, shops, and other facilities. Alternatively, we love the quiet area near Playa Avellanas (just south of Tamarindo). It’s more rustic down here and less developed, but easily accessible by car and a great place to relax and enjoy the Pura Vida lifestyle!
Loved this article and all the tips. We are planning to take our 3 children (11, 7, and 5) and will be traveling with another family that has 3 children similar ages, in April. We are looking into renting a house. We found one located in the Tango Mar Resort near the peninsula. None of us have been to Costa Rica so if you have any suggestions or maybe a better recommendation for places to stay please let me know! Thanks!
Also- it’s possible I may be pregnant in april, any things I should keep in mind traveling there while pregnant?
A house rental is a great idea for a family. Makes things easier than stuffing all of your a small hotel room. So thumbs up for that. We would suggest that you choose the location of your rental based on the activities available nearby. What do you want to get out of your trip? Do you want to spend time on the beach? See some wildlife? Try surfing? Maybe go ziplining? What kind of vacation are you looking for? If you want to chat further drop us an email atcontact@www.tiacso.com
Without breaking the bank, what is the best time to travel with the least amount of rain?
It really depends what part of the country you want to visit. Some parts, especially Guanacaste stay fairly dry for the majority of the year, so September or end of November would be good times to travel. It’s the lowest season and you’d find the best rates, but unfortunately for the same reason, you will find fewer options. Many hotels and restaurants close in Sept-Oct. South Pacific gets more rain and places like Monteverde for example, are rainy no matter what time of the year you visit. Generally, May to November is considered to be Green Season, so if you want a good balance of sun/value, plan a visit for the start or very end of the green season.
Hi! I highly recommend added the Waze App to your travel section and actually replacing google maps with it. Waze is updated more often then google maps and has costa rican roads that google maps does not. It is almost more reliable.
Dear Oksana!
We will be visiting Costa Rica for the first time with my family an it is gonna be our first big trip together. We are first going to Corcovado region. But I really don’t know where to go. Is it better to stay in Drake Bay or near Puerto Jimenez region? And how many days is good to stay there?
Hope you can help us! Warm greetings from Holland, Els
Hi Els,
我们建议住在波多黎各吉梅内斯。这是a bit more developed with more hotel options, restaurants, and tour providers. We would recommend spending 3 days minimum there, especially if you want to take an overnight trip to Corcovado. But you can easily find enough to do for 5-7 days. We have a good article on Puerto Jimenez that may help you in your planning.//www.tiacso.com/things-puerto-jimenez-osa-peninsula/
Dear Oksana,
Thank you for your great reply!
Thats what we will do. I am looking forward to see Cosat Rica.
Love Els
Hi !
Your site is very informative thank you so much for all your wisdom!! My wife and I are coming down next month foe 10 exciting days, November 12 thru the 22. WE CAN’T WAIT!! SOOOO EXCITED!! We will be visiting San Jose, Toruguero, Monteverde and Arenal. I am hoping we get lucky with the weather and maybe the tail end of the rain?? Do you have any advise for us, as far as what to expect for weather? I know we are going to experience quite different weather in each place, will it be very cold in Monteverde? Or Arenal? Daytime or Nightime. I understand Tortuguero will be quite warm even though it may rain alot? Any advise on what we might expect would be greatly appreciated!! PURA VIDA!!!
Hi Jim, we sent you an email with some advice and further reading. Let us know if you have any other questions. Happy travels!
Hi, I loved reading your articles about Costa Rica. We are planning on going as a family (kids 12 and 14) for a good fortnight to Costa Rica. We would like to see the wildlife, go hiking, explore the country, try a zip line and ideally a swim/surf/beach. We are very unsure if to go in April/Easter and have the sun and the beaches or go in July/August with more rain and more wildlife. Those are the two big school holidays we can use. I am a bit worried that we will go in July and can’t swim in the waterfall pool and the hot springs, it is to wet for the beach. But it would be great to see the turtles and whales in July. What would you recommend? We are travelling from Europe so doubt we will be back again soon after. Thank you so much, Frankie
你好,弗兰基,4月/复活节是一个非常忙碌的时间in Costa Rica, not just because it’s a popular time of the year for international tourists, but it’s also one of the local’s favourite time to travel. So prices are high, hotels are overbooked and beaches are often very crowded. We would definitely recommend July over Easter. The weather in July is usually quite nice, the rains sometimes stop for 2-3 weeks in July and you can enjoy the nice weather with lush green surroundings. But even if it does rain, it’s usually for 1-2 hours int he afternoon, so there is lots of time to enjoy beaches and outdoor activities.
Hi! We are traveling to Guanacaste and staying near Playa Hermosa. We are hoping to have some photos taken to announce our pregnancy! Do you have any local photographers in the area you recommend?
We don’t personally know any photographers in the area, but can recommend a service like Localgrapher, that will match you with available photographers in the area. We’ve used them to have our photos taken while traveling in South Africa and had a great experience. Here is our article on it for more info://www.tiacso.com/vacation-photographer-localgrapher/
我们计划去圣何塞,因为它diversity, beautiful scenery, and exceptionally high outputs. San Jose is a creative and thriving high-tech culture epicenter. We booked a flight to San Jose to explore the city’s economic hub and cultural traditions. After reading your blog we are excited to visit San Jose.
As the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose lacks some of the appeals that the rest of the country promises. So we do hope that your travels take you beyond San Jose as well. Enjoy your trip.
Your CR travel tips post was very helpful! We are considering La Fortuna for our honeymoon next May. I have never been to the rainforest before, but excited to take it on. One thing – I am slightly anxious about illness or parasites. We plan to stay in a resort. There is always a risk, but any trouble/experience with these in your CR travels? Thanks!
La Fortuna is a great destination for a honeymoon. You’ll have a blast. We have a dedicated article on Arenal/La Fortuna, to help you get more info about this particular destination. While Arenal is technically a rainforest, you wont find yourself living in the jungle during your stay. La Fortuna is a town with shops and restaurants and other amenities. If you are worried about illnesses and parasites, we recommend not drinking water from the tap (it’s generally safe but if you want to be extra safe, don’t risk it) and bringing along a UV filter like Steripen (you can buy it on Amazon) to purify your water. Eat at well-rated restaurants to ensure that food safety is not compromised, stick to vegetarian meals if ever in doubt, and wash or sanitize your hands frequently. Hope that helps. Enjoy your trip!
I am looking for an in-country tour for my grandson and me as I can make our own travel arrangements. He would like to do some rain forest and jungle things and also take some surfing lessons too. Our target month is August, but Sept. would also work. Are there any local tour groups you recommend?
We recommend that you do a blended itinerary, book your own accommodation, and separate transportation (you can either rent a car or book transfers from one hotel to another) and then book local guides for each destination, where needed. We, unfortunately, do not have a recommendation for a tour group you can join.