Costa Rica Travel Guide: Essential Tips

Explore Costa Rica: From the Arenal Volcano to the vibrant Fiesta de los Diablitos

National Flag of Costa Rica

The 15 Most Searched Questions About Costa Rica

The capital of Costa Rica is San José, a vibrant city known for its cultural attractions.

Many nationalities can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. More details in our Documents tab.

Costa Rica uses the Costa Rican Colón (CRC). More details in our Currency tab.

Costa Rica is generally safe, but caution is advised in urban areas. More details in our Safety tab.

Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

Costa Rica is known for its biodiversity, eco-tourism, and beaches like Manuel Antonio. More details in our Top Attractions tab.

The dry season (December to April) is ideal for outdoor activities, though the green season (May to November) offers lush landscapes.

Costa Rica can be moderately priced—a daily budget of $60-$100 covers food, lodging, and activities for most travelers.

Tap water is generally safe in most areas, but bottled water is recommended in rural regions—$1-$2 per liter.

Must-visits include Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, and Manuel Antonio National Park. More details in our Top Attractions tab.

Costa Rica has a tropical climate: warm year-round (22-30°C) with a dry season (December-April) and a green season (May-November).

Yes, Fiesta de los Diablitos (December) and Envision Festival (February/March) are vibrant cultural events.

Popular souvenirs include locally roasted coffee, handmade ceramics, and wooden crafts.

Buses, shuttles, and rental cars are common. A bus from San José to La Fortuna costs $5-$10 and takes 4 hours.

Try gallo pinto, casado, and ceviche. More details in our Local Cuisine tab.

About Costa Rica

Costa Rica, a Central American gem, spans 51,100 square kilometers and is renowned for its biodiversity and eco-tourism. San José, the capital, is home to about 340,000 people, part of Costa Rica’s total population of 5.2 million (2023 estimate), with ethnic groups including Mestizos, Afro-Costa Ricans, and Indigenous peoples like the Bribri. Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Many nationalities can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. In 2023, Costa Rica welcomed over 2.5 million tourists, drawn by its natural wonders like Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, and Manuel Antonio National Park. The economy relies on tourism, agriculture (notably coffee and bananas), and technology exports. Costa Rica’s tropical climate features warm temperatures (22-30°C) year-round, with a dry season (December-April) and a green season (May-November). Budget travelers can manage on $60-$100 per day, with a local meal costing $5-$10 and a coffee $2-$3. Public transport includes buses ($1-$10 for short routes) and shuttles ($20-$50 for tourist routes), while car rentals start at $30 per day. Cultural events like Fiesta de los Diablitos (December) and Envision Festival (February/March) highlight Indigenous and modern traditions. Costa Rica’s history includes pre-Columbian Indigenous cultures, Spanish colonization starting in the 16th century, and independence in 1821, reflected in sites like the National Museum in San José. Known for its "Pura Vida" lifestyle, Costa Rica offers rainforests, beaches, and adventure activities like zip-lining and surfing, making it a top destination for nature lovers.

Visa & Passport for Costa Rica: Entry Requirements for Travelers

  • Passport Requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date into Costa Rica and have at least one blank page for stamps. Children need their own passports—they cannot travel on a parent’s passport.
  • Visa Requirements: Citizens of the US, Canada, EU, and many other countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days. A return or onward ticket is required. Extensions beyond 90 days can be requested at the Immigration Office in San José for $100, requiring proof of funds and a valid reason. Overstaying incurs a fine of $100 per month. You’ll need a passport copy and travel itinerary upon entry.
  • Other Requirements: No mandatory vaccinations are required, but a yellow fever certificate is needed if arriving from an affected country. Travel insurance covering medical emergencies is recommended, especially for adventure activities like zip-lining.

Driving in Costa Rica: Road Rules & Tips for Tourists

  • Driver’s License: Your national driver’s license is valid for 90 days—no International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. Car rentals in San José start at $30 per day; 4x4s are recommended for rural areas at $50 per day.
  • Road Rules: Drive on the right side of the road. Speed limits are 40 km/h in urban areas and 90 km/h on highways. Seat belts are mandatory, and the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%—fines for violations start at 320,000 CRC ($600).
  • Road Conditions: Roads can be narrow and potholed in rural areas. The green season (May-November) brings heavy rain—drive cautiously, especially on unpaved roads.
  • Transport: Buses from San José to La Fortuna cost $5-$10 and take 4 hours. Shuttles to Monteverde cost $20-$50 and take 3 hours.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 911 for police or medical emergencies.

Currency in Costa Rica: Using the Colón for Your Trip

  • Costa Rican Colón (CRC): The official currency. Banknotes come in denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000 CRC; coins are 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, and 500 CRC.
  • Currency Exchange: Exchange money at banks or authorized counters in San José—rates are better than at hotels or airports. ATMs are widely available, with withdrawal fees of 1,500 CRC ($3) for international cards.
  • Payment Methods: US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas—carry small denominations. Cards are accepted in cities; cash is needed in rural areas. Mobile payments like Apple Pay are growing but not universal.
  • Costs: A local meal costs $5-$10, a coffee $2-$3, and a souvenir like locally roasted coffee costs $5-$15.

Legal Guide for Costa Rica: Laws Travelers Should Know

  • Local Laws: Drug possession is illegal—penalties include up to 8 years in prison. Public intoxication can lead to fines of 50,000 CRC ($90).
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Respect national parks—stick to trails to protect wildlife. More details in the Culture & Etiquette tab.
  • Photography Restrictions: Photography in certain Indigenous areas may require permission—fines for violations start at 10,000 CRC ($18). Drones require a permit from the Civil Aviation Authority.
  • Public Behavior: Public nudity, even on beaches, is illegal—fines start at 20,000 CRC ($35). Littering incurs fines of 15,000 CRC ($27).
  • Customs Rules: You can bring up to 3 liters of alcohol and 400 cigarettes duty-free. Declare cash over $10,000 or its equivalent in CRC.
  • Emergency Contact: Dial 911 for police or medical emergencies.

Travel Safety in Costa Rica: Staying Safe During Your Trip

  • Crime: Petty theft can occur in tourist areas like San José—keep valuables secure. Violent crime is rare but possible in urban areas at night.
  • Road Safety: Roads can be challenging—use 4x4 vehicles in rural areas. Avoid driving at night due to poor lighting.
  • Health Risks: Tap water is generally safe, but use bottled water in rural areas. Dengue and Zika are risks in the green season—use mosquito repellent.
  • Natural Hazards: The green season (May-November) brings heavy rain and landslides. Volcanic activity (e.g., at Poás) can lead to park closures—check local updates.
  • Beach Safety: Rip currents are common at beaches like Jacó—swim only where lifeguards are present.
  • Medical Facilities: CIMA Hospital in San José is recommended for emergencies. Pharmacies are widely available—look for the “Farmacia” sign.
  • Emergency Contacts: Dial 911 for police or medical emergencies. The US Embassy in San José can be reached at +506 2519 2000.

Culture & Etiquette in Costa Rica: What to Know

  • Greetings: A “Pura Vida” (pure life) greeting reflects the local laid-back vibe—use it to connect with locals. Handshakes are common; hugs are for close friends.
  • Dining Customs: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated—10% in restaurants or $1-$2 for small services. Meals are often shared family-style.
  • Community Respect: Respect nature—don’t feed wildlife or remove plants from national parks. Dress casually but modestly in rural areas.
  • Festivals: Fiesta de los Diablitos (December) in Boruca celebrates Indigenous culture with masks and dances. Envision Festival (February/March) focuses on sustainability and music.
  • Language Tips: In tourist areas, you might hear “Tico” (a nickname for Costa Ricans). Learning “Gracias” and “Pura Vida” is appreciated.
  • Social Practices: Costa Ricans value punctuality for business but are relaxed in social settings—arrive on time but don’t stress if others are late.

Local Cuisine in Costa Rica: Dishes & Drinks to Try

  • Gallo Pinto: A breakfast staple of rice and beans with spices—$3-$5 per serving.
  • Casado: A lunch plate with rice, beans, plantains, and a protein like chicken—$5-$8.
  • Ceviche: Fresh fish marinated in lime juice with cilantro—$6-$10 per portion.
  • Café Costarricense: Locally roasted coffee, often served black—$2-$3 per cup.
  • Agua Dulce: A sweet drink made from sugarcane—$1-$2 per glass.
  • Where to Eat: In San José, try gallo pinto at Soda Tapia. In Manuel Antonio, beachside restaurants serve fresh ceviche. Both are highlighted in our Top Attractions tab.

Top Attractions in Costa Rica: Must-Visit Places

Flights to Costa Rica: Travel Options

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José is the main gateway, with flights from Miami, Houston, and Panama City. A taxi from SJO to San José costs $20-$30 and takes 30 minutes. Domestic flights to Quepos (for Manuel Antonio) cost $80-$120 and take 25 minutes.

Create Your Packing List for Costa Rica

Travel Tips for Costa Rica

  • Connectivity: SIM cards from Claro or Kolbi offer 3-5 GB for $10-$15, available at the airport. Wi-Fi is common in hotels but spotty in rural areas.
  • Health Prep: Hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus vaccines are recommended. Carry mosquito repellent for dengue-prone areas.
  • Weather Prep: Pack lightweight clothing for the tropical climate, but include a rain jacket for the green season (May-November).
  • Navigation: Use apps like Waze for driving—roads can be tricky. Buses ($1-$10) and shuttles ($20-$50) are reliable for intercity travel, like San José to La Fortuna.
  • Peak Season: December to April is peak season—book accommodations and tours in advance, especially for Monteverde and Manuel Antonio.