🐾 Traveling to Costa Rica with Pets
Pet-Friendly Costa Rica
Costa Rica is highly welcoming to pets, particularly dogs and cats. From pristine beaches to rainforests, pets are part of the eco-adventure lifestyle. Many eco-lodges, national parks, and public areas accommodate well-behaved animals, making it one of Central America's most pet-friendly destinations.
Entry Requirements & Documentation
Health Certificate
Dogs, cats, and other pets need a health certificate from an official veterinarian issued within 10 days of travel.
Certificate must include proof of vaccinations and be endorsed by USDA or equivalent authority for non-US travelers.
Rabies Vaccination
Mandatory rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days but no more than 1 year before entry.
Vaccination must be recorded on the health certificate; boosters required as per schedule.
Microchip Requirements
All pets must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before rabies vaccination.
Chip number must be listed on all documents; scanners available at entry points.
Import Permit
Obtain an import permit from SENASA (Costa Rican Animal Health Service) at least 48 hours before arrival.
Submit online application with pet details, vaccination records, and health certificate.
Restricted Breeds
No nationwide breed bans, but some municipalities restrict fighting breeds like Pit Bulls.
Check local rules; muzzles and leashes may be required for larger dogs in urban areas.
Other Pets
Birds, reptiles, and exotic animals require additional CITES permits and quarantine if applicable.
Contact SENASA for specific requirements; common pets like hamsters have simpler rules.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Book Pet-Friendly Hotels
Find hotels that welcome pets across Costa Rica on Booking.com. Filter by "Pets allowed" to see properties with pet-friendly policies, fees, and amenities like dog beds and bowls.
Accommodation Types
- Pet-Friendly Eco-Lodges (Arenal & Monteverde): Jungle lodges welcome pets for 5,000-15,000 CRC/night, with trails and nature access. Properties like Arenal Observatory offer pet amenities.
- Beach Resorts & Villas (Guanacaste & Manuel Antonio): Coastal accommodations often allow pets at no extra charge, with private beaches. Ideal for relaxed beach time with dogs.
- Vacation Rentals & Apartments: Airbnb and Vrbo listings in Tamarindo and Nosara frequently permit pets, providing space for pets to play.
- Farmstays (Central Valley): Rural fincas near San José welcome pets and families, with animal interactions. Authentic experiences for 20,000-40,000 CRC/night.
- Campsites & RV Parks: National park-adjacent sites like those in Manuel Antonio are pet-friendly, with leashed areas. Popular in Pacific regions.
- Luxury Pet-Friendly Options: Resorts like Four Seasons Peninsula Papagayo provide premium pet services including spa treatments and walking trails.
Pet-Friendly Activities & Destinations
Rainforest Hiking Trails
Costa Rica's national parks like Corcovado and Arenal offer pet-friendly trails for leashed dogs.
Keep pets close to wildlife; guided eco-tours often accommodate well-behaved animals.
Beaches & Surf Spots
Guanacaste beaches like Tamarindo and Playa Flamingo have dog-friendly sections for swimming.
Check for seasonal turtle nesting restrictions; early mornings best for pet play.
Cities & Parks
San José's La Sabana Park welcomes leashed dogs; outdoor cafés in Escazú allow pets.
Central Valley green spaces provide safe areas for pets in urban settings.
Pet-Friendly Cafés
Costa Rican café culture includes pet-friendly patios; water bowls common in tourist areas.
Soda ticas (local eateries) often welcome dogs outside; ask before seating.
Wildlife Tours
Many eco-tours in Manuel Antonio and Tortuguero allow leashed pets on outdoor paths.
Avoid indoor exhibits; focus on nature walks suitable for families and pets.
Boat & Kayak Trips
Some river and coastal tours permit small pets in life jackets; fees around 5,000 CRC.
Operators in Tortuguero and Sarapiqui offer pet-inclusive options; book ahead.
Pet Transport & Logistics
- Buses (Public): Small pets travel free in carriers; larger dogs may require extra seat (5,000-10,000 CRC). Leash/muzzle on intercity routes like those from San José to Guanacaste.
- Shuttles & Vans (Tourist): Private shuttles between airports and beaches often allow pets for 2,000-5,000 CRC extra. Book pet-friendly services via Gray Line or Interbus.
- Taxis & Rideshares: Uber and local taxis accept pets with driver approval; use apps to select larger vehicles. Fees minimal for short urban trips.
- Rental Cars: Agencies like Adobe and Alamo permit pets with cleaning deposit (10,000-20,000 CRC). 4x4 vehicles ideal for rural roads and pet comfort.
- Flights to Costa Rica: Check airline policies; Avianca and United allow cabin pets under 10kg. Book early and review requirements. Compare flight options on Aviasales to find pet-friendly airlines and routes.
- Pet-Friendly Airlines: Copa Airlines, American, and Delta accept pets in cabin (under 10kg) for 20,000-50,000 CRC each way. Larger pets in cargo with health docs.
Pet Services & Veterinary Care
Emergency Vet Services
24-hour clinics in San José (Hospital Veterinario CIMA) and Liberia provide urgent care.
Travel insurance recommended; consultations cost 15,000-40,000 CRC.
Pharmacies & Pet Supplies
Masinger and Pet Shop chains stock food, meds, and accessories nationwide.
Farmacias like Fischel carry basic pet items; bring scripts for specialized needs.
Grooming & Day Care
Urban areas offer salons and daycare for 10,000-25,000 CRC per session.
Book in advance for beach towns; eco-lodges may have on-site services.
Pet-Sitting Services
Local services in San José and Tamarindo for day/overnight care; apps like PetBacker available.
Hotels arrange sitters; rates 15,000-30,000 CRC/day.
Pet Rules & Etiquette
- Leash Laws: Dogs must be leashed in national parks, beaches, and urban zones. Off-leash allowed in private rural areas away from wildlife.
- Muzzle Requirements: Not generally required but recommended for large dogs on public transport. Carry one for compliance.
- Waste Disposal: Carry and dispose of waste properly; fines up to 50,000 CRC for littering in protected areas.
- Beach & Water Rules: Designated dog areas on beaches; avoid turtle nesting zones (March-October). Respect other beachgoers.
- Restaurant Etiquette: Pets at outdoor tables; keep quiet and under control. No pets in indoor dining areas.
- National Parks: Leashed pets allowed on most trails but prohibited in sensitive wildlife zones like Monteverde Cloud Forest.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Costa Rica
Costa Rica for Families
Costa Rica is a family dream with safe eco-adventures, wildlife encounters, beaches, and volcanoes. Kids love zip-lining, animal spotting, and chocolate making, while parents enjoy the pura vida lifestyle. Facilities include family suites, kids' clubs, and accessible nature paths.
Top Family Attractions
Manuel Antonio National Park
Beaches, monkeys, and sloths in a compact park perfect for young explorers.
Entry 6,000 CRC adults, 2,400 CRC kids; guided tours add educational fun.
Arenal Volcano & Hot Springs
Active volcano views, hanging bridges, and thermal pools for family relaxation.
Park entry 15,000 CRC; hot springs 25,000-40,000 CRC with kids' areas.
Poas Volcano & La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Crater hikes and animal rescue center with aviaries and butterfly exhibits.
Combo tickets 20,000 CRC; easy trails for strollers and interactive wildlife.
Chocolate Tours (La Fortuna)
Hands-on cacao farm experiences with tasting and making chocolate bars.
Family tours 15,000-25,000 CRC; engaging for kids with farm animals.
Sloth Sanctuary (Cahuita)
Rescue center tours where kids learn about sloths and other wildlife.
Guided walks 25,000 CRC; ethical encounters with educational programs.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Suspension bridges, zip-lines (kid versions), and night tours for bioluminescent fun.
Entry 20,000 CRC; family packages include canopy adventures for ages 5+.
Book Family Activities
Discover family-friendly tours, attractions, and activities across Costa Rica on Viator. From wildlife safaris to beach combos, find skip-the-line tickets and age-appropriate experiences with flexible cancellation.
Family Accommodations
- Family Resorts (Guanacaste): All-inclusive spots like Occidental Tamarindo offer family suites for 100,000-200,000 CRC/night. Kids' clubs, pools, and beach access included.
- Eco-Lodges (Arenal Region): Family bungalows with nature views and activities; properties like Nayara Springs provide childcare for 80,000-150,000 CRC/night.
- Beach Villas (Manuel Antonio): Private rentals with pools and kitchens for 60,000-120,000 CRC/night. Space for family meals and pet play.
- Vacation Apartments: Self-catering in San José or Jacó ideal for longer stays, with laundry and cooking facilities.
- Budget Family Hostels: Options like Selina chain in Tamarindo for 30,000-50,000 CRC/night with family dorms and communal areas.
- Treehouse Stays: Unique eco-accommodations in Monteverde for adventurous families, around 70,000 CRC/night with canopy views.
Find family-friendly accommodations with connected rooms, cribs, and children's facilities on Booking.com. Filter by "Family rooms" and read reviews from other parents.
Kid-Friendly Activities by Region
Central Valley with Kids
Poas Volcano hikes, coffee plantation tours, and butterfly farms near San José.
Easy day trips with cultural experiences like ox-cart painting for children.
Pacific Coast with Kids
Manuel Antonio beaches, zip-lining in Jacó, and turtle watching in Ostional.
Surf lessons and boat tours keep active kids engaged with ocean adventures.
Arenal & Northern Lowlands
Hot springs soaking, frog ponds, and chocolate making in La Fortuna.
Waterfalls and easy volcano trails suitable for family hikes.
Monteverde with Kids
Cloud forest walks, hummingbird galleries, and kid-friendly zip-lines.
Night tours reveal glowing insects and nocturnal animals.
Family Travel Practicalities
Getting Around with Kids
- Buses: Kids under 3 free; ages 3-11 half-price (2,000-5,000 CRC). Family seating on tourist shuttles with AC.
- Shuttles: Shared vans from airports to beaches for 20,000-40,000 CRC/family. Stroller space available.
- Car Rentals: Child seats mandatory (5,000-10,000 CRC/day); book 4x4 for rural areas. International license required.
- Stroller-Friendly: Parks and resorts accessible; national parks have some paved paths, but trails vary.
Dining with Children
- Kids' Menus: Sodas and resorts offer casado or pasta for 3,000-6,000 CRC. High chairs common.
- Family-Friendly Restaurants: Beachfront spots with play areas; fresh fruits and gallo pinto appeal to kids.
- Self-Catering: Supermarkets like Walmart and Auto Mercado stock baby food and diapers. Farmers' markets for fresh produce.
- Snacks & Treats: Empanadas, fresh juices, and ice cream from paletas vendors energize little ones.
Childcare & Baby Facilities
- Baby-Changing Rooms: In malls, airports, and major attractions with nursing areas.
- Pharmacies (Farmacia): Carry formula, diapers, and meds; English-speaking staff in tourist zones.
- Babysitting Services: Resorts arrange sitters for 15,000-25,000 CRC/hour; certified through agencies.
- Medical Care: Clinics like CIMA Hospital in San José; pediatric services available. Travel insurance advised.
♿ Accessibility in Costa Rica
Accessible Travel
Costa Rica improves accessibility with eco-friendly designs, wheelchair paths in parks, and inclusive resorts. Tourist areas prioritize ramps and elevators, though rural trails may challenge. ICT provides accessibility guides for planning.
Transportation Accessibility
- Buses: Tourist shuttles offer wheelchair space; public buses less accessible. Book private transfers.
- Shuttles & Taxis: Adapted vans available in San José; apps like Uber provide larger vehicles for wheelchairs.
- Airports: Juan Santamaría and Liberia airports have ramps, assistance, and accessible restrooms.
- Domestic Flights: Sansa Airlines accommodates wheelchairs; priority boarding for disabled passengers.
Accessible Attractions
- National Parks: Manuel Antonio has wheelchair paths to beaches; Arenal offers accessible hanging bridges.
- Resorts & Beaches: Guanacaste properties like Margaritaville provide ramps and beach wheelchairs.
- Cultural Sites: Coffee tours and chocolate farms with flat access; some volcanoes have viewpoint ramps.
- Accommodations: Hotels indicate accessible rooms on Booking.com; look for roll-in showers, wide doorways, and ground-floor options.
Essential Tips for Families & Pet Owners
Best Time to Visit
Dry season (December-April) for beaches and hikes; green season (May-November) for lush rainforests and fewer crowds.
Shoulder months (November, April) balance weather and costs for family trips.
Budget Tips
Combo park passes save 20-30%; family meals at sodas cost 10,000-20,000 CRC.
Public buses and self-catering reduce expenses while exploring eco-sites.
Language
Spanish official; English common in tourist areas like Manuel Antonio and Arenal.
Pura vida greeting appreciated; locals patient with families and visitors.
Packing Essentials
Light layers, rain ponchos, insect repellent, and reef-safe sunscreen for tropical climate.
Pet owners: bring tick prevention, leash, waste bags, and vaccination records.
Useful Apps
Waze for navigation, Moovit for buses, and BringFido for pet spots.
National Parks app for trail maps and entry info.
Health & Safety
Costa Rica safe; drink bottled water, use DEET. Vaccinations like hepatitis recommended.
Emergency: dial 911; clinics in all regions. Travel insurance covers adventures.