Costa Rica travel guide
Costa Rica Tourism | Costa Rica Guide
You're Going to Love Costa Rica
Costa Rica is the perfect destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Known as one of the best ecotourism destinations in the world, this Central American country is all about taking in gorgeous natural landscapes and outdoor activities.
What to do in Costa Rica
1. Observe the Arenal Volcano
At over 5,000 ft high, Arenal is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Travel between February and April for a better chance to see it.
2. Visit the Smallest National Park in Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio National Park is the smallest nature reserve in Costa Rica. The diversity of its fauna and flora will blow your mind and keep you entertained for hours.
3. Explore San José
The capital city is a vibrant and cultural must-stop in Costa Rica, even if you're in the country for the natural reserves. Explore the neighborhoods Barrio Amon and Barrio Escalante for picture-worthy architecture, bars, and restaurants.
4. Dive Off the Coast in Isla del Coco
Have the diving experience of your life as you get close to hammerhead sharks and other underwater species.
5. Enjoy the Beaches
Playa Rajada, Playa Grande, and Playa Guiones are some of the top-recommended beaches in Costa Rica.
When to visit Costa Rica
The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, during the dry season. It's the perfect time to enjoy the beaches and the lush green landscapes that come to life with the rainy season between August and October.
How to Get to Costa Rica
Entry Requirements
Passengers from most countries can enter Costa Rica without a visa, as long as they're not planning to stay for more than 90 days. You'll need a passport valid for at least six months and a return ticket.
Plane
Most international flights to Costa Rica land at the Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaria in Alajuela, a town near the capital city San José. The second main airport in Costa Rica, in Liberia, is mostly served by international flights from Canada, the United States, and other countries in the Americas.
Car
Getting to Costa Rica by car might be a more expensive experience than flying because of the required paperwork. Travelers driving to Costa Rica need to show proof of ownership of the car and registration, have an International Driving Permit, valid license plates, an updated inspection certificate, and a passport.
Bus
When entering Costa Rica by bus, you'll need to disembark, get your luggage, walk across the border, and then get on the bus again on the other side. Considering that most international buses charge more for a ticket than a local one, you might save some money simply by taking two different local buses: one that takes you to the border and another one on the other side.
Boat
Costa Rica is a popular stop for many private cruise ships. They'll most likely dock at Puntarenas, Porto Caldera, or Puerto Limon.
Popular airlines serving Costa Rica
Where to stay in Costa Rica
Hotels and hostels are the most frequent types of accommodation in Costa Rica, especially in more popular tourist destinations. Since Costa Rica is such a famous sustainable tourism destination, high-end ecolodges are popular choices among travelers.
Where to stay in popular areas of Costa Rica
Most booked hotels in Costa Rica
How to Get Around Costa Rica
Public Transportation
The main towns and cities are connected by a network of local buses. For other areas of the country, taking a metered taxi is a better and time-saving option. In isolated areas, you can rent a taxi for a period of time or negotiate a flat fee with the driver.
Bus
Bus is an inexpensive way to get around Costa Rica, with a one-way ticket starting at approximate ₡500 ($0.86) per person. The capital city San Jose is the main hub, with two connections per day to most other touristic towns.
Car
To rent a car in Costa Rica, you'll need your country's driver's license. In some cases, rental car companies will accept an International Driving Permit as well, if you have one.
Plane
Domestic flights in Costa Rica are operated by local airlines Sansa and Nature Air. Due to weather conditions, flights are frequently rescheduled or canceled.
Best car rental deals in Costa Rica
Compact SUV
4 adults, 2 Bags
C$ 7/day
Compact SUV
4 adults, 2 Bags
C$ 11/day
The Cost of Living in Costa Rica
Major tourist destinations will accept US dollars as currency, but keep some colones for remote areas. ATMs are available. Pay in cash as much as possible and use credit cards for larger expenses like accommodation. A one-week supply of groceries costs around ₡10,000 ($17).