Costa Rica is definitely one of my favorite countries. I was supposed to stay there for two weeks, but it turned out to be three months which was still not enough. In Spanish, Costa Rica means Rich/ Abundant Coast. The name of this beautiful Central American country fully describes it. Costa Rica stretches between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, and the shores of both are truly amazing. This narrow isthmus is overgrown with lush tropical vegetation with many wonders of nature. The inhabitants are constantly smiling and are incredibly hospitable. The enthusiasts of active recreation will not be bored here – Pura Vida!
For me, Costa Rica is the discovery of the year, and I am its self-proclaimed ambassador;) My visit to Costa Rica was supposed to be two weeks long, but I stayed there for over three months. I fall head over heels in love with this place, and now I urge everyone to add it to their travel list. Many of you have already traveled on my recommendations, and for those who still have this journey ahead, I have prepared a practical guide for their visit to Costa Rica. I think that this knowledge, in a nutshell, will be a good starting point for planning your trip. In addition, on the blog, you will find a lot of extensive posts about unusual places that you must visit while in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica – the most important information
Costa Rica is a country located in Central America, which is the southern part of North America. This relatively small country covers an area of about 51,000 km2 and is inhabited by less than five million people. The capital and largest city is San José. Its metropolitan area also includes other important cities – Alajuela with its international airport, Cartago and Heredia – the former capital cities of Costa Rica. Other important cities are Puerto Limon on the Caribbean coast, Puntarenas and Quepos on the Pacific coast, and Liberia, with its second international airport.
Costa Rica is an upland-mountainous country located in the zone of seismic activity which means that earthquakes are possible, and there are volcanoes – some of which are active. The most important mountain ranges of the country are the Cordillera de Guanacaste with Miravalles volcano (2021 meters above sea level), the Cordillera Central with Irazú (3432 meters above sea level) and Turrialba (3421 meters above sea level) volcanoes, and the Cordillera de Talamanca, with the highest peak of the country – Chirripó Grande (3820 m above sea level). The lowlands are located on the coasts and valleys of the most important rivers, including San Juan, Tempisque, Reventazón, and Cañas. Between the Central and Talamanca Cordillera, there is the Cartago highland. At the foot of the Central Cordillera, there is the Meseta Central inter-mountain basin where San José and other important cities – Cartago, Alajuela, Heredia are located. The basin is inhabited by over half of the inhabitants of Costa Rica. The Caribbean coast is a low lagoon-type coast. On the other hand, the Pacific coast is characterized by a well-developed coastline. There are numerous bays here, including Golfo Dulce, Bahía de Coronado, Nicoya and Papagayo.


There is an equatorial climate in Costa Rica. Nature is characterized by an extraordinary richness of fauna and flora. Over have of a million species can be observed here, which is almost 4% of all estimated species on Earth. Costa Rica is one of the 20 most biodiverse countries in the world. It’s all thanks to its location. Together with Panama, it forms a kind of land bridge between North and South America – they are located in the so-called The Isthmus of Panama.
In pre-Columbian times, the area of present-day Costa Rica was inhabited by Indian cultures. Christopher Columbus arrived here in 1502. He expected to discover the legendary land of gold here. We owe the name of Costa Rica, meaning “Rich Coast” to no one else but Columbus. In the years 1561–1565, the area was conquered by Juan Vasquez de Coronado on behalf of Spain. He also founded the first capital of Costa Rica – Cartago. Until independence, the local Indians took up arms against the Spanish colonizers. The proclamation of independence took place in 1821, and together with the neighboring republics, Costa Rica created the United States of Central America or the United Provinces of Central America. However, the new state did not turn out to be permanent, and since 1839 Costa Rica has been an independent republic. In 1871, the constitution was passed, and it was later amended several times. In 1949, the then-president José Figueres Ferrer disbanded the army, and since then, the state has only a paramilitary police force.




When is the best time to come to Costa Rica?
There are two seasons in Costa Rica: dry (December to April) and rainy (May to November). However, it is worth knowing that what weather you will get depends largely on the season and the region to which you go. The biggest differences are between the coasts, where it is sunny most of the time, and you can enjoy the charms of beaches all year round, and the mountainous interior of the country, including the Central Valley with the capital of San José, where it can be cool in the dry season, especially at night.
The best time to visit Costa Rica is from the end of November or the beginning of December. Then the rainy season usually ends and until March there is the sunniest weather with relatively low rainfall.
How long should I stay in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a popular tourist destination. It is chosen not only by travelers but also by vacationers. When planning a trip, it is worth remembering that a week is definitely not enough for this beautiful, distant country. Two weeks is a better option, and it may not be enough anyway.

What’s the best way to get to Costa Rica from Europe and the USA?
There are two international airports in Costa Rica: San José and Liberia, but when it comes to flights from Europe, we will land at the capital airport. When deciding to travel to Costa Rica from Europe, you must take into account at least one change, and sometimes even two. Airlines that offer such connections are:
- Lufthansa – transfer in Frankfurt,
- KLM – transfer in Amsterdam,
- Airfrance – transfer in Paris,
- United Airlines – transfer at one or more airports in the United States,
- combined connections, e.g. LOT, Swiss Air, and Lufthansa – however keep in mind that involves at least two transfers,
- an interesting solution are also combined connections with Iberia, which offers direct flights to Costa Rica from Madrid.
It is best to book flights in advance, then you can find flights at the best prices. It is also worth checking charter connections. I paid 500 euro for my one-way ticket with Lufthansa from Warsaw to San José, with a transfer in Frankfurt.



Car rental
Costa Rica has a well-developed road network, but driving can be challenging in many places. The most convenient and relatively inexpensive way to get around Costa Rica, especially for a group of several people, is to rent a car. A car can be rented near airports as well as in major cities. An international driving license is not required for renting a car. It is also worth knowing that car insurance is mandatory here and you may want to go above the basic variant.
Car rental companies:
- Adobe Rent a Car,
- Alamo Costa Rica,
- Enterprise Costa Rica,
- Hertz Costa Rica,
- Sixt Costa Rica,
- Thrify Costa Rica,
- Budget Costa Rica,
- Poas,
- Mapache,
- Vamos.
Before you rent a car in Costa Rica read this post: How to rent a car in Costa Rica – the ultimate guide


Bus
The bus network is well developed, safe, and relatively inexpensive, making it an excellent alternative to the car. San José has regular bus connections to the main cities. There are several bus stations in the center of the capital. Buses depart from the Coca Cola Terminal towards the Pacific coast. Terminal del Caribe, on the other hand, offers connections to the Caribbean coast. Often, operators have their own small bus terminals. It’s a good idea to buy a return or onward travel ticket right away because you may end up in a place that does not sell tickets.
Most popular bus routes:
- San José – Arenal volcano (La Fortuna) – They leave every few hours, with one transfer in Ciudad Quesada. In addition, there are two or three direct connections a day, the ride takes about 4 hours,
- San José – Manuel Antonio National Park – direct buses leave San José at least five times a day, depending on the day of the week,
- San José – Tamarindo – two direct buses a day. First in the morning, second in the afternoon,
- Manuel Antonio – Tamarindo – with two transfers – in Orotina and Espanza twice a day.
In larger cities, public transport is based on bus lines.
Taxi
There are two types of taxis in Costa Rica:
- Taxi rojo (red taxis) – are licensed taxis, however, make sure the taxi driver turns on the taximeter,
- Taxi pirata (private taxis) – usually cheaper than licensed ones, which of course does not have to be the rule. However, it should be taken into account that this is not necessarily a safe solution.
- Uber – it works like anywhere else and you can feel free to use it.
Train
Costa Rica has one railway line that connects San José with Heredia, so it has a very short route. It is not the most important means of transport, but it acts as an agglomeration railway and therefore is used by many people. The line is served by historic trains, making it one of the main tourist attractions of the capital and its vicinity. If you plan to visit Cartago and Heredia – be sure to take the train!
Plane
In addition to the two international airports of San José and Liberia, there is a well-developed network of domestic flights. From the capital, you can take a small plane to almost any attractive tourist part of the country, but compared to buses it is quite expensive.




Where to stay in Costa Rica
I traveled the length and breadth of Costa Rica, living there for many months. Depending on how much time you have and what you are up to, the exploring of this country can be arranged in a million ways. I spent weeks looking for these places before my trip, and then I tested each of them on myself.
Here is a summary of all the best and most recommended accommodation in Costa Rica. Each one is unique and offers a different experience. Some places are small family lodgings, and others are unbelievable, luxurious, and eco-friendly retreats. I think that everyone will find something for themselves: Where to stay in Costa Rica – the best memorable hotels


Currency and prices in Costa Rica
The currency in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colon (CRC). Its name comes from Christopher Columbus (Spanish Cristobal Colon). 1 USD = 612 CRC.
Accommodation prices:
the average price for a night is 50,396 CRC depending on where you stay:
- hostel 15 320 CRC
- 1-star hotel 20 589 CRC
- 2-star hotel 32 922 CRC
- 3-star hotel 45 457 CRC
- 4- star hotel 77 577 CRC
- 5- star hotel 154 364 CRC
Transportation prices:
the average car rental price per week 57,000 CRC depending on the type of car:
- compact car 50 000 CRC
- economy car 49 000 CRC
- car in the mini class 103 000 CRC
- car in the SUV class 55 000 CRC
- passenger van 183 000 CRC
- local one way ticket 500 CRC
- gas (1 liter) 648 CRC
- taxi 1 km (normal fare) 660 CRC
Prices in restaurants:
- meal in a cheap restaurant for 1 person 4000 CRC
- meal for two in a middle class restaurant (3 courses) 2300 CRC
- meal in fast food such as McDonalds, KFC, Burger King etc. 4000 CRC
- local draft beer (0,5 l) 1500 CRC
- imported beer (bottle 0,33 l) 2300 CRC
- Coca-Cola/Pepsi (bottle 0,33 l) 907 CRC
- water (bottle 0,33 l) 823 CRC
- espresso 1 100 CRC
Prices of food products:
- milk (1 l) 800 CRC
- fresh white bread 1 000 CRC
- eggs (12) 3 600 CRC
- local cheese (1 kg) 1 300 CRC
- water (bottle 1,5 l) 650 CRC
- a bottle of wine (medium shelf) 1 000 CRC
- local beer (bottle 0,5 l) 1 900 CRC
- imported beer (bottle 0,33 l) 2 300 CRC
- chicken breast 3 900 CRC
- oranges (1 kg) 1 300 CRC
- potatoes (1 kg) 1 200 CRC
- lettuce (1 pc.) 632 CRC
- white rice (1 kg) 1 100 CRC
- tomatoes (1 kg) 1 200 CRC
- bananas (1 kg) 817 CRC
- onion (1 kg) 1 200 CRC
- beer (1 kg) 5 000 CRC

Safety in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in this region. However, do not forget that this is still Latin America, so we should use common sense and basic precautions. The most dangerous part of the country is the capital city of San José, especially at night. So it’s good to stay in a safe part of the city (for example, Escazu) and do the sightseeing during the day. I have also heard not-so-nice opinions about the tourist Playa Tresa. In general, it is not recommended to wander the beaches after dark (not only because of people, but also wild animals). The greatest threat is thefts, e.g., pocket theft and theft of travel bags, backpacks, or handbags. There are also minor scams.
In popular tourist areas, do not get off the path at night, do not venture into suspicious-looking surroundings. Always keep an eye on your drinks when you are at the party. Women traveling alone should be extremely cautious. It is a good practice in Costa Rica, and throughout Latin America, to store valuables in a safe place (e.g. in a hotel safe) and not to show expensive items in public. You don’t always need to have your passport on you. All you need to do is show a photocopy or scan on your phone in the event of control.
The money issue
Costa Rica can be expensive, especially for first-time travelers. What should be noted – in many cases you can pay in Costa Rica with both local colons and American dollars. Changing currency at airports is not the best solution – rates are often bad. It is much better to exchange the currency at local exchange offices or pay with dollars, but it is always better to pay with the local currency.
The best solution is to use ATMs, but remember that there is a $5 fee for each withdrawal. Therefore, it is a good idea to withdraw a larger amount of money at a time. The best conditions for using ATMs are offered by BNCR.

Vaccinations before coming to Costa Rica
There is no obligation for travelers going to Costa Rica to undergo vaccinations. However, this does not mean that tropical diseases can be underestimated – following the rules of hygiene and prophylaxis will protect you against unwanted diseases. If you want to protect yourself it is worth considering taking vaccinations for:
- diphtheria and tetanus (DT),
- hepatitis A and B,
- typhoid fever,
- rabies.
In Costa Rica, tap water is drinkable
One of the important things to know about Costa Rica is that the tap water in the vast majority of places is completely safe to drink. Therefore, you can refill your reusable bottle on a regular basis and you don’t have to buy bottled water. Most stores do not sell bottled water, and if by any chance a store sells them, only tourists buy it.
Read more about basic healthy rules you need to know when you travel: Stay healthy on a trip – the golden rules of every traveler
Spanish language
The official language is Spanish. In tourist areas, many people can communicate in English, but not all of them. When planning a visit to Costa Rica, it is a good idea to get your hand on learning a little bit of Spanish or have a pocket dictionary with you. Knowing the local language can always come in handy. Costa Rican are muy amables y amistosos – they love to talk, even with random people.



Where to buy a SIM card and the question of the Internet
Having a SIM card with Internet access is an absolute basis for modern travel. I recommend you the Claro card. I paid USD 40 for 18 GB. I had the service in most places in the country, even in the jungle.
Wi-Fi is generally available in all tourist regions. Most hotels, hostels and restaurants have free Wi-Fi for their guests.
Exit Tax
For many travelers is the Exit Tax is a quite surprise. When leaving the country, a tax of USD 29 must be paid before checking in at the airport. You can pay it in cash or by card. Some airlines include this tax in the ticket price. If your airline has taken care of this it will be listed as Costa Rica Baggage Inspection Fee or International Boarding Tax.
What to eat in Costa Rica?
Costa Rican cuisine is based primarily on rice and beans. It is also rich in fruits, vegetables, salads, fish, seafood, beef, chicken, and spices. Popular drinks include natural fruit juices, juices mixed with sugar and water, or milk and lemonades. The local coffee is a must.
Costa Rican specialties include:
- Arreglados – small patties filled with meat, beans, or cheese served with mayo,
- Ceviche – seafood marinated in lime, onion, garlic, coriander leaves, and red pepper. They are served with lemon juice or olive oil,
- Chicharrones – tripe or fried pig skin with a layer of fat, served with tortilla and lemon wedges, something close to pork scratchings served hot or cold,
- Empanadas – something like dumplings. Meat, cold cuts, beans, cheese, or all of the above together wrapped in a dough made of cornflour and baked,
- Olla de Carne – meat soup with vegetables: onions, potatoes, pumpkin, carrots, chayote, cassava and plane trees. Usually served with rice,
- Olla Podrida – vegetable soup made of cassava, green bananas, sweet potatoes, colocasia, pumpkin, carrots, onions and cabbage,
- Picadillo – stew of fried pieces of meat, potatoes, chayote, bananas, carrots, papaya or green beans, onions, tomatoes, pepper, garlic and fresh coriander. Served with rice and hot tortillas, it is called amanecido.
- Gallo pinto (literally painted rooster) – rice with black or red beans, cooked separately and, after cooking, fried with the addition of onion, garlic, red pepper, coriander and spices.
- Tamales – Cornflour dough with vegetables, usually potatoes and carrots, and rice, often also with pieces of meat. The whole thing is wrapped in plantain leaves and tied together – a delicacy of Christmas.


Costa Rica – must-see places
Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park is located on the Pacific coast near the town of Quepos. The greatest natural attractions are the rainforest full of various species of plants and animals: sloths, toucans, and even caimans. There is also a beautiful wild beach and coral reefs. During the mating season, dolphins and whales can be seen in the waters of the Pacific.
Read a practical guide about visiting Manuel Antonio Park: Manuel Antonio National Park – the ultimate guide about the most popular park in Costa Rica



Nauyaca Falls
The majestic Nauyaca Falls are located in the south of Costa Rica. It is an ideal place for everyone who loves the beauty of nature and loves to combine sightseeing with various activities. An ideal place not only for those seeking peace but also for lovers of adventures and experiences, including horseback riding, swimming, or climbing.
You can read more about this magical place here: Nauyaca Waterfalls – incredible waterfalls of Costa Rica



Corcovado National Park
Corcovado National Park is considered to be one of the most exciting places in the world in terms of biodiversity. Especially the area surrounding the La Sirena River is a pure beauty of nature. There are wild beaches here. Sharks and crocodiles swim in the mouth of the river. National Geographic has listed the Osa Peninsula as one of the most biodiverse places on earth.



Cloud Forest Santa Elena
Cloud Forest Santa Elena is a beautiful tropical forest near the charming city of Santa Elena. You can find here many species of plants and animals – especially abundant in countless species of birds.
Read how to have a remarkable experience in The Santa Elena Cloud Forest: The Santa Elena Cloud Forest in Costa Rica – how to have a truly remarkable experience close to the nature



La Paz Falls
La Paz Falls are five breathtaking waterfalls that are located in a private ecological park. There are hiking trails and a zoo. Check out the full list of the most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica that are a must-visit! The most beautiful waterfalls in Costa Rica

Tabacón hot springs
The Tabacón hot springs are five springs with different temperatures. The thermal river flowing through them is heated by the still-active Arenal volcano. There is also a cold river here. Tabacon is the most important spa resort in Costa Rica.
Read more about La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano area here: La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica – a practical guide and must see attractions


The Blue Falls
The Blue Falls – this natural wonder is a true blue river with seven blue waterfalls, three typical waterfalls, rapids, pools, and amazing views. This place is nature at its purest. There are trails that allow you to see the wild side of Costa Rica
Make sure to read more about The Blue Falls and trekking to seven waterfalls in the jungle: The Blue Falls Waterfalls and Catarata del Toro Waterfall in Costa Rica – trekking through the jungle to seven waterfalls



Arenal Volcano
Arenal Volcano is an active volcano and a must-see in Costa Rica. Once very active, it ceased continuous eruptions in 2010 but could wake up at any moment. The volcano is surrounded by mountains, lakes, and rivers.
Read more about La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano area here: La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica – a practical guide and must see attractions
Poas Volcano
Poás volcano is a stratovolcano that is one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. It has three craters, two of which are filled with lakes. The earliest eruption in historic times took place in 1828, and the last one in 1996 – in the meantime there were 39. Volcán Poás National Park stretches around the volcano.


Playa Coyote
Playa Coyote, also commonly known as Puerto Coyote, is a beach on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica, on the Nicoya Peninsula. The Rio Jabillo mangrove river divides it into two parts: Punta Coyote – a shallow, horseshoe-shaped sandy beach and Playa Costa de Oro – a long beach covered with palm trees. Playa Coyote is popular among surfers
Playa Hermosa and Playa Uvita
Playa Hermosa (Beautiful Beach) – its name is not surprising because it is one of the most beautiful beaches not only in the southern part of the Costa Rican Pacific coast – Costa Bellena but also throughout Costa Rica. It is separated from the neighboring, no less charming Playa Uvita by a headland where the two beaches join. Surrounded by lush jungle, these spots are great for surfing.
Playa Dominical
Playa Dominical is a beach on Costa Bellena – in the southern part of the Costa Rican Pacific coast. It is located in the city of Dominical. Its southern part is sandy, while the northern side is very rocky. Playa Dominical is a great place both for those who want to relax on the beach and for fans of water sports – especially surfing.



Isla del Coco
Isla del Coco is an uninhabited island considered by many to be the most beautiful place in Costa Rica. Is visited by divers from all over the world. Located south of mainland Costa Rica, the island is full of marine life, including white-nosed sharks and hammerheads. The greatest attraction for divers are the caves with rock carvings.
Isla Tortuga
Isla Tortuga is another uninhabited island and also one of the best snorkeling spots in Costa Rica. It is located on the Pacific coast. True to its name, it is home to the turtles. Active recreation on Isla Tortuga is diving or a parachute jump. Hiking and relaxing on the beach are also popular here.
Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero National Park is located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. This is the main breeding ground for green turtles, which takes place at night on the beach. You can rent a canoe here and explore the mangrove swamps, looking for wild animals such as birds, turtles, and even caimans and crocodiles.



While planning your trip, be sure to read this post, a full compilation of the most beautiful natural places in Costa Rica that you must visit to feel and understand how naturally diverse and fascinating this country is: The most beautiful must-see places in Costa Rica
Experiences worth giving a try in Costa Rica
Surfing
Surfers love Costa Rica – both shores have excellent conditions for surfing. You can find spots for experienced surfers as well as surf schools. On the Pacific coast, there are better conditions for this sport – the most popular places include Quepos – Manuel Antonio, Playa Hermosa, Playa Uvita, Playa Avellanas, Playa Manzanillo, Jaco, Nosara, Tamarindo and Dominical. This does not mean, of course, that surfers will be bored on the Caribbean coast – popular places include Playa Coyote, Salsa Brava, and Playa Cocles.


Ziplining
Due to the fact that Costa Rica is covered with dense rainforests, ziplining and canoping are very popular forms of spending time here. It is an experience that allows you to experience an amazing adventure with an increased level of adrenaline, during which you can commune with untouched nature and admire breathtaking views. There are ziplining routes in every corner of the country. The most interesting of them are: Arenal Reserve: Aerial Tram & Canopy Zipline, Diamante Superman Canopy Zip Line, Jaco Canopy Zipline Tour, Manuel Antonio Canopy Safari Zip Line, Monteverde Sky Aerial Tram & Zipline, San Luis Canopy Tour, Arenal Hanging.

Wildlife
Wildlife in Costa Rica is, of course, not only watching birds or diving among coral reefs and exploring the local fauna and flora. Virtually every corner is a place where you can meet real, wild nature. There are 28 national parks in Costa Rica, each rich in local flora and fauna: Volcán Arenal, Diriá, Barra Honda, Barbilla, Braulio Carrillo, Cahuita, Chirripó, Corcovado, Guanacaste, Isla del Coco, Juan Castro Blanco, La Amistad, Marino Las Baulas, Manuel Antonio, Marino Ballena, Los Quetzales, Palo Verde, Piedras Blancas, Rincón de la Vieja, Santa Rosa, Tapantí, Tortuguero, Volcán Irazú, Volcán Tenorio, Volcán Poás, Carara, Volcán Turrialba and La Cangreja. To make it funnier, I was able to see most of the animals outside the parks, simply staying overnight in not very touristic places, close to nature. I’ve seen everything you can dream of seeing in Costa Rica: toucans, colorful parrots, sloths, armadillos, coats, snakes and lots of birds.



Birdwatching
Costa Rica is definitely a paradise for those who are into ornithology. Among the places and tours offered by local travel agencies specializing in birdwatching, the following are worth recommending: Monteverde Rainforest, Carara National Park, La Selva Biological Station, Rancho Naturalista, Tapanti National Park, Santa Juana: The Red-capped Manakin, National Park Manuel Antonio, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, the Osa Peninsula and Palo Verde National Park. But it’s really enough to be out of the big cities for a while and you will have birdwatching all the time.




Coffee and cocoa plantations
Costa Rica is one of the most important producers and exporters of coffee, cocoa, and chocolate. The coffee plantations are located on volcanic slopes. Thanks to the perfect growing conditions, they can be located even above 2000 meters above sea level. Coffee is grown, among others, in San Pablo Tarrazu, San Marcos, Tarrazú, Tres Rios, and Meseta Central. On the other hand, the plant from which chocolate and cocoa are made is cocoa. Most of its crops are, among others, in the vicinity of Puerto Viejo and La Fortuna.


Yoga classes
One of the things you can do in Costa Rica is taking yoga classes. Costa Rica, like many other tropical countries of the Caribbean region, is a mecca for hippies and representatives of all kinds of countercultures. Many hotels, hostels, and restaurants in the coastal pueblos are often decorated in a boho style. No wonder that the hippie counterculture and passion for surfing intertwine here. Costa Rica is famous for its yoga schools, especially on the coasts.


You have asked me many times what I used for photography during my trip to Costa Rica. I use Olympus equipment on a daily basis: OMD EM1 Mark III camera and M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100‑400mm lens (I used it especially to take pictures of birds and animals, everywhere where the zoom was crucial).