90 Costa Rica Travel Tips: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

If you’re looking for honest Costa Rica travel tips, you’ve landed in the right spot. Costa Rica is a beautiful, biodiverse, slightly chaotic little country. There’s a lot to know before you go.

I’m Sarah, and my husband and I have been living in Costa Rica since 2016. We’ve visited almost every destination, dealt with the border crossings, and made all the mistakes so you don’t have to. This is the stuff we wish someone had told us before we first visited here.

Below are 90 tips, grouped by theme. I covered entering and exiting the country, getting around, things to do, money, food, where to stay, what to pack, culture, safety, and weather.

And, make sure you read until the end to discover the most important Costa Rica travel tip!

Entering and Exiting the Country

1. There are two international airports. San Jose Airport (SJO) is the busiest, but Liberia (LIR) in the northwest is a great alternative. Fly into Liberia for Guanacaste; fly into San Jose for the Caribbean coast or south/central Pacific.

2. Don’t book a flight to San Jose, California by mistake. It happens more than you’d think. The airport code for San Jose, Costa Rica is SJO (not SJC).

3. The San Jose Airport isn’t actually in San Jose. It’s in Alajuela. When booking a hotel near the airport, search Alajuela. Stay close if you have an early flight. The rush hour traffic is brutal.

4. Skyscanner is our go-to for flights. Great prices and a wide selection. We especially love their Multi-City feature for flying into San Jose and out of Liberia (or vice versa). Find your flight

5. Get to border control fast. Sometimes the line moves quickly, sometimes it takes forever. While everyone else is hitting the bathroom, walk briskly to customs.

6. Tourists can stay 180 days without a visa. Staying longer means a visa or a border run to Panama or Nicaragua. Border runs exist in a legal gray zone. It works (I’ve done it when we first moved her), but it’s not officially blessed.

7. You may be asked for proof of departure. Always have a return ticket (or onward bus ticket), just in case. Read more about entry requirements

8. The Panama border is rough. Entering Costa Rica is usually quick. Entering Panama can mean three+ hours in the sun. Plan accordingly.

9. The Nicaragua border is much smoother. They actually have helpers to guide you through the process. Last time we crossed it took less than an hour.

Transportation Within Costa Rica

10. Domestic flights exist and they’re great. If you want to skip a long drive, there are domestic airports across the country. Sansa is the main carrier.

11. Renting a car is the way to go. We almost always recommend renting. It gives you the freedom to actually explore. Book through Adobe Rent-a-Car using our reader link for 10% off, a free second driver, and 0% deductible on Liability Protection Insurance.

12. Use Waze, not Google Maps. Roads here change constantly and Waze handles it better. Don’t bother with paper maps.

13. Uber is illegal in Costa Rica. Uber lives in a gray zone, but the government does sometimes crack down. Police pull over suspected Uber drivers, which can leave you stranded mid-ride. Take an official taxi instead (orange with a green triangle at the airport, red with a yellow triangle elsewhere). They are a bit more expensive, but at least secure.

14. Shared and private shuttles are excellent. If long drives aren’t your thing, shuttles are a solid option. Use code SARAHMC5  when booking your shuttle for a reader-only discount.. You can always rent a car once you arrive in town for day trips.

15. Public buses are decent (and cheap). They are not always comfortable, but fine. Downside: you often have to route back through San Jose to connect for longer routes, which gets old fast.

16. Drivers are a little crazy. People ignore traffic signals, motorcycles weave on both sides. I swear ticos are relaxed about everything, except driving. You’ll likely be fine if you are a somewhat experienced driver. Just please avoid downtown San Jose.

17. Avoid San Jose during rush hour From where we live in San Jose, the airport drive can take 15 minutes off-peak or two hours in traffic. I am seriously not exaggerating.

18. There are no addresses in Costa Rica. I know, this sounds absolutely insane. I’ve tried explaining this to my family a hundred times and they still think I’m crazy when I tell them that for deliveries I need to say thinks like, “it’s the blue house with white shudders 100 meters west of the park”. For your GPS, find a nearby park or landmark and use that instead.

19. Distances are deceiving. Please, please do not overdo it with how far you drive in a day. It is so common here to see a drive that should take 3 hours actually take about 5 hours. Always add plenty of padding to your driving times.

20. There are tolls. On the main highway from San Jose to the Pacific. They take US dollars or colones. Most now also take credit cards. If you only have USD, pay the first toll with a $10 bill. The change in colones will cover the rest of your tolls.

Things to Do

21. Make time for national parks. Manuel Antonio, Poas Volcano, Corcovado etc. I think the national parks here are definitely worth the hype. Diverse ecosystems are kind of Costa Rica’s whole thing and if you want to see a ton of wildlife, the national parks are your best bet.

22. Go zip lining. This is basically the most iconic Costa Rica activity. Monteverde and La Fortuna are our favorite spots.

23. Hit the beaches. Pacific beaches= white sand and more toursity. Caribbean = darker sand and quieter. Both sides of the country are gorgeous and worth seeing if you have the time.

24. Try surfing. Tamarindo, Puerto Viejo, Playa Avellanas, Santa Teresa, Pavones, and Hermosa near Jaco are all great. There’s a wave for every level.

25. Tour a coffee farm. The hills above Alajuela are our favorite area for this, but there are also some great places throughout the country. We wrote a guide to all the best coffee farms

26. Get out of your comfort zone. Rappel a waterfall. Try white water rafting. Snorkel or dive. Costa Rica has expanded my adventure palate hugely, and I bet it’ll do the same for you.

27. You don’t need to book months ahead A few days in advance for activities is usually fine. During peak season (Dec–Apr), book a bit earlier to be safe.

28. A rental car saves money on activities. Guided tours with transport add up, fast. Driving yourself to a national park can be a third of the price of a guided tour with pickup.

29. But sometimes wildlife tours are worth it. Guides walk those trails daily. They know where the sloths hide and usually have telescopic lenses for incredible views you’d otherwise miss.

30. Viator is great for booking activities. Viator usually has flexible cancellation and supports local operators with the safety net of a big platform. We use it a lot.

Money and Currency

31. The currency is colones. Symbol: ₡ or CRC. US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. I suggest paying in colones if possible. You’ll usually geta. better rate.

32. Check the exchange rate before you go. It fluctuates alot. The free XE Currency app is what we use to keep tabs on it.

33. Bring a mix of cash and card. Visa and Mastercard work almost everywhere. American Express is hit or miss. Cash is handy for small purchases, markets, and remote spots.

34. ATMs are common in cities and towns. Stick to Banco Nacional, BCR, or other major bank ATMs. Use them in daylight, and don’t take out huge amounts at once.

35. Watch for foreign ATM fees. Usually around $5. Check with your bank before you fly because some have fee-free international withdrawals. Also, some partner with specific Costa Rican banks, so you might want to only use ATM’s from one specific bank.

36. Always pay in colones, not dollars. If a card terminal asks, choose colones. Businesses sometimes use outdated exchange rates and you’ll lose money.

37. Carry small denominations. Small colones bills are useful for tips, parking, and local markets.

38. Change for dollars often comes back in colones. Just confirm the amount when you get it back.

39. Tipping is appreciated, not required. Restaurants include a 10% service charge in the bill. Adding another 10% is generous for restaurants. We also always give a tip to tour guides.

40. Don’t exchange currency at the airport. Those counters at the airports offer terrible rates. Please don’t use them. Instead go to an ATM or ask your home bank for colones before your trip. That’ll get you the best rate.

Local Cuisine and What to Eat

41. Eat at sodas to save money. Sodas are small local restaurants in every town. A casado (rice, beans, salad, and a meat) runs about $8 and is usually delicious. Plus, it’s a nice cultural experience.

42. Try the local fruits Guanabana? Granadilla? There are fruits here you’ve never seen. The farmers market is one of our favorite weekend activities. Discover all the fruits here

43. Tap water is usually fine to drink. In bigger towns it is drinkable. In remote areas, ask your hotel first. A LifeStraw bottle is a nice extra layer of confidence.

44. Try the traditional dishes. Gallo Pinto, casado, ceviche. We love Costa Rican food! Try it all.

45. Buy souvenirs at the grocery store. Sounds weird, but coffee and chocolate are what people actually want you to bring back. The grocery stores offer the same products, half the price of fancy souvenir shops. Britt is our go-to coffee brand as a souvenir because the bags look so nice.

46. Gluten-free travelers will be happy. Tico cuisine is heavy on rice, beans, corn, eggs, meat, and fruit. It’s very easy to navigate the gluten-free life here.

47. Big grocery stores have everything. Automercado is the closest thing to a US-style grocery. It is pricey for imported goods due to import taxes, but they have what you need.

48. Go out for breakfast at least once. Costa Rican breakfast consist of Gallo Pinto (a mix of rice and beans), eggs, fried plantains, sometimes a slice of cheese, and sometimes a fresh corn tortilla. I recommend getting a mixed fruit juice with it. Best meal of the day, hands down.

Planning Where to Stay

49. There are resorts for every budget. Costa Rica isn’t the cheapest resort destination, Mexico and the Caribbean win on bang-for-buck. But if you want a resort, you’ll find one at any price point.

50. One beach + one jungle = perfect week. This combo gives you a great overview. La Fortuna or Monteverde for jungle. For beach, pick based on which airport you’re flying into.

51. VRBO is great here. If you are looking for vacation rentals, we recommend VRBO. We usually go this route rather than a hotel, mostly because we like having our own kitchen.

52. Booking.com usually has free cancellation. That’s why we love it for Costa Rica. Lock in a place, adjust later if you find something better.

53. Stay somewhere with a kitchen. Restaurants add up. Even just being able to make breakfast and store leftovers is huge.

54. Read reviews carefully. We only stay at places with at least five reviews and we read them in detail. A bad rental can sink a vacation.

55. Check for AC at the beach. Beach towns stay hot and humid even at night. A fan usually won’t cut it. Don’t book a place without AC unless you know you can handle the heat.

56. A pool is always a good idea. You’re in the tropics and on vacation. Get the pool.

57. Double-check the location. Some rentals are on steep dirt roads that need 4×4 access. Others say ‘near the beach’ and are a 10-minute drive away. Confirm before booking.

👉 Need help narrowing it down? Our hotels page lets you filter by region, budget, and travel style.

Travel Essentials (What to Pack)

58. Leave the nice stuff at home. Costa Rica is safe but petty theft happens. Don’t make yourself a target with flashy jewelry or designer gear.

59. Bring the rain jacket. Microclimates here are wild. Even in dry season, places like Monteverde and Rio Celeste get rain. Pack a lightweight one.

60. Pack a quick-dry shirt. I highly recommend a long-sleeve swim shirt for sun protection. The sun is no joke this close to the equator.

61. Bring ziplock bags or save plastic shopping bags. Humidity means clothes don’t always dry. Plastic bags for transporting wet stuff between locations are a lifesaver.

62. Backpack > suitcase. Some places have stairs, dirt paths, or limited parking. A big camping backpack handles all of it. We recently had a Manuel Antonio bungalow that required 50 stairs from the parking lot. I was so thankful I convinced Thomas that we should bring the backpack instead of suitcase.

63. Pack motion sickness pills. I have never had such bad motion sickness until I moved here. Curvy roads are a norm here and if you plan to take any boat rides you might want them. Even if you don’t usually need them, you might here. You can buy them here at pharmacies and grocery stores (often kept behind the counter and sold individually, so just ask for them).

64. If you forget something, you can buy it. Costa Rica has nearly everything. You might pay a bit more, but you won’t be stuck.

Local Culture and Customs

65. Ticos and Ticas. Costa Ricans call themselves Ticos (men) and Ticas (women). Collectively, Ticos.

66. The Nicoya Peninsula is a Blue Zone. This is one of just five regions in the world with extraordinary life expectancy of over 100.

67. Costa Rica is one of the happiest countries in the world. You’ll likely feel it the moment you arrive. Ticos are smiling, laid-back, and usually so so kind.

68. Pura Vida. Pura Vida means ‘Pure life.’ It’s used as a greeting, a goodbye, and a way of saying “it’s all good.”

69. Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but learning a few Spanish phrases will get you a long way.

70. Costa Rica has the highest literacy rate in Central America at around 96%.

71. The country has no standing army. The military was abolished in 1948 and the country has stayed peaceful since.

72. Bananas and coffee are huge exports. Costa Rica is one of the world’s largest banana exporters.

73. Almost all electricity is renewable. Over 99%. Drive past Rio Celeste and you’ll see the wind farms.

74. Ticos are some of the nicest people anywhere. So nice, in fact, that they sometimes give you wrong directions rather than admit they don’t know. Take directions with a grain of salt.

75. Tourism is the leading industry. Around 9% of Costa Ricans work in tourism. Locals genuinely care that you have a good time here.

Safety and Security

76. Wildlife usually leaves you alone. There are dangerous animals here (and it still freaks me out), but most leave you alone if you leave them alone.

77. Sign up for STEP. If you’re a US citizen, the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is free and lets the government reach you in emergencies. It is worth the few minutes to set up.

78. Wear bug spray. Once the sun sets here the mosquitos can be bad, especially on the Pacific coast. Unfortunately, mosquitos here can ccarry illnesses such as Dengue and Zika. So, pack that bug spray!

79. Get travel insurance. Don’t skip this. We use Heymondo. They offer comprehensive coverage, 24/7 assistance, and add-ons for adventure activities (which you’ll probably do here).

80. The sun is intense. Like, seriously intense. People completely underestimate how high the UV index is. Definitely wear all the sun blocking gear.

81. Petty crime exists. Violent crime is rare, but theft happens. Stay aware of your stuff and never leave belongings unattended.

82. Be careful in the water. Rip currents are real. Crocodiles occasionally show up where rivers meet the ocean. Always ask your hotel where it’s safe to swim and follow the local crowd.

83. Make a copy of your passport. If yours gets lost or stolen, a copy speeds up replacement. The US Embassy is in San Jose.

84. Never leave anything visible in your rental car. Rental cars are easy targets for theft. Park in guarded lots when you can.

Weather and Climate

85. The rainy season is opposite on each coast. The Pacific dry season: late December to end of April. Caribbean has the best weather from August – October.

86. Dry season is the most expensive. Hotels and tours are at peak prices from December- April. Travel in July or August for lower prices, fewer tourists, and surprisingly decent weather.

87. July is our favorite month. Everything is green, prices drop, and there’s usually a two-week dry stretch in the middle of the month. Even on rainy days, the rain comes for a couple of hours in the afternoon and then it clears.

88. Sunrise and sunset barely change. Roughly 5:15–5:45AM sunrise and 5:15–5:45PM sunset, year-round. You get about 12 hours of daylight every day. I definitely suggest getting up early. The morning are the best part of the day here.

89. Earthquakes are common. There are sometimes several small ones a day. Most you won’t even feel though.

90. Hurricanes and tropical storms are rare. They happen occasionally, usually in fall, which isn’t peak tourist season anyway. But, truthfully, it’s very rare.

The Most Important Costa Rica Travel Tip is…..

You are going to need to relax

And we have come to the most important thing to know when traveling to Costa Rica!

Costa Rica is the most chill place we’ve ever been to. The mantra for life in Costa Rica is “Pura Vida” which directly translates to “pure life.” People here use this phrase as a greeting, but also as a way of saying, “All is good.”

You will need to adopt this attitude while visiting Costa Rica.

You may deal with traffic delays, electricity problems, canceled buses etc. Instead of getting frustrated, just take it in stride and think of it as part of the experience.

You’re on vacation! 🙂

By adopting this Costa Rica travel advice you’re guaranteed to have a great travel experience!

Conclusion: Costa Rica Travel Tips

You can never go wrong with a Costa Rica vacation. With these 90 tips, you’re set up for an incredible trip.

Costa Rica can feel like a bit of a culture shock, but in our opinion, it’s not extreme. It’s paradise with a few quirks.

If you have any questions, drop them in the comments. We’re always happy to help with your planning!