Costa Rica Trip Planner and Vacation Guide
Organize your dream tropical vacation filled with all the best vibes.
Background Info On Costa Rica
Language
The main language is Spanish. Most people in tourism speak some English.
Currency
Costa Rican colones. US dollars are also widely accepted.
Outlets
110 volt (same as the US)
International Airports
- Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose
- Liberia International Airport (LIR) in Liberia.
Popular Places to Visit
Manuel Antonio | Tamarindo | Monteverde | La Fortuna
Must Do Activities
zip lining | exploring national parks | surfing | relax on beaches
Hi! We’re Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er)
We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and since 2016 we have lived in sunny Costa Rica.
Now we spend our days roaming the country to bring you the very best in Costa Rica travel here on Costa Rica Vibes.
Want the whole crazy story?
How to Get to Costa Rica
Costa Rica is home to two international airports with several international flights arriving and departing daily. Getting here is easier than you might think!
Is It Your First Time Planning a Trip to Costa Rica? Read These Posts First!
- Transportation in Costa Rica: How to Get Around
- The Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica
- The Weather by Month and When to Visit
- The Perfect Costa Rican Itineraries for 1, 2, and 3 Weeks
- Costa Rican Currency and How to Pay
- Is Speaking Spanish Necessary? Language Tips
- How to Stay Safe in Costa Rica
- 90 Must-Know Costa Rica Travel Tips
- How to Stay Connected While Traveling
How to Get around
We think the best way to get around is by rental car. However, there are also several other convenient options including shared shuttle, private shuttle, and public bus.
Have Some Questions? We’ve Answered Them Below
Is Costa Rica expensive?
Costa Rica is considered the most expensive country in Central America. That being said, it is possible to stick to a budget by traveling at off-peak times, staying at less fancy hotels, and by doing more budget-friendly activities such as exploring the beaches and national parks.
Check Out:
What is the best time of year to visit Costa Rica?
The dry season in Costa Rica runs from mid-December through mid-April. This is the most popular time to plan a Costa Rica vacation. However, this is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.
Check out our guide to weather and the climtae in Costa Rica for more info
Is it safe to visit Costa Rica?
In general, Costa Rica is safe. However, petty theft has been known to occur. It is best to keep an eye on your belongings and don’t bring overly expensive items that could make you a target or get stolen.
Check Out:
Which towns do you recommend?
If you are traveling for one week I suggest one beach and one jungle town.
Popular beach towns are; Manuel Antonio, Uvita, Santa Teresa, Nosara, Samara, Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo, and Puerto Viejo.
The most popular jungle towns are Monteverde and La Fortuna.
What is the best transportation method?
We like to have a rental car because it provides the most flexibility in exploring unique places. However, you might also opt for domestic flights, shared shuttles, private shuttles, or public buses.
Check Out our guide to transportation for more info
And don’t forget to book your rental car through our website for a 10% dicsount plus other great perks. Book your discounted car here.
Which airport is better to fly in and out of?
The Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San Jose is best if you would like a central location to get anywhere in the country. However, the area around the airport is very hectic.
The Liberia International Airport (LIR) is located in the northwest corner of the country. This is a much more peaceful airport experience and is great for exploring the beach towns in the Guanacaste Province.
Check Out:
- San Jose or Liberia International Airport: Which is Better?
- San Jose International Airport Complete Guide
- The Best Airport Hotels near San Jose International Airport
- Guide to Renting a Car from the San Jose International Airport
- Liberia International Airport Complete Guide
- The Best Airport Hotels near Liberia International Airport
- Guide to Renting a Car from the Liberia International Airport
Are there any entry requirements I need to know about?
You will need a valid passport and proof that you will be leaving the country within 90 days (unless you have a visa). You do not need any vaccines unless you are coming from a country that currently has a threat of Yellow Fever.
Check Out:
What are some must do activities in the country?
There are so many amazing things to do in the country that this is difficult to narrow down.
For beach activities we suggest; go surfing, take a catamaran tour, go snorkeling, go fishing, and relax at a beach bar.
For jungle activities we suggest; white water rafting, zip lining, explore a national park, take an ATV tour, and visit a volcano.
Check out our guide to all activities in Costa Rica for more info
Is Costa Rica a good destination for families?
Yes, I think it is a great destination for families. There are plenty of things to do, there are several family-friendly resorts and hotels, and most families should feel safe here.
Check out our guide to traveling in Costa Rica with kids for more info.
Guided Vacation Packages
Take all the stress of vacation planning with these packaged tours
- Take a wildlife night walk through the Monteverde
- Admire the impressive Arenal Volcano from a hot spring
- Swim in turquoise waters and relax on white-sand beaches
- Take a snorkel day trip and see marine life off the coast of Samara
- Visit wildlife-filled Tortuguero National Park
- Go on a thrilling white water adventure through the lush jungle
- Explore the beautiful scenery at Manuel Antonio National Park
- Swim under the majestic La Fortuna waterfall
- Experience the captivating Monteverde cloud forest
A Few Costa Rica Vacation Must Know Tips
- There are no street addresses in Costa Rica. You will need to depend on putting the name of places into your GPS.
- Despite what some people seem to think, Costa Rica is not an island. It is sandwiched between Nicaragua and Panama plus, there is a beautiful Pacific and Caribbean coast.
- The name for Costa Rican people is ticos (for men) and tica (for women).
- Pura Vida is the motto for life here. Directly translated it means “pure life.” Here it is used as a greeting and to say “all is good.”
- The lifestyle here is extremely relaxed. Just note that most likely some of your Costa Rica vacation plans won’t go as planned. Try to roll with it and adapt this chilled-out outlook on life for a bit. You can read our guide to Costa Rican culture for more info
Are you overwhelmed with planning the perfect vacation to Costa Rica?
Have no fear! We are here to help. Check out our FREE Ultimate Costa Rica Planning E-Book that is jam-packed with must know travel info