Last update: 12 Oct 2026
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Costa Rica Summary
These place ratings give you a quick overview of how well a destination matches different types of trips.
‘Best for’ scores:
The specific interest scores show where this place really shines – whether it's ideal for hiking, food & drink experiences, museums or other activities. These highlights help you understand what makes the destination special at a glance.
‘Your personal’ scores:
This reflects how well a place matches your personal preferences. You can adjust the importances of travel topics or other personal requirements categories in your account settings.
‘Suited for’ badges:
These give you a quick overview of how well a destination suits specific types of travellers, to help you find the places that match your lifestyle, preferences or travel situation.
Suited for
Costa Rica – Quick facts
| Power Grid: |
120 V, 60 Hz Plug: Type A , Type B
Type A:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Costa Rican Colón (CRC) £1 ≈ CRC 605.44 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 4/5
Costa Rica has a well-developed cashless payment system, and credit and debit cards are widely accepted in urban areas. However, it is still useful to carry cash in rural areas.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants, a 10% service charge is often included, but it is common to leave an additional tip of 5-10%. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is not commonly allowed in Costa Rica. Alcohol consumption is generally confined to licensed venues such as bars, restaurants, and resorts. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is prohibited in indoor public spaces and enclosed areas, including restaurants and public transport. |
| Independence Day (15 September) |
National holiday with celebrations and parades |
|---|---|
| Christmas (25 December) |
Family-centred celebration |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 911 |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber |
| Other: | Costa Rica is famous for its biodiversity, eco-tourism, and commitment to environmental conservation. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure travellers. |
Best times to travel
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
for Costa Rica, Costa Rica
Climate differs by coast: Pacific side dry December to April and wet May to November, Caribbean side rainy most of the year with drier spells in February, March and September to October
Turtle nesting: leatherbacks on the Caribbean side March to July, olive ridleys on the Pacific side July to December, with mass arribadas August to November
Christmas to New Year and Easter week: domestic and international travel peaks, beaches and hotels fully booked
Don't miss
- 🌿 Zip-line through the Monteverde Cloud Forest canopy
- 🌋 Relax in natural hot springs near Arenal Volcano
- 🦜 Spot sloths and toucans in Manuel Antonio National Park
- 🏄♀️ Surf the Pacific waves at Tamarindo Beach
- 🛶 Take a jungle river cruise through Tortuguero’s waterways
- 💦 Hike to La Fortuna Waterfall and swim below it
You've been here?
Log in to manage your own bucket list! Why travel to Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is all about 'Pura Vida' – the pure life. Whether you're trekking through jungles filled with monkeys and sloths, soaking in volcanic hot springs or ziplining over cloud forests, every moment here feels alive. It's a top destination for eco-tourism, offering some of the best national parks and marine reserves in the world. However, while the country is generally safe, some areas can have petty crime and nature itself demands respect – rip currents, unpredictable weather and active volcanoes require awareness and preparation.
🏙️Cities & Regions
-
1
San José
Capital city of Costa Rica, San José offers a mix of modern infrastructure and colonial heritage. The city hosts museums, theaters and bustling markets, while surrounding hills provide easy access to coffee plantations and lush cloud forests. -
2
La Fortuna
A coastal town on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast offers a relaxed atmosphere and easy access to nearby beaches, marine parks and rainforest trails. Visitors enjoy fresh seafood, surf spots and opportunities for wildlife spotting in the surrounding wetlands. -
3
Arenal Volcano National Park
A rugged, volcanic landscape in Costa Rica's Central Valley features dramatic crater views and lush cloud forests. The park offers hiking trails through dense vegetation, hot springs and breathtaking sunsets over the active Arenal Volcano. -
4
Manuel Antonio National Park
One of the most visited national parks in Costa Rica, located near Quepos on the Pacific coast. The lush rainforest features waterfalls, sloths and monkeys, making it a premier destination for wildlife observation and eco-tourism adventures. -
5
Tortuguero National Park
A vibrant, humid park in northwestern Costa Rica, famous for sea turtle nesting and dense rainforest trails. The network of interconnected canals offers unique boat tours through lush mangroves and abundant wildlife habitats. -
6
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
This quiet town in Talamanca offers lush rainforest trails, waterfalls and a slower pace than Costa Rica's popular tourist hubs. Visitors can explore indigenous culture, hike volcanic slopes or relax by rivers without the crowds found in San José or Manuel Antonio. -
7
Monteverde and Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserves
Cloud forest reserves in Monteverde and Santa Elena offer misty trails, ancient trees and wildlife spotting. Visitors can explore botanical gardens, waterfalls and research stations while enjoying cool temperatures and lush greenery that define this unique highland ecosystem. -
8
Corcovado National Park
This dry, sunny park in Costa Rica's Corcovado region features dramatic rock formations and cactus-covered terrain. It offers consistent trade winds and warm beaches year-round, making it a unique destination for travelers seeking adventure and natural beauty along the northern coast. -
9
Quepos
This vibrant Pacific coast town offers world-class surfing, lush rainforests and dramatic volcanoes. Its bustling nightlife contrasts with serene beaches, while nearby national parks provide endless hiking opportunities for nature lovers seeking adventure in Costa Rica's tropical paradise. -
10
Nosara
Quiet coastal village on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast offers surf, yoga retreats and lush rainforest trails. Visitors enjoy fresh seafood, eco-friendly accommodations and a laid‑back atmosphere ideal for wellness and adventure seekers and local culture.
🏯Places worth seeing
🎡Places for activities
🏞️Natural landmarks
🛍️Shopping
🎈Events
-
Fiestas de Palmares (January)
-
Envision Festival (February)
-
Día de los Boyeros (March)
-
Holy Week Processions (April)
-
International Arts Festival (June)
-
Annexation of Guanacaste (July)
-
Independence Day (September)
-
Limon Carnival (October)
-
Festival de la Luz (December)
-
New Year's Eve Beach Parties
Popular travel destinations in Costa Rica
Knowledge before you go
- Currency is colón; use local ATMs for better exchange rates.
- Pura vida is common greeting; friendly locals appreciate simple phrases in Spanish.
- Rainy season (May–Nov) brings showers; plan flexible outdoor activities and beware slippery trails.
- National parks protect ecosystems; book guided tours for wildlife spotting and respect park rules and limits.
How to travel to Costa Rica
Costa Rica has two main international airports: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) near San José and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia. Buses also connect Costa Rica with Nicaragua and Panama for overland travel.
Access summary
- San José & Central Valley: Fly into SJO; shuttles, buses, rental cars.
- Guanacaste Pacific beaches (Tamarindo, Papagayo): Fly into LIR; resort shuttles.
- Arenal/La Fortuna & Monteverde: Fly SJO/LIR; shared shuttles or rental cars.
Check your route from anywhere
Where to stay in Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers everything from luxury eco-lodges to budget hostels and beachside cabanas. The Nicoya Peninsula is great for surf towns, Arenal for hot springs resorts and the Caribbean coast for laid-back jungle retreats.
Hotel recommendations
*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.
The Springs Resort & Spa at Arenal
Barceló San José
KC Hotel San Jose
Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa
Urban Green Hotel & Suites
Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport
Parador Nature Resort and Spa
Wyndham Tamarindo
Volcano Lodge, Hotel & Thermal Experience
JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa, All-Inclusive
How to get around Costa Rica
Traveling within Costa Rica is mostly done by bus, rental car or domestic flights. The bus system is affordable but slow, while renting a 4x4 is recommended for exploring remote areas. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Uber are available in cities.
Budget snapshot
Costs compared to home
We calculate the average costs when travelling to destinations and compare those with the living costs at your home. With this you can get an estimate of how expensive or cheap the destination is for you.
To customise this, you can set up which location and price level are used for the calculations in your account settings.
Daily expenses in Costa Rica are around 39% lower than the average across United States. That means you'll spend considerably less on meals and getting around.
Exchange rate trend
The exchange rate price factor shows how expensive or cheap a currency currently is compared to its historical average. It's a quick way to see if a country is currently more or less affordable due to exchange rate changes.
Your exchange rate (GBP to CRC) is 24% worse than in recent years. That means travelling now is considerably more expensive compared to the past.
Travel costs
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
To help you plan your trip, we provide estimated daily costs per person (when travelling as a pair) for different travel styles. These numbers give you an idea of what you might spend each day at this destination, including accommodation, food, transport and activities.
Additionally, we also provide average hotel costs for different travel styles to give you an estimate for the accommodation only.
Please note that these are only estimates. The real costs depend on booking times, season and other factors.
Daily cost summary
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
Travel style categories explained:
Backpacker:
Staying in hostels or budget hotels, cooking your own meals or eating cheap and choosing low-cost activities.
Mid-range:
Staying in mid-range hotels, eating at a mix of restaurants and casual spots and enjoying a variety of activities.
Luxury:
Staying in luxury hotels, dining out at high-end restaurants and enjoying premium experiences without worrying about the price.
| Backpacker | Mid-range | Luxury | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💵 Total costs per day, including accommodation | |||
| 🏨 Accommodation per night, per person | |||
| 🍝 Food per day | |||
| 🚕 Transportation per day |
Food & Drink
| 🍽️ Restaurant Dinner, per person | |
|---|---|
| 🍛 Lunch Set, per person | |
| 🍟 Fast food combo | |
| 🍝 Preparing your own food, per day | |
| ☕ Cappuccino | |
| 🍺 Beer in a restaurant, 0.5 l |
Transportation
| 🚌 Public transport ticket | |
|---|---|
| 🚕 Taxi Ride, 10 km / 6 mi | |
| ⛽ Petrol, 1 l |
Other
| 🎞️ Cinema ticket | |
|---|---|
| 👩⚕️ Doctor's consult | |
| 🤧 Cold medication | |
| 💇 Basic haircut |
Safety information overview
General safety
Costa Rica is safe but be cautious of petty theft in tourist areas. Avoid walking alone at night in cities and always be aware of ocean conditions due to strong currents.
Health & Medical
Medical facilities are good in major cities but limited in remote areas. Drink bottled or filtered water and be cautious of mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue fever.
Accessibility
Many tourist sites have improved accessibility, but rugged terrain can be challenging. Some beaches and national parks have accessible trails and accommodations.
Tap water
Tap water is generally safe in cities, but in rural areas, bottled or filtered water is recommended. Public water fountains are rare.
Packing recommendations for Costa Rica
Log in to add this place to a travel list and get a summary of all recommended items for your whole trip.
🥾
Walking boots
📷
Camera
🌞
Sun cream
🚰
Reusable water bottle
👕
Light, breathable clothing
🧥
Waterproof jacket
for the rainy season
👀
Binoculars
for wildlife watching
🪰
Insect repellent
🩱
Swimwear
🔋
Power bank
🩹
Basic first aid kit
📃
Travel insurance
🪪
Copies of passport and important documents
💦
Waterproof dry bag
for electronics
📱
Travel eSIM
🔌
Universal travel adaptor
🩺
Prescription medicines
💳
Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
🛂
Passport
Related articles & guides for Costa Rica
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