Costa Rica Travel Guide

Costa Rica is the perfect country for nature lovers. You’ll find loads of animals, picture perfect beaches, great hiking, and more.

Let’s plan your trip!

Top Things to Do | Itineraries | Know Before You Go | Transportation | When to Travel | Costs & Budget | Solo Female Travel Advice | Photo Inspiration | All Blog Posts

Top Things to Do in Costa Rica

La Fortuna – Visit here to hike around the Arenal Volcano, soak in a hot springs, or to visit the Fortuna waterfall.

Monteverde – Tour a chocolate farm, walk the hanging bridges through a cloud forest, zipline, or go on a guided hike to spot some wildlife.

Jaco – This fabulous beach town is known for its surfing. It’s a great place to relax.

San Jose – The capital of Costa Rica isn’t heavy on nature sights, but since most flights into or out of Costa Rica occur here, you’ll likely visit at some point.

Manuel Antonio – At less than 3 square miles, Manuel Antonio is a small national park. However, it offers amazing beaches and some hiking opportunities.

Drake Bay – Located in southern Costa Rica, this small fishing village is a hub for ecotourism. You’ll find Corcovado National Park and all its wildlife, a beautiful beach, and great snorkeling and scuba diving.

Itineraries in Costa Rica

So far, I’ve only been to Costa Rica once, but with only one week, I only scratched the surface. Still, my itinerary is a perfect introduction, not just to Costa Rica, but to Central America.

Know Before You Go

Currency – Costa Rican Colón, but US Dollars are also accepted in most places.

Language – Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica. It’s a good idea to know some Spanish basics, but in tourist areas, you’ll be just fine with English.

Power – 120V and 60hz. Types A and B.

Tipping – Tipping is expected in Costa Rica. At restaurants, a 10% fee may automatically be added to your bill. For tours, plan to tip $5 to $15 USD per person per day. Plus, at hotels, it’s customary to tip $1 to $2 USD per day for housekeeping staff.

Water – In many areas, the water is safe to drink, so bring a reusable water bottle. In more remote areas, you’ll need to be more cautious. When I visited, I stuck to San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio. I drank the tap water and had no problems.

Traveling Around Costa Rica

By Plane – There are short flights you can use to cover longer distances. However, these are more expensive and many tourists stick to busses or shared shuttles. Look at NatureAir and Sansa Airlines for domestic flights within Costa Rica.

By Bus – Buses are cheap and affordable, but can take longer. They’ll fill in the gaps and will be the cheapest option.

By Shared Shuttle – For those who don’t want to bother with a bus or a train, the middle option is a shared shuttle. Companies like Interbus provide door-to-door hotel transportation service for tourists. While it’s more expensive than a public bus, this can be a great, convenient option for those with limited time.

By Rental Car – If you’re traveling in a group, a rental car can be a good option. While I don’t have experience with this, many tourists recommend renting a car for a great experience. A rental car is necessary if you want to get off the beaten path

When to Go to Costa Rica

Low Season – Late summer to early fall (August through October) is the rainy season. While the crowds and prices will be at their lowest, the weather will be at its worst.

High Season – Winter and early spring (December to April) is the dry season. The weather is great, but tourism will also be at its peak.

Shoulder Season – Late Spring, Early Summer, and Late Fall (May, June, July, and November) offer a mix. You’ll likely have some rain as the seasons change, but prices will still be lower than high season.

How Much Does it Cost to Travel in Costa Rica

Costa Rica will be more expensive than some of its Central American neighbors, but it can still be an affordable destination.

Accommodations – The accommodation I stayed in costs between $50 and $75 USD per night in 2023. My rooms were basic, but private. The exception is San Jose, where I stayed at airport hotels which were more. Budget $100 USD for an average airport hotel.

Food – You may be able to eat for as little as $5 USD per day if you stick to the local eateries (called sodas). For an average meal in a tourist restaurant, expect to pay about $10 to $15 USD per meal.

Transportation – Transportation costs vary wildly based on which mode of transport you choose. For domestic flights, budget $100. Public busses are cheaper and you could spend as little as $2 to $5 USD. For a shared shuttle service, budget $50 USD.

Activities – Another area where things will vary wildly. For all day, adventure activities, budget about $75 USD. For half day excursions, budget $40 USD.

My Experience as a Solo Female Traveler

I traveled to Costa Rica in February of 2020 (just before the start of the Covid pandemic) as a solo female traveler. I spent 9 days exploring the country. There was never a time where I felt unsafe. However, it should be noted that I didn’t go out after dark and I never drank alcohol, which standard for my travel and lifestyle.

Photos to Inspire Your Travels

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