Costa Rica Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know

Costa Rica is a popular destination for tourists due to its diverse natural life and unique culture. The country is filled with national parks, lively animals, stunning beaches, and delicious cuisine. Learn everything you need to know before planning your trip to this wonderful country in this Costa Rica travel guide. From where to go, what to do, and when to visit, we have all the information listed! What Does Costa Rica Have To Offer? If you like nature, animals, and adventure holidays, CR is the right place to be. Photo credit: @kefds1 The country is most famous for its diverse biodiversity and extensive natural species, as any Costa Rica travel guide would tell you. While somewhere like Mexico is famous for beach resorts, Costa Rica is all about nature. The land is blessed with various types of landscapes, from vast seashores to lush rainforests and rocky volcanoes. The condition allows many species, including both flora and fauna, to flourish. From seeing monkeys to sloths and birds, there are all sorts of opportunities to get close and personal with the wildlife here. This Central American country is the perfect destination for those seeking an adventure to reconnect with nature: hiking in the rainforest, zip-lining across the clouds, surfing and snorkelling on the beaches, ATV tours, etc. If you are after relaxation, the hot springs and chococale/coffee tours won’t disappoint. Besides stunning natural wonders, Costa Rica will also blow your mind with the culture and people. Famous for its motto, “Pura Vida,” this country fosters a laid-back, friendly lifestyle with a perfect harmony of diverse cultures and customs. Simply indulge in the benevolence of the locals. They are one of the most lovely people on Earth. Furthermore, the whole country is not too touristy while still having a decent tourism infrastructure. Language is rarely a barrier in Costa Rica as English is widely spoken, especially in tourist-centric areas. The destination is pretty family-friendly, too. How Many Days Are Enough For Costa Rica? The lush scenery is definitely a highlight. Photo by buunature - stock.adobe.com It is recommended that you spend at least 7 days on your trip to Costa Rica. Though, of course, it won’t be enough to explore the entire country. However, one week is a good start to get an overall view of the highlights of the attractions here. If you aim to make the most of your trip by learning everything you can about this country, then plan your trip for around 2 weeks. Costa Rica is not really big, so there will be plenty of time for you to move and at least 1-2 days for each destination. How many days are enough for Costa Rica? The real answer is that there is no certain answer. These recommended estimated times don’t mean you can’t enjoy an exciting holiday in this country if you only have around 3-4 days or even stay here a month or two. The key is how you plan your trip, whether you will stay and enjoy a place to the fullest, or explore each place a little bit. A Simple 7-Day Costa Rica Itinerary Travel Guide La Fortuna (2 days): Hike in the morning, chase waterfalls or enjoy hot springs in the afternoon. There is also safari tours to explore. Monteverde (2 days): The misty trails and observing unique flora and fauna are not to be missed. Manuel Antonio (2 days): Relax on the beautiful beaches or explore the scenic trails. San José (1 day): A leisurely breakfast and final stroll along the beach is a great way to conclude your Costa Rica trip. What Is The Best Time Of Year To Go To Costa Rica? Costa Rica has a tropical climate. There are only 02 main seasons here, the dry season and the rainy season. So logically, you should aim to visit Costa Rica during the dry season, as it will be very difficult to enjoy the primitive forests in the rain. The dry season lasts from December to April. During this time, the chance of rain is low. Therefore, it’s perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, wildlife watching, etc However, this is also the peak season in the country, so get ready for the crowds and higher prices. Travellers usually visit Costa Rica in the dry season to enjoy outdoor activities more easily. Photo by IBRESTER on stock.adobe.com. The rainy season in Costa Rica runs from May to November. In these months, heavy rains are expected. The river level will be higher, leading to trails being washed out or muddy roads. You can still visit Costa Rica during this time as it won’t be raining non-stop and fewer crowds, though it is recommended to at least avoid September and October. The best time of year to go to Costa Rica is undoubtedly April and May. This is the transition time between the two seasons, so there’s a high chance that there won’t be much rain yet, and the price will surely be lower compared to the previous months. The Temperature In Costa Rica By Month Due to the climate, the country’s temperature is stable all year round, from 20 °c to 34 °c, not too cold and not too hot either. But the temperature can vary in different regions of the country. Places near the Caribbean Sea coast will have higher humidity and lower temperatures, while those near the Pacific will be the opposite. On the Costa Rica side of the Caribbean coast, from November to February, the temperature will be the lowest, around 20 °c - 28 °c. From March to October, the temperature doesn’t fluctuate much, with its peak of 31 °c. Though at this time, the temperature difference between day and night is relatively big, as at night it is only about 22 °c. On the Pacific side, from January to April, the temperatures will be the highest. The average figures are 24 °c - 34 °c. Starting from May to December, the temperature will drop a little, but will still be around 22 °c - 32 °c. Cities between the two coasts with mountain ranges are the ones with the lowest average temperature. Thanks to the high altitudes, the overall temperature fluctuates from 20 °c to 25 °c. There’s not much difference between months. How To Get Around In Costa Rica Buses are a convenient option to get around in Costa Rica. Photo by Anastasija on stock.adobe.com. To get around in Costa Rica, there are 03 most common options for you, which are the bus, shuttles, and cars. The transportation you choose will directly affect whether Costa Rica is an expensive trip. The public bus is the best option for budget travellers or those who want to hop around various destinations without the rush of time. You can easily visit the most popular places for only €2 - €17. Buses in Costa Rica are run by different private companies, so be aware that there won’t be a centralised online platform where you can search for the detailed schedule. And of course, you might have to walk for a while, as your destinations might not be right next to the station. The shuttles and taxis might be the choice If you want to travel between nearby cities. These options are more expensive than the bus, but they are surely more comfortable and can drop you off at the exact location you're heading to. For the shuttles, you will need to follow the schedule and ride along with other people. The prices will be all-inclusive. However, pay attention to your belongings while on the ride, because there might be thieves. For taxis, you can enjoy the ride alone, and the prices will vary by metre, apparently a safer way to travel in Costa Rica. Renting a private car to drive by yourself is also an option. The biggest downside is that the price to rent one in Costa Rica can be quite high due to the regulated liability insurance. Not to mention, you will have to get used to traffic laws that might be unfamiliar in your home country. Remember to use Waze (download offline maps beforehand) and only drive in clear weather. There are also planes for domestic flights connecting cities. But keep in mind that the planes will be quite small, so don’t expect premium services. Other public transportation, such as trains, is unfortunately not widely available in Costa Rica. Best Places To Visit In Costa Rica Arenal Volcano An essential to any Costa Rica travel guide, and for good reasons. Photo by PetraJPhoto on stock.adobe.com. Arenal volcano is one of Costa Rica's most signature attractions. This stratovolcano has been the country’s most active volcano for more than 40 years, until it was declared inactive in 2010. Nowadays, visitors can come here to hike, zipline, soak in hot springs, or simply enjoy the view. With 29,692 acres of national park, the area is filled with endless joys to explore, both geologic and biological. Adventurous hikers might be disappointed as access is limited to just the base of the volcano. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have an exciting trip here. Book a guide to learn more about the volcano's history and the inhabitants in the area. The peak of Arenal is at 1,657 meters. Getting the full view of this volcano depends on the weather because of the fog. So it is recommended that you visit between February and April to have a higher chance of clear days. Monteverde Cloud Forest Monteverde Cloud Forest will lead you into the world of primitive nature. Photo by Dan on stock.adobe.com. Cloud forests themselves are a signature of Costa Rica, representing the diversity in geology and biology that this country is proud of. Located in high altitudes, trees and leaves are immersed in the fog and low-hanging clouds, allowing distinguished flora and fauna to flourish. Monteverde is the most popular cloud forest in Costa Rica, if not the world. This area was discovered by the Quakers in the 20th century. Since then, years of efforts by scientists have been made to make this area a nature preserve. The forest contains more than 2% of the biodiversity of the entire world, with thousands of different species and many landscapes. There are a total of 10 trails within the park, each of which is different in length and landscape. However, all are well-maintained and not too difficult to complete, so you can choose one that suits your plan. Tours are also available and are highly recommended, as they will provide you with insightful information regarding the natural habitats here. Amenities like restaurants, souvenir shops, etc., are all available. Only the restrooms are at the entrance and not on the trails. If you are asking, “Where should I go for the first time in Costa Rica?”, the Monteverde Cloud Forest should definitely be on the list. Manuel Antonio National Park The beaches in Manuel Antonio were once voted as the best beaches in the world by Forbes. Photo by CL-Medien on stock.adobe.com. Knowing the small size, Manuel Antonio might not look impressive to you compared to the other national parks. Don’t let the size deceive you; this place has some of the best beaches in Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio might not be the national park with the most biodiversity, but it is very popular thanks to the white-sand beaches. Rustic coast with natural trails, colourful coral reefs and crabs, along with different species of iguana, birds, and monkeys, are all available here. Manuel Antonio National Park is closed on Tuesday. Beaches and trails within the park are available from 7 am to 4 pm. No food or pets are allowed in the park, as monkeys can be quite aggressive with these things. Beverages are acceptable. Santa Rosa National Park Santa Rosa National Park is the perfect harmony of history, culture, and nature. Photo by jkraft5 on stock.adobe.com. Santa Rosa National Park is a special harmony of natural wonders and historical values. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this park is where the Battle of Santa Rosa in 1856 took place. Besides the monuments of the past are the most popular dry tropical forest in Central America, beautiful beaches and diverse wildlife inhabitants. Take your time visiting the La Casona Historic Museum, the Monument to Our Heroes and the stone corrals. All represent the long history of fighting against the invasions of foreigners in Costa Rica. Despite admiring the spirit of the locals, don’t forget that Santa Rosa is the home of a multitude of terrains, from savannahs and forests to marshlands and mangroves. This fills the national park with hundreds of species, both mammals and birds. You can go on trails around the park to meet the animals spontaneously, or book a guided tour to learn more about them. Don’t forget to also head to the beaches to enjoy the clear water with sea turtles and outstanding surf breaks. Santa Rosa National Park is separated into 02 parts: the Santa Rosa and the Murciélago. These 02 can’t be accessed from each other, so make sure to head for the side you aimed for. We would recommend going to the Santa Rosa part, as those exciting attractions listed above are mostly on this side. Bajos del Toro Bajos del Toro is a secluded heaven only a few hours away from San Jose. Photo by Jeroen on stock.adobe.com. Bajos del Toro is a hidden gem nestled between 02 national parks, which are Poas National Park and Juan Castro Blanco National Park. The town only has around 200 residents and very few visitors per year, therefore, it still remains in its primitive beauty. The most popular “thing” in this area must be the 06 wonderful waterfalls here. You can find the clear water in different shades of blue at the Blue Falls, admire the majestic view of water falling down an extinct volcanic crater in Toro Amarillo, or explore your way through the jungle for a secluded one like Vuelta del Canon. Keep in mind that some of these waterfalls are privately owned, therefore, you will have to pay a fee to visit. And some of them are not easy to reach, so it’s best if you have a local guide tag along. You can access this secluded area after a 2-hour drive from San Jose. The town is now more open, so though you shouldn’t expect high-end services, there are always cosy accommodations and friendly local shops ready to serve. If you are looking for a rustic experience, Bajos del Toro is definitely one of the best places to visit in Costa Rica. Irazu Volcano You will get to see the emerald crater in Irazu Volcano if lucky. Photo by alexanderkonsta on stock.adobe.com. Irazu Volcano is widely known as the highest volcano in Costa Rica, making it a popular destination many people want to visit on their first time in Costa Rica. Having been inactive ever since the 90s, visitors can now access the peak of Irazu to see its craters. This is also one of the biggest reasons that people visit here. Coming in from the entrance, you will walk a short trail and can easily observe the craters from above. There are a total of 05 craters on the volcano, but not all can be seen though. If you are expecting an aquamarine filled with blue water, you might be disappointed. The craters are not always full, as it depends a lot on the rainfall. But the view is still worth the time. There aren’t many chances in which you can actually see a crater like this, so don’t miss it. You can also hike to the highest viewpoint to admire the panoramic view of the area. But keep in mind to go early to avoid the clouds that will limit visibility. Your Costa Rica Travel Guide to Explore the Best of Pura Vida Costa Rica is a country with impressive natural life and interesting wonders to explore. Hope that this Costa Rica Travel Guide has offered you an overall view before planning your trip to this distinguished country. Have any interesting experiences to share with fellow travellers about this country? Don’t hesitate to comment below! Claire Thuc