10 Things To Know Before Traveling To Costa Rica

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Are you planning a trip to Costa Rica? Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, my guide offers essential insights to make your trip unforgettable.

Costa Rica is a famous destination for adventurers who enjoy whitewater rafting, caving, hiking, and other activities. But it also has a laid-back vibe and a romantic essence.

It can be challenging to navigate travel uncertainties. From where to go, what to expect, and budgeting for your trip – in this article I address your concerns with some practical advice and tips that I wish I knew before heading to Costa Rica.

This article is tailored to fellow explorers who want to experience “Pura Vida.” So, join me as I guide you through what to know before you visit Costa Rica.

1. It Can Get Really Hot There, But The Weather Changes Quickly

Did you know (I bet you didn’t) that Costa Rica is considered the “greenest” country in the world? And with all that greenery and nature, it is no surprise that it ranked first in the Happy Planet Index. People tend to be happier when surrounded by plants, after all.

But, despite being so green and so happy, Costa Rica is also HOT. So, before deciding where to stay in Costa Rica during your trip, you might want to check out the average climate of the area.

The midday sun is a scorcher, basically giving you an instant tan but also making you sweat even when you’re standing still.

That, folks, is thanks to the humidity and the active volcanoes that dot the country and heat up the local atmosphere – with coastal temperatures averaging at 80°-90° F and inland areas not far behind averaging 75°-85° F.

But, don’t expect it to be warm and sunny all day long! If you happen to be visiting Costa Rica during the rainy season (May – Nov), get ready for heavy rain and unexpected bouts of cold weather.

Costa Rica is combating climate change

As the world heats up, it is comforting to know that the Costa Rican government is working towards becoming carbon-neutral by 2050.

Many hotels have jumped on board the sustainability ship, taking the initiative to promote environmental awareness and mitigate their environmental footprints.

For example, you can plant a Tonka Bean tree and participate in a turtle release when you stay at certain hotels like Los Sueños.

2. Tap Water Is Safe To Drink

More good news for the environment: You can skip the plastic bottled water and simply refill your reusable bottle at almost any tap in the country.

You might be a bit wary since tap water is iffy throughout Latin America. But in all the tourism hotspots in Costa Rica the tap water is completely safe – this also means you can enjoy all the fresh fruits sold at streetside stalls!

I found the water in San Jose to have a strong chlorine taste, so I bought a couple of bottles of water during my Costa Rican vacation, but that was just my personal preference, and not down to the quality of the water.

3. Tuck Into The Street Food

One of the best Costa Rica travel tips I can give you is that street food is the best food in the country… period! Okay, so it is not so much a travel tip as a personal opinion – but go try it for yourself and tell me I’m wrong.

Costa Ricans sure know how to cook. The local cuisine is delicious, and some of the best eating spots are the little roadside restaurants called “sodas”. If you want to skip average food and expensive restaurant bills, eat where the locals eat (and make sure to ask them for recommendations too).

4. Driving In Costa Rica Is An Adventure

Yes, Costa Rica has traffic laws. No, the locals don’t seem to follow them.

If you rent a car (which I recommend as one of the best ways to explore the country), you should know that there are almost no street signs in most parts of the country. The highways are clearly marked, but as soon as you get off them, you’ll have to depend on Google Maps and locals for directions – but don’t fully trust it.

From personal experience, recently, when driving from La Fortuna to Quepos, Google Maps routed me through a few decent mountain streets, but then suddenly is rerouted me to a dirt path that looked like it was in a private farm. It was in the middle of the night, no lights for miles, it was steep, and that road was sketchy A.F.

It then led to a highway, but I’m sure there were better ways to get to that highway than through that remote dirt path.

So, yeah, don’t fully trust Google Maps in Costa Rica.

Oh, and addresses? Not really a thing.

So, it is best to always plan for more driving time than you’d think. The distance may be short on a map, but a lot of the roads are in poor condition and you’ll have to drive with caution, especially during the rainy season.

5. Petty Theft Is Common In Some Areas

Violent crimes are uncommon (almost unheard of) in tourist areas, but some pockets – especially Downtown San Jose – have a lot of petty crimes like pickpockets, snatch-and-run, and scammers.

It is best to never leave anything you don’t want to lose unattended, and always have a firm grip on your bags and wallets.

Avoid carrying your passport with you – instead, make a copy (and try to get it stamped on entry) to keep with you. If the cops are in a good mood, they’ll consider it a valid ID.

6. Costa Rica Is Pura Vida

Ever heard of “pura vida”? This common Costa Rican saying means “pure life” when directly translated, but locals give it many other meanings, like:

• Full of life
• This is life
• Cool
• Doing good
• Going great

Costa Ricans use it as a greeting and a farewell, to express joy, to say thanks, or simply to acknowledge something. They’ll also be super happy when a tourist responds using this phrase as a polite gesture.

Pura vida really expresses the friendliness of the locals and the laid-back leisure lifestyle associated with the country.

7. Definitely Visit The National Parks

Even if you just have seven days to spend in the country, you have to visit at least one national park. These parks have preserved nature in all her beauty, and are also quite accessible.

Manuel Antonio National Park is just three hours (give or take) from San Jose and covers coral reefs, sandy beaches, and rainforest trails.

Even closer to San Jose is Tapanti National Park, where you can find the Talamanca Peatlands, a Ramsar site.

And if you want to see a volcano, head over to Arenal Volcano National Park in Alajuela Province.

8. The Two Coasts Have Different Vibes

On the Pacific Coast, you’ll find rocky bluffs, cliffs, coves, and plenty of waves perfect for surfing. There are plenty of white sand beaches and also a lot of expensive Western restaurants that attract thousands of tourists each year.

Head to the Caribbean Coast, and you will find a diverse cultural landscape with bold flavors, local music drifting down the street, and a real taste of Costa Rica. The beaches are just as beautiful on this side, and many Costa Ricans consider it home.

9. Be Prepared For Wild Animals… Everywhere!

I’ve mentioned how green Costa Rica is – so it should come as no surprise that there are also animals everywhere. You don’t have to head to one of the national parks to enjoy local wildlife.

Monkeys cackle in the trees around roadside stalls, and scorpions tend to enjoy living in the bathrooms of many homes and hotels.

To avoid any scaly surprises, it is best to leave your bags zipped at all times, and give your shoes a little shake before putting them on.

10. Carry Enough Cash

Whether you’re visiting Costa Rica to save money or to treat yourself, it is still important to always carry cash. This is especially handy if you’re visiting smaller towns and rural areas where ATMs aren’t easy to find.

Some hotels also charge an added fee for card payments, so you really can’t go wrong with cash.

Costa Rica may accept dollars in most major tourist areas, but it’s a good idea to keep colones (the Costa Rican colón is the official currency) on you when paying at smaller restaurants and shops.

FAQs

Is Costa Rica safe?

Yes! Costa Rica is generally a safe country for travelers. Petty crimes do occur in urban areas, so it is best to be alert. If you are a female solo traveler, Costa Rica offers a safe destination if you stick to the tourism infrastructure.

The overall safety of the country is one of the reasons so many North Americans take solo and family trips to Costa Rica.

Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica?

No, Americans do not need an entry visa to get into Costa Rica. All you’ll need is a valid passport and a return ticket within 180 days after your arrival.

What precautions should I take before arriving in Costa Rica?

It is a good idea to get basic vaccines (hepatitis A & B, rabies, tetanus) before visiting any country, and the same applies to Costa Rica. I’d also recommend that you get travel insurance for the duration of your trip. Costa Rica is a beautiful country, but accidents do happen!