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Central America

Costa RicaTravel guide

Explore Costa Rica visa rulesCommon scams in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known for wildlife, national parks, forests, volcanoes and beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. It is generally peaceful and stable, but can cost more than its northern neighbours in Central America.

Why go

  1. National parks and protected areas cover almost 28% of the country.

  2. Landscapes include rainforests, high mountains, wetlands and several active volcanoes.

  3. Both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts have well-known beaches.

Best time to go: December to April is the dry season. May to November is the rainy season; September and October have the most rain and the fewest tourists.

Getting there

By air

  • Juan Santamaría Airport, airport code SJO, is near Alajuela and about 25 km from San José. It has international and domestic flights.
  • Guanacaste Airport, airport code LIR, is near Liberia and is closest to the northwest Pacific coast.
  • Tobías Bolaños International Airport, airport code SYQ, is in San José. It mainly serves domestic flights and nearby destinations in Nicaragua and Panama.

By land

  • The Pan-American Highway is the main route into Costa Rica by car. It is called Route 1 north of San José and Route 2 south of the city.
  • The main border crossings are Peñas Blancas for Nicaragua and Paso Canoas for Panama.
  • International buses connect Costa Rica with Panama, Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico and Guatemala.

By sea

  • Small cruise ships run between Panama and Costa Rica. They visit national parks and remote beaches.
  • Larger cruise ships sometimes stop at Puerto Caldera and Puntarenas.

Customs

  • Most visitors cannot take raw foods or plants back to their home country. Roasted coffee is suggested as a souvenir.

Getting around

  • Bus

    Buses serve most towns and major tourist destinations at low prices. San José has several terminals, so confirm the correct departure point. Most terminals accept only cash. Depending on the route, buy your ticket at the terminal or pay the driver. Ask your hotel which bus to take and where to board. You can also confirm the destination with the driver. Allow extra time for stops and delays. Comfort and air conditioning vary, and buses may have no toilet. Take a taxi or Uber directly to the terminal entrance in less safe parts of San José. Check your change against the fare displayed above the driver. Some drivers short-change tourists.

  • Car

    Drive on the right. Roads can have deep potholes, unpaved sections and narrow bridges. Avoid driving at night because road conditions are hard to predict and some mountain bends lack safety barriers. Allow much longer than the distance suggests. A journey expected to take three hours can take five or more. Ask mountain accommodation whether you need a vehicle with four-wheel drive and extra ground clearance. A branch or pole sticking out of the road can mark a deep hole or an uncovered drain. Keep clear of it. Use seat belts, obey speed limits and do not use a phone while driving. Never try to bribe a police officer.

  • Domestic flight

    Aerobell Airlines, Sansa and Skyway Airlines connect major tourist towns. The listed airlines do not carry long surfboards and limit short surfboards. Check board limits with the airline.

  • Train

    Trains serve routes around San José, including Alajuela, Heredia, Belén, Pavas, Curridabat and Cartago. Services mainly suit commuters, with more trains in the morning and evening. Trains are rarely faster or cheaper than buses.

What to see and do

  • National parks and protected areas

    These protect a rich variety of plants and wildlife across almost 28% of Costa Rica.

  • Pacific and Caribbean beaches

    Both coasts have well-known beaches, with relatively short travel distances between the two sides.

  • Active volcanoes

    Several active volcanoes can be visited safely.

  • Central Cordillera mountains

    The mountains offer a cooler climate than the coast, while their Caribbean slopes receive very heavy rainfall.

  • Explore nature

    Costa Rica is a major destination for nature travel, with rainforests, dry forests, wetlands and varied wildlife.

  • Go hiking with others

    Walking is a way to explore the natural landscape, and the source advises always hiking with other people.

Food and drink

  • Sodas

    These are small local diners serving dishes such as rice and beans, set lunches and fresh fruit drinks.

  • Gallo pinto

    Rice and beans mixed with a little coriander or onion. It is especially common at breakfast.

  • Casado

    A typical lunch of rice, beans, meat, chicken or fish, with salad and fried plantain.

  • Plato del día

    The dish of the day, often a casado with that day's meat or fish choice.

  • Sopa negra

    Black bean soup, often served with rice.

  • Tres leches

    A rich cake made with condensed milk, evaporated milk and cream.

Money

Costa Rican colón, currency code CRC; plural: colones. The usual symbol is ₡.

  • Carry cash for bus tickets because most terminals do not accept other payment methods.
  • Petrol stations usually accept both colones and US dollars.
  • Check restaurant bills before adding a tip because a service charge may already be included.
  • Compare souvenir prices. Small bags of coffee in tourist shops can be expensive.

Tipping: Restaurant tips are generally not expected, and some places add a 10% service charge. The source encourages tips for guides, drivers, luggage porters and room cleaners.

Typical costs

  • Public bus tickets rarely cost more than US$7 each, according to the source.
  • A one-way train ticket costs around ₡500, with discounts for older people.
  • March 2019 examples: a dorm bed cost ₡6,000–10,000 and a double room started at ₡15,000.
  • March 2019 examples: a meal at a small local diner cost around ₡3,000 and a pizza slice cost ₡1,000–2,000.
  • The source lists hostel dorm beds from US$8 a night, dated March 2022.

Language

  • Spanish is the official language and is spoken by almost all locals.
  • English is common at tourist businesses, but you may encounter places where nobody speaks it.
  • Limonese Creole, also called Mekatelyu, is spoken in Limón Province.
  • Some Indigenous communities speak their own languages as well as Spanish.
Buenos días
Good morning; a polite greeting when entering a shop or other business.
Disculpe
Pardon me or excuse me.
¿Me podría dar…, por favor?
Could you give me…, please?
Quisiera…
I would like…
Pura vida
Literally 'pure life'; used as a greeting or to express agreement or enthusiasm.
Regálame la cuenta
A common local way to ask for the bill.
Pollo
Chicken; saying you do not eat 'carne' may not be understood to include chicken.

Staying safe

  • Costa Rica is generally considered one of Central America's safer countries, but crime still occurs.
  • Always hike with other people. Exploring a new city with others is also advised.
  • If you feel uncomfortable alone, seek a group or a well-lit place with people you trust.
  • Ask a busy restaurant or hostel for local safety information.
5 common scams in Costa Rica, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Return greetings when entering shops and other businesses.
  • Use polite requests and learn a few basic Spanish greetings.
  • Be patient with a relaxed pace of life, while arriving on time for professional appointments.
  • Respect wildlife and the natural environment.
  • Choose wooden souvenirs marked as made from responsibly grown plantation wood.

Don't

  • Do not use blunt 'give me' commands when asking for something.
  • Do not litter or feed wild animals.
  • Do not remove or damage plants.
  • Do not assume that something cheap for a visitor is affordable for local workers.

Staying healthy

  • Bring insect repellent and protect yourself from mosquito bites. Lightweight long trousers, long sleeves and a hat are recommended.
  • Drink plenty of water. Be cautious about rural water sources and use bottled water where the supply is uncertain.
  • Wash all fruit and vegetables thoroughly.
  • Choose well-established restaurants with reliable food and water.

Phone and internet

  • SIM cards are an option for unlocked phones.
  • Internet cafés are fairly easy to find in tourist areas, though prices vary.
  • Some internet cafés offer long-distance calls over the internet.
  • Email is a common way to contact accommodation for bus directions and other travel information.

Where to stay

  • Accommodation includes hotels, hostels, guesthouses, holiday rentals, apartments and cabinas, a local type of accommodation.
  • Holiday homes, cabinas and apartments can cost less than hotels and offer more flexibility.
  • Many places describe themselves as eco-lodges. These often cost more, and Costa Rica has a government certification programme.
  • Google Maps listings may include phone numbers for calls or WhatsApp. Contacting accommodation directly can be cheaper, but compare prices.

Outdoor adventures in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has rainforest walks, mountain hikes, wildlife-rich parks and beaches on both coasts. You can also go surfing, raft rivers or visit hot springs near Arenal Volcano. The dry season runs from December to April, while May to November is the rainy season.

  • Manuel Antonio National Park

    WildlifeCentral Pacificnear Quepos

    Drive south from Jacó along the Costanera highway. The park is about an hour away.

    • Do not swim alone. Coastal currents can be strong.

  • Jacó surfing

    SurfingCentral Pacificnear Jacó

    Book lessons with a certified local surf school or rent a board from shops along the main street. Del Mar Surf Camp and Surf Synergy offer lessons.

    • Choose a credible, certified surf school.
    • Strong currents can affect the beach.

  • Arenal Volcano area hot springs

    Hot springNorth Costa Rica

    • Follow posted volcano warnings.
    • Do not climb towards Arenal's summit. Hidden gas chambers have caused deaths.

  • Corcovado National Park

    WildlifeOsa Peninsula, South Pacific Costa Rica

    • Keep a safe distance from wildlife and do not touch it.
    • Watch your step in the forest and do not walk barefoot.

  • Tortuguero rainforest and wildlife watching

    WildlifeCaribbean coastnear Tortuguero

    Reach Tortuguero town by boat, then explore the rainforest and national park area.

    • Keep a safe distance from wildlife.

  • Chirripó National Park mountain hiking

    HikeMountains near San Isidro de Generalnear San Isidro de General

    Hard

    Head to the mountains near San Isidro de General for mountain hiking in Chirripó National Park.

    • Hike with other people.
    • The highest mountain summits have mean annual temperatures below 10°C.

  • Pacuare River rafting

    RaftingCaribbean slopenear Turrialba

    2–3 days

    Join a rafting trip in the Turrialba area, close to the Pacuare and Reventazón rivers.

  • Playa Hermosa surfing

    SurfingCentral Pacificnear Jacó

    Head to the first village south of Jacó to reach Playa Hermosa.

    • Large waves and strong currents make swimming extremely dangerous.
    • People die at this beach each year.

  • Poás Volcano National Park visit

    HikeCentral Valleynear Alajuela

    Several hours with the return bus from Alajuela

    Take the TUASA bus from Alajuela to the top of the volcano and return after several hours. A bus also leaves Parque La Merced in San José at 08:30 daily.

    • Cost: Bus from San José: ₡2,990 per person.
    • Follow posted warnings around active volcanoes.

  • La Paz Waterfall Gardens trails

    Hikenear San José

    Visit the gardens about an hour from San José and follow the rainforest trails past five waterfalls.

    • Hike with other people.

  • Tárcoles River crocodile watching

    WildlifeCentral Pacificnear Jacó

    Travel north from Jacó past Punta Leona. Park nearby and walk across the bridge to look down at the crocodiles. Local hotels and resorts also offer crocodile tours.

    • Keep a safe distance from crocodiles.
    • Take great care around river mouths when swimming or snorkelling.

  • Playa Grande surfing and beach visit

    SurfingGuanacaste

    • Ask locals where swimming is safe.
    • Do not swim alone.

  • Sarapiquí River rafting

    RaftingNorthern slopesnear Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí

    Take a rafting excursion in Puerto Viejo de Sarapiquí from San José, or access the river from the Arenal Volcano area.

  • Toro River rafting

    RaftingNorthern slopes

    Join a rafting trip from the Arenal Volcano area, which has close access to the river.

  • Río Balsa rafting

    RaftingNorthern slopes

    Join a rafting trip from the Arenal Volcano area.

  • Reventazón River rafting

    RaftingCaribbean slopenear Turrialba

    Use Turrialba as a base for a rafting trip on the nearby river.

  • El General River rafting and kayaking

    RaftingPacific slope

    Several days for rafting adventures

    Join a rafting adventure lasting several days on El General River.

  • Savegre River rafting

    RaftingCentral Pacific

    1–2 days

    Join a rafting excursion, with overnight trips available.

  • Naranjo River rafting, including the Chorro section

    RaftingCentral Pacificnear Quepos

    Half-day trips on the Naranjo River December–May for the Chorro section

    Join a rafting trip near Manuel Antonio and Quepos. The Chorro section is a separate, more intense option.

    • The Chorro section is rated Class IV+ and is described as an especially intense rafting trip.

  • Tenorio River rafting and nature float

    RaftingGuanacastenear Cañas

    Day trip

    Take a day trip from Guanacaste's beaches. Some services combine transport and rafting between Arenal or Monteverde and Guanacaste.

  • Peñas Blancas River nature trip

    RaftingArenal Volcano area

    Join a nature-focused river trip near Arenal Volcano.

  • Hacienda la Chimba Hand hike

    HikeHills southwest of Santa Ananear Santa Ana

    Visit Hacienda la Chimba and take the 4.8 km route or the longer 9.7 km route to the giant hand sculpture.

    • Trails can become slippery in the rainy season.
    • Pick up a walking stick at the visitor centre.

  • Puerto Viejo beaches

    BeacheSouth Caribbeannear Puerto Viejo

    Use Puerto Viejo as a base for the surrounding beaches and nearby coastal protected areas.

    • Ask locals where swimming is safe.
    • Public beaches do not have lifeguards.

  • Playa Blanca

    BeacheCentral Pacificnear Jacó

    Ask a local to show you the hard-to-find access road north of Jacó. You can also pay for access through Punta Leona Resort.

    • Cost: Free via the hidden access road; paid access is also available through Punta Leona Resort.
    • Drive slowly on the bumpy access road, which has potholes.

  • Herradura Beach

    BeacheCentral Pacificnear Jacó

    Head north from Jacó to Herradura village and its cove-shaped beach.

    • Crocodiles sometimes enter the bay from its rivers.
    • They can be difficult to see against the black sand. Be very cautious when swimming.

Airports, metros and trains in Costa Rica

Airports with scheduled flights

  • LIRDaniel Oduber Quirós International AirportLiberiaMain international airport
  • SJOJuan Santamaría International AirportSan José (Alajuela)Main international airport

Trains

Rail network
278 km

People and safety in Costa Rica

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.

  • Christian91%
  • No religion8%
  • Folk religions<1%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal and protected

  • Same-sex couples can marry.
  • Legal gender change is recognised.
  • Laws protect against discrimination.

Women travellers

Ranked #34 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

44% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 96 of 198 countries can visit Costa Rica easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required96
  • Visa required101
  • Admission restricted1

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Oceania13 of 14 countries
  • Europe40 of 46 countries
  • Americas26 of 34 countries
  • Asia13 of 50 countries
  • Africa4 of 54 countries

Questions

When is the dry season?

The dry season runs from December to April. The rainy season runs from May to November.

Which airport is closest to the northwest Pacific coast?

Guanacaste Airport near Liberia is closest. Juan Santamaría Airport is near Alajuela and San José.

Can I travel around without renting a car?

Yes. Buses serve most towns and major tourist destinations, and tickets are generally inexpensive.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

English is common at tourist businesses, but it is not spoken everywhere. Learning basic Spanish will help.

Should I leave a restaurant tip?

Tips are generally not expected. Check whether a 10% service charge is already included before adding more.

Can I drink the tap water?

Urban tap water is almost always safe. Use caution in rural areas and some beach towns, including Puerto Viejo.

What is a soda?

A soda is a small local diner. It usually serves Costa Rican dishes such as gallo pinto and casado, plus fruit drinks.

Can I arrange accommodation by phone?

Yes. Google Maps listings may show phone or WhatsApp contact details, and some smaller places have no website.

Is it safe to travel alone?

Solo travel is generally safe, but assess local risks carefully. Always hike with others and seek a busy, well-lit place if you feel uncomfortable.

What electrical supply does Costa Rica use?

The supply is 120 volts at 60 hertz, using NEMA 1-15 and NEMA 5-15 sockets.

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