Travel to Costa Rica

Costa Rica is the ultimate travel destination for those who seek out nature; it offers a unique mix of lush rainforests, stunning beaches and incredibly diverse wildlife. It’s the dream location for nature lovers and adventure seekers. One thing you’ll have to get familiar with if you travel to Costa Rica is the saying Pura Vida, meaning “Pure Life”.

San José is the capital and largest city in Costa Rica, most likely, you will be arriving here first on your travels into the country unless you come via car/ bus over the borders or to Liberia (LIR) airport, depending on where you are going. The main airport is Juan Santamaría International Airport; it is the centre of all the destinations and locations in Costa Rica.

How to plan your trip to Costa Rica

Planning a trip to Costa Rica is like planning a trip to other countries. Budget, duration, what you want to see, how you want to travel around, etc.

Costa Rica is more expensive than a lot of countries, but it is well worth it, and there are areas where you can reduce the cost. Going in a group, it may be cheaper to hire a car and share the costs than getting tourist shuttles everywhere. I wish I could have found a group to do this with but as a solo traveller it was hard to find others with the same itinerary, instead, I spent more money paying for shuttles instead of catching public transport for safety reasons.

Working out an itinerary is a great way to plan your trip and make sure that you get the best opportunity to see everything you want to see, Costa Rica is a popular destination especially among American citizens (It's like Bali for Australians) which means that it can get busy and things can get booked out.

Best time to visit Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s dry season is from December to April, ideal for beaches and outdoor adventures but it’s also the most popular and most expensive time of the year. May to November is the wet season but offers fewer tourists and lower costs. I visited during the last two weeks of April and it was a wonderful time to visit as it didn’t seem too busy and a great time to see the wildlife.

Top Destinations in Costa Rica

With the most incredible destinations in Costa Rica, it’s hard to know where to go and what will be best for you. Here are a few of my top places to visit in Costa Rica:

• Manuel Antonio: Ideal for wildlife and beaches. See Sloths, Tucans, monkeys, and other animals in this National Park. Beautiful beaches around the national park include Playa Espadilla, Playa La Mancha and Playa Manuel Antonio.

• Monteverde: Known for the famous “Cloud Forest,” to miss Montever you don’t want de. A wildlife photographer's paradise, this destination is one to add to your list!

• La Fortuna: This famous destination in Costa Rica is known for Arenal Volcano, Hot Springs, and waterfalls. It is not to be missed if you want to experience various activities like I did.

• Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: The perfect beachside town for you if you want to enjoy those Caribbean vibes, laidback attitude and stunning beaches.

Food & Culture in Costa Rica

Costa Rican food is known to be simple, fresh and flavourful. The local dish in Costa Rica will have rice, beans, plantains, and tropical fruits; I loved this dish throughout Central America and luckily found a restaurant in Brisbane to take me back there when I miss it! More local dishes include:

• Gallo Pinto: A breakfast staple of rice and beans cooked with onions, peppers, and cilantro, often served with eggs, cheese, and sour cream.

• Casado: A hearty lunch or dinner plate featuring rice, beans, salad, plantains, and your choice of protein (chicken, beef, pork, or fish).

• Olla de Carne: A traditional beef and vegetable soup made with yucca, plantains, carrots, and corn.

• Tamales: Corn dough filled with meat, wrapped in banana leaves, and steamed—popular during Christmas.

• Chorreadas: Corn pancakes served with sour cream or cheese.

• Empanadas: Fried or baked pastries filled with cheese, beans, or meat.

• Ceviche: Fresh fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, cilantro, and peppers.

Two core values in Costa Rica are the environment and the way of life called “Pura Vida” meaning PURE LIFE. Their culture is all based around a love for nature and community living. They are down to people with a big heart for their land and the animals they co-exist with.

Why you SHOULD travel to Costa Rica

Because you will immediately fall in love… So maybe you shouldn’t go because you won’t want to leave like I didn’t. This paradise is like nothing I have ever seen before, the vast array of wildlife, stunning waterfalls, majestic cloud forests, the warm baths of the hot springs heated by the century-old volcanos… It is truly paradise. I can not talk highly enough about this beautiful country, I fell in love with it as soon as I arrived and I just know that you will too.

Safety and travel advice in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is considered one of the safest countries in Central America but to note you still have to take precautions and use common sense at all times.

General Safety Tips

1. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings:

   • Petty theft, like pickpocketing, can occur in crowded areas, markets, and bus stations.

   • Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in popular tourist spots.

2. Avoid Displaying Valuables:

   • Leave expensive jewellery and electronics at home mainly in San Jose. I had my camera out and about in all the national parks and tourist areas and never had a problem.

   • Use a money belt or concealed pouch for cash, cards, and passports.

3. Choose Reliable Transportation:

   • Use registered taxis (red with a yellow triangle on the door) or ride-sharing apps like Uber.

   • Avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas or beaches.

4. Protect Against Nature:

   • Stay on marked trails in national parks to avoid getting lost or encountering dangerous wildlife.

   • Use insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes, especially in jungle areas where dengue or chikungunya may occur.

5. Monitor Weather Conditions:

   • The rainy season (May to November) can cause flooding and landslides; plan travel routes carefully.

   • Keep an eye on ocean currents—rip tides can be strong at many beaches. Look for warning signs or ask locals about conditions.

Health and Wellness

1. Water and Food Safety:

   • Tap water is generally safe to drink in most areas, but if you’re unsure, opt for bottled water.

   • Stick to freshly prepared, hot food, and wash fruits thoroughly.

2. Vaccinations:

   • Ensure you’re up-to-date on routine vaccinations.

   • The CDC recommends Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines for most travellers.

3. Travel Insurance:

   • Invest in comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, theft, and cancellations.

4. Sun and Heat Protection:

   • Use sunscreen and stay hydrated, especially during outdoor activities.

Travel-Specific Advice

1. Driving in Costa Rica:

   • Roads can be challenging with potholes, narrow bridges, and unpaved sections.

   • Rent a 4x4 vehicle if exploring remote areas or national parks.

   • Beware of aggressive driving and use caution at night.

2. Public Transportation:

   • Public buses are affordable and generally safe, but keep your valuables close.

   • Long-distance buses are a good option for budget travelers.

3. Currency and Money:

   • The official currency is the Costa Rican colón, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted.

   • Use ATMs in well-lit, secure areas and inform your bank of international travel.

4. Emergency Contacts:

   • Dial 911 for emergencies.

   • The tourist police (Policía Turística) can assist in tourist-heavy areas.

Regional Safety Considerations

1. San José:

   • While generally safe, avoid wandering alone in less busy areas like Barrio Amón or Coca-Cola District, especially at night.

2. Beach Destinations:

   • Be cautious of theft at popular beaches like Jaco and Tamarindo; don’t leave valuables unattended.

   • Avoid swimming at night due to strong currents and limited visibility.

3. Rural and Jungle Areas:

   • Use guided tours for activities like hiking, ziplining, or visiting remote national parks.

   • Watch for venomous snakes and insects in jungle areas.

Cultural Etiquette

1. Respect Local Customs:

   • Costa Ricans, or "Ticos," are friendly and value politeness. A smile and a greeting go a long way.

   • Use "Pura Vida" (pure life) as a way to say hello, goodbye, or express gratitude.

2. Tipping:

   • A 10% service charge is typically included in restaurant bills, but small additional tips are appreciated.

3. Language:

   • Spanish is the official language, but many people in tourist areas speak English. Learning a few basic Spanish phrases is helpful and appreciated.

Emergency Numbers in Costa Rica

• General Emergency: 911

• Tourist Police: 800-0068-7476

• Embassy Support: Know the contact details of your country’s embassy or consulate in Costa Rica.