Costa Rica

Your complete travel companion for exploring Costa Rica

Why We Love Costa Rica

From the moment we stepped off the plane in Costa Rica, we knew this trip would be unforgettable. The vibrant energy, the warmth of locals, and the stunning landscapes exceeded every expectation. Whether you're wandering through historic streets at sunrise or discovering hidden cafés tucked away in quiet corners, Costa Rica rewards the curious traveler.

Our Favorite Moment: That magical golden hour walk through the old town, where every turn revealed something new.

Explore Costa Rica on the Map

Get familiar with the area before your trip. Zoom in to explore neighborhoods, find landmarks, and plan your itinerary.

Click on the map to explore. Use street view to virtually walk around before your trip!

Insider Travel Tips

These are the things we wish we knew before our first visit—straight from our experience and conversations with locals:

Beat the Crowds

Visit major sights at opening. Beaches and ruins are quieter in the morning.

Money Saving Secret

Eat at local markets and comedores. Pay in local currency for better rates than USD in tourist spots.

Learn Key Phrases

Basic Spanish (or Portuguese in Brazil) goes far. "Gracias," "por favor," and numbers help with bargaining.

Best Time to Visit

Dry season is peak; shoulder months offer good weather with fewer tourists and better prices.

What to Expect in Costa Rica

From our travels and feedback from fellow travelers, here's what you can realistically expect:

Cultural Richness

Vibrant culture, nature, and history. Mix of cities, coast, and rainforest.

Value for Money

Good value in local currency. Tourist areas can be pricier; venture local for better deals.

Safety & Comfort

Generally safe with normal precautions. Stick to well-known areas and use common sense.

Food & Dining

Excellent local cuisine. Street food and regional dishes are highlights.

Realistic Budget Planning

Based on our experience and current pricing, here's what daily costs actually look like in Costa Rica:

🎒
Backpacker
$35-60
per day
🧳
Mid-Range
$80-150
per day
✨
Luxury
$280+
per day
Typical Cost Breakdown (Mid-Range Traveler)
Accommodation $35-80
Book ahead in peak season; hostels and mid-range hotels offer good value.
Food & Dining $20-45
Local markets and restaurants; avoid only tourist menus.
Transport $10-35
Buses are affordable; domestic flights save time on long distances.
Activities $15-45
Tours and entry fees; book popular experiences in advance.
Misc & Tips $5-15
Carry local currency; USD accepted in some places but local is often better value.
Want exact numbers? Use our Trip Cost Calculator to get personalized estimates based on your travel dates and style.

Best Time to Visit

Peak Season
December - March

Peak dry season: best weather and busiest. Book accommodation and tours ahead.

24-32°C
Shoulder Season
April - May, October - November

Good weather with fewer tourists. Often the best value and comfortable for exploring.

22-30°C
Off Season
June - September

Varies by region: wet season in some areas, cooler in others. Cheapest and quietest.

18-28°C

Visa Check

Check if you need a visa to visit Costa Rica

Select your passport country to check visa requirements for Costa Rica.

Quick Facts

  • Country Costa Rica
  • Budget Level 💰💰
  • Currency USD
  • Best For All Travelers
  • Trip Length 5-10 Days
Plan Your Budget

Get a personalized cost estimate for your trip

Use Calculator