Costa Rica
Welcome to Costa Rica: Untamed Adventures and Unforgettable Experiences
Picture this: the thrill of soaring through a lush rainforest canopy on a zipline, the wide-eyed wonder of spotting a sleepy sloth hanging from a tree, the pure bliss of sinking your toes into the warm sand of a picture-perfect beach…this is Costa Rica.
If you’re longing for a getaway where every day promises heart-pumping adventures, incredible wildlife encounters, and the chance to truly unwind amidst stunning natural beauty, you’ve come to the right place. Costa Rica packs a powerful punch for its small size – and this blog from The Travel Tinker is your roadmap to making the most of it.
Best Time To Visit
Costa Rica boasts a tropical climate, making it a fantastic year-round destination. However, there are nuances between the seasons that will affect your experience:
Dry Season (December – April): This is peak season, and for good reason! Expect sunshine, little rainfall, and perfect conditions for outdoor activities and soaking up those beaches. Keep in mind, prices are higher and certain places (especially coastal towns) get more crowded.
Green Season (May – November): Embrace those afternoon showers and watch the rainforests burst with vibrant life. Lower crowds and better deals await. Note that some trails may be more challenging, and heavy rains are more common in September and October, especially on the Caribbean coast.
Shoulder Seasons: The periods between the main seasons (November/early December and April/May) can be sweet spots offering pleasant weather, more manageable crowds, and reasonable prices.
What To Expect
Capital: San José
Population: 5.5 million (2024)
Language: Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica. About 10% of Costa Rica speaks English so you’ll want to brush up on your Spanish before your visit.
Currency: The official currency of Costa Rica is the Colón. Check the latest rates here
Credit Cards & ATMs: redit cards are widely accepted in Costa Rica. However, the US dollar is also widely accepted. You’ll find that many hotels, restaurants, and tour agencies have their prices listed in dollars. If you do decide you want some local currency, you’ll find that Costa Rica has a modern and widespread network of ATMs. You should be able to find an ATM in all of the large tourist destinations. A lot of places will now also accept contactless payments like Apple Pay or Google pay.
Plugs: The plugs in Costa Rica are type A and, the same as in the US. I recommend buying a universal adapter
Safety: Costa Rica is generally a safe country to visit. Like most destinations around the world, you’ll want to use common sense and take extra safety precautions as a solo traveller, like not walking alone at night.
Travel Guides
Below you will find guides on places in Costa Rica and reasons to visit Costa Rica
Search for your Perfect Hotel
Find the Cheapest Flights
Book Tours and Purchase Tickets
Top 5 Things to See and Do in Costa Rica
1. Explore Lush Rainforests and Cloud Forests:
Hike through vibrant rainforests like Manuel Antonio National Park, teeming with monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds. Or venture into the mystical cloud forests of Monteverde, where you can walk on hanging bridges high up in the tree canopy.
2. Embrace Adventure Activities:
Costa Rica is an adrenaline lover’s paradise. Feel the thrill of ziplining through the jungle, go whitewater rafting on roaring rivers, try waterfall rappelling, or spot crocodiles on a boat safari.
3. Encounter Amazing Wildlife:
Costa Rica is renowned for its biodiversity. Keep your eyes peeled for sloths hanging lazily from trees, mischievous monkeys swinging through the branches, and brightly colored toucans soaring overhead. And of course, if you love sea turtles, visit Tortuguero National Park, a major nesting site.
4. Soak Up the Sun on Pristine Beaches:
From the lively surf towns of the Pacific Coast to the laid-back Caribbean vibes, Costa Rica’s beaches offer something for everyone. Relax on powdery white sand, try your hand at surfing, go snorkeling amidst colorful coral reefs, or simply sway in a hammock beneath the palm trees.
5. Immerse Yourself in "Pura Vida":
This phrase, meaning “pure life,” sums up Costa Rica’s relaxed and joyful approach. Sample delicious local cuisine, browse bustling markets, chat with friendly locals, or try a yoga class overlooking the ocean – soak in those peaceful vibes!
Costa Rica Travel Costs
Accommodation
- Hostel Dorms – 7,000–12,000 CRC / €13–22 / £11–19 / $14–24
- Hostel Private Rooms – 15,000–30,000 CRC / €28–55 / £24–47 / $30–60
- Budget Hotels – 25,000–50,000 CRC / €46–92 / £40–80 / $50–100
- Airbnb Private Rooms – 18,000–40,000 CRC / €33–73 / £28–65 / $36–80
- Airbnb Apartments – 40,000+ CRC / €73+ / £65+ / $80+
- Campsites – 5,000–12,000 CRC / €9–22 / £8–19 / $10–24
Transportation
- Local Bus (within a city) – 200–600 CRC / €0.40–1.10 / £0.35–1 / $0.50–1.20
- Intercity Bus (San José to beach towns) – 3,000–8,000 CRC / €5.50–15 / £4.80–13 / $6–16
- Taxi (per km) – 700–1,200 CRC / €1.30–2.20 / £1.10–1.90 / $1.40–2.50
- Car Rental (per day) – 25,000–50,000 CRC / €46–92 / £40–80 / $50–100
- Shuttle Services (Tourist Areas) – 10,000–30,000 CRC / €18–55 / £16–47 / $20–60
Food
- Budget Meal (Local Soda) – 3,000–5,000 CRC / €5.50–9 / £4.80–8 / $6–10
- Mid-Range Restaurant Meal – 8,000–15,000 CRC / €15–28 / £13–24 / $16–30
- Coffee – 1,500–2,500 CRC / €2.75–4.50 / £2.40–4 / $3–5
- Beer (Imperial, Pilsen, Bavaria) – 1,800–3,000 CRC / €3.30–5.50 / £2.90–4.80 / $3.50–6
- Fresh Fruit Smoothie – 1,500–3,000 CRC / €2.75–5.50 / £2.40–4.80 / $3–6
Activities
- National Park Entry (Manuel Antonio, Arenal, Monteverde, etc.) – 4,500–18,000 CRC / €8–33 / £7–28 / $9–36
- Guided Tours (Rainforest, Volcanoes, Wildlife Watching) – 20,000–50,000 CRC / €37–92 / £32–80 / $40–100
- Boat Tours (Tortuguero, Río Celeste, Isla Tortuga) – 30,000–70,000 CRC / €55–128 / £47–112 / $60–140
- Zip-lining (Monteverde, La Fortuna) – 25,000–50,000 CRC / €46–92 / £40–80 / $50–100
- Surfboard Rental (Jaco, Tamarindo, Nosara) – 5,000–12,000 CRC per day / €9–22 / £8–19 / $10–24
Costa Rica Suggested Budgets
Backpacker – 25,000–35,000 CRC per day (~$50–70 / €46–65 / £40–56)
A backpacking budget allows you to stay in a hostel dorm, eat at local sodas (budget restaurants), and use public buses to get around. Free and low-cost activities like hiking, visiting beaches, or exploring small towns help keep costs down.
- If you plan to drink, add 3,000–6,000 CRC (~$6–12 / €5.50–11 / £4.80–9.60) per day for alcohol expenses.
- To save even more, shop at local markets, cook in hostel kitchens, and take advantage of happy hour deals at bars.
Midrange – 50,000–80,000 CRC per day (~$100–160 / €92–148 / £80–128)
A mid-range budget allows for the comfort of a private room in a hostel or Airbnb, with the flexibility to eat at local and mid-range restaurants, enjoy a few drinks, and explore national parks, museums, and cultural sites.
- This budget includes a few guided tours or day trips (such as zip-lining in Monteverde or visiting Arenal Volcano).
- Transportation costs cover a mix of public buses, shuttles, and the occasional taxi ride for convenience.
Upscale – 100,000+ CRC per day (~$200+ / €185+ / £160+)
A luxury budget ensures a stay in boutique hotels, beachfront resorts, or high-end Airbnbs, with the ability to dine at top-rated restaurants, book guided tours, and enjoy activities like private boat trips or wildlife safaris.
- This budget also includes car rental or private transportation for maximum flexibility and comfort.
- Activities like scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, and spa treatments can be added without concern for cost.
Regardless of your budget, Costa Rica’s natural beauty—from its lush jungles to pristine beaches—offers unforgettable experiences.
Costa Rica Money-Saving Tips
Costa Rica is one of the most expensive destinations in Central America, but there are plenty of ways to cut costswhile still enjoying its stunning landscapes and wildlife. Here are some key tips to save money on your trip:
1 – Bring a Water Bottle with a Filter – Tap water in Costa Rica is safe to drink in most cities, but in rural areas, it’s better to use a filter. Bringing a reusable filtered water bottle (like LifeStraw or Grayl) saves money and reduces plastic waste.
2 – Take Public Buses Instead of Shuttles – Tourist shuttle buses can cost ₡15,000–₡40,000 CRC (€28–74 / £24–63 / $30–80) per trip, while local buses cost just ₡500–₡5,000 CRC (€0.90–9 / £0.80–7 / $1–10). Intercity buses are a cheap way to travel between destinations, even if they take longer.
3 – Eat at Sodas (Local Restaurants) – Instead of touristy restaurants, eat at sodas, which serve traditional Costa Rican meals for ₡2,500–₡4,500 CRC (€4.50–8.50 / £4–7 / $5–9). A casado (rice, beans, salad, and meat) is both affordable and filling.
4 – Book Accommodations in Advance – Costa Rica’s popular beach towns and national parks can get booked out quickly, especially during high season (December–April). Early booking on Airbnb or budget hotels ensures lower prices.
5 – Stay in Hostels or Eco-Lodges – Hostel dorms from Hostelworld cost ₡7,500–₡15,000 CRC (€14–28 / £12–24 / $15–30) per night, while budget eco-lodges offer shared bungalows in nature. Couchsurfing is also an option in bigger cities like San José and Liberia. Use Booking.com for hotels.
6 – Skip Tours and Explore Independently – Many tours charge high fees for activities you can do yourself. Instead of paying ₡40,000 CRC (€75 / £65 / $80) for a rainforest tour, visit free hiking trails like Rincón de la Vieja or Cahuita National Park.
7 – Take Advantage of Free National Parks – Some of Costa Rica’s best wildlife and landscapes are free to explore. Instead of paying ₡18,000 CRC (€33 / £28 / $35) for Manuel Antonio, consider Cahuita National Park, where you only donate what you can afford.
8 – Rent a Car with a Group – Car rentals can be pricey due to mandatory insurance, but splitting the cost among three or four travelers makes it affordable. Expect ₡25,000–₡50,000 CRC (€45–92 / £40–80 / $50–100) per day for a basic rental.
9 – Bring Your Own Snorkel Gear – Snorkeling tours cost ₡30,000–₡50,000 CRC (€55–92 / £45–80 / $60–100). If you bring your own mask and snorkel, you can swim for free at places like Playa Conchal, Cahuita Reef, and Isla Tortuga.
10 – Travel Off-Season (May–November) – The rainy season (green season) has cheaper accommodations and fewer crowds. You’ll find lower prices on hotels, tours, and car rentals, and the rain usually only lasts a few hours per day.
Costa Rica doesn’t have to break the bank! With a few smart choices, you can enjoy this tropical paradise on a budget. 🌴✨
How to Get Around in Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers a variety of transportation options, from public buses to rental cars, making it easy to explore everything from beaches to volcanoes. Here’s how to get around Costa Rica efficiently and affordably:
Walking
Most towns and cities in Costa Rica are walkable, especially San José, Tamarindo, La Fortuna, and Puerto Viejo. While walking is a great way to explore, be aware of uneven sidewalks and occasional heavy traffic in urban areas.
Public Transportation
- Buses are the cheapest way to get around. Local fares within cities cost ₡200–₡500 CRC (€0.35–0.90 / £0.30–0.75 / $0.40–1) per ride.
- Long-distance buses between major destinations (e.g., San José to Manuel Antonio) range from ₡3,000–₡10,000 CRC (€5.50–18 / £5–15 / $6–20).
- Expect delays and long travel times due to Costa Rica’s winding roads and frequent stops.
Airport Transfers
- San José (SJO) and Liberia (LIR) airports offer public buses, but for convenience, many travelers take shared or private shuttles.
- Shared shuttle services cost ₡10,000–₡20,000 CRC (€18–37 / £15–30 / $20–40) depending on the destination.
- Taxis from the airport start at ₡15,000 CRC (€28 / £24 / $30), but Uber is often cheaper in urban areas.
- Recommended Airport Transfer: Welcome Pickups
Taxis and Rideshares
- Red taxis (official taxis) use meters, but some drivers prefer negotiated rates.
- Starting fare: ₡700 CRC (€1.30 / £1.10 / $1.50), plus ₡650 per km (€1.20 / £1 / $1.30).
- Uber and Didi are available in San José, Liberia, and some tourist areas, offering cheaper rates than taxis.
Buses and Intercity Travel
Costa Rica’s long-distance buses connect major cities and beach towns. Some common routes:
- San José to La Fortuna: ₡3,500 CRC (€6.50 / £5.50 / $7) – 4–5 hours
- San José to Tamarindo: ₡7,000 CRC (€13 / £11 / $14) – 5–6 hours
- San José to Manuel Antonio: ₡4,500 CRC (€8.50 / £7 / $9) – 3.5–4.5 hours
Buses don’t require reservations, but for busy routes, it’s best to buy tickets in advance at the terminal.
Car Rental
- Renting a car gives you the most flexibility, especially if you plan to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations like Monteverde or the Nicoya Peninsula.
- Prices start at ₡25,000–₡50,000 CRC (€45–92 / £40–80 / $50–100) per day, depending on the season.
- A 4WD is recommended for rural and mountain roads, especially during rainy season (May–November).
- Costa Rica requires mandatory insurance, which can significantly increase rental costs.
- Recommended Car Rental: DiscoverCars Costa Rica
Domestic Flights
For long distances, domestic flights save a lot of time. Sansa Airlines and Green Airways operate small flights between San José and locations like Drake Bay, Nosara, and Tamarindo.
- Prices range from ₡50,000–₡150,000 CRC (€92–275 / £80–240 / $100–300) one-way.
Hitchhiking
While hitchhiking is possible in Costa Rica, it is not as common as in other Latin American countries. If you decide to hitchhike, stick to tourist areas, dress respectfully, and avoid remote areas after dark.
Cycling
- Costa Rica has gorgeous landscapes for biking, but rugged terrain and busy roads make cycling difficult outside of Nicoya Peninsula, Puerto Viejo, and La Fortuna.
- Bike rentals cost ₡5,000–₡15,000 CRC (€9–28 / £8–24 / $10–30) per day.
Costa Rica’s transport system is diverse, and whether you take a public bus, rent a car, or fly, getting around is part of the adventure. 🚍🚗✈️
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