Costa Rica: Pura Vida Isn't Just a Phrase. It's the Entire Point.
Volcanoes, rainforests, sloths, and surf. Here’s how to do it properly.
Costa Rica punches way above its weight. It’s roughly the size of West Virginia – but it contains 6% of the world’s biodiversity. Six percent. In one tiny country. You’ve got active volcanoes you can hike in the morning, cloud forests thick with quetzals in the afternoon, and two completely different coastlines (Pacific and Caribbean – yes, both) to choose from. The cities are just a means to an end here. The point is the jungle. The wildlife. The moment a sloth locks eyes with you from three metres up and then takes 45 minutes to do absolutely nothing. This guide covers all of it.
11-14 hrs
From the UK
Dec–Apr (dry)
Best time
Spanish
Main language
CRC / USD
Currency
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Best Time To Visit
Costa Rica has a tropical climate, so you can visit any time of year, but each season feels a bit different.
Dry season (December–April): Peak time with lots of sunshine, minimal rain, and ideal beach and outdoor weather. Expect higher prices and busier coastal towns.
Green season (May–November): Afternoon showers bring lush, vibrant rainforests, fewer crowds, and better deals. Some trails can be muddier, and September–October are the rainiest months, especially on the Caribbean side.
Shoulder months: Late November–early December and April–May offer a nice balance of decent weather, lighter crowds, and more reasonable prices.
Further Look: Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: A Climate Guide
What To Expect
30°C
- Temperature
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.
Worth It? Costa Rica is a gem worth visiting for its breathtaking biodiversity, thrilling adventures, and laid-back vibe. With lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and active volcanoes, it’s a paradise for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Whether you’re zip-lining through Monteverde’s cloud forests, surfing in Tamarindo, or spotting sloths in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica’s eco-friendly ethos and warm “Pura Vida” spirit make it an unforgettable, budget-friendly destination.
Explore Costa Rica
Volcanoes, wildlife, surf, and jungle – here’s everything you need to plan your trip.
City Guides (coming soon)
Itineraries + Maps (coming soon)
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do (coming soon)
Best Time to Visit
Travel Tips
Everything Else
How Much Does Costa Rica Cost?
Costa Rica is pricier than its neighbours – but it’s absolutely worth the budget. Here’s a realistic breakdown.
🎒
Backpacker
~$53 / €49 / £42 per day
- Hostel dorms from $15 / €14 / £12/night
- Sodas (local diners) & supermarkets
- Local buses everywhere
- Free beaches, waterfalls, wildlife
🍜
Mid-Range
~$120 / €110 / £95 per day
- Private rooms & small eco-lodges
- Mix of local sodas and restaurants
- Shared shuttles & some rental car days
- National parks, tours, zip-lining
🏨
Upscale
~$250+ / €230+ / £200+ per day
- Boutique eco-resorts & jungle lodges
- Fine dining & private tours
- Private driver or 4WD rental
- Osa Peninsula, Nayara, Pacuare Lodge
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Budget
- Hostel dorm: $15–28 / €14–26 / £12–22/night
- Budget guesthouse: $45–80 / €41–74 / £35–65/night
- Camping: $10–22 / €9–20 / £8–18/night
Mid–Luxury
- Private eco-lodge: $100–190 / €92–175 / £80–150/night
- Boutique hotel: $150–315 / €138–290 / £120–250/night
- Luxury jungle resort: $375+ / €345+ / £300+/night
City Travel
- Local bus: $1–4 / €0.90–3.70 / £0.80–3
- Shared shuttle: $25–55 / €23–51 / £20–45
- Uber (San José only): $5–18 / €4.60–17 / £4–15
Long Distance
- San José → Manuel Antonio (bus): $7–15 / €6.50–14 / £6–12
- Shuttle San José → Arenal: $43–67 / €40–62 / £35–55
- Domestic flight: $67–160 / €62–148 / £55–130
Eat Cheap
- Soda casado (set meal): $5–9 / €4.60–8 / £4–7
- Supermarket meal prep: $4–7 / €3.70–6.50 / £3–6
- Coffee (proper Costa Rican): $2–4 / €1.85–3.70 / £1.50–3
Eating Out
- Mid-range restaurant: $15–31 / €14–29 / £12–25
- Seafood on the coast: $22–49 / €20–45 / £18–40
- Beer at a bar: $3.50–6 / €3.20–5.50 / £3–5
Budget Fun
- National park entry: $15–22 / €14–20 / £12–18
- Beach / waterfall hike: free
- Local surf lesson: $31–55 / €29–51 / £25–45
Big Experiences
- Manuel Antonio guided tour: $31–67 / €29–62 / £25–55
- Arenal zip-line: $62–110 / €57–101 / £50–90
- White-water rafting (Pacuare): $80–135 / €74–124 / £65–110
10 Ways to Save Money in Costa Rica
🍽️ 1. Eat at sodas — local casados run $5–9 / €4.60–8 / £4–7. Best food on the island, half the price of tourist restaurants
🚌 2. Take local buses — San José to Manuel Antonio costs under $7 / €6.50 / £6
🌊 3. Stick to public beaches — Costa Rica’s coast is mostly free. You don’t need to pay for a resort beach
💧 4. Tap water is safe — in most of the country. Bring a reusable bottle, skip the plastic
📅 5. Book dry season early — December to April prices spike. Book 3+ months out for the best rates
🎒 6. Pack light — domestic flights have strict baggage limits. Carry-on only saves $37+ / €34+ / £30+ per flight
🏕️ 7. Stay near the parks, not inside — accommodation just outside national park entrances is 30–40% cheaper
🤝 8. Use shared shuttles not private — same route, fraction of the cost
🔋 9. Get a local SIM — Kölbi or Claro. Way cheaper than roaming. Data is fast enough for maps and WhatsApp 1
☀️ 10. Travel in green season — May to November has lower prices, fewer crowds, and the jungle is insanely lush
Getting Around Costa Rica
Canada is enormous. Genuinely, absurdly enormous. Flying across it takes longer than flying from London to New York. Here’s how to navigate it without losing your mind — or your budget.
Domestic Flights
Best for saving time — especially getting to Osa Peninsula or Tortuguero.
✅ Cuts hours off overland journeys — Sansa and Green Airways cover main routes
✅ Worth it for Osa or Tortuguero. Flights from $67 / €62 / £55
❌ Strict baggage limits. Expensive relative to distances
Car & Campervan
Best for flexibility and national parks. Essential if you’re going off the beaten track.
✅ Total freedom — go where you want, when you want
✅ Access to remote beaches and parks
❌ Roads can be brutal — some require 4WD
❌ Fuel and insurance add up. Budget $50–100 / €46–92 / £40–80/day all in
Public Transport
Best for budget travellers with time on their hands.
✅ Dirt cheap — San José to Manuel Antonio under $7 / €6.50 / £6
✅ Authentic, you’ll meet locals
❌ Slow, infrequent, can be chaotic
Boat / Water Taxi
Best for Tortuguero, Montezuma, and the Osa Peninsula — there’s no road alternative.
✅ Only way in to some areas (Tortuguero, parts of Osa)
✅ Wildlife spotting en route — genuinely
❌ Weather-dependent. Typical fares $15–40 / €14–37 / £12–30
Shared Shuttle
Best for getting between popular destinations without the stress of driving.
✅ Door-to-door, no navigation stress
✅ Much cheaper than private — typical routes run $25–55 / €23–51 / £20–45
❌ Fixed departure times, no flexibility
Which Is Right For You?
One base, exploring locally
Rental car or shuttle to get there, walk when you’re there
Hitting 3+ destinations
Shared shuttles between each one
Going to Osa or Tortuguero
Domestic flight + boat. No other option
Tight budget, flexible timing
Local bus all the way. Just accept it’ll take longer
Quick Tips
🚗
Book a 4WD
Seriously. Even if you think you won’t need one — you’ll need one
⏰
Leave early
Roads take 2-3x longer than Google Maps says. Always
📱
Download Maps.me offline
Mobile signal drops in jungle and mountain areas. Have offline maps ready
⚠️
Check road conditions
Especially in rainy season — roads flood and wash out fast in Costa Rica
Book Tours & Tickets
Travel Resources
Travel Problems
Missed flights, lost luggage, dodgy hotels. It happens. Here’s how to handle all of it without losing your mind.
Theft & Scams
Pickpockets, tourist traps, and cons you won’t see coming. We break down the most common ones and how to avoid every single one.
Travel Insurance
Don’t skip this one. Especially travelling solo. We compare the best policies and explain exactly what you actually need.
FAQs
Do I need a visa for Costa Rica?
UK and US passport holders don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days. You’ll need a valid passport (6+ months remaining), proof of onward travel, and some evidence of sufficient funds. Always check the official Costa Rican immigration site before you go — rules can change.
Is Costa Rica safe for tourists?
Generally yes — it’s one of the safer countries in Central America. Petty theft is the main concern, especially in San José and on crowded beaches. Keep valuables out of sight, don’t leave anything in your rental car, and you’ll be fine. Wildlife is a different matter — jellyfish, rip currents, and a few venomous snake species are real. Respect the environment and pay attention to local warnings.
How long do I need in Costa Rica?
Two weeks is the sweet spot for first-timers. That’s enough for the Arenal/La Fortuna area, a cloud forest like Monteverde, and one or two coastal spots (Manuel Antonio on the Pacific or Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean). Three weeks and you can add the Osa Peninsula, which is genuinely one of the most biodiverse places on earth.
What's the best way to get around?
Renting a car (ideally a 4WD) gives you the most freedom — essential if you’re going anywhere off the main routes. Shared shuttles are the next best option for getting between popular destinations without the driving stress. Local buses are incredibly cheap but slow. Domestic flights are worth it for Osa or Tortuguero. See our full getting around section above.
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
December to April is the dry season — sunshine, easy access, peak travel. It’s also busier and pricier. May to November is green season — lush jungle, fewer tourists, lower prices, and the wildlife is actually more active. The Caribbean coast runs on a different weather pattern — it’s often dry when the Pacific is wet and vice versa. Check the region you’re visiting specifically.
How much does Costa Rica cost per day?
It’s pricier than most of Central America — don’t expect a £15/day budget. Realistic backpacker spend is around £42/day (hostel dorm, local buses, sodas). Mid-range travellers spend £90–110/day. Factor in big-ticket experiences like zip-lining, white-water rafting, and national park entry fees — they add up quickly. See our full cost breakdown above.
Do I need travel insurance for Costa Rica?
Yes. Medical care in Costa Rica is good but private hospitals charge heavily for it. Travel insurance is non-negotiable — especially if you’re doing any adventure activities like zip-lining, rafting, or ATV tours, which sometimes have specific exclusions. Check the fine print carefully.
Is the tap water safe to drink in Costa Rica?
In San José and most major towns — yes. In some rural and coastal areas — no. When in doubt, ask locally or use a filtered bottle. Better safe than a week on antibiotics.
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