Costa Rica Travel Guide | Top Spots & Travel Essentials

About Costa Rica

Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica will captivate you with its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich biodiversity. From pristine beaches to volcanic mountains, from lush rainforest to charming towns, Costa Rica is a delight to every type of traveler. Let’s explore this enchanting destination more.

Costa Rica is located in Central America and its capital is San Jose. The population of the country is approximately 5.2 million. Spanish is the official language but people widely speak English in tourist areas. The geographical scene of Costa Rica is very rich. The country is known for its stunning biodiversity and the variety of ecosystems ranging from tropical rainforests to dry forests and coastal areas. The central region features mountainous terrain, including the prominent Cordillera Central range, where the nation’s highest peaks are located, such as Mount Chirripó. Costa Rica also boasts numerous rivers, lakes, and volcanic formations, contributing to its rich natural landscape.

When we talk about Costa Rica’s history, it is traced back to native groups including Chorotega and Bribri who are said to have inhabited the region much long before Spanish colonization. During the year 1502, Christopher Columbus arrived on the Caribbean coast and that marked the beginning of European influence. Spanish colonies were established in the 16th century: comparing to the other Spanish colonies in America, Costa Rica was neglected due to its location. In the year 1821, Costa Rica gained freedom from the Spanish, a largely peaceful move. Over the decade of national development and abolition of the military after the civil war in 1948 until today, Costa Rica is known for its commitment to peace and sustainable tourism.

As a tourist, you will have a memorable vacation in Costa Rica, and booking a Costa Rica tour package with Travelfika will make your vacation more pleasant.

Visa Requirements for Costa Rica

Visa Requirements for Costa Rica depend on your nationality. Travelers from visa-exempt countries can stay up to 90 days without any visa but must have a valid passport and get an entry stamp from immigration officers. Here is the list of visa-exempt countries:

• United States

• Canada

• European Union Countries

• Australia

• New Zealand

Nationals from Asia, Africa, and Latin America may require a visa to enter Costa Rica. You need to provide the following documents:

• A passport valid for at least six months from the time of entry

• Passport-size photographs of the traveler

• Proof of onward travel or return tickets

• Confirmation of your accommodation in Costa Rica

• Bank statements to demonstrate sufficient financial means

• A valid health insurance will also be helpful

It is always best to look for the latest visa requirements before you plan your trip as the rules and regulations change over time.

How to Reach Costa Rica?

There are many means to reach Costa Rica, pick the one favorable to you.

Reach Costa Rica by Air

The most convenient way to reach Costa Rica is by air. Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, are the 2 international airports that serve the country. Many airlines like Delta, JetBlue, and United offer direct flights from major cities in Europe, South America, and North America. 

Reach Costa Rica by Road

A trip to Costa Rica by road is fun and adventurous if you are already in Central America. You will have several border crossings from neighboring countries like Panama and Nicaragua. But make sure you have all the vehicle papers, insurance, license, and your personal IDs handy while crossing the borders. Check the current rules and regulations before opting to travel by road.

Reach Costa Rica by Sea 

For leisurely travel, this is the best option. Costa Rica is a popular stop for many cruises from South America and the Caribbean. Puntarenas and Limón are the popular ports if you are sailing independently. If you are already in Nicaragua, you can take a boat ride from San Carlos, Nicaragua to Los Chiles in Costa Rica and the service is available twice a day.

Getting Around Costa Rica

If you are wondering how to get around Costa Rica, don’t worry, the country offers a robust transportation system, which is both affordable and reliable making it easy for tourists to explore different parts of the country. You can get around by taxis, shared shuttles, Uber, car rentals buses, and domestic flights.

Best Time to Visit Costa Rica

The average temperature of Costa Rica is 26°C and is best time to go to Costa Rica is year-round. But people always recommend the dry season to visit Costa Rica to enjoy the sun and sand. The dry season falls between December and mid-April. Along the Caribbean and Pacific coast, you can enjoy your vacation with outdoor activities. It is the peak season in Costa Rica so expect crowds and high expenses. 

Popular Attractions to Visit in Costa Rica

There are a multitude of best places to visit in Costa Rica. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences. Here are some of the top attractions to visit in Costa Rica:

• Arenal Valcano National Park

• Monteverde Cloud Forest reserve

• Manuel Antonio National Park

• Tortuguero National Park

• Guanacaste Province

• Corcovado National Park

• Rincón de la Vieja National Park

• Osa Peninsula

• La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Things to do in Costa Rica

The whole country is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers and caters to the diverse interests of travelers. Here are some of the best things to do in Costa Rica:

• Visit the National Parks of Costa Rica, there are 29 of them

• Experience the unique biodiversity at Monteverde Cloud Forest

• Get mesmerized by the 200-feet La Fortuna waterfall

• Spend a great time relaxing on the beaches

• Enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Costa Rica

• Go on rafting on the Pacuare River

• Enjoy surfing in the waters of Santa Teresa 

• Visit the Thermal Hot Springs at Arenal

• Go on a City Tour at San Jose and explore the museums

• Relax in Drake Bay and try diving and snorkeling

• Don’t miss visiting Costa Rica’s coffee plantations

There are so many more such interesting activities in Costa Rica making it one of the best vacation destinations.

Festivals and Events in Costa Rica

Being rich in culture and traditions, people celebrate various festivals and events in Costa Rica throughout the year. Here are some of the notable festivals and celebrations:

• Fiestas de Palmares - One of the most famous festivals in Costa Rica, held in January. The festival includes horse parades wearing “Tope”, live music, variety of food stalls. The celebration lasts for 2 weeks and draws tourists from all around the world.

• Independence Day - Every September 15, Costa Rica celebrates its Independence from Spain. The day starts with parades, traditional music, and the famous torch relay that begins in Guatemala.

• Semana Santa (Holy Week) - It is an important religious event celebrated in March or April. Towns across the country observe this week featuring various processions and reenactments of the Passion of Christ.

• Festiva de la Luz - This festival illuminates the streets of San Jose with elaborate floats adorned with lights. Held in December, the festival marks the beginning of the Christmas season.

These festivals represent the culture of Costa Rica and present a great time for tourists to engage with local customs.  

Food and Nightlife of Costa Rica

Food in Costa Rica is known for its freshness, simplicity, and use of locally sourced ingredients. Here are some of the popular dishes of Costa Rica, you should try on your vacation:

• Gallo Pinto - A staple and delicious breakfast made with rice and black beans often served with eggs and fried plantains. 

• Casado - A typical Costa Rican lunch plate is called Casado. It includes rice, salad, beans, fried plantains, and protein providing a balanced meal.

• Sopa Negra - Black bean soup seasoned with spices and pieces of hard-boiled egg. 

• Chifrijo - A famous street food which is a combination of rice, beans, fried pork, and pico de gallo served with tortilla chips.

• Arroz con Leche - A sweet rice pudding made with sugar, milk, and cinnamon.

Costa Rican food emphasizes fresh, wholesome ingredients and is a delightful way to experience the country's culture. 

Nightlife in Costa Rica

Nightlife in Costa Rica is very diverse. In major cities like San Jose, you will find plenty of bars, clubs, and live music venues. Beach towns like Tamarindo and Jaco also offer a unique nightlife experience with their beachfront bars where you can chill near the beach or dance the night away in the sand. Costa Rica is generally a safe place to roam around at night but it is always important to stay aware of your environment. 

Best Places to Stay in Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers a wide range of accommodation options that favor all types of budget travelers. Here are some of the best hotels to stay in across different regions of the country:

Best 5-Star Hotels in Costa Rica:

• The Westin Reserva Conchal Golf Resort & Spa - Playa Conchal, Guanacaste

• Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica - Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste

• Nayara Springs - La Fortuna, Alajuela

• Andaz Costa Rica - Peninsula Papagayo

Best 4-Star Hotels in Costa Rica

• Hotel Tropico Latino - Santa Teresa, Nicoya Peninsula

• Azul Hotel & Retreat - Playa Azul, Guanacaste

• aWà Beach Hotel - Limón, Punta Uva

• Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen - Heredia

Best 3-Star Hotels in Costa Rica

• Hotel Kokoro Arenal - La Fortuna, Alajuela

• La Baula Lodge - Tortuguero, Limón

• Selina Jaco - Jaco Beach, Puntarenas

Tips for Traveling to Costa Rica

• Plan your itinerary - From beaches to mountains and rainforests, Costa Rica offers a diverse range of experiences. To enjoy the most of your vacation, book a Costa Rica tour package with travel planners like Travelfika to get the best itinerary.

• To save so penny, always prefer local transport. They are very economical and also you can easily tor around the cities.

• What to pack for Costa Rica? - Carry lightweight, breathable clothes for the tropical climate of Costa Rica. Also, take rain gear and sturdy shoes when roaming around the old town and mountains.

• The official currency is the Costa Rican Colon (CRC). While many tourist areas accept US Dollars, it is advisable to carry colons especially when you roam around small towns. 

• Learn the Spanish phrases. People speak in English in the tourist areas but to enhance your travel experience, learn basic words and phrases in Spanish like Simple phrases like "por favor" (please), "gracias" (thank you), and "¿Dónde está...?" (Where is...?) can go a long way in connecting with the people.

• Road conditions in Costa Rica can be poor, so drive safely. Also, check the car rental company about the insurance policies. 

• Make sure to carry all your IDs in hand but keep them safe.