Travellers seeking rich rainforests, immaculate beaches, lots of animals, and adventure-packed activities will find Costa Rica a paradise. Although many guides address the fundamentals—such as the top sites to visit and what to pack—there are other ideas that will improve your trip and enable you to travel the nation like a pro. Here are some of the important things to know before visiting Costa Rica.
Planning to visit Costa Rica?
List of 13 important things to know before visiting Costa Rica.
1. Understand the Costa Rica’s seasons
Nature presents two annual climate periods in Costa Rica which includes dry and rainy seasons extending from December to April and from May through November respectively. The dry season draws most tourists because it delivers continuous sunny days but the rainy season brings natural advantages for visitors. You should book your travel visit during the wet season to benefit from more budget-friendly deals combined with thin crowds and enhanced landscape greenery.
Unpredictable rainfall creates difficult conditions to traverse certain areas especially in less accessible regions which may have unsealed or flood-prone roads. Travellers in the rainy season should check roads before departure while carrying protective rain equipment since the weather conditions will differ from the dry season.
2. Use Colones for better deals
Costa Ricans usually appreciate their national currency (colones) over U.S. dollars which generates better prices across the nation. Businesses who apply individual exchange rates tend to offer unfavourable currency transactions to tourists. You can save money by using local Costa Rican colones at automatic teller machines that provide both colones and U.S. dollars withdrawal options.
It is essential to have small denominations of local currency since they enable taxi services and Costa Rica’s public transportation as well as small markets and independent vendors to accept payments without requiring big change. Check that rural locations do not have enough ATMs because you need to arrange cash withdrawals before getting there.
3. Download Costa Rica’s offline maps
The road system in Costa Rica creates confusion because it has numerous unlabelled routes together with insufficient signage followed by temporary GPS errors. Temperature the reliability of Google Maps and Waze navigation platforms since they deliver faulty directions in rural areas and mountainous regions. You should obtain offline map data from Google Maps and Maps.me before your departure to prevent becoming disorientated.
Renting a vehicle or hiking through national parks requires this feature since cell phone reception can be low or non-existent. Before starting long drives become acquainted with all principal highways alongside major transit points.
4. Take advantage of Costa Rica’s public transportation
Traveling by Costa Rica’s public transportation enables Costa Rican visitors a cost-effective way to experience wild and adventurous exploration across the country even though hiring a car remains a widespread choice for flexibility. Costa Rica’s public transportation provides reliable access to the public as it offers lower fares when compared to private vehicle transportation.
Major cities form their connections by buses while the service also extends to reach distant regions. Shared shuttle services present a convenient transportation choice for people who want an organised journey although they prefer avoiding self-driving. Use Costa Rica’s public transport by studying bus schedule information beforehand but prepare to wait longer than expected during transportation.
5. National Parks apply hidden expenses which visitors must check before entrance.
The numerous protected areas in Costa Rica charge entry fees to all visitors. Guests must be aware that park entrance fees are clear but certain venues within parks demand supplementary expenses such as guide services and parking expenditures or trail access fees. Entry into Manuel Antonio National Park necessitates booking in advance but you must enter Corcovado with an accredited guide.
Research fees in advance and then bring sufficient cash since some places do not accept credit cards and consider getting a multi-park pass. Preparing in advance allows you to direct expenses efficiently while making the most out of your natural exploration time.
6. Respect the wildlife
Organisms in Costa Rica are celebrated all over the world for their abundant diversity yet people must view wildlife in their native dwelling at appropriate distances. It is unsafe to feed the wildlife or touch animals and attempt human-animal contact because these actions harm both humans and wildlife.
Animal feeding disrupts their normal conduct thus creating dependence on human contact which leads to harmful instances with humans. Professional guides in the area will simplify wildlife spotting by showing you the perfect viewing locations alongside following all ethical guidelines.
7. Be prepared for microclimates in Costa Rica
Different climatic conditions exist across Costa Rica since it features multiple tiny environments that cover short travel distances. Hot and wet conditions dominate the coastal areas yet the temperate climate of Monteverde together with Poás Volcano encompasses mist and cooler temperatures.
Different areas of Costa Rica can show sunny skies while neighbouring areas experience heavy rainfall even though they lie only an hour away by car. Your comfort depends on packing adaptable clothing that includes elastic rain jackets along with fast-drying materials and step-by-step dressing. Having waterproof footwear serves well for all types of outdoor activities including hiking in rainforest regions.
8. Learn some basic Spanish before visiting Costa Rica
The knowledge of Spanish at an introductory level will enhance your Costa Rican journey even when most tourism workers understand English. Local people value visitors who try to learn Spanish because understanding the language helps during bus rides and eating at local sodas while seeking directions in areas with limited English proficiency.
Remember that learning some basic Spanish is one of the top things to know before visiting Costa Rica.
The combination of basic Spanish phrases that include “Dónde está…?” (Where is…?) and “Cuánto cuesta?” (How much does it cost?) along with “Gracias” (Thank you) helps create positive relations with locals when traveling.
9. Keep hydrated in Costa Rica—It’s hot out there!
The tropical temperature of Costa Rica, particularly in the lowlands and along the coast, can cause dehydration before you even notice it. Carry a reusable water bottle and sip all through the day. While tap water is safe to drink in most cities and tourist areas, think about using a water filter or purification tablets if you are visiting more outlying locations. Coconut water or electrolyte tablets are a great way to restore lost minerals and keep you feeling your best whether your activity is surfing, hiking, or just sunbathing.
10. Book tours under certified guideline— Worth It
Having a certified guide will make all the difference whether your trip is zip-lining over the rainforest, seeing animals on a nature hike, or rappelling down a waterfall. Their knowledge of the land, animals, and local culture helps you not only to be safe but also to bring the experience to life. Look for book through well-reviewed tour operators or guides accredited by the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT). Unofficial street vendors of tours should be avoided even if their prices could be lower; they might not always satisfy safety criteria.
11. Things to know before you swim—Beach safety issues in Costa Rica
Though not all of Costa Rica’s beaches are safe for swimming, they are all rather beautiful. Even experienced swimmers may find some of their strong rip currents dangerous. See local safety information and pay attention to any posted warnings before diving in. Should a beach lack lifeguard presence, one should err on the side of caution. Ask residents or hotel staff where the safest swimming areas are when in doubt; you will get good advice and perhaps even find a hidden jewel.
12. Embrace “Pura Vida”
“Pura Vida” is a way of life rather than a catch-all phrase you will hear all around Costa Rica. It’s about slowing down, valuing the small pleasures, and embracing optimism. Using the Pura Vida approach will help you to make your trip even more memorable whether that means talking with a friendly local, enjoying a mouthwatering casado (a traditional Costa Rican meal), or seeing a magnificent sunset. So unwind, pay attention, and savour every moment!
Additional travel tips – Peak Times for recreation & wildlife viewing
Best for outdoor adventures and wildlife spotting morning (7 AM – 11 AM).
If you get up early, the mornings of Costa Rica provide the best surroundings for active travel. Hiking in national parks such as Manuel Antonio, Corcovado, or Monteverde Cloud Forest is best during cooler temperatures, clear sky, and higher animal activity.
Cooler morning hours see more activity from animals including sloths, monkeys, and exotic birds.
Particularly in Arenal and Rincon de la Vieja, volcano hikes and hot spring visits abound.
Before they get crowded, waterfall excursions including La Fortuna Waterfall and Nauyaca Falls
Afternoon (3 PM – Sunset): Ideal for Beaches & Relaxation
Rising temperatures throughout the day make the afternoon the ideal time for leisure activities including:
appreciating Costa Rica’s breathtaking beaches, like Santa Teresa or Playa Conchal.
Particularly on the Pacific Coast, where afternoon swells are perfect for novice and experienced surfers, surfing
Especially in Tamarindo, Manuel Antonio, and Jaco, sunset viewing offers amazing views over the ocean.
Rainy Season (May – November): Unique Wildlife Experiences
For those who enjoy animals, visiting during the rainy season offers amazing chances to see special natural occurrences including:
Nesting sea turtles (July – October): See threatened turtles lay their eggs by heading either Ostional on the Pacific coast or Tortuguero on the Caribbean side.
Migratory birds (September – November): In Monteverde and Tortuguero find vibrant toucans, brilliant quetzals, and other exotic birds.
Frogs & amphibians: Costa Rica’s famous red-eyed tree frogs and poison dart frogs find a flourishing home in the humid environment.
