13 essential things to know before visiting Costa Rica

Adrenaline-pumping activities, pristine beaches, untamed forests, show-stopping wildlife and a culture of welcoming visitors all serve to make Costa Rica an irresistible destination for adventurous travelers.

In 2019, Costa Rica received the Champions of the Earth award, the United Nation’s highest environmental honor – high praise indeed!

You’ll hear the term “pura vida” – literally, “pure life” – everywhere you go in Costa Rica. More than just a phrase, it’s a philosophy of living in the moment, finding joy in simple things and respecting nature. Most visitors quickly fall in love with the Ticos’ unhurried way of life.  

But how safe is travel in Costa Rica, what do you need to pack and what do you need to know about the local etiquette? Here’s our guide to the most important things you need to know before you go.

1. How much time do I need in Costa Rica?

You could stay for weeks in Costa Rica without running out of things to do, but you can also squeeze a lot into a week if time is short. If you’re traveling to this accessible corner of Central America from the US, you can enjoy even shorter trips, perhaps even a long weekend.

But remember, although the country appears to be small, getting around will take longer than you think.

If you’re short of time and looking for memorable outdoor adventures, head to either La Fortuna and the Arenal volcano, or the dense forests of Monteverde. If you’re craving a beach break, fly into Liberia – close to the beaches lining the Pacific Coast – rather than San José.

On the Pacific shore, you can combine surf and jungle adventures in as little as a week; if you have longer, go off-the-beaten track on the biodiverse Osa Peninsula or explore the wild beaches along the Caribbean coast.    

2. Costa Rica has two seasons but pack for four 

Officially, Costa Rica has two seasons. The dry season runs from December to March – the driest and hottest month, when the temperature hovers around 35°C (95°F). The rainy season runs from May through to November, with September and October being the wettest months.

But the country has a multitude of microclimates. Rainforest trails tend to be hot and steamy, but it can get chilly when you enter Costa Rica’s lofty cloud forests. 

Alongside T-shirts, shorts and flip-flops, pack a raincoat and a fleece or warm jacket, waterproof hiking boots, closed-toe hiking sandals, a rash guard and lightweight, quick-dry clothing.

Rain can arrive without warning so bring a dry bag or other waterproof gear to protect your valuables. Don’t forget high-factor, water-resistant sunscreen and bug spray; both will be cheaper at home.

3. Plan ahead if you’re traveling at peak times

Book your accommodation well in advance if you plan to visit Costa Rica at peak times such as Christmas, New Year, Easter or the US spring break. Prices also rise during major festivals and events, and high-end restaurants and popular tours should be booked ahead of time.

4. Carry a mix of cards and cash

The colón is Costa Rica’s official currency, but US dollars are widely accepted. Carry a mix of both, with a stash of small bills for tipping, taxis, small shops and local restaurants. You can pay for everything else with credit and debit cards.

5. To tip or not to tip?

Tipping is optional in Costa Rica but a tip is much appreciated by hard-working guides and drivers. Aim for around 10% of the tour price, or more if the service is exceptional. Restaurants are required to add a 10% service tax to your bill as well as a 13% sales tax, but top it up if you feel your server went the extra mile.

6. Do I need to speak the lingo?

English is widely spoken in Costa Rica, but a little Spanish goes a long way. Rolling out a few polite phrases will be met by big smiles from locals. Add the phrases buenos días (good morning), por favor (please) and gracias (thank you) to your lexicon.

Another useful Ticos phrase is pura vida, which can be used to say everything from “hello” and “goodbye” to “what’s up?” or “that’s great.”

7. Respect the flora and fauna

Costa Rica is famed for its dazzling biodiversity. This small Central American nation is home to an estimated 5% of the world’s plant and animal species, with around 28% of its landmass under protection.

Locals take conservation seriously; Costa Rica generates 99% of its electricity from renewables and aims to be carbon neutral by 2050.

To play your part, choose lodgings with sustainable practices (look out for the Certification of Sustainable Tourism), travel with ethical tour guides and eat local. Always keep your distance from wild animals – use a zoom lens or binoculars to see wildlife up close.

Costa Rica was the first country to launch a #stopanimalselfies campaign, so decline offers of photo opportunities with animals. And national parks have banned single-use plastics, so carry a reusable water bottle.

8. Is Costa Rica safe?

Costa Rica is generally safe, although petty crime does occur. Take the usual precautions and don’t flash expensive possessions.

Avoid carrying all your credit cards together in one place, and if you need an ATM, try to use one inside a bank during the daytime. Foreign visitors are asked to carry their passports at all times but the police will usually accept a photocopy.

Watch out for pickpockets in busy areas, such as bus stations and markets, and keep an eye on your belongings on buses and beaches. Steer clear of poorly lit streets and avoid wandering around dodgy neighborhoods alone after dark – seek local advice on spots to avoid.

If you visit bars and clubs, don’t leave your drink unattended, as there have been reports of spiking. In case of emergency, call 911.

9. Don’t climb Arenal Volcano

Up until 2010, Volcán Arenal’s lava pyrotechnics thrilled onlookers. Now in a resting phase, its picture-perfect cone may look ready for climbing, but resist the temptation unless you’re a permit-carrying volcanologist – it’s illegal and could get you fined.

Instead, you can crunch over its lava-covered lower slopes on a variety of hiking trails or get active in the surrounding national park. Make time for mountain biking, horseback riding, rappelling and ziplining, or kayaking and windsurfing on nearby Lake Arenal, then relax in the region’s natural hot springs.

10. Keep healthy and avoid bug bites

Costa Rica’s healthcare system is ranked among the best in the world (according to the United Nations and the World Health Organisation), but you’ll have to pay for treatment, so it’s always wise to take out travel insurance with cover for medical care.

Malaria is rare but local mosquitoes can carry other nasty diseases such as dengue and Zika, particularly in low-lying urban areas and along the coast. The best way to avoid bug bites is to use insect repellent containing at least 20% DEET (diethyltoluamide), covering up bare skin, particularly in the evenings.

11. Stay safe in the surf

Costa Rica is a great place to surf, with cool surf camps and year-round rollers along the Pacific Coast. Playa Hermosa on the Nicoya Peninsula was declared Central America’s first World Surfing Reserve in 2022.

However, rip currents are common and you won’t always find lifeguards around, so look out for warning flags – a red flag indicates a danger zone, black means stay out of the water. 

Don’t swim or surf alone. If a current starts to drag you out to sea, try to keep calm, shout for help, and swim parallel to the shore until you escape the current. And always check that rivers and lagoons are crocodile-free before diving in.

12. Be careful on the roads

Self-driving a hire car in Costa Rica offers the freedom to travel at your own pace, but there are a few things to consider. Most rental agencies require drivers to have comprehensive insurance in addition to purchasing mandatory liability insurance.

A 4WD is a must if you’re planning to tackle dirt roads; always check the vehicle’s condition and ensure it has all the necessary safety equipment, including a functional spare tire.

On the road, drive slowly and defensively. In case of a breakdown, call the rental company or 911; it can be risky to accept unsolicited help from strangers.

Never leave valuables unattended in your car, and try to use public parking lots with surveillance. Road trips always take longer than you think, so plan your journey ahead to avoid driving after dark.

13. Tap water is usually safe

With Costa Rica’s heat and humidity, it’s important to stay hydrated, especially if you’re doing anything active.

Tap water is normally safe to drink but if you’re going to remote rural areas or you’d rather not take the risk, save the environment (and some money) by investing in a water filter bottle such as the LifeStraw Go.