Most people who visit Costa Rica end up at places like Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio. Those places are stunning and absolutely should be visited! However, there’s an off-the-beaten-path that is one of Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets.
TRAVEL COSTA RICA
Costa Rica ItineraryFollow our Costa Rica itinerary
San José
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Montezuma
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Osa peninsula
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Duration: at least 3 weeks
Best time to travel: October – June
Budget: $75 per day
Costa Rica & Panama have long been the missing pieces to our Central American puzzle. So far, we skipped over Costa Rica as it seemed like tourism is already exceptionally developed, and the small country accommodates most tourists traveling to Central America. Many people travel to Costa Rica because of its beaches and lush rainforests. However, there is much more to this country than meets the eye. If you’re looking to get away from the typical tourist traps, here are some great things to do in Costa Rica that will give you an authentic experience of this beautiful country.
- Wildlife 90%
- Beaches 100%
- Volcanos 110%
- Activities 100%
Despite being famous for its environmental efforts and biodiversity, the greenery surpassed my imagination. Costa Rica’s pioneering efforts in protecting primary rainforests have more than paid off. The country between two stunning coasts is home to 28 national parks and 58 (!!) wildlife refuges. To those who know me, it might be no surprise that I fell in love with the Caribbean. Â
Discover Costa Rica
Travel Montezuma, Costa Rica | Boho vibes, beach & jungle
Any local Tico (Costa Rican) will tell you that Montezuma, Costa Rica, is a must-visit destination to add to your itinerary. We agree with them! If you’re a person who loves the beach, natural beauty, and artsy towns, you’ll be in heaven here.
San José | Costa Rica’s less charming capital
Many people who visit Costa Rica skip San José and head straight to places like La Fortuna, Monteverde, and other natural wonders. Those places are marvelous to see, and we highly recommend them. However, if you have a few more days to spend in Costa Rica, we suggest stopping in San José. This authentic city has numerous cultural sights, a robust food scene, and plenty to do.
Why visit Costa Rica
Beaches in Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s Pacific coast
From breathtaking sunrises on the Caribbean to serene sunsets on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast: The beaches are as stunning as they are diverse. Until today, Costa Rica’s beaches are some of my favorite worldwide. The Pacific coast of Costa Rica is famous for its surfing beaches, fishing villages, and lush rainforests. The coastline stretches for about 800 miles and is home to many wildlife species. There are also several national parks along the coast that protect the ecosystems. Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is also home to the famous tourist hub of Tamarindo. Compared to the Caribbean side, the pacific gets much more tourists. Despite hip accommodations, stunning sunsets, and fantastic surf spots, Costa Rica’s Pacific side is also home to several National Parks, such as Antonio National Park.
Costa Rica’s Caribbean
As I explored Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, my heart skipped a beat as the miles of white sandy beaches came into view. With lush rainforests and charming villages peppering the horizon, each step provided an enchanting blend of Jamaican, Spanish, and international vibes; this is truly some of the most breathtaking scenery in all the world!
Surfing in Costa Rica
As anyone who has spent time in Morocco can attest, the country’s coastline is absolutely stunning. With a diverse range of stunning beaches scattered along the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, you can find everything from gorgeous sun-soaked bays to rolling dunes and crystal clear lagoons. So whether you’re a dedicated water sports enthusiast or just looking for somewhere to relax on the beach with a good book, Morocco’s beaches have something for everyone.
Costa Rica’s stunning volcanos
Costa Rica is truly a volcanologist’s paradise! Did you know that Costa Rica is host to around 120 volcanoes, but only six of them are active? Kenya, Poas, Arenal, Irazu, Rincon de la Vieja and Turrialba volcanoes make up the six active volcanos in Costa Rica. Of these volcanos, some of the most popular tourist destinations include the iconic Poas Volcano with its spectacular geysers and steam vents and Arenal soaring high over Lake Arenal. The nature surrounding these volcanos is simply breathtaking. From orchids to tropical birds and monkeys to jaguars – there is an abundance of wildlife living in these incredible landscapes.
Bribri Culture
Costa Rica is truly a land of wonders, with its incredible landscapes ranging from misty cloud forests and luscious rainforests to sun-drenched beaches and rolling green hills. Beyond this beauty lies something truly special – its people and culture – and one group stands above the rest: the Bribri. Embedded deep in the southern Caribbean of Costa Rica at the border of Panama, Bribri is the largest indigenous population in the country, blossoming in isolated areas such as the storm-felled Talamanca Mountain range and serene southern islands. A visit to Bribri promises an experience like no other, with fascinating encounters sure to cast memories long after your return home. It’s a chance to connect with cultures that have been around since time immemorial, experiencing first-hand the very essence of peace and exultation which Costa Rica has become so widely known for in today’s day and age.
Wildlife in Costa Rica
As someone who’s always had a passion for wildlife, Costa Rica has always been the ultimate destination for me. The sheer diversity of wildlife you can encounter here is absolutely breathtaking – from the slow-moving sloths that you’ll find lazing around in the trees, to the playful monkeys that leap from branch to branch. It’s like stepping into a wildlife documentary, and every moment of your journey is filled with a sense of awe and wonder. But it’s not just the rainforests that are filled with amazing creatures – when you visit the beaches, you’ll encounter even more incredible animals, like the majestic sea turtles that make their nests in the sand. Truly, for anyone who loves nature and wildlife, Costa Rica is like nothing else in the world – its pure magic. And whether you’re here for a short trip or a longer stay, there are endless things to do in Costa Rica that will help you get up close and personal with the incredible creatures that call this place home.
Nature adventures in Costa Rica
The country’s incredible biodiversity, boasting rainforests, cloud forests, mangrove forests, and two coastlines, is truly awe-inspiring. With only one-third of a percent of the Earth’s landmass, Costa Rica is home to four percent of the world’s species, many of which can only be found in this magical country. The land bridge that linked the North and South American continents roughly three million years ago allowed for the mixture of species from both continents, resulting in a unique and unparalleled diversity of flora and fauna. For any nature enthusiast, Costa Rica offers an endless array of things to do, from hiking through lush forests to spotting exotic wildlife on a guided tour.
Get ready to travel Costa Rica
Language: Spanish
Currency: Costa Rican Colones & US Dollars
Public Transport in Costa Rica
The buses in Costa Rica provide a great way to explore the country! It’s very important to know, however, that they are owned and operated by private companies. There’s a vast range of different choices, each with its own set rates, stops, routes, and times. Plus, each company has its own bus terminal so make sure you double-check the company of your desired route and where its terminal location is. With so many companies offering varying services, it opens up lots of possibilities for exploring Costa Rica on a budget!
When is the best time to travel Costa Rica?
The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April when there’s minimal rainfall and bright sunny skies. We’d also recommend planning a trip during Costa Rica’s green season, which runs from May to June and November; whilst there’s still some rain at this time, you’ll benefit from less bustling national parks, making wildlife spotting a breeze! It doesn’t matter which season or month you select for your travels – temperature wise, you can expect warm days with highs ranging between 74°F and 79°F, though naturally come prepared for any rain showers that may arise throughout your stay. No matter when you’re visiting, it’s important to remember that the rainfall ultimately makes Costa Rica look so lush and vibrant – enjoy it while being safe in the knowledge that sunshine will never be far away!
How safe is Costa Rica for travelers?
Costa Rica is an ideal place to begin if you want to start your Central American travel journey. According to the Global Peace Index, Costa Rica is the most peaceful country in Central America and the safest in Latin America. Its violent crime rate is low, and has high political stability, making travel a safe and secure experience. Although additional precautions should be taken into account when visiting any location – such as traveling by Uber or Taxi after dark and avoiding walking alone in isolated areas – you can rest assured that safety will not be a primary concern if you choose Costa Rica as your first destination.
Internet & Phone
Costa Rica boasts an impressive network of 3G, 4G, and 4.5G cell phone towers offering travelers reliable internet access and the ability to make local calls in most places around the country. For those tackling Costa Rica’s rugged terrain – such as mountain ranges and dense forests – you may find yourself out of coverage at times. Fortunately, tourist destinations generally offer solid coverage with major highways and popular secondary roads also sporting a good signal. However, it is wise to remain prepared for spotty zones along your travels. The biggest phone provider is Kolbi, but Movistar and Claro are picking up and have become very popular over the years.
Tap water in Costa Rica
Costa Rica as 92.5% of the population has access to drinking water. The quality of tap water is safe to drink. If you still feel uneasy, bring your Lifestraw Pro.Â
Biggest challenges for the responsible traveler
Trash: Many restaurants and street food serve it in to-go boxes. Luckily enough, a foldable food container will go a long way.Â
Sunscreen: Protect Costa Rica’s coast by using reef-friendly sunscreen.
Packing Central America
Central America is super diverse and offers plenty of things to do. Check out our packing list, and get ready for an incredible adventure!
Find everything from eco-friendly toiletries to the only travel shoes you’ll ever want to exciting travel gadgets!
Places to visit in Costa Rica
Costa Rica Off the Beaten Path: Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica
Most people who visit Costa Rica end up at places like Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio. Those places are stunning and absolutely should be visited! However, there’s an off-the-beaten-path that is one of Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets.
Travel Montezuma, Costa Rica | Boho vibes, beach & jungle
Any local Tico (Costa Rican) will tell you that Montezuma, Costa Rica, is a must-visit destination to add to your itinerary. We agree with them! If you’re a person who loves the beach, natural beauty, and artsy towns, you’ll be in heaven here.
San José | Costa Rica’s less charming capital
Many people who visit Costa Rica skip San José and head straight to places like La Fortuna, Monteverde, and other natural wonders. Those places are marvelous to see, and we highly recommend them. However, if you have a few more days to spend in Costa Rica, we suggest stopping in San José. This authentic city has numerous cultural sights, a robust food scene, and
plenty to do.