Costa Rica Destination Guide
This essential guide will help you prepare for an unforgettable journey through Costa Rica.
Arenal Volcano
Active volcano with stunning views
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Home to unique biodiversity
Manuel Antonio
Pristine beaches and wildlife
Capital
San José
Language
Spanish (English in tourist areas)
Currency
Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Time Zone
GMT-6 (CST)
Essential Travel Information for Costa Rica
Everything you need to know before your Costa Rica adventure
Visa & Entry Requirements
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months with 2+ blank pages.
- Visa: Most visitors from US, Canada, EU, etc. don't need a visa for stays under 90 days.
- Departure Tax: Usually included in airfare, but confirm beforehand.
- COVID Requirements: Check current requirements before travel.
Currency & Payments
- Costa Rican Colón (CRC) is the official currency, though USD is widely accepted in tourist areas.
- ATMs: Available in urban areas; get local currency for best rates. Ayou may need to carry your own bags on occasion.not always available in rural areas and often have operating hours
- Credit Cards: Widely accepted in tourist areas; Visa and Mastercard preferred. American Express is less common.
- Cash: Cash is necessary for buses, rural towns, and small restaurants.
Mobile & Internet
- SIM Cards: Kölbi, Movistar, and Claro offer affordable data packages.
- WiFi: Available in most hotels and restaurants, especially in tourist areas.
- Power Adapters: Costa Rica uses Type A/B plugs (same as US/Canada).
- Emergency Number: 911
Climate & Weather
- Tropical Climate: Warm year-round with temperatures between 70-90°F (21-32°C).
- Dry Season: December – April (best for beaches and wildlife)
- Green Season: May – November (lush landscapes, fewer tourists)
- Packing Tip: Bring light, quick-dry clothes, rain jacket, and sun protection.
Health & Safety
- Water: Generally safe in urban areas, but bottled water recommended in remote regions.
- Vaccinations: Check CDC or WHO recommendations before travel.
- Insects: Use repellent with DEET/Picaridin, especially in jungle areas.
- Travel Insurance: Strongly recommended with medical evacuation coverage.
Transportation
- Shared Transfers: Common between major destinations.
- Taxis: Use official red taxis with yellow triangles.
- Rental Cars: 4WD recommended for rural areas; valid driver's license required.
- Public Buses: Affordable but often slow; good for budget travelers.
- Need help searching for a flight? We recommend Skyscanner.com to compare different routes and rates. Click here to search!
Packing Checklist for Costa Rica
Use this checklist to ensure you pack everything you need for your Costa Rica adventure
Travel Documents & Essentials
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months with 2+ blank pages)
- Flight itinerary & travel insurance documents
- Credit/debit cards
- Cash (USD and/or local currency)
- Driver's license (if planning to drive)
- Travel adapter (Type A/B, same as US)
- Copy of passport
- Emergency contact information
- Hotel/accommodation details
- Money belt or secure pouch
Clothing & Accessories
- Light, fast-drying clothes
- Long-sleeved shirts and pants (for sun/bug protection)
- Light sweater/jacket (Monteverde gets cool in evenings)
- Rain jacket or poncho
- Swimwear and quick-dry towel
- Hiking/walking shoes
- Closed-toe water shoes/sandals (like Keens or Chacos)
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Bandana or buff (multi-purpose)
- Lightweight day pack
Health & Safety
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Insect repellent (with DEET or Picaridin)
- Basic first-aid kit
- Personal medications
- Stomach remedies (Pepto Bismol, Imodium)
- Motion sickness medication (Dramamine)
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
- Reusable water bottle
- Small flashlight or headlamp
- Biodegradable toiletries
Electronics & Gadgets
- Smartphone & charger
- Camera & charger
- Portable charger/power bank
- Waterproof phone case
- Waterproof bag for electronics
- Binoculars (if interested in wildlife/birdwatching)
- Headphones
- E-reader or books
- Universal adapter (if not using US plugs)
- Laundry soap packets (for longer stays)
Packing Tips
- Pack light! Shared transfers are common and have limited space; you may need to carry your own bags on occasion.
- For turtle watching activities, bring dark clothes and closed-toe shoes.
- Expect bugs in jungle lodges (especially Monteverde & Arenal)—this is normal!
- Bring minimal valuables and keep essential items in your carry-on.
Top Destinations & Experiences in Costa Rica
Discover the incredible places you'll visit during your TrovaTrip adventure
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Arenal Volcano
This iconic active volcano is surrounded by lush rainforest and offers some of Costa Rica's most exciting adventures.
Must-See Attractions:
- La Fortuna Waterfall – Stunning 75-meter waterfall with swimming area.
- Arenal Hot Springs – Natural thermal pools perfect for relaxation.
- Hanging Bridges – Walk through the rainforest canopy for spectacular views.
- Lake Arenal – Great for windsurfing, kayaking, and fishing.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
A mystical high-altitude forest shrouded in mist, home to incredible biodiversity and thrilling adventures.
Cloud Forest Highlights:
- Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve – Spot rare species like the resplendent quetzal.
- Sky Adventures Park – Experience thrilling zip lines and sky trams.
- Selvatura Park – Walk across suspension bridges high in the canopy.
- Butterfly Gardens – Learn about Costa Rica's colorful butterfly species.
Manuel Antonio
This stunning coastal national park combines pristine beaches with incredible wildlife viewing opportunities.
Manuel Antonio Highlights:
- Manuel Antonio National Park – Spot sloths, monkeys, and colorful birds.
- Beautiful Beaches – Swim and relax at Playa Manuel Antonio or Playa Espadilla.
- Catamaran Tours – Spot dolphins and whales while enjoying the Pacific sunset.
- Mangrove Tours – Explore rich coastal ecosystems by kayak or boat.
Must-Try Costa Rican Foods
Costa Rican cuisine is simple but flavorful, focusing on fresh ingredients and traditional preparations. Here are some dishes you shouldn't miss:
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Gallo Pinto
Traditional breakfast of rice and beans with spices, often served with eggs and plantains.
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Casado
Typical lunch plate with rice, beans, plantains, salad, and your choice of protein.
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Olla de Carne
Hearty beef stew with vegetables and local root crops.
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Patacones
Flattened and fried green plantains, usually served with beans or guacamole.
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Costa Rican Coffee
World-famous coffee, traditionally prepared using a chorreador (cloth filter).
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Refrescos
Fresh fruit drinks made with water or milk, called "batidos" if blended with milk.
Local Culture & Responsible Travel
Tips for respectful travel and cultural awareness during your adventure
Cultural Etiquette
- Greeting: Costa Ricans (Ticos/Ticas) are friendly people. A simple "Hola" or "Pura Vida" goes a long way.
- Pura Vida: This phrase means "pure life" and is used as a greeting, goodbye, or to express gratitude or satisfaction.
- Time: "Tico time" is more relaxed than in some countries. Be patient if services don't run exactly on schedule.
- Nickname: Costa Ricans affectionately call themselves “Ticos”, a nickname from the habit of adding “-tico” or “-tica” as a diminutive to words.
- Dress Code: Casual but modest attire is appropriate. Cover up when not at the beach.
- Photos: Ask permission before photographing local people, especially in indigenous communities.
Sustainable Tourism
- Wildlife Ethics: Never feed or touch wild animals, no matter how cute or approachable they seem. Costa Rica has a national campaign discouraging selfies or direct contact with wildlife, both for animal welfare and visitor safety.
- Wildlife Safety: Do not touch frogs, snakes, or insects; some are venomous even if small.
- Reef Protection: Use reef-safe sunscreen and never touch or stand on coral when snorkeling.
- Waste Reduction: Bring a reusable water bottle, shopping bag, and refuse single-use plastics.
- Water Conservation: Despite abundant rainfall, be mindful of water usage, especially in drier regions.
- Conserve Resources: Turn off lights/AC when not in use, avoid littering, and recycle where possible.
- Support Local: Buy souvenirs from local artisans and eat at locally-owned restaurants.
⚠️ Language Help
Learning a few basic Spanish phrases will enhance your experience. Download the Google Translate app for on-the-go help, and remember these essentials:
- Hello: Hola (OH-la)
- Thank you: Gracias (GRAH-see-as)
- Please: Por favor (por fah-VOR)
- Where is the bathroom?: ¿Dónde está el baño? (DON-day es-TA el BAN-yo)
- How much?: ¿Cuánto cuesta? (KWAN-to KWES-ta)
Additional Travel Tips
- Arrival: Have your accommodation details ready for immigration and know how to get there.
- Departure: Be at the airport 3 hours early for international flights.
- Swimming Safety: Some beaches have strong riptides and no lifeguards—always ask locals before swimming.
- Wildlife Spotting: Early mornings and late afternoons are best for seeing animals.
- Safety: Costa Rica is generally safe, but use common sense and secure your valuables. Keep an eye on your belongings at all times. Don’t walk alone in isolated areas.
- Turtle Nesting: If visiting nesting sites, wear dark clothing and follow guide instructions.
We can't wait for you to experience Costa Rica with TrovaTrip! 🌴
If you have any questions before you go, feel free to reach out to your trip host or our support team.
🌍 ¡Pura Vida y buen viaje! ✈️
Luggage Restrictions
