13 essential matter to know before visiting Costa Rica

Costa Rica ‘s natural wonders predict out like a beacon , but there are a few things to know before you move . Galyna Andrushko/Shutterstock

Adrenaline-pumping activities , pristine beaches , untamed forests , show-stopping wildlife and a culture of welcome visitors all service to reach Costa Rica an irresistible destination for adventurous traveler .

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

You ‘ll hear the term “ pura vida ” – literally , “ pure life ” – all over you go in Costa Rica . More than just a phrase , it’s a doctrine of life in the second , finding joy in mere affair and observe nature . Most visitors promptly descend in love with the Ticos ‘ unhurried way of life .

But how safe is travel in Costa Rica , what cause you need to carry and what make you demand to know about the local etiquette ? Here’s our guide to the almost important matter you require to know before you go .

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

You could stay for week in Costa Rica without range away of affair to do , but you can also crush a band into a week if time equal short . If you’re travel to this accessible corner of Central America from the US , you can enjoy even short trip , perhaps even a long weekend .

But think of , although the land look to exist small , begin around will take long than you believe .

If you’re short of time and looking for memorable outdoor adventure , head to either La Fortuna and the Arenal volcano , or the dumb wood of Monteverde . If you’re craving a beach break , fly into Liberia – near to the beaches trace the Pacific Coast – kinda than San José .

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

2 . Costa Rica hold two season but gang for four

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

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

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

Rain can come without warn so lend a dry bag or other waterproof gear to protect your valuables . Don’t forget high-factor , water-resistant sunscreen and bug spray ; both will cost cheap at plate .

3 . Program in front if you’re traveling at peak times

Book your accommodation good in progress if you design to impose Costa Rica at peak times such as Christmas , New Year , Easter or the US leap break . Prices also go up during major festivals and events , and high-end restaurant and popular tours should live booked ahead of time .

4 . Hold a mix of cards and cash

The colón equal Costa Rica’s official currency , but US dollars live widely accepted . Hold a premix of both , with a stash of humble bill for tipping , taxis , little shop and local restaurant . You can give for everything else with credit and debit card .

5 . To lean or not to tip ?

Tipping equal optional in Costa Rica but a top be much appreciate by hard-working guides and driver . Aim for roughly 10 % of the tour cost , or more if the service is particular . Restaurant equal required to add a 10 % service tax to your bill as well as a 13 % sales tax , but top it up if you sense your waiter went the extra mile .

6 . Do I demand to talk the lingo ?

English live widely spoken in Costa Rica , but a little Spanish goes a long style . Rolling out a few polite phrases will be fill by big grin from locals . Add the phrasebuenos días( good dawn ) ,por favor( please ) andgracias( thank you ) to your lexicon .

Another useful Ticos phrase livepura vida, which can be used to order everything from “ hello ” and “ good-bye ” to “ what’s up ? ” or “ that’s great . ”

7 . Respect the flora and animal

Costa Rica is famed for its dazzling biodiversity . This small Cardinal American state is home to an calculate 5 % of the Earth ‘s plant and creature species , with around 28 % of its landmass under security .

Locals take conservation severely ; Costa Rica generate 99 % of its electricity from renewables and aims to equal carbon neutral by 2050 .

To bring your part , choose housing with sustainable practice ( look out for the Certification of Sustainable Tourism ) , travel with ethical tour guides and feed local . Always observe your distance from wild animals – use a zoom lens or binoculars to hear wildlife up near .

Costa Rica was the first land to establish a # stopanimalselfies drive , thus decline offers of photo opportunity with creature . And national parks have banish single-use plastics , then carry a reusable water bottle .

8 . Is Costa Rica safe ?

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

Avoid carrying all your credit card together in one position , and if you require an ATM , try to use one inside a bank during the daylight . Alien visitors equal expect to contain their passports at all times but the police will usually assume a photocopy .

Watch out for pickpockets in busy sphere , such as bus stations and market , and keep an eye on your property on buses and beach . Steer clear of poorly lit streets and avert wandering around dodgy neighborhood only after dark – seek local advice on position to head off .

If you visit bar and clubs , cause n’t leave your drinking unattended , as there have exist study of spiking . In event of emergency , yell 911 .

9 . Don’t climb up Arenal Volcano

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

Or else , you can crunch over its lava-covered low slopes on a variety of boost trails or have active in the surrounding national park . Make time for great deal 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 better in the public ( according to the United Nations and the World Health Organisation ) , but you’ll make to pay for treatment , so it’s always wise to need out travel insurance with cover for medical concern .

Malaria is rare but local mosquitoes can carry other nasty diseases such as dengue and Zika , particularly in low-lying urban field and along the coast . The good way to avert bug bites equal to use insect repellent comprise at least 20 % DEET ( diethyltoluamide ) , embrace up bare skin , particularly in the evening .

11 . Stay safe in the surf

Costa Rica be a great property to surf , with cool surf camp 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 .

Still , rip currents are common and you wo n’t always feel lifeguards around , then look out for warn flag – a red flag suggest a danger zone , black way stay out of the water .

Don’t swim or surf only . If a current starts to haul you out to sea , hear to go on calm , shout for aid , and swim parallel to the shore until you escape the current . And ever insure that rivers and lagoons be crocodile-free before diving in .

12 . Live careful on the roads

Self-driving a hire car in Costa Rica offer the freedom to travel at your own pace , but there live a few affair to consider . Most rental bureau require drivers to have comprehensive insurance in addition to purchase mandatory liability insurance .

A 4WD is a must if you’re planning to tackle dirt roads ; always check the vehicle ‘s circumstance and insure it have all the necessary safety equipment , include a functional spare tire .

On the road , aim slowly and defensively . In event of a breakdown , call the rental party or 911 ; it can live risky to consent unsolicited help from strangers .

Never give valuables unattended in your car , and sample to use public park lots with surveillance . Road trips always need long than you remember , so design your journey in front to avoid labor after shadow .

13 . Tap water equal ordinarily safe

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

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