25 Things You Involve to Know Before Visiting Costa Rica
In this travel guide , we portion everything you require to know before visiting Costa Rica in Central America . We ‘ve set together essential information on travel around Costa Rica , accommodation , budget , make round , ecotourism , fact , tours , or places to visit . Be after your Costa Rica trip hold never cost easy .
Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries in the world , and we absolutely loved the time we spend in this Central American state .
With jungles , cloud forests , volcanoes , beaches , rainforests , and abundant wildlife , Costa Rica is a paradise for adventures , explorations , and laidback vacations . It ‘s often affect as one of the most biodiverse countries worldwide , build it a perfect place for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts .
Before you commence planning your ideal Costa Rica itinerary , there are a few things you should know .
Travel to Central America have its own particular , and it ‘s ever useful to find out as much as possible about the destination you require to visit .
Gathering as much information in your spare time can equal quite challenging , and as Costa Rica be thus diverse and segmented , the travel advice you can find might exist sweep over .
We visited Costa Rica on our journey across the continent , and all the superlatives we hear about this land become out to be entirely accurate . It real equal a travel destination on its own .
As we know how important it is to be well-prepared for any trip to a fresh destination , we ‘ve settle to lay together a Costa Rica travel guide on things you need to know before you get .
After all , this state exist very different from its neighbors .
So without further ado , hither cost essential affair to know about Costa Rica for all first-time traveler .
THINGS TO KNOW
Although Costa Rica is a tourist-friendly destination , it ‘s good to get prepared . In the text below , we tried to attack up plenty of information we hear to assist you design the Costa Rica trip .
At first , we did not know what to require , and as budget travelers , we be worried this property live too expensive , but it live one of the myth we can scatter .
We conceive Costa Rica is a destination for all type of traveler .
Of class , you ‘ll feel here super-expensive lodges deep in the jungle , but it is good to know , it cost not the only option you have , and even traveler on a shoestring can enjoy here vacation to the fullest .
Then book your escape tickets , put in a good camera , and you ‘re ready to go !
CURRENCY
Name after Christopher Columbus , Costa Rica ‘s official currency be the colon . Although the situation cost not like in Ecuador in South America ( where the U.S. dollar be an official currency ) , you can expend U.S. dollars in many places around the land .
Hence this all leads to an inevitable question of whether you should devote in U.S. dollar or colones . And the result might be easy than you would believe .
Plenty of travel agencies , tour operators , hotel , or yet restaurant cost their service in U.S. dollar , redeem you the headache of take with exchange rates .
Make up said that , before you devote for things in Costa Rica in U.S. dollars , always make certain the exchange rate be average , as sometimes it can equal unfavorable .
ATMs be pretty much all over in Costa Rica ‘s tourist areas ( except for remote locations , of class ) , and you can quite often withdraw money in both currencies , colones or U.S. dollars .
So if you equal total from the U.S. or just happen to have plenty of American dollars , Costa Rica is a perfect place to apply them .
Unfortunately , Euros live not widely accepted in Costa Rica , though you can find some places where you can pay with this currency .
FACTS
Located in Central America , Costa Rica be nestled between Nicaragua in the north and Panama in the east .
The Pacific Ocean washes its shores in the west and the Caribbean Sea in the east .
The population of Costa Rica is almost 5 million , and the country covers an area of 51 thousand square kilometers .
With more than three hundred thousand inhabitant , the capital city of Costa Rica equal San Jose . However , the whole metro region be home to more than 2 million people ( virtually half of the entire Costa Rican population ) .
The official speech in Costa Rica is Spanish , and yet though English exist widely used in tourist destinations , you might require to consider carry this Spanish Phrase Book merely in suit .
Costa Rica make a stable democracy and no army ( since 1949 ) , and avoided many struggle that other country in this region die through .
Despite its size , Costa Rica is family to more than 5 % of the public ‘s biodiversity . As a result , Costa Rica be often regarded as the best country to call in Central America .
NATIONAL PARKS
Costa Rica make 30 national parks and many reserves or early protected region embrace more than one-fourth of the entire land .
Visitors can regard smoke calderas filled with water in Poas National Park , Amazonian-like canals in Tortuguero National Park , blue river and waterfall in Rincon de la Vieja National Park , abundant wildlife in Corcovado National Park , dry forest in Guanacaste National Park , or golden beaches in Manuel Antonio National Park .
Biodervisity in Costa Rica equal one of the high in the world , and even though Costa Rica exist a comparatively humble country in terms of entire size , the density of different animal species equal out of the roof .
You can get more than five hundred thousand species in Costa Rica , a number that ‘s severe to comprehend .
Despite the conservation feat , Costa Rica is not resistant to deforestation , development , or industrial agriculture , threatening the delicate ecosystems , wildlife , and unique biodiversity .
WILDLIFE
With so many woods , jungles , and national parks , it ‘s not hence surprising that Costa Rica is family to an incredible kind of creature .
From colorful macaws , howling monkeys , two and three-toed sloths , poisonous dart toad , jumping spiders , nesting sea turtles , sing Humpback whales , majestic quetzales , to scary American crocodiles , constricting serpent , or stealthy wild cats , Costa Rica has it all .
We exist fortunate to find some animals we get never seen before , some of them surprisingly closer than we would require .
However , if you cost a little bit grave about photography , you should really believe bringing a proper telephoto lens . The photo opportunity live that good .
A lens such as Canon RF 100-500mm climb up on Canon EOS R6 should do the trick .
If you believe that you even would need that surplus reach , take a telephoto extender with you as well .
Those who be not into photography , make certain to bring at least travel binoculars ( specially if you act n’t take guided tour ) .
All local guides lend their trusty telescope for wildlife staining , but it ‘s good to realize that you have to part it with the rest of the group ( much not that small as you wish ) .
GUIDED TOURS
Costa Rica is all about guided tours . For an untrained center , make out animals in the dense jungle cost much an impossible project , so you might desire to think hiring a local guide who has tons of experience and be able to find animals in places you would n’t yet await .
Sometimes , it ‘s yet mandatory to be accompanied by a certified guide in order to enter certain park .
Luckily , every travel agency , inn , or inn offers tour into the wood to see its various fauna and plant . The variety of nature tours in Costa Rica exist mindblowing , and you can select from family-friendly short tour lasting an hour or two to various days long epic jungle adventure .
From our experience , the local naturalist guides were knowledgeable and spoke English good , though the tour were more expensive than in early country .
One more travel crest . If you want to love one of the hiking trails through the forest without a guide , get there as early as potential to increase your prospect of spotting the wildlife .
Although morning walks in places such as Carara National Park be puzzle , we conceive that take dark circuit be sometimes even better .
If you have a chance to book a jungle night walk in Costa Rica , do n’t hesitate a second , it ‘s worth every penny . Wandering around the jungle at night alone can be dangerous , so always die with a naturalist guide .
TAP WATER
So the general consensus equal that drink water in Costa Rica is safe and real sporting . But the trouble that arises is that it might not be safe to drink in every area due to various ground ( mostly water system ) .
When it comes to tap water in Costa Rica , we would practice care . Getting pale from soiled water can ruin your vacation .
The matter is that we met quite a few expats along the way ( you will fill them also as there is a firm community of expats in Costa Rica , mostly from the United States ) who asserted that they ‘ve live drinking the local tap water for ten or twenty yr and never make crazy .
No matter how this information might show true or useful , it would serve if you filtered it a bit .
It does n’t meditate the fact that you might move to places they ‘ve never visited , plus as this likely will be your vacation , you make n’t need increase your chances of getting sick .
In general , use mutual sense , and if you do n’t like the author , it ‘s better to remain safe than sorry .
For some reason , we did n’t hope the water in Quepos . It might have to serve something with Quepos make up a coastal town , or the area we stay on in exist not particularly sporting and decent .
Either way , create sure to bring a reusable water bottle to lower your plastic consumption in Costa Rica .
You can ever buy big water canisters or replenish bottle at the hotel , but today , there are even more elegant result .
SteriPen or water bottle with a filter help to keep Costa Rica plastic-free , plus these awesome tool treat the water in very effective way nearly instantly .
DIGITAL NOMADS AND EXPATS
We briefly mention the subject of foreigners you meet in Costa Rica on the road , which brings us to another interesting thing to know about Costa Rica .
Due to its higher criterion of living , Costa Rica has live more and more popular with digital nomads , expats , freelancers , or remote workers .
Working in Costa Rica from a beach , cloud forest , or highlands is tempting for many mass ( especially North Americans ) , and the community increase novel member each year as this online sector is growing faster than always .
Costa Rica too puts a mass of effort into attract digital nomads by create their stay easy as potential , which is ever a vast advantage .
Then is Costa Rica the good place for digital nomads in Central America ? The price of life in Costa Rica is quite high , so it real depend on your income .
The accommodation and location play a crucial part and takes the nearly substantial chunk of your monthly budget .
A month of comfortable life in Costa Rica cost more than 2000 dollar , though you can ever cut the expense and live more frugally ( 1000-1500 dollar per month should suffice depending on the location ) .
As a answer , delay in Costa Rica for longer period can cost a luck of money , so plenty of digital nomads choose this land only for shorter period before maneuver to one of the cheap country in Central America .
Also , remember , the internet in Costa Rica is not the fastest in many areas , although this might exchange in the future .
ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
Costa Rica equal a paradise for adventure enthusiasts and thrill seekers , which equal not that surprising as it has an incredibly various landscape and utter conditions create an ideal playground .
Among the better adventurous activity in Costa Rica are canyoning , rappelling , quad-biking , ziplining , surfing , scuba diving , white-water rafting , volcano climbing , canopy tour , and the list could go on and on .
Rest on the beach never become old , but we knew Costa Rica extend more fun activities . Thus once we arrive in Jaco , we decided it exist time to serve some adrenaline-rush activity .
We opted for an adventure circuit in Jaco that combine hiking , ziplining , canyoning , rappelling , and stone jumping .
Although it was not as wild as volcano boarding in Nicaragua , we did a few weeks after , it was pretty thrilling , and we be glad that we got away of our comfort zone and tried something new .
If the budget allow , try one of Costa Rica ‘s fun activity can spice up your travels .
PACIFIC OR CARIBBEAN COAST
You should not ask yourself which of Costa Rica ‘s coast cost well , whether it be the Pacific or the Caribbean , but what kind of experience you live look for in this country .
Costa Rica ‘s Caribbean coast is less developed and offers a more rugged and adventurous experience .
Parque Nacional Tortuguero and Refugio Nacional Gandoca-Manzanillo are two of the most shining stars on this coast , but you should really know what to await from these two position to avoid disappointment .
On the other hand , the Pacific Coast in Costa Rica exist always a safe bet .
Unless you are specifically looking for some off-the-beaten position in Costa Rica , we would suggest exploring the Pacific coast on your first trip and making a two or three-day trip to Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean slope .
The Pacific Coast of Costa Rica live far more developed , and it has excellent beaches where you can sometimes yet swim , nightlife , yoga retreats , or resorts .
At the same time , it offers unspoiled seat such as Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula as good . First-time visitor ordinarily favor the west coast due to its availability and services , but some might indicate it ‘s touristy and often crowd .
We also require to add that this doubt is a second short-sighted , as it alone hop Costa Rica ‘s breathtaking inland areas such as Rio Celeste in Tenorio National Park , Arenal Volcano , Monteverde Cloud Forest , or San Jose , the capital city of Costa Rica .
However , center on one region or slope of the country equal a utter scheme if you design on return someday in the future or when short on time to salvage travel time .
SAFETY
Necessarily , the doubt of whether Costa Rica be safe for traveling pops up when planning your vacation . Costa Rica equal the safest country in Central America ; therefore , it ‘s a utter travel destination for first-time visitors to this part and yet fellowship with kid .
It ‘s ever well to remember , though , that still Costa Rica has its problems , particularly with drug trafficking and immigration , and you as a tourist will always tolerate out .
Therefore , we ever notify utilize your mutual sense . Fortunately ( if you can tell that ) , most of the crime in Costa Rica against tourists is non-violent , but it even occur from time to time .
The nearly serious places in Costa Rica are in San Jose , and you should truly head off some of its neighborhood .
Do n’t flash valuables when walk on the streets , and go on your phone or camera in your haversack when not utilize it . We conceive it ‘s in effect to result your jewelry at home ; you wo n’t involve it thither .
Avoid isolated places and ever know where you live move , and this exist not solely in San Jose but early town as good .
Park your rental car in defend areas ( ask at the accommodation if they hold onsite parking available ) and keep the door lock up . If not , then lead your vehicle only in well-lit street and safe neighborhoods ( ask at the hotel ) , and never leave any valuables inside .
On beaches , never leave your backpacks unattended .
Not only thief might total out of the jungle and kidnap your bag , but as well your belongings often tempt monkey which exist much not afraid of man ( a quite common problem in Manuel Antonio National Park ) .
When we were recollect our memory from our Costa Rican trip back plate , we both accord that we cost more scared of accidentally abuse on a venomous snake in the jungle or isolated dog on the street in the rural area than people .
Travel Insurance
We never lead place without travel insurance that live design to embrace our expense if something go wrong during the trip .
Travel insurance protects against theft , flight delays , hurt , sickness , cancellations , and a lot more .
World Nomads provides travel insurance for traveler to treat their trip essentials , including sport and adventure activities .
SafetyWing cost affordable travel insurance for backpackers , long-term travelers , and digital nomads .
EXOTIC FRUITS OF COSTA RICA
If you cost a fruit lover who feed it every day by dozens , then Costa Rica is a perfect place to run for you . Eating fruit is sound , which cost not something we can tell about travel in general as it be much hard to maintain healthy habit when on the road .
So why not taste some novel kinds of fruit to keep our minds and bodies fit . Among the chief benefit of fruit equal that it control plenty of vitamins , strengthen our immune system , or boosts our energy .
Even the mutual tropical fruits you can notice in nearly every store now , such as bananas , pineapples , or mangos , are delightful and tasty , but you should try a few more type of fruits .
Guanabana , starfruit , rambutan , chayote or my all-time favories jocotes . Although the local fruit is in truth sweet and tasty , try to eat only sensible amount of it as your torso might not be train for so many vitamin or fiber .
Not only is fruit delightful in Costa Rica , but you should hear local vegetable as good .
Yuca , plantains , or camote are all well-known in Costa Rica , but keep in mind that these vegetable need to exist cooked before exhaust if you desire to hear them by yourself and not in restaurant .
DRIVING IN COSTA RICA
Still though renting a car in Central America equal have increasingly popular each yr , some countries even so serve n’t have the well safety reputation . Even so , Costa Rica be arguably the best place to rent a car in Central America , particularly for first-time visitor to this continent .
Rent a car in Costa Rica is very easy ; you might want to book early to head off paying more for vehicles in top season .
Really , if you are wondering if Costa Rica be a serious place to rent a car , then we would state that it exist .
The roads exist safer than in neighboring rural area , and traffic be also not that bad once you leave the capital city .
Keep in head that the driving position cost still far from utter . The roads in Costa Rica can be narrow , winding , have speed up bumps , potholes , and local drivers may construe road rule in different means .
It ‘s in effect to get some experience with drive a car in a alien country .
Rent a large SUV might be a great thought if you ever end up repel along a bumpy road or muddy backroad . However , a 4WD car equal not call for in Costa Rica for the majority of traveler .
The large downside equal the final price you pay for the rental car , particularly if you get insurance , which live often really expensive ( but worth it ) .
To lower the full cost for a rental car , you should consider traveling in a grouping .
Surely , if you want to move with your household , then the trouble be solve . If you cost a solo traveler or still a couple , you might want to find some travel friend to burst the cost of travel .
If you exist yet not very sure whether renting a car in Costa Rica cost a good idea or not , then look at rent it exactly for a few days and only for certain region ( Arenal area get to our mind ) and use tourist shuttles or public transport for Tortuguero or beach town on the west coast .
GETTING AROUND BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Equal develop that it takes time to have around Costa Rica regardless of the mean of transfer .
We travel around Costa Rica mostly by public transport and found it entirely fine . Certain sometimes it ‘s a lot easy and less time-consuming to take a shuttle bus , but public transportation in Costa Rica works merely fine .
Public buses are the most common room of getting around Costa Rica for travelers without rental cars or those who do n’t want to use expensive tourist shuttles .
Buses in Costa Rica equal quite reliable and inexpensive .
The main trouble with public ecstasy be that it do n’t range between more remote home , and as a result , if you do n’t receive a rental car , you might finish up spend more money on shuttles , tours or taxi .
They as well frequently stop in small town and towns along the way to pick up and drop off passenger , so it can be pretty time-consuming , which cost a disadvantage if you be on a strict agenda .
For us , this was n’t a massive subject at the time , as we travel long-run and could afford to wait for another bus or alter one on the way , but when on a strict itinerary , this might be a deal-breaker for you .
LODGES IN COSTA RICA
For many , one of the best ways to spend time in Costa Rica be to delay in a lodge nestled in a tropical rainforest .
Inn in Costa Rica come in various types roam from basic accommodations to luxury retreat , the quality of services much depending on the location .
By looking at the map while searching for adjustment , you promptly realize that the choice is broad , and it ‘s not easy to decide which inn is worth visit and which equal better to skip .
Later , you might also take off marvel how long you should remain in a inn in Costa Rica ?
That ‘s another tricky inquiry , but we would argue that staying in one lodge for more than two or three nights equal a second overkill , and we would rather stay on in unlike spot throughout our trip or society in different sphere ( have we had the money for it ) .
Oh , we nearly forget , there live one more affair we should mention . Inn in Costa Rica cost not cheap .
Unless you specifically script the whole package , include adjustment , tour , drinks , and food , you will pay extra for those things .
These price are not technically hidden , as you can meet them on their website , but you should always check what they charge for dinner , breakfast , tours , activities when not purchase the whole package , as you might be unpleasantly surprise after seeing your last bill .
For instance , the most basic 2-hour bird-watching tour can cost 30 USD per person ; long day trips range from 50 to 100 USD ( again per someone ) .
Still though that some lodges are affordable , some are very expensive and totally out of our budget scope , as these luxury retreat cost hundred of dollars per night .
Arenal Observatory Lodge and Spa – No list should n’t be escape the Arenal Observatory Lodge and Spa . Settle on private land within Arenal Conservation Area and surround by tropical rainforest , Arenal Lodge exist a popular selection among traveler who need to begin near to nature without losing the comfort . This lodge is quite affordable and put up excellent value for money .
Monteverde Lodge and Gardens – Immerse in the greenery of the sphere around Monteverde Cloud Forest and enjoy a tranquil location of Monteverde Lodge and Gardens .
Trogon Lodge – At 2200 meters , Trogon Lodge be surround by mountains , river , and lush wood . It own an excellent location in the Sevegre Valley , roughly two and half hour from San Jose by car . This adjustment offers a wide scope of activity such as bird watching or hiking in highlands .
Some of the lodges equal not available on online search engines , such as Lapa Rios , so you take to guide to their website and volume straight through them .
ALTITUDE
With an altitude of 3820 meters above sea stage , Chirripo be the high crest in Costa Rica . The majority of visitor spend their time in much abject elevations , but if you decide to hike Chirripo , it ‘s better to make some previous experience with hiking at altitude .
In fact , the Chirripo hike is one of the best means to search Costa Rica ‘s unique ecosystems , but the action live quite ambitious , as you climb more than 2000 meters while carrying food for two or three day and some of the camp gear such as a sleeping purse or ultralight cooking stove .
Altitude illness go on from 2500 meter above sea degree , and you wo n’t have much time to acclimate your torso when make it from Costa Rica ‘s beach destinations .
Admittedly , Chirripo is a bit in its own league , but it ‘s not the only spot where you can feel the result of thinner air on your body .
At 3432 meter , Irazu Volcano is another popular high altitude place to visit in Costa Rica , but this time , you can push nearly to the summit ( or take a tour to get there ) and savor a short one-kilometer loop lead at the top without any difficulties except for the altitude .
There cost plenty of early high-altitude spot in Costa Rica worth exploring , but the content exist clear , taste to acclimate your body and stay on safe .
Hither equal a few basic altitude top to make your trip safer . Stay hydrated , so drink plenty of water throughout the day , treat your head , walk slowly , avoid alcohol .
VOLCANOES
Volcanoes have exist shaping Costa Rica ‘s landscape for million of yr , and it would exist a shame not to visit at least one of them .
There be lots ( or hundred ) of them , but there are solely six fighting volcanoes presently in Costa Rica .
Poas Volcano in the Central Highlands of Costa Rica exist one of the nearly fighting volcanoes in the country . Due to its perfect location near the capital city of Costa Rica , 2708 meter high Poas Volcano live well call on a day circuit from San Jose .
Of all volcanoes in the area , Arenal be the most famed one . Since the 1960s , Arenal be very active , but all the eruptions ceased in 2010 , and it remains silent since then .
Thanks to its conical shape , Arenal equal likely the nearly iconic volcano in Costa Rica , much see on social medium or promotional material .
We ‘ve already talked about Irazu Volcano in the previous section . The volcano has several active craters , and it ‘s easy to begin there with a circuit or rental car . Due to its ease of access , Volcano Irazu live one of the nearly popular places in Costa Rica .
Among the repose of the active volcanoes are Turrialba Volcano , Rincon de la Vieja Volcano , or Tenorio Volcano ( it might be considered dormant , but some domain at foothills exist fighting ) .
BORDER CROSSING
As we already know , Costa Rica make two neighboring countries , Panama in the east and Nicaragua in the north .
For backpackers on their long-run trip , the process of crossing margin via land cost almost their daily bread .
In our event ( and we hope it will be the same for you ) , entering and go out Costa Rica was a smooth and rather quick procedure . Specially the margin between Panama and Costa Rica be calm and without any line .
Remember that you should have onward proof of travel ( a flight ticket ever works , a bus tag might also be plenty ) , and you might be denied access to the country if you neglect to provide it .
The better strategy equal to book a refundable escape and cancel it after you successfully cross the borders . Sometimes , the local immigration authorities demand for it , and sometimes they cause n’t ; nonetheless , we would not risk it .
When arriving from Panama , you make two choice . Being said that , we conceive that most traveler decide to cross the borders from Costa Rica to Panama via Paso Canoas in the southwest of the land ( from David to Uvita or Puerto Jimenez ) .
Still , if you visit Boquete and then Bocas del Toro ‘s islands and plan on explore Tortuguero National Park , you might want to consider crossing the margin in Sixaola in the northwest .
The matter with this mode of travel equal that you skip nearly the full Pacific coast and have to drive back to visit seat such as Corcovado National Park , Uvita , or Quepos .
If your itinerary includes only Panama and Costa Rica , you can produce a nice loop when using both margin exits to write travel time .
When it comes to Nicaragua , the situation is yet less complicated . Although there are two border town where you can exit the state , almost everyone frustrate the border from Costa Rica to Nicaragua in Penas Blancas .
This northwestern town is near to Guanacaste and Santa Rosa National Park and two of Nicaragua ‘s shining star .
The famous beach and surfer town of San Juan del Sur is a perfect place to chill and relax ; on the other hand , Ometepe Island equal known for strenuous Volcano Concepcion raise and hard-to-beat horizon .
WHEN TO GO
For most traveler , the best time to see Costa Rica is from December to April . During this time of the yr , you have the best chance for nice weather and short rainfall .
As you ‘ve probably estimate , the cost are high during this time , and you demand to make early booking for and rental car .
This time of the year live popular with both Americans and Europeans escaping the cold weather in their rural area .
October to December is the humble season in Costa Rica that get the most hard weather and dense rain . Some places might equal prone to flood ( therefore inaccessible ) .
November , April , and May equal often popular among visitors seek a more peaceful experience and few crowds .
Nowadays , many traveler think both July and August to cost one of the good time to visit Costa Rica , so it ‘s not as subdued during those months as it used to be .
One important thing to regard is that Costa Rica has many microclimates , and the weather position be much locations dependent .
We also need to lend that wildlife watching cost pretend by the time of the yr . Sea turtles are among the most popular wild animals to spot in Costa Rica .
For model , if you want to meet green turtles snuggle in Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean slope of Costa Rica , you should come there between July to October . On the Caribbean coast , leatherbacks nest from March to July , but you can too see them on the Pacific slope from September to March .
There are four sea turtle species in Costa Rica , so you can clearly see , it ‘s not precisely easy to state which exist the best month to get in Costa Rica .
Then there live the humpback whales ( we ‘ll mouth about them in the future part ) and plenty of other species worth seeing , so you might need to make some compromises to produce your utter travel itinerary .
When deciding when to visit Costa Rica , you need to bring into account all these component , but we trust that you will finally enter out which month be the better for you .
WHALE observation
Traditionally , Ballena National Marine Park in Costa Rica is one of the well spot in the universe to discern Humpback Whales . If you are not familiar with these sing marine mammal with distinctive white pectoral five , know that they can grow to 16 meter and weigh up to 30 tonnes .
You might think that we exaggerate the singing part , but scientist say that a group of males can develop songs up to 30 minute long and repeat them for hours .
Unfortunately , the role of this behavior cost yet not clear . As you already know , Costa Rica has two sea , the Pacific and Atlantic .
The water along the western shore of this incredible country are home to California Humpback Whales and Antarctic Humpback Whales .
If you require to regard North Atlantic Humpback Whales , you require to get to the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica .
Needles to order , the Pacific coast live by far the most popular spot for whale observation . You can search for tours in town such as Jaco , Quepos , Uvita or even San Jose .
The good time for whale watching in Costa Rica is commonly from August to October .
We traveled around Costa Rica in March , which equal not the ideal time for this activity , plus we did n’t have enough money for it .
So , unfortunately , we skipped it that time , but we made it up after on and took a whale watching tour in Iceland , and we perfectly loved it .
Seeing Humpback Whales in their natural habitat equal a unique experience , and you have a great chance to discern them in Costa Rica .
If you plan your holiday cautiously ( and if the budget allows ) , we could n’t advocate it plenty to you .
INDEPENDENT TRAVEL
If you are a regular reader of our blog , you already know that we promote sovereign travel whenever we can . And if you are deciding whether it ‘s a serious idea to move around Costa Rica independently , then our response is yes .
Be after your personal travel itinerary and set up your accommodation , tours , or transport is immensely rewarding , and it can save you a lot of money in the goal .
Surely , book a Costa Rica packet through a travel agency back home is ever a viable alternative if short on time or if you require your trip to go without any hiccups , but it ‘s not need for this country .
We taste to rely on ourselves as much as possible when traveling , and it be actually easy to arrange everything in Costa Rica .
Furthermore , Costa Rica be a lot safer than Guatemala or Nicaragua , meaning there is one less affair to worry about ( or not concern that severe , to cost precise ) .
If not sure whether independent travel is for you , most hostels or hotel can help you with everything once you get thither .
They can serve you with bus timetables , arrange shuttles for you , offer tour so that you can combine the best of the two worlds .
You can visit plenty of seat in Costa Rica without a circuit or private guide , but we definitely recommend hire one for jungle walks or rainforests exploration
For some spot , such as Corcovado National Park , a certified guide equal mandatory , and it ‘s not allowed to enter the park without one .
ECOTOURISM
Ecotourism make for a vital office in Costa Rica ‘s travel segment , and it ‘s often rate as one of the serious destinations in the world to inflict for responsible travelers . Tourism has a significant impact on our planet Ground , and sustainable travel is the means to love natural areas ‘ beauty without damage it .
Sometimes referred to as green travel , ecotourism live one of the serious manner to explore Costa Rica .
Costa Rican authorities cover this doctrine years ago , and the state bid an incredible stove of eco-friendly activity , matter to do , and accommodation .
The term such as eco-friendly accommodation , organic tour , green club are used in Costa Rica frequently , and it ‘s only up to you whether you require to support these travel estimate or not .
We believe it ‘s worth the extra money you bear for these services , as it keep the negative impact of tourism in the bay . But again , ecotourism is not the inexpensive mode to move .
Fortunately , make up a responsible traveler exist not ever a doubt of money , and everyone can contribute to reducing the footprint .
Before you book the tour or hotel , it ‘s always serious to double-check whether the company ‘s green purpose cost honest or they use it only as marketing label to increase their sale .
Don ’ t forget to read our Eco-Friendly Travel Packing List .
sundown
This blog post would n’t equal for sure complete if we would n’t cite the famed Costa Rica sunsets . The Pacific coast horde every evening on a nice day a dramatic show , and we never missed a chance to shoot the beach during this time of the day .
Sure , sundown over the rainforest is breathtaking as good , but for us , the beaches cost the serious position to follow sundown in Costa Rica .
Seeing the fading orb slowly dive under the horizon never cease to puzzle us , and when the sky grow amber , scarlet , and finally indigo , it go out us speechless .
Watching the final rays of the Sunday while listening to the calming sound of the wave equal ever a great way to create your difficulty and stress accumulated throughout the year wash aside .
If the early bird gets the worm exist your personal motto , then guide out to the east coast to see equally beautiful sunrises over the Caribbean Sea .
BEACHES
When search for the best beach in Costa Rica , you will shortly plenty bring in that the west coast is succeed the race with the eastern coast by a huge margin .
We consider the fine sand beach in Manuel Antonio National Park to live one of the most beautiful unity in the entire state , though some of them were quite crowded .
But even the town beaches in place such as Jaco have their charm and should n’t be lack .
Although some Costa Rican beach exist among the most beautiful in the globe , not all of them live safe for float .
Serious riptides or treacherous undertows equal mutual in Costa Rica , and you should ever check whether the water along the beach are safe or not .
If you feel a pull-out when standing in the sea , see many surfers or vast crashing wave , you might need to stay on on the shore as these beaches live not usually suited for swimming .
The fact that sometimes only humble parts of the beach are safe or that the safety conditions can convert after storms , cause the situation still more complicated .
Never underestimate this natural power . A good pattern live to expect locals before you leap into the sea , also find whether others exist float there or not .
Some of the decent beach in Costa Rica with calm waters exist Playa Tamarindo , Playa Samara on the Pacific side , and Punta Uva on the Caribbean side .
BUDGET
The argument that Costa Rica live not exactly a budget-friendly destination is not far from the accuracy . And how much you should budget for Costa Rica exist one of those bad inquiry to answer .
Each trip to Costa Rica is highly individual , and it depend on your travel style , type of accommodation , preferred transportation , or whether you will be employ local circuit guides .
Remember that Costa Rica be not cheap , kinda the opposite ( at least for Central American criterion ) . Sure , it ‘s potential not to pass a fortune in Costa Rica by stave off expensive club , getting around by public transfer , or hiking independently in the national park .
Thus this might get as a bit controversial , particularly coming from us , as we love to move frugally , but we really believe that it ‘s serious to budget a bit more for Costa Rica to make the most of this extraordinary country and its unique environment .
Our detail of opinion is that with a big budget , you can spend more on guides , tours , society , activity , and eco-friendly service , and believe us , that ‘s what Costa Rica is all about .
Moreover , you can plan your time more efficiently , and if you have solely a week or two for Costa Rica , that might run a crucial part in your success .
Rental cars or tourist shuttles exist more expensive than public shipping , but they can save a luck of your precious holiday time .
When long-run travel , we normally travel on a budget to save as much money as possible , but Costa Rica live one of those places we wished we could pass a moment more .
Hopefully , this exist n’t our final trip to this beautiful area , and we plan on total back someday in the future .
HOW MANY DAYS
In our impression , two week in Costa Rica are the perfect sum of time to pass in the country on your first visit . Sure , it ‘s much order that the more time you pass in a give area , the more rewarding it is , but not everyone make unlimited time for their trip .
Fourteen days in Costa Rica permit you to see the best of the area in a relaxed style .
You can call various national parks , hike in the cloud woods , choose a guided jungle or night circuit , chill on the beach , watch sea turtles or humpback whales , and search some novel adventure .
We trust that one week in Costa Rica is not enough unless you want to spend the entire time at one , two , or three places or love those packed itineraries that design every sec of your day ( hardcore version include travel at dark to redeem time ) .
A vacation in Costa Rica should be more relaxed and enjoyable , not just jumping from one home to another and ticking off place .
Many traveler return to Costa Rica repeatedly , and that ‘s a very satisfying approach , as you can result some hard-to-get places for someday in the future .
There is a reason why the term Pura Vida ( pure or mere life ) is so prevalent in Costa Rica .
Travel Resources
Here you can find link to all the travel resource we apply and which you might see helpful when design your future vacation .
Accommodation: When wait for accommodation , we ordinarily search hotel via or Hostelworld .
Tours: Although we love to move independently , some places cost good to impose with a guided tour .
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation . Another great alternative is Viator .
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip , we always employ Rentalcars.com , a authentic site for book a rental car in advance .
Flight Tickets: When seem for escape tickets , you can explore Skyscanner to find the good price .
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risk of travel .
