Things To Do
in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a vibrant Central American country known for its lush biodiversity, encompassing rainforests, beaches, and volcanoes, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. It is distinguished by its commitment to environmental preservation and sustainability, generating a significant portion of its energy from renewable sources.
The nation also boasts a peaceful ethos, having abolished its army in 1949, and it consistently ranks high in measures of happiness and well-being among its citizens.
- "Pura vida" - Pure life
- "¿Cómo estás?" - How are you?
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¡Adiós!" - Goodbye!
- "¡Hola!" - Hello!
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $25 - $75
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a guided hike through the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Enjoy the lush greenery and diverse wildlife as you explore the misty trails.
After lunch, visit the famous Monteverde Butterfly Gardens. Here, you can learn about different butterfly species and observe them up close.
Wrap up your day with a traditional Costa Rican dinner in downtown Monteverde. Relish local flavors while enjoying a laid-back atmosphere.
Head to Manuel Antonio National Park for a morning of relaxing on the beautiful beaches. Take a refreshing swim in the tranquil waters.
After lunch, explore the park's trails and discover its diverse wildlife, including sloths and capuchin monkeys. Keep your camera ready for amazing photo opportunities.
Enjoy a sunset dinner at a beachfront restaurant. Savor fresh seafood and listen to the waves as the sun dips below the horizon.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich biodiversity and natural beauty, including beaches, rainforests, and volcanoes.
- Stable political climate and a strong commitment to democracy.
- High standard of living and well-developed healthcare system.
- Reputation as one of the world's leading ecotourism destinations.
- Friendly and welcoming locals, known as Ticos.
- No army since 1949, allowing for increased spending on education and healthcare.
- Higher cost of living compared to other Central American countries.
- Infrastructural issues in certain areas, such as roads and public transport.
- Bureaucratic challenges and slow processing times for permits and licenses.
- Potential for natural disasters, such as earthquakes and hurricanes.
- Tourist popularity can lead to overcrowding in certain areas.
- Limited job opportunities, especially for foreigners without special skills.
Best Activities in Costa Rica
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Costa Rica's Pacific coast offers great waves for surfers of all levels.
Explore the diverse and lush rainforests, as well as the numerous trails in the national parks.
Experience the thrill of flying through the treetops in the country's many zipline courses.
Challenge yourself with exhilarating rapids on the country's various rivers.
Discover the amazing marine life and vibrant coral reefs in the crystal-clear waters of Costa Rica's coastline.
Tours
Uncover the best of Costa Rica with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Costa Rica
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers stunning views of the perfectly conical volcano and its surrounding lush landscape.
Provides opportunities for capturing breathtaking photos of unique cloud forest flora and fauna.
Boasts beautiful Pacific coastline views and diverse wildlife for memorable photos.
Showcases a magnificent 70-meter waterfall set amidst a tropical rainforest, perfect for photography.
Food in Costa Rica
Costa Rica Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional breakfast dish made with rice and black beans, often served with eggs, tortillas, and sour cream. Available at most local eateries and food stalls.
Must-Try!
A typical lunch plate featuring rice, beans, plantains, salad, and a choice of meat or fish. Best enjoyed at local sodas (small family-run eateries) and restaurants across the country.
A popular seafood dish prepared with raw fish marinated in lime juice, mixed with onions, cilantro, and sweet peppers. Found at beachside cafes and seafood restaurants along the coast.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Costa Rica better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
An ideal spot to explore a wide variety of local produce, snacks, and traditional dishes like empanadas, tamales, and arroz con leche.
Discover an array of Caribbean-inspired street food including spicy jerk chicken, coconut-infused rice, and flavorful seafood dishes from roadside vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Costa Rica, it is important to use respectful language, such as 'usted' when addressing someone older or in a position of authority. Greetings are also important, so be sure to use 'buenos días' (good morning), 'buenas tardes' (good afternoon), and 'buenas noches' (good evening) accordingly.
Costa Ricans appreciate their personal space and generally avoid excessive physical contact during interactions. It is important to be mindful of this and refrain from invading personal space, especially with acquaintances or strangers.
Politeness is highly valued in Costa Rican culture. It is important to be patient and polite in social interactions, including saying 'por favor' (please) and 'gracias' (thank you) whenever appropriate.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Costa Rica with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Costa Rica
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not commonly expected in Costa Rica, as a 10% service charge is usually included in the bill at restaurants. However, leaving a small additional tip for exceptional service is appreciated.
Cash is widely used in Costa Rica, especially in smaller towns and local markets. However, credit and debit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and larger stores in tourist areas. It's always good to carry some colones, the local currency, for smaller transactions.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Costa Rica.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Costa Rica with sunny weather, fewer crowds, and excellent opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and wildlife spotting.
Expect higher chance of rain, lush green landscapes, lower accommodation prices, and the opportunity to see baby sea turtles hatching.
Costa Rica at Night
Hiking in Costa Rica
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Known for its volcanic features, this park offers several hiking trails that lead through diverse ecosystems, including waterfalls and hot springs.
A vast park on the Osa Peninsula, it features challenging trails through rainforests, offering encounters with a variety of wildlife and stunning coastal views.
Home to the iconic Arenal Volcano, this park has several hiking trails of varying difficulty, surrounded by lush rainforest and beautiful lake views.
Famous for its biodiversity, this reserve offers scenic hiking trails through cloud forests, with opportunities to see unique flora and fauna.
This park features the highest peak in Costa Rica, Cerro Chirripó, with multi-day hiking options that reward trekkers with breathtaking views from the summit.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Costa Rica through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Costa Rica by plane.
Located in Alajuela, this is the largest airport in Costa Rica, serving as the primary international gateway.
Located in Liberia, this airport serves the northwest region of Costa Rica and is popular for tourists heading to Guanacaste.
Situated in San José, this airport is primarily used for domestic flights but also handles some international flights.
Located in El Salvador, this airport is about 2.5 hours from Costa Rica and serves as a major hub for Central American travel.
Located in the Osa Peninsula, this small airport serves regional flights and is close to several tourist destinations.
Located in Quito, Ecuador, this airport is approximately a 2-hour flight from Costa Rica and offers various international flights.
Situated in Nicaragua, this airport is about a 1.5-hour flight from Costa Rica and serves as a connection point for travelers heading to Central America.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
People of mixed European (Spanish) and Indigenous ancestry, making up the majority of the Costa Rican population.
Various groups native to Costa Rica, such as the Bribri, Cabécar, Maleku, and Ngäbe, among others.
Individuals primarily of Spanish descent; they form a significant portion of the population, particularly in urban areas.
People of African descent, mainly found in the Caribbean coastal regions and areas like Limon.
Includes diverse communities, such as Chinese and Japanese, who have contributed to the cultural landscape of the country.
The Soul of Costa Rica
Discover the essence of Costa Rica through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Costa Rica, with a passionate following and a successful national team known as La Sele.
With its beautiful coastlines, Costa Rica is a popular destination for surfing, attracting both locals and tourists.
Basketball is widely played across the country, with many young athletes participating in local leagues and schools.
Both beach and indoor volleyball are popular, with many recreational leagues and competitions.
Mountain biking and road cycling are popular activities, with various trails and events held throughout the country.
While not as popular as football, baseball has a solid following, particularly in certain regions of the country.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Most restaurants and cafes in Costa Rica offer vegetarian options such as plant-based casados, hearty salads, and vegetable-filled empanadas. Popular tourist areas and larger cities also have dedicated vegan eateries.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can indulge in dishes like fresh ceviche, grilled meats, and rice-based meals. Many modern cafes and restaurants are conscious of dietary needs and provide gluten-free substitutes for traditional staples.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Costa Rica with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Costa Rica.