Things To Do
in Roxana

Roxana is a small, laid-back coastal village in Costa Rica surrounded by lush tropical forest and quiet beaches. The community is local and unhurried, offering easy access to wildlife, mangroves and traditional farming landscapes. Visitors come for nature watching, simple beach days and authentic village life rather than big-tourist infrastructure.

Services are modest, but the friendliness of residents and the abundance of birds, monkeys and coastal scenery make Roxana a rewarding low-key destination.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Roxana
morning
:

Arrive at the Juan Santamaría International Airport and take a scenic drive to Roxana, soaking in the lush green landscapes of Costa Rica. Settle into your cozy accommodations and take a moment to refresh after your journey. Prepare for an exciting adventure by enjoying a traditional Costa Rican breakfast at a local café.

afternoon
:

Explore the small town of Roxana and immerse yourself in the friendly atmosphere as you visit local shops and markets. Grab lunch at a popular local eatery where you can taste authentic dishes and interact with locals. Take a leisurely walk through the nearby parks or visit a local art gallery featuring the work of local artists.

evening
:

As the sun sets, savor a delicious dinner at a riverside restaurant with a view of the twilight sky. Join a cultural dance or music event in town, where you can experience the vibrant traditions of Costa Rica. Wind down your first night with a relaxed stroll under the stars, enjoying the tranquil sounds of nature.

day 2
Rainforest Adventure
morning
:

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before setting off on a guided hike in the nearby rainforest. Feel the thrill as you trek through lush trails, surrounded by exotic wildlife and vibrant flora. The sounds of nature will fill the air, adding to the magic of your adventure.

afternoon
:

Stop for a picnic lunch amid nature, enjoying the fresh air and scenic views. After your meal, continue exploring the rainforest or opt for an exhilarating zip-line experience, soaring above the treetops for spectacular views. Capture breathtaking photographs and make unforgettable memories.

evening
:

Return to Roxana and unwind with a delicious dinner featuring local dishes. Share stories of your day with fellow travelers and enjoy the lively atmosphere of a local tavern. Perhaps try a local drink or dessert before heading back to your accommodation for a restful night.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
Coffee at a cafe$2-4
🚕Short taxi ride$3-8
🏨Basic guesthouse / bungalow (per night)$25-60
🛶Half-day guided tour or boat trip$30-70

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Abundant wildlife and natural scenery with few crowds
  • Authentic local culture and friendly community
  • Great opportunities for birdwatching, kayaking and relaxed beach days
  • Lower costs compared with bigger tourist hubs
  • Limited tourist infrastructure and fewer dining/entertainment options
  • Some roads are rough or impassable after heavy rain
  • Fewer medical facilities nearby — longer transfer times in emergencies
  • Mosquitoes and tropical pests can be persistent, especially in rainy season
  • "Buenos días" - Good morning
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Gracias" - Thank you
  • "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does it cost?
  • "¿Dónde está el baño?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Soy alérgico/a a ..." - I am allergic to ...
  • "¿Puede ayudarme?" - Can you help me?

Places to Visit in Roxana

Visit one of these nice places.

Coastal Lookout / Sunset Point

Low cliffs and open beach areas offering wide ocean views and golden-hour sunsets — great for silhouette and seascape shots.

Mangrove Estuary

Reflective waterways, twisted roots and abundant birdlife provide dramatic nature photography opportunities, especially in early morning light.

Village Market and Sodas

Candid shots of daily life, colorful produce and traditional food preparation in local markets and family-run eateries.

Rainforest Edge Trails

Close-up shots of flora, insects and birds along short rainforest loops; look for orchids, heliconias and trogon or toucan species.

Culinary Guide

Food in Roxana

Roxana’s cuisine reflects coastal Costa Rica: fresh seafood, rice and beans, plantains and simple home-cooked flavors. Meals are hearty, often locally sourced, and best enjoyed at family-run sodas or small beachfront restaurants. Expect seasonal seafood, tropical fruits and Costa Rican coffee served throughout the day.

Roxana Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Casado

A traditional plate of rice, beans, salad, plantains and a choice of fish, chicken or beef — widely available at sodas and perfect for a filling local meal.

Must-Try!

Ceviche

Fresh raw fish marinated in lime with onions and cilantro; look for cevicherías near the water for the freshest versions.

Patacones

Twice-fried green plantains served as a side or snack — found at most local restaurants and street stalls.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Village Market / Farmer’s Stall

Small morning market where locals sell fruits, vegetables, fresh fish and homemade snacks — try seasonal fruits, empanadas and freshly grilled fish.

Climate Guide

Weather

Roxana has a tropical climate with relatively consistent warm temperatures year-round (typically mid-20s to low-30s°C / mid-70s to high-80s°F). Humidity is high, especially during the rainy season. The coast experiences sea breezes that can moderate the heat, while heavy rains can fall in concentrated afternoon or evening storms. Expect a pronounced dry period (December–April) and a longer rainy season (May–November) with greener landscapes.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greeting

Greet people with a friendly 'Buenos días' or 'Buenas tardes' and a handshake; small towns value politeness and direct eye contact.

Respect Nature and Private Property

Ask before entering private land, avoid disturbing wildlife and follow Leave No Trace practices on trails and beaches.

Dress

Casual clothing is normal; dress modestly when visiting churches or community events.

Community Sensitivity

Be respectful of local rhythms — mealtimes, festivals and siestas matter; ask permission before photographing people, especially children.

Safety Guide

Safety

Roxana is generally safe but typical rural coastal precautions apply: watch for strong currents and only swim in designated safe spots, secure valuables and avoid displaying expensive items, be cautious on unpaved or poorly lit roads at night, and use insect repellent to reduce mosquito-borne illness risk. Petty theft can occur, so keep belongings safe and use hotel safes when available. In medical emergencies, know the route to the nearest clinic and have emergency numbers handy.

Tipping in Roxana

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory. In restaurants, leaving about 10% is common if service charge isn't included. For guides, drivers and hotel staff a small tip is customary for good service. Taxi drivers usually do not expect large tips; round up the fare.

Payment Methods

Cash (colones and some US dollars) is widely used in small towns — keep small bills and coins. Credit cards are accepted at larger restaurants and accommodations but not everywhere. ATMs may be infrequent; bring enough cash for remote stays. Mobile payments and U.S. dollars are sometimes accepted in tourist spots.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Dry Season (December–April)

Sunshine, lower humidity and calmer seas make this the most popular time to visit; expect warm days, fewer mosquitoes and easier hiking conditions.

Rainy (Green) Season (May–November)

Regular afternoon showers and higher humidity rejuvenate the forest and bring out full green landscapes and spectacular waterfalls; travel can be muddier and some unpaved roads may be difficult after heavy rain.

Shoulder Months (May, November)

Transitional months that can offer a mix of sun and rain with fewer tourists; good value and lots of wildlife activity, but check local road conditions.

Wildlife Seasons

Different species peak at different times—migratory shorebirds often pass through in winter months, while nesting and marine life patterns vary by coast and month.

Nightlife Guide

Roxana at Night

Nightlife in Roxana is low-key: expect a few beach bars or community venues with live music or dancing on weekends, simple evening gatherings at local sodas and informal night markets or fiestas. For a livelier nightlife scene you’ll need to travel to larger nearby towns, but the quiet, starlit beaches and occasional local music create a pleasant, relaxed evening atmosphere.

Hiking in Roxana

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Mangrove Boardwalk Trail

Short, flat trail through mangrove channels with interpretive signs and excellent birdwatching opportunities — suitable for most fitness levels and great at low tide.

Riverside Loop

Easy to moderate loop following a coastal river through secondary forest, good for spotting monkeys, iguanas and freshwater birds; muddy after rains.

Coastal Bluff Trail

A scenic walk along coastal bluffs with panoramic ocean views and dramatic photo vantage points; watch for erosion and stick to marked paths.

Forest Connector Trail

Longer, more rugged hike that links nearby farms and protected patches of rainforest — ideal with a local guide to point out plants and wildlife.

Airports

How to reach Roxana by plane.

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)

The main international airport near San José — a typical arrival point for international visitors; from here you can rent a car or take a domestic connection or bus to regional hubs before continuing to Roxana.

Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR)

International airport in Liberia serving the north Pacific region — convenient if combining Roxana with a multi-destination trip along the Pacific coast; ground transfer times vary by location.

Regional / Domestic Airfields (examples)

Smaller regional airports such as Palmar Sur (PMZ), Golfito (GLF) or Puerto Jiménez (PJM) may offer domestic flights that shorten travel time to southern coastal areas; schedules change seasonally, so check current routes.

Getting Around

Walkability

The village center is highly walkable for short distances — beaches, a few restaurants and small shops are accessible on foot. However, attractions like remote beaches, larger reserves or regional towns often require motor transport. Expect sandy or unpaved paths in places, so comfortable shoes are recommended.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local mestizo families

Most residents are mestizo with strong ties to agriculture, fishing and small trades; family and community networks are central to village life.

Afro-Caribbean communities

In many coastal areas of Costa Rica, Afro-Caribbean cultural influences are present — music, food and language may reflect this heritage depending on the region.

Expat and eco-community residents

A small number of expats, eco-entrepreneurs and volunteers often live in or visit rural coastal villages, contributing to small guesthouses, tours and conservation projects.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Soccer (Football)

Costa Rica’s most popular sport — you’ll often see locals playing pick-up matches and watching professional games in community spaces.

Surfing

Where conditions allow, surfing is popular on Pacific-facing beaches; opportunities and skill levels vary by beach and season.

Fishing

Recreational and subsistence fishing are common; locals fish from shore or by boat for both food and sport.

Volleyball / Beach Sports

Casual beach volleyball and other seaside sports are common social activities.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in and around Roxana is light compared with urban centers, but roads may be narrow, unpaved and slow-moving. Expect agricultural vehicles and school traffic in mornings and afternoons. Public transportation is typically limited to infrequent local buses; a rental car or arranged transfer is the most convenient way to explore the surrounding area. Drive cautiously, especially in the rainy season when roads can become tricky.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Roxana.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but limited; request dishes without meat, ask for extra rice, beans and plantains, and look for vegetable stews or salads at sodas. Bring snacks if you require a wide choice.

Vegan / Gluten-free

Vegan and gluten-free options exist but are not always labeled—communicate clearly in Spanish if possible. Pack staples if you have strict dietary needs.

Allergies

Small kitchens may cross-contact; carry allergy medication and use clear Spanish phrases to explain severe allergies.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Basic healthcare services are usually available in nearby clinics for minor injuries and common ailments; for more serious emergencies or specialized care you will likely be referred to a regional hospital in a larger town or city. Bring a small first-aid kit and any prescription medications you need. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is recommended for remote stays.

Discover Costa Rica

Read more in our Costa Rica 2025 Travel Guide.

Costa Rica Travel Guide