Costa Rica Travel Guide 🇨🇷
Everything a traveler should know before visiting Costa Rica — rainforests, wildlife, beaches, volcanoes & eco-tourism
🌤 Live Weather — San José
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📌 Quick Facts
🏙 Capital San José
🌿 Highlights Cloud forests · beaches · wildlife · adventure travel
💱 Currency Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
🗣 Languages Spanish (English in tourist areas)
⏱ Time Zone GMT−6
🔌 Plug Type Type A · B — 120V
Famous for: Pura Vida culture · national parks · sloths & toucans · zip-lining · eco-lodges
🛂 Visa & Entry Rules
Visa-free for many countries Return / onward ticket required Hotel booking or address- Passport valid 6+ months
- Travel insurance recommended
- Stay duration depends on nationality
Always confirm latest entry rules from official immigration sources.
🗓 Best Time to Visit
🌤 Dec–Apr Dry season (best for beaches & sightseeing)
🌧 May–Nov Green / rainy season
🐢 Jul–Oct Best for wildlife & turtle nesting
💸 Shoulder Season Fewer crowds
Caribbean coast weather is different from Pacific side.
💰 Average Trip Budget
- 🎒 Budget — $45–70 / ₹3,800–₹5,800 per day
- 🏨 Mid-Range — $100–170 / ₹8,300–₹14,000 per day
- 👑 Luxury — $230+ / ₹19,000+ per day
Eco-lodges & adventure tours add to costs.
🗺 Top Places to Visit
Arenal Volcano Monteverde Cloud Forest Manuel Antonio La Fortuna Tamarindo Tortuguero🚇 Transport & Getting Around
- Public buses between cities
- Domestic flights to remote areas
- Car rentals common for road trips
- Shuttle services for tourists
Mountain roads can be narrow or unpaved — drive cautiously.
📶 Mobile SIM & Internet
- Main providers — Kolbi · Claro · Movistar
- Tourist SIMs available at airport
- Good coverage in cities
- Weaker reception in rainforest regions
Download offline maps for rural drives.
💵 Money & Payments
- USD widely accepted
- Cards accepted in most hotels & restaurants
- Cash useful in small towns
- ATMs available in major areas
Prices in tourist areas can be higher than regional average.
🍽 Food & Local Cuisine
- Gallo Pinto
- Casado
- Seafood dishes
- Empanadas
- Tropical fruits & coffee
🎊 Festivals & Events
- Envision Festival
- Fiestas Civicas Santa Cruz
- Independence Day
- Palm Sunday & Easter celebrations
🛡 Safety & Travel Awareness
- Generally safe & tourist-friendly
- Avoid isolated beaches at night
- Follow park safety & wildlife rules
- Keep belongings secure
Hire certified guides for rainforest & canyon tours.
🎒 What to Pack
- Light tropical clothing
- Rain jacket
- Hiking shoes
- Insect repellent & sunscreen
🌡 Weather & Climate
- Tropical climate
- Warm temperatures year-round
- Distinct dry & wet seasons
- Humidity varies by region
🧳 Suggested 5-Day Itinerary
- Day 1 — San José city highlights
- Day 2 — Arenal Volcano & hot springs
- Day 3 — La Fortuna waterfalls
- Day 4 — Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Day 5 — Manuel Antonio beaches & wildlife
❓ FAQs
Is Costa Rica good for wildlife tourism?
Yes — one of the most biodiverse countries in the world.
Is English widely spoken?
Common in tourist areas & hotels.
Do I need cash?
Useful in small towns & local eateries.
🚨 Emergency Numbers
🚑 Ambulance 128
👮 Police 911
🔥 Fire 118
🩺 Medical Assistance Local Hospitals
🎟 Tours & Activities in Costa Rica
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