A Costa Rica vacation promises an unforgettable blend of experiences. Its rainforests are home to an incredible variety of wildlife, while its beaches provide ideal relaxation spots. Towering volcanoes add to the breathtaking scenery.

Yet, what truly sets Costa Rica apart is its friendly, welcoming culture, that invites travelers to embrace the laid-back “Pura Vida” lifestyle. Whether you’re seeking thrilling adventures or simply looking for a peaceful beach getaway, Costa Rica offers a perfect mix of excitement and relaxation.

• Visa: Citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, the European Union member states and Australia, do not need a visa for tourist visits to Costa Rica for stays of up to 90 days. Verify the specific visa requirements and entry conditions for your nationality and travel circumstances.

• Vaccinations: Ensure your routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP) are up-to-date. Get vaccinated for hepatitis A and consider hepatitis B if needed. Typhoid vaccination is advisable, particularly for adventurous eaters. Yellow fever vaccination may be required if arriving from high-risk areas. Rabies is optional but prudent for certain activities. Influenza shots are recommended during the May-November flu season. Stay vigilant against mosquito-borne diseases, use repellent, and wear protective clothing.

• Flight Booking: Check out our flight booking tips to make sure you get the best value for your money.

• Currency: Costa Rica’s official currency is the Costa Rican colón (CRC). While the United States dollar (USD) is widely accepted, it’s a good idea to have some colónes on hand, especially for smaller purchases and in more remote areas.

• Tamarindo Beach: Tamarindo, on the Pacific coast, is a popular surf destination with consistent waves. It offers a lively atmosphere with numerous restaurants, bars, and shops.

• Playa Conchal: This beach is known for its unique crushed seashell sands, making it incredibly beautiful. It’s a great spot for swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.

• Montezuma Beach: A charming coastal town with a beautiful beach, Montezuma is a great place to relax, swim, and explore nearby waterfalls and hiking trails.

• Playa Avellanas: Known for its consistent waves, Avellanas is a surfer’s paradise. It’s often referred to as “Little Hawaii.”

• Playa Potrero: Potrero is a quiet beach with a small-town atmosphere. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy local culture.

• Arenal Volcano: Witness the famous Arenal Volcano, an active stratovolcano, and explore the surrounding Arenal Volcano National Park. Enjoy activities like hiking, hot springs, and zip-lining.

• Tortuguero National Park: Observe nesting sea turtles on the beaches of Tortuguero National Park, which is a vital nesting site for green sea turtles.

• Corcovado National Park: Experience the wilderness and incredible biodiversity in Corcovado National Park, located on the Osa Peninsula. It’s one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.

• Turrialba Volcano: Explore the Turrialba Volcano region, known for its coffee plantations, beautiful landscapes, and the opportunity to hike to the summit of the volcano.

• Pacuare River: Embark on an exciting white-water rafting adventure down the Pacuare River.

• Gallo Pinto: This is a quintessential Costa Rican breakfast dish made from rice and black beans, sautéed together with onions, bell peppers, and spices. It’s typically served with eggs, cheese, and a side of sour cream or natilla (a sweet, creamy, and custard-like dessert).

• Olla de Carne: A hearty beef soup, olla de carne is made with a variety of vegetables, yuca (cassava), and sometimes plantains. It’s a popular Costa Rican comfort food.

• Chifrijo: A popular bar snack, chifrijo consists of a layer of black beans topped with fried pork belly (chicharrón), diced tomatoes, chopped onions, and cilantro. It’s often served with tortilla chips.

• Rondón: Commonly enjoyed on the Caribbean coast, rondón is a flavorful coconut seafood stew made with fish, shrimp, and often crab or lobster, along with yams, plantains, and spices.

• Tres Leches Cake: For dessert, indulge in tres leches cake—a sponge cake soaked in a mixture of three milks (evaporated milk, condensed milk, and cream).

• Indigenous Reservations: Visit indigenous reservations, such as the Bribri and Cabécar communities in Talamanca, to learn about indigenous cultures, traditions, and artisanal crafts.

• Dance and Music: Attend a traditional dance performance, such as the “Punto Guanacasteco” or “Tambito”, featuring colorful costumes and lively music. Look out for local marimba bands playing traditional tunes.

• Coffee and Chocolate Tours: Visit coffee and cacao plantations to learn about the process of coffee and chocolate production. Participate in tastings to savor the flavors unique to the region.

• Religious Festivals: Participate in religious festivals like Semana Santa (Holy Week) or the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels (Virgen de los Ángeles) to witness the deep-rooted religious traditions of Costa Ricans.

• Coffee Farm Stay: Experience a coffee farm homestay where you can live with a local family, work on the coffee farm, and learn about their daily routines and traditions.

• Pura Vida: “Pura Vida” is a popular Costa Rican expression that translates to “pure life.” It’s used to convey a sense of happiness, contentment, and an appreciation for life’s simple pleasures.

• Addressing People: Use titles like “Señor” (Mr.), “Señora” (Mrs.), or “Señorita” (Miss) followed by the last name when addressing people formally. In informal settings, first names are often used.

• Use “Usted”: When addressing someone formally, use the polite form “usted” rather than the informal “tú.” This is a sign of respect, especially when speaking to older individuals or people in authority.

• Punctuality: Costa Ricans tend to have a relaxed attitude toward time, and it’s common for events and meetings to start a little later than scheduled. However, it’s still considered polite to be punctual.

• Use “Buen provecho”: It’s common to say “Buen provecho” (enjoy your meal) to people dining in restaurants. This polite phrase is a way to wish fellow diners a good meal.

Before international travel, you should always make a plan for how you’ll use your phone.

Costa Rica roaming charges can add up quickly, and you don’t want to get stuck with a huge phone bill after an amazing vacation.

Carrier travel data packages are often expensive, with limited data and a lot of restrictions.

A budget-friendly way to avoid Costa Rica roaming charges is to download a Costa Rica eSIM that comes with a prepaid Costa Rica data package.