Costa Rica

Discover the beauty of Costa Rica with our comprehensive travel guide! Learn about Costa Rica's tropical weather patterns and the ideal seasons for your visit. Find useful tips on transportation options to navigate this stunning country efficiently. Explore our recommendations for must-visit cities, beaches, rainforests, and national parks. Enjoy insights on delicious local cuisine and secret spots that most tourists never find.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Central Valley (San José): December to April brings dry, sunny weather with comfortable temperatures around 75°F (24°C), making it the optimal time to explore the capital region.

Pacific Coast: January to March delivers the best beach weather with consistent sunshine and minimal rainfall. Note that the northern Guanacaste area stays drier for a longer period than the southern Pacific coast.

Caribbean Coast: March to April and September to October offer unexpectedly dry windows on this typically rainy coastline, creating ideal conditions for visiting Tortuguero and Puerto Viejo.

Northern Plains/Arenal: May to November provides clearer views of the volcano despite occasional afternoon rain showers, with fewer tourists compared to the peak dry season.

Monteverde Cloud Forest: January to May has the driest conditions for exploring the highland areas, though the cloud forest maintains its lush environment throughout the year.

How to Get to Costa Rica

Costa Rica has two primary international airports that serve most foreign visitors. Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) is located near San José, the country's capital, and receives flights from many international destinations. This is the most common entry point for travelers to Costa Rica.

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In the northwest, Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) serves Liberia and provides direct access to Guanacaste's Pacific beaches and dry forests. This airport is particularly convenient for travelers heading to coastal resorts, reducing travel time significantly compared to arriving in San José.

Several smaller regional airports connect different parts of the country:

• -Tobías Bolaños International Airport in Pavas handles domestic flights
• -Limón International Airport serves the Caribbean coast
• -Additional airfields near Quepos, Tamarindo, and Drake Bay offer domestic connections that can turn long road journeys into short 30-minute flights
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How to Get Around

Costa Ricans move from place to place using a network of transportation that visitors can easily join. Public buses connect towns and cities throughout the country, where passengers often chat with locals heading to work or visiting family. When the bus climbs mountain roads, riders point out sloths hanging in trees or toucans flying overhead to newcomers.

For those who prefer not to navigate bus schedules, minivans and private shuttles take travelers directly from hotels to destinations. Ferries carry both people and vehicles across blue waters to places like the Nicoya Peninsula, where the captain might announce sea turtle sightings during the journey.

When time matters more than scenery, small planes hop between San José and distant spots like the Osa Peninsula, cutting travel time from days to under an hour. Rental cars sit ready at airports, giving drivers the chance to pull over whenever a roadside fruit stand or waterfall catches their eye.

In towns, taxis wait at central squares while shared "colectivos" follow set routes through countryside communities. Along the coast, water taxis, often simple motorboats, ferry people between shoreline villages in places like Tortuguero, where roads don't reach.

For dependable transportation while visiting, services like Interbus and Paradise Shuttle Costa Rica help travelers make their way through this country, where transportation becomes part of the adventure.

Local Food Scene

Rice and beans transform into something special in Costa Rica. The national dish, gallo pinto, brings these humble ingredients to life with onions, peppers, and Lizano sauce. Local families start their day with it, and travelers can, too, at places like Soda Tapia in San José, where plastic chairs and Formica tables set the scene for authentic meals.

When lunchtime arrives, Costa Ricans order the casado, a plate that tells the story of daily life with its rice, beans, protein, and sweet plantains. Along the coast, fishermen bring in the morning catch, and by afternoon, that same fish becomes ceviche, marinated in lime and served in small cups with crackers.

Markets & Street Food:

• -Mercado Central (San José): Wander the narrow aisles where vendors call out offerings of tamales wrapped in banana leaves and chicharrones that crackle when you bite them.
• -Feria Verde (Aranjuez): Saturday mornings bring farmers with dirt still on their organic carrots and artisans slicing samples of homemade cheese.

Regional Specialties:

• -Caribbean coast: Rondon stew simmers all day, gathering flavors of coconut milk, yucca, and whatever seafood was caught that morning.
• -Guanacaste: Families pass down recipes for chorreadas — corn pancakes that taste of sunshine and pair perfectly with sour cream

Fine Dining:

• -Silvestre (San José): Chefs forage ingredients from Costa Rican forests and present them on handmade pottery.
• -Restaurante Grano de Oro (San José): An old coffee plantation house now houses meals that combine European techniques with local ingredients.
• -Jaguar Restaurant (Puerto Viejo): The sounds of the Caribbean mix with the smells of fresh fish and coconut rice.
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Notable Spots:

• -Product C (Various locations): The day's menu depends on what sustainable fish the boats caught that morning.
• -La Criollita (San José): Tica grandmothers would recognize every dish served in this restaurant, where the recipes have remained unchanged for decades.
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Hidden Gems to Visit

La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park, near Vara Blanca

Water crashes down five different falls as mist rises through the green cloud forest. Butterflies land on visitors' shoulders in the observatory, while hummingbirds zip past so close you can feel their wings stirring the air. Those who arrive on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings between May and November see the falls at their most powerful, with fewer people around to break the spell. The drive from San José takes about 90 minutes along Route 126, winding through mountain roads that reveal new views at every turn. Some hotels arrange transportation for those preferring not to drive.

Cahuita National Park

The sea meets the jungle at Cahuita, where howler monkeys call from branches that hang over white sand beaches. Below the water's surface, 35 different types of coral create homes for fish that dart among the formations. The water reveals these underwater neighborhoods most clearly from February through April. Travelers can catch a public bus from San José to Limón and then another to Cahuita town. From there, a short walk leads to the park entrance, where the forest path begins its journey alongside the Caribbean.

Turrialba Volcano National Park

Steam rises from the earth at Turrialba, where recent volcanic activity has created landscapes that seem from another world. Now reopened after years of closure, the park remains undiscovered by most visitors. Those who make the journey between December and April might stand at the summit and see both the Caribbean and Pacific on the same day. The challenging road requires a guide with a sturdy vehicle, easily arranged in Turrialba town, where locals know the mountain's changing moods.

Scenic Routes

Costa Rica tells its stories through winding roads that connect cloud forests to beaches, volcanoes to wetlands. 

These five routes show travelers what makes the country special, without requiring a special vehicle or expert navigation:

• 1. San Jose to Monteverde: The road climbs steadily from the capital, passing coffee plantations and small towns before entering the cooler air where clouds hang between mountain trees. Travelers on buses watch the landscape change through large windows. December through April brings clearer skies and drier paths.

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• 2. Arenal to Monteverde: Lake Arenal stretches blue beneath the volcano as boats cross its waters. On the other side, mountain roads complete the journey to the forest. Between January and March, the volcano often stands clearly against the sky. The boat-bus combination ticket gives travelers views that are impossible to see by road alone.

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• 3. San Jose to Tortuguero: The journey begins in mountain valleys and ends in waterways where the Caribbean meets the rainforest. The final boat segment passes under hanging vines where monkeys sometimes watch the passing travelers. From July to October, sea turtles come to lay eggs on Tortuguero's beaches.

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• 4. Liberia to Tamarindo: Trees adapted to the dry season line the roads of Guanacaste province. The landscape opens occasionally to reveal cattle farms before arriving at Tamarindo's golden coast. November through April brings sunshine that lights up the countryside.

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• 5. Puntarenas to Paquera: The ferry crosses the Gulf of Nicoya, passing islands that rise green from the blue water. Dolphins sometimes swim alongside, and seabirds follow behind. The calmest crossing happens from December through April, when travelers can stand on open decks watching the world pass by.

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Events, Festivals and Local Markets

At the Feria Nacional del Café (National Coffee Fair) in Frailes each January, the air fills with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Farmers pour samples of their beans, carefully grown in the highlands, while musicians play traditional tunes in the background. The coffee here tells the story of generations of local families.

When Easter approaches, the people of Alajuela gather for the Feria del Chiverre. This celebration centers on the large, green chiverre squash. Families share recipes passed down through generations, turning the fruit into sweet candies and thick jams that can't be found anywhere else.

These festivals open a window into Costa Rican life. Artisans spread their handmade items on colorful tables full of wooden carvings, woven textiles and painted crafts.

The food stalls serve up rice, beans, and plantains prepared the way Costa Ricans make them at home.

When you visit these celebrations, you'll find yourself among locals, not tourists. Children play games in the plaza while grandparents chat in the shade. This is Costa Rica as Costa Ricans know it.

Best Places to Visit

1. San Jose:

In Costa Rica's capital, old meets new on every street corner. Walking through San Jose reveals neighborhoods where century-old buildings stand beside modern structures. At the National Theater, you'll find yourself surrounded by marble floors and gold leaf details, telling stories of coffee prosperity from generations past. A few blocks away, the Gold Museum houses pre-Columbian artifacts that whisper tales of ancient civilizations.

The Central Market buzzes with everyday life as locals shop for fresh fruits, handmade crafts, and traditional herbs. You might catch the scent of freshly brewed coffee from family-owned stalls where recipes have passed through generations.

December through April brings clear skies and pleasant temperatures, making afternoon walks through outdoor plazas comfortable and rain-free.

Throughout the year, the National Theater fills with music during classical concerts. On weekends, Avenida Central transforms into artisan markets where creators sell their work directly to passersby. When the National Stadium lights up for soccer matches, the whole city seems to pulse with energy as fans cheer for their teams.

How to get to San Jose

• -Fly directly to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
• -Take a comfortable bus from most major cities in Costa Rica
• -Hire a private shuttle service from popular tourist destinations
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2. La Fortuna:

At the base of Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna sits as a gateway to natural wonders. The volcano, once perfectly cone-shaped, now has a cragged top from past eruptions. Around it, rainforest paths lead to hidden spots where naturally heated water bubbles up from the earth.

At La Fortuna Waterfall, water drops 200 feet into a clear pool where you can swim after hiking down forest steps. As evening approaches, the hot springs welcome tired bodies, with waters ranging from pleasantly warm to steaming hot, all surrounded by garden landscapes.

January to April offers the clearest views of the volcano's peak, often free from cloud cover. During May through November, the surrounding forests grow even greener, and fewer people crowd the natural attractions.

As darkness falls, night tours reveal a different side of the rainforest — frogs with bright red eyes, sleeping birds, and insects that glow in the dark. During daylight hours, guided hikes take curious travelers closer to the volcano, sharing stories of its fiery past.

How to get to La Fortuna:

• -Shuttle bus services from San Jose to La Fortuna (3-4 hours)
• -Rental car via scenic mountain roads
• -Public bus connections from major transportation hubs
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3. Santa Teresa Beach

On the Nicoya Peninsula's western edge, Santa Teresa Beach stretches along the Pacific. Here, dirt roads connect small businesses, international restaurants, and beach access points. The ocean breaks in perfect waves that appeal to surfers from beginners to professionals.

As the sun drops toward the horizon each evening, the beach fills with people pausing their day to witness the sky change colors. Morning brings yoga practitioners to oceanfront studios where the soundtrack includes breaking waves and birdsong.

From December through April, sunshine dominates and the waves maintain consistent patterns. When May arrives, afternoon rain showers green up the surroundings, making the beaches less crowded.

Every evening, beach yoga sessions welcome practitioners of all levels as the day cools. During peak seasons, local surf spots host competitions where talents display their skills. Throughout the year, community members gather regularly to clean the beaches, preserving the natural beauty that draws people here.

How to get to Santa Teresa Beach:

• -Ferry from Puntarenas to Paquera, then drive (1.5 hours)
• -Domestic flights to Tambor Airport, followed by shuttle service
• -Private shuttle services from San Jose or Liberia airports
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Tips for Traveling in Costa Rica

VISA & ENTRY

US/EU/CAN citizens: No visa needed for stays under 90 days​
Valid passport (6+ months validity required)​
Return ticket proof is necessary at entry

CULTURAL ETIQUETTE

Greet with "Pura Vida" (hello/goodbye/all good)
​Casual dress acceptable; modest attire for churches​
Tipping: 10% (often included as "servicio")

MONEY MATTERS

• Currency: Colón (₡); USD widely accepted
• Credit cards are common in tourist areas; carry cash for rural zones
• ATMs are available in most towns
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HEALTH & SAFETY

• Emergency: 911
• Recommended: Hepatitis A/B, typhoid vaccines
• Travel insurance with evacuation coverage is essential
• Tap water is generally safe in cities
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TRANSPORTATION

• Public buses are affordable but slow
• Uber works in San José
• Consider 4WD for rural areas