Costa Rica travel can seem confusing, and we know first hand how overwhelming planning a vacation to a new country can get. With this in mind, we’ve put together this section with frequently asked questions and useful (and/or interesting) information about Costa Rica, which will hopefully help you get excited about your trip, or even decide if this is the right destination for you!
Frequently Asked Questions:
When is the best time to travel to Costa Rica?
A/ There are several answers to this question, depending on what kind of vacation you’re looking for.
Weather considerations
The short answer is from December to April: this is the dry season in most of the country, and the time when you’re most likely to get the sunniest, driest weather Costa Rica is capable of.
The longer answer is that ANYTIME can be the best time to travel to Costa Rica! The dry season is great, but it’s also high season, so everything is more expensive, and the most popular destinations can get quite crowded. While the rainy season “officially” starts in May, it’s a very gradual change, with afternoon showers getting more and more frequent, and the wettest months on the Pacific coast being September and October.
Traveling during the rainy season
Of course, that’s not to say that September and October are bad months to visit. This is actually the time for a secret dry season on the Caribbean coast, known for some of the most breathtaking, rainforest-lined beaches in the country, laid-back rasta vibe, great surfing and rustic little bungalows.
If this doesn’t sound like something you’d enjoy, the Northwest Pacific isn’t half bad during the rainiest months either! It’s the driest area on the Pacific coast, and it usually rains in the afternoons, leaving you with pretty enjoyable mornings. This part of the country will offer you a more “polished” customer service experience, with plenty of nice resorts and boutique hotels.
Wildlife considerations
With that said, the weather isn’t the only aspect you should consider when thinking about the best time to visit. Lots of people come to Costa Rica for its wildlife, which comes out at different times, depending on what you’d like to spot:
- Whale watching? Head to the Central and South Pacific from August to October (it’s going to rain, but it’ll be worth it).
- Turtle nesting? Mid-July to November in Tortuguero. May to November on the Nicoya Peninsula (Camaronal or Ostional Wildlife Refuges). Mid-October to mid-February at Las Baulas National Park (for giant leatherback turtles!).
- Quetzals? February to May in the cloud forests – Monteverde, San Gerardo de Dota and Los Quetzales National Park are some of the best spots for this.
On a final note, if you aren’t coming for any specific species of wildlife, and you can travel at any time, my personal recommendation is the month of May. It’s the beginning of the rainy season, so the weather is still generally great (you can expect afternoon showers, but nothing too dramatic), but prices are already low and you won’t run into too many people!
We are working on more detailed descriptions for each month of the year, which will help you get ready, and select the areas you’ll want to visit.
How long should I make my vacation?
A/We recommend at least a week. This will give you some time to travel to 2 areas – most people go for the Arenal Volcano area, for adventure, wildlife and hot springs + a beach, to relax, get some sun and possibly more wildlife. You want to plan at least 2-3 nights at most destinations.
If you are able to get away for more time and your budget permits it, the longer, the better! Costa Rica is so full of amazing places, that you’d need a lifetime to see all of them.
Should I rent a car? If not, how can I get around?
A/This is one of the most frequently asked questions people have while planning a vacation. Long story short: it depends on how you like to travel!
Renting a car
Having a car can give you lots of flexibility to explore the country. It lets you get to great off-the-beaten path destinations that are either difficult or expensive to get to with public transportation or arranged transfers. If you feel comfortable driving in an unfamiliar country, and don’t mind getting lost along the way from time to time, it can be another adventure!
On the other hand, this can add a lot of stress to your vacation, especially if you’re not used to driving in weird places. Costa Rica is a very mountainous country, with winding roads that are sometimes in poor condition. You always have to be ready for surprises, too! It’s not uncommon to have to stop because of landslides, fallen trees, or to let animals cross. Our most recent memorable encounter was an anteater!
Private or shuttle transportation
With this option, you can enjoy the convenience of just sitting back, and letting someone else deal with Costa Rican roads! We recommend private transfers from and to the airport. These can be set up according to the time of your arrival and departure. Then, shared shuttle transfers are available between most major destinations. They run on set schedules, usually once or twice a day, and will pick you up from almost any hotel.
If there’s 4 or more people in your group, or your budget allows, you can also opt for private transfers during your entire vacation. This allows you to set the time of your transfers, and gives you the chance to make any stops you’d like along the way. You can take pictures, grab something to eat, use the bathroom, get some groceries etc.
COVID Update: Provided transportation can be a great way to get around during the pandemic. Transportation companies have strict sanitary protocols to minimize the risk of infection. Of course, if you’d like to be extra safe, booking a private transfer instead of a shared shuttle would be the best option.
Public transportation
Of course, if you are on a budget, there’s always public transportation. To be honest, this is how I always got around during my first trips to Costa Rica. It’s definitely an interesting experience! The routes and schedules aren’t always easy to figure out, and connections are often difficult to make. You will need a lot of extra time and patience if you decide on this. It won’t be uncommon for you to need to spend a night along the way, before you can get to your next destination. You’ll also have to be extra mindful of your belongings, as theft is common on public buses. Don’t put anything in the overhead storage. Hug your bag, or keep it between your feet.
That’s not to say that public buses are all bad. Just go with an open mind and an adventurous spirit. It’ll allow you to experience the country in a way that most tourists don’t. You can save money, meet new people (advice from strangers has often lead me to the most interesting places I’ve visited, and they have great tips on the best routes to take), enjoy the scenery, taste fun, greasy and amazing food from rest stops, and come back with great stories to tell!
Here are some resources to find bus schedules. Always double-check this information with the drivers or fellow travelers at the bus terminal, because it’s not 100% reliable:
What documents are required to travel to Costa Rica? – Frequently asked questions about entry requirements
A/Due to the coronavirus, the entry requirements to the Costa Rica have changed quite a bit over the course of the pandemic. The conditions to enter the country are often updated and will continue to change as the local and international situation evolves. You can find the most up-to-date information by visiting: https://www.visitcostarica.com/en/costa-rica/statement-costa-rica-tourism-board-covid-19
As of April 1st, 2022, all travel and entry restrictions due to COVID-19 have been lifted. Being vaccinated is not required, and masks are optional in public areas.
Are any vaccinations required to enter Costa Rica?
A/If you are coming from the United States, Canada or Europe, no vaccinations are required to enter the country. Of course, we always recommend that you be up to date on your routine vaccines.
You will need to be vaccinated against yellow fever if you are coming from, or have visited one of the following countries in the past 6 months: Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabón, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leona, Sudan, Bolivia, Brasil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, French Guyana and Venezuela.
What currency do they use in Costa Rica? Do I need to exchange money?
A/The currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican Colon (CRC), however, the U.S. Dollar is also widely accepted throughout the country. You can calculate the exchange rate using this widget
If you’re coming from the U.S., you can bring some dollars, and don’t need to exchange it. Whatever you do, don’t change your money to colones at the booths at the airport. The exchange rate is absolutely terrible! I made this mistake during my first trip here, and was not happy when I realized how bad it was. You should go to a bank if you really prefer to exchange your money. With that said, ATMs will accept most credit cards, and it’s much easier to just withdraw money a few times during your vacation. Even though Costa Rica is a relatively safe country, you don’t want to be walking around with too much cash on you. It’s better not to take the risk.
Most places will accept Visa and Mastercard. American Express and Discover are getting more common as well, although fewer businesses take these. Some smaller supermarkets (“pulperías”), shops or restaurants (“sodas”), will only take cash.
If you are paying in dollars, try to bring smaller bills, such as $5s, $10s or $20s. They will rarely have change for larger denominations.
Will my cellphone work in Costa Rica?
A/Probably. Most phone will work internationally nowadays. However, roaming charges are usually outrageous, and you could have an incredibly expensive surprise when you get home and look at your phone bill. You can always get an international plan with your phone company, but these tend to be quite pricey as well, especially if you don’t tend to travel too much.
Free WiFi is very common in public spaces in Costa Rica. Our best recommendation is actually to just keep your phone on airplane mode. You can then use WhatsApp, Skype, Facebook or any other messaging system that doesn’t require a phone line to work. This way, you can catch up with the “real world” when you get back to your hotel room after an adventure, or at a restaurant while getting a bite to eat.
Do I need an adapter for my electronics?
A/If you are coming from North America, you will not need an adapter. Visitors from most other countries will need an electrical adapter. Costa Rica uses type A and B plugs and sockets, and the standard voltage is 120V. This handy site will give you all the extra information you need.
Can I drink the tap water in Costa Rica?
Almost always. Unless you’re traveling to the amazingly beautiful Caribbean coast. Tap water is generally safe and high quality in Costa Rica, but is definitely not drinkable on most of the East coast. When in doubt, ask the locals!
If you are in an area where the tap water is safe to drink, please don’t buy bottled water.
Any other questions you’d like answered ? Let us know in the comment section below.
