Costa Rica Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors

Costa Rica is Central America’s eco-superstar—compact, safe, and overflowing with rainforests, volcanoes, waterfalls, wildlife, and beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific. It is the country people picture when they think “pura vida”: sloths in the trees, toucans overhead, surf towns with yoga studios, and cloud forest trails in the morning mist. For first-time visitors, Costa Rica is refreshingly easy to navigate: tourism is well organized, English is widely understood in tourist areas, and there are endless options for adventure (ziplines, white-water rafting, canyoning, snorkeling, turtle nesting) at every budget. What surprises many travelers is the cost—Costa Rica is not the cheapest in the region—so arriving with clear expectations about money, transport, and safety will help you enjoy the trip more. Use this guide to choose the right regions and travel smarter.

Cities, Towns & Attractions Popular with Tourists

San José: Capital and main air gateway. Good for a day to explore museums and markets, then move on.
La Fortuna / Arenal: One of the most popular bases—Arenal Volcano views, hot springs, hanging bridges, waterfalls, ziplines.
Monteverde Cloud Forest: Famous for hanging bridges, cloud forest trails, bird-watching, and cool mountain air.
Manuel Antonio: Small but wildlife-packed national park plus beaches, great for first-time visitors.
Guanacaste / Papagayo / Tamarindo: Pacific beaches, surf, resorts, sunset catamaran trips—very popular and easy to reach.
Santa Teresa & Nicoya Peninsula: Laidback surf/yoga scene, dirt roads, great sunsets.
Puerto Viejo & Caribbean Coast (Limón): Afro-Caribbean vibe, Cahuita National Park, great snorkeling, more relaxed and less crowded.
Tortuguero: Canal-based national park, turtles in season, accessed by boat/plane.
Osa Peninsula / Corcovado: One of the most biodiverse places on Earth—wilder and pricier to reach, but unforgettable.

Good to Know

Best time to visit: Dec–Apr is the dry/high season on the Pacific—sunny but busier and pricier. May–Nov is green season (rain in the afternoons, lush scenery, fewer crowds). The Caribbean coast has a different pattern and can be lovely in Sept–Oct.
Safety & stability: Costa Rica has no army and is considered one of the safest, most stable countries in Latin America—perfect for families and first-timers.
Nature rules: Many top attractions are in national parks and reserves—there may be daily visitor limits, so book ahead in peak season.
Weather changes by micro-region: Carry a light rain jacket even in “dry” season if you go to cloud forests.
Responsible travel: Stick to marked trails, keep distance from wildlife, and do not feed animals.

Currency & Budget

Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC).

Exchange rate: In 2025, 1 USD typically trades in the ballpark of 500–550 CRC, but the colón can move—check a live rate right before you go.

Average daily budget (approx.):

Backpacker: 45–70 USD/day – hostels or budget guesthouses, local sodas, public buses, basic tours.
Midrange: 90–160 USD/day – comfortable hotels or ecolodges, car rental or tourist shuttles, national park fees, adventure activities.
Luxury: 200–350+ USD/day – boutique jungle lodges, private guides, spa, surf/yoga packages, domestic flights.

Tipping: Many restaurants add a 10% service charge (sometimes plus 13% tax). If service was excellent, add 5–10% more. Tip guides, drivers, and housekeeping.

Credit card acceptance: Excellent in tourist areas—hotels, tour operators, good restaurants, supermarkets, gas stations. Visa and Mastercard are most widely accepted.

ATMs: Widely available in towns and tourist centers. ATMs often let you withdraw in CRC or USD—CRC is more practical for day-to-day spend, but USD is fine for tours and some hotels.

Best way to get local cash: Withdraw from a bank ATM (BAC, BCR, Scotiabank) with a low/no-foreign-fee card. Avoid airport exchange kiosks unless necessary. Keep some smaller CRC bills for buses, tips, and sodas.

Language & Communication

Official language: Spanish.
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, on the Pacific coast, and by tour guides—less so in strictly local neighborhoods.
Local phrase: “Pura vida” – used for everything from hello to thanks to “all good!”.

SIM cards / eSIM

Main operators: Kolbi (ICE), Claro, and Movistar.
Where to buy: At San José airport on arrival (if available), official shops in towns, and some supermarkets—bring your passport.
Tourist eSIM: Very convenient if your phone supports it—activate before landing and you have data straight away.
Coverage: Good along main tourist routes and towns; patchier in deep jungle and remote beaches—download Google Maps offline.

Power Plugs & Voltage

Voltage: 120V, 60 Hz.
Plugs: Type A and B (same as U.S./Canada). Travelers from the U.S. typically do not need an adapter.

Getting Around

Car rental: Very popular and gives the most flexibility, especially for beaches and remote lodges. Insurance is often mandatory and can increase the price—budget for it.
Shared tourist shuttles: Easy, comfortable, and door-to-door between major destinations (San José–La Fortuna–Monteverde–Manuel Antonio–Tamarindo).
Public buses: Cheapest option and fairly reliable, but slower and may require changes in San José.
Domestic flights: Handy for long jumps to Osa Peninsula, Tortuguero, or Nicoya—check luggage limits.
Taxis & rides: Official red taxis or hotel-called taxis are recommended; ride-hailing is available in some areas.

Safety

Overall: Costa Rica is one of the safest countries for travelers in Latin America. Most trips are trouble-free.
Petty theft: The most common issue. Do not leave bags in rental cars, on beaches, or on view in national parks.
Beach & nature safety: Some beaches have strong currents and no lifeguards—ask locals before swimming. In national parks, do not touch or feed wildlife.
Driving: Night driving on unfamiliar roads is not ideal—potholes, rain, and wildlife are common.

Common Tourist Scams & Annoyances

Car break-ins: Never leave valuables in the car, even for a “quick” stop at a waterfall or viewpoint.
Overpriced or unlicensed tours: Book canopy/zipline, rafting, and national park tours through your hotel or well-reviewed agencies.
ATM card skimming: Use machines inside banks or supermarkets.
“Helpful” parking attendants: At beaches or viewpoints, confirm whether parking is official and agree the fee upfront.

Choose 2–3 regions, budget realistically, and embrace the pace of “pura vida”—Costa Rica will do the rest.