Costa Rica Travel Guide: Rainforests, Beaches & Adventure

Costa Rica has two distinct seasons, but it’s a great destination year-round:

• December–April (Dry Season): Best for beaches, hiking, and outdoor adventures.
• May–November (Green Season): Fewer crowds, lush landscapes, and excellent wildlife viewing.
• September–October: The Caribbean coast (Puerto Viejo & Tortuguero) has its driest weather.

• Arenal Volcano & La Fortuna – A stunning volcano with hot springs, waterfalls, and adventure activities.
• Monteverde Cloud Forest – A biodiverse rainforest famous for ziplining, hanging bridges, and birdwatching.
• Manuel Antonio National Park – A small but beautiful park with pristine beaches and abundant wildlife.
• Tortuguero National Park – A jungle paradise known for turtle nesting and boat tours.
• Corcovado National Park – One of the most biodiverse places on Earth, ideal for nature lovers.
• Rio Celeste & Tenorio Volcano National Park – Famous for its bright blue waterfall and stunning rainforest trails.
• Puerto Viejo & Cahuita – Caribbean beaches with laid-back vibes and Afro-Caribbean culture.
• Dominical & Uvita (Whale’s Tail Beach) – A hidden gem with waterfalls, wildlife, and whale watching.
• Guanacaste (Papagayo, Tamarindo & Nosara) – A region known for surfing, luxury resorts, and golden beaches.
• San José & Central Valley – A great base for coffee plantation tours and Poás Volcano.

• Gallo Pinto – Costa Rica’s signature breakfast dish of rice, beans, and spices.
• Casado – A hearty meal with rice, beans, plantains, salad, and your choice of meat or fish.
• Chifrijo – A delicious snack of crispy pork, beans, rice, and pico de gallo.
• Ceviche – Fresh marinated seafood, often served with lime and plantain chips.
• Tamales – A traditional dish made of corn dough stuffed with meat, wrapped in banana leaves.
• Olla de Carne – A hearty beef stew with root vegetables and plantains.
• Tres Leches Cake – A rich and creamy dessert soaked in three types of milk.
• Fresh Tropical Fruits – Pineapple, mango, papaya, guava, and passionfruit are a must-try.
• Costa Rican Coffee – Some of the best coffee in the world, grown in the Central Valley.

• Car Rentals: Best for exploring beaches, national parks, and remote areas.
• Shuttle Services & Private Transfers: A comfortable option for tourists traveling between popular destinations.
• Domestic Flights: Quick flights between San José, Liberia, and remote regions like Drake Bay and Tortuguero.
• Buses (Public & Tourist): The most affordable option, but can be slow and require multiple transfers.
• Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Uber operates in San José and major tourist areas.
• Boats & Ferries: Needed for Tortuguero, Osa Peninsula, and the Nicoya Peninsula.

• No visa required for stays up to 90 days for travelers from the U.S., Canada, U.K., EU, Australia, and many other countries.
• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date.
• A return or onward ticket is required upon entry.
• Travel insurance covering medical expenses may be required—check entry rules before traveling.

• Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC).
• S. dollars are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas.
• Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants, but cash is needed for small shops and rural areas.
• ATMs are available in cities and tourist hubs, but carry cash in smaller towns.

• Spanish is the official language.
• English is spoken in most tourist areas, but learning basic Spanish phrases is helpful.
• Common Spanish words to know:
  • Pura Vida! – Pure Life (a common Costa Rican greeting)
  • Hola! – Hello
  • Gracias – Thank you
  • ¿Cuánto cuesta? – How much does it cost?

• Costa Ricans (Ticos) are friendly and polite – Greetings with a handshake or cheek kiss are common.
• Pura Vida is a way of life – It means “pure life” and reflects the laid-back, positive attitude of the country.
• Tipping is not mandatory, but appreciated for good service.
• Conservation is important – Costa Rica is a leader in eco-tourism, so be mindful of nature and wildlife.
• Avoid feeding or touching wildlife – It’s harmful to animals and illegal in national parks.

• Restaurants: A 10% service charge is often included, but extra tipping is appreciated.
• Taxis: No tip required, but rounding up is common.
• Hotels & Tour Guides: A small tip for excellent service is recommended.

• For peak season (December–April): Book 6–12 months in advance for flights and hotels.
• For off-season (May–November): Book 2–3 months ahead for better deals.
• For popular attractions (Arenal tours, Manuel Antonio, Monteverde lodges): Book at least a month in advance.

• COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, but always check for updates before traveling.
• Some national parks require online reservations (e.g., Manuel Antonio, Corcovado).
• Certain vaccinations (like Yellow Fever) may be required if arriving from specific countries.

Contact us at 281-229-0862 or admin@pointmetoparadise.com