In a nutshell
- Looking for an honest Costa Rica trip report based on real travel experience? You’re in the right place.
- Our editor Larissa spent a full month exploring Costa Rica. We asked her 11 questions — she answered all 11, completely honestly.
- Her verdict: a trip here is absolutely worth it. Stunning nature, incredible wildlife, and the Pura Vida spirit make Costa Rica one of the best destinations in the Americas.
What should I absolutely know about Costa Rica?
- Costa Rica is located in the southern part of Central America. To the north, the country borders Nicaragua, and to the south, Panama.
- Costa Rica borders two oceans: the Pacific to the west and the Caribbean (Atlantic) to the east.
- Costa Rica is a very small country. It covers 51,100 square kilometers — only slightly larger than Lower Saxony.
- Costa Rica is home to more than 500,000 different animal species. Incredible, right?
- More than 99 percent of Costa Rica’s electricity needs are met by renewable energy, with the largest share coming from hydropower.
- The Ticos and Ticas (as Costa Ricans call themselves) are a mix of South Americans, Europeans, and Afro-Caribbeans. Their official language is Spanish.
Why should I travel to Costa Rica at least once in my life?
Honestly, where do we even start?
- The incredibly beautiful nature. Costa Rica truly has it all: impressive waterfalls, stunning volcanoes, lush rainforests and cloud forests, and breathtaking beaches.
- The amazing wildlife. Larissa had so much fun walking through Costa Rica’s national parks with binoculars in hand, searching for animals around every corner.
- She spotted wild monkeys, hummingbirds, tapirs, and even crocodiles. But her absolute all-time favorite? The sloth — so unbelievably cute! She found one in Manuel Antonio National Park.
- The life motto of Costa Ricans. Pura Vida. It translates to “pure life” — a reminder to enjoy every moment, no matter what comes your way. We love it.
And it’s precisely for these four reasons that Costa Rica ranks among our top 5 favorite travel destinations in the world.
Is Costa Rica a safe travel destination?
Yes, Costa Rica is considered one of the safest countries in Central America. That said, it’s not quite the same as traveling in Western Europe.
Minor crimes like pickpocketing are more common here, and tourists aren’t exempt. That said, Larissa always felt safe and comfortable throughout her trip.
Before you go, it’s worth brushing up on the most important safety tips — for example, avoiding walking alone after dark.
We’ve covered exactly where to be cautious and alert in our article on Costa Rica safety, along with a ton of practical advice.
What is it like to travel around Costa Rica? How do I get from A to B?
In our experience, getting around Costa Rica is super easy. Larissa traveled almost entirely by bus and it worked out really well.
The bus network is well-developed and the buses are reasonably comfortable.
This is especially true for routes between the capital San José and the main highlights in Costa Rica.
You can find many bus connections and schedules online, and some buses can even be reserved in advance. Others you simply pay the driver directly.
In rural areas, things get a bit more complicated. Buses there don’t always run on fixed schedules, and sometimes you have to track down the stop.
The best solution: ask locals. And in every article about individual attractions, we’ve described exactly how to get there.
The buses aren’t the most modern — they’re often older and don’t have air conditioning. But you always have your own seat and can store your bag easily.
Even easier is renting a car.
The roads can be rougher than you’re used to, but if you drive carefully, it’s totally manageable. With GPS, getting from A to B is a breeze.
If neither option appeals to you, you can also book a shared minivan for routes between popular attractions. There are fewer people on board and you still don’t have to drive yourself.
How much time do I need for a road trip through Costa Rica?
Plan for at least two weeks to see the most important highlights without rushing.
More time is always better, of course. Larissa spent four weeks in Costa Rica in total and found it perfect — though she did spend an entire week just chilling in Puerto Viejo.
In our Costa Rica itinerary article, we’ve laid out the perfect routes for two and three weeks of vacation. Definitely worth a look before you start planning!
What was your absolute highlight in Costa Rica?
The sea turtles in Tortuguero. Hands down!
Here’s why: in Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast, female sea turtles come ashore at night to lay their eggs on the beach between July and November. It was simply magical.
Watching one of these ancient creatures search for the perfect spot for her babies — and above it all, that absolutely incredible starry sky. A personal highlight and a truly unforgettable experience.
Read everything you need to know for the turtle tour in our dedicated article on Tortuguero National Park.
But we also want to share a close second, since the turtles aren’t there year-round.
Manuel Antonio National Park. It’s Costa Rica’s most popular national park, and it’s easy to see why.
Searching for wildlife with a guide is seriously exciting! Larissa spotted hummingbirds, monkeys, tiny crawling creatures, and incredibly cute sloths — one even had a baby clinging to her.
On top of that, one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica is right inside the national park. Two experiences in one. A truly wonderful day.
Everything you need to know for your visit to Manuel Antonio National Park is in a separate article we put together for you.
Do you have an insider tip for Costa Rica you can share with us?
Do everything as early as possible! Especially the national parks and cloud forests (like Monteverde or Santa Elena). Costa Rica is becoming an increasingly popular destination, and the parks are getting more crowded every year.
Getting up early is really worth it. It’s not quite as hot in the morning, and many animals are most active at that time too.
What are 5 things I should never do as a tourist in Costa Rica?
- Never touch animals or plants without permission. Costa Ricans care deeply about nature — and you never know whether an animal is dangerous or a plant is poisonous.
- For the same reason, never pick plants to take home as a souvenir.
- Never let your belongings out of your sight. Pickpockets tend to lurk at bus stations and busy tourist spots.
- Skinny dipping! Costa Ricans really don’t appreciate that.
- Getting impatient when things don’t go as planned — like when the bus is late. Don’t get rude; just stay relaxed. Pura Vida is the motto. Everywhere in the country. Period.
What else should I absolutely know as a tourist in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is the most expensive destination in Central America and pricier than many South American countries too — though it’s still very affordable by Western standards.
For a good double room, expect to pay an average of 100 euros, and lunch costs around 8 euros. Larissa visited six national parks, and did a guided tour in three of them.
For all of that, she paid a total of about 250 euros — an average of 41 euros per park. And trust us: every cent is worth it!
For more practical information before your trip — including how to get there, costs, vaccinations, and more — check out our Costa Rica travel tips article.
What is there to eat in Costa Rica?
Rice and beans. All the time. Breakfast, lunch, dinner. Seriously, Costa Ricans love it!
At breakfast, it’s called Gallo Pinto, and for the rest of the day, Casado. The preparation is just slightly different.
But there’s also a ton of amazing fresh fish in Costa Rica, and it’s absolutely delicious. You should also try the many tropical fruits — they’re incredibly fresh.
Larissa’s favorite way to enjoy them was as batidos — a kind of smoothie or shake.
You can find her favorite dishes and genuine restaurant recommendations in our Costa Rica food article.
What were your 3 most important gadgets that you brought along?
#1 Hiking boots!
Larissa walked a ton in Costa Rica, especially through the national parks. There were steep uphill sections and muddy trails. A solid pair of shoes is absolutely non-negotiable.
#2 A backpack instead of a rolling suitcase!
We really don’t recommend traveling through Costa Rica with a rolling suitcase. Even within towns, you’ll run into hills and unpaved roads.
A backpack makes everything so much easier.
#3 A rain jacket!
The climate in Costa Rica is tropical and varies quite a bit between regions. On the Caribbean side, for example, it can rain fairly often even during the dry season.
In the northern regions it tends to be a bit cooler — in that case, the jacket doubles as a warm layer too.
#4 Insect repellent!
We’re adding a fourth item because it really matters: insect repellent! Larissa had great results with the spray Anti Brumm Ultra Tropical.
The mosquitoes are aggressive and can transmit diseases. Protecting yourself day and night is a must.
