Costa Rica
Between dense jungle, volcanoes, and two oceans: your guide to planning the perfect Costa Rica trip.
Our Review of Costa Rica
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Flair
Pura Vida: green, biodiverse, and seriously laid-back.
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Travel season
December through April (dry season).
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Travel duration
Two to three weeks for a nature road trip.
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Currency
Colón (US dollars are widely accepted too).
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Tip
A 10% service charge is often already included in the bill.
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Transport
A rental car (4x4) is by far your best option. Buses work well too if you're on a budget.
Where is Costa Rica located?
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 sits between two oceans: the Pacific to the west and the Caribbean to the east — which is a big part of what makes it so diverse.
It’s actually a pretty small country, covering just 51,100 square kilometers. To put that in perspective: it’s only slightly larger than Lower Saxony.
Around 5.2 million people call Costa Rica home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Costa Rica an expensive destination?
Costa Rica is one of the most expensive countries in Central America to travel.
A decent double room starts at around $80, and dinner at a simple restaurant will run you about $15.
That said, there are plenty of affordable hostels if you’re on a budget. And at places called sodas — small local spots serving traditional Costa Rican food — you’ll often pay much less.
How safe is Costa Rica?
Overall, Costa Rica is a pretty safe country for travelers.
We felt comfortable using public buses and exploring on our own — and that includes traveling solo as a woman.
The one exception is San José. During the day it was fine, but we wouldn’t wander around the capital alone at night — it just didn’t feel right.
In the national parks, your guide looks after your safety, and we never felt uneasy around the wildlife either.
What's the best time to visit Costa Rica?
Honestly, Costa Rica is worth visiting any time of year.
The best weather falls in the dry season from December through April — that’s your safest bet for sunshine.
During the rainy season from May to November, you’ll get more rain, but in a tropical country like Costa Rica it’s usually just short afternoon showers. Don’t let it put you off.
What language do they speak in Costa Rica?
The official language is Spanish.
In all the main tourist areas, though, you’ll find people speak solid English — you won’t have any trouble getting around.
What currency does Costa Rica use?
The official currency is the Costa Rican Colón. At the time of writing, one euro gets you around 567 Colónes.
In most accommodations, restaurants, larger souvenir shops, and with tour operators, you can usually pay in US dollars too.
Credit cards are widely accepted at those same places without any issues.
That said, always carry some cash for buses, sodas (those small local restaurants), and markets — they often won’t take cards.
