Costa Rica is one of those countries that can completely reshape your idea of travel. For a relatively small country, it packs in rainforests, volcanoes, beaches, and some of the most welcoming locals you’ll ever meet.
But first-time visitors often underestimate just how much variety they’ll encounter, both in nature and in culture. That’s why preparing with the right expectations makes all the difference.
Key Points
- Costa Rica offers diverse landscapes and microclimates, so packing light yet versatile is essential.
- Public transport is limited in rural areas; many visitors rent a 4×4.
- Respecting nature is central, as eco-tourism is at the heart of the country’s identity.
- Local cuisine is simple, fresh, and affordable, but dining costs vary by region.
- Safety is generally good, but smart travel habits apply anywhere.
Arriving With the Right Expectations
Costa Rica is not just about beaches and jungles. It’s a country with a strong national identity built on peace and sustainability. Unlike some destinations, Costa Rica abolished its army back in 1949, putting resources into education and healthcare instead. That focus on people and nature shows up in how visitors are treated: “pura vida” isn’t just a slogan, it’s a lived philosophy.
Tourists are often surprised at how developed certain parts feel (think modern shopping centers and international restaurants in San José) and how rustic others are (villages with gravel roads leading to hidden waterfalls). The key is not expecting one uniform travel experience, but rather enjoying the mix.
Transportation Realities
Public buses are cheap and reliable in cities, but once you leave urban areas, connections become sparse. That’s why many travelers opt for renting a car, often a 4×4, since mountain roads can be rough, especially in the rainy season.
Driving distances look short on the map, but winding mountain roads mean a 60-mile trip can take three hours. If you’re short on time, consider domestic flights. Sansa and other local airlines connect major regions quickly, though baggage limits are strict.
For those who want a balance, shared shuttle services are popular. They cost more than buses but are much easier than navigating unfamiliar roads.
The Country of Microclimates
Pack for variety, not just sun and sand. In a single day, you could be shivering on a volcano slope, sweating in a rainforest, and then enjoying a breezy Pacific sunset. The rainy season (May to November) doesn’t mean constant downpours—it often rains in the afternoon, leaving mornings clear.
A light rain jacket, quick-dry clothes, and sturdy walking shoes are worth the luggage space. On the coasts, sandals and swimwear dominate, but inland hikes call for more rugged gear.
Sustainable Travel and Respect for Nature
Costa Rica is a world leader in eco-tourism. National parks cover over a quarter of the country, and protecting biodiversity is central to daily life. Visitors are expected to respect this balance—littering or straying off trails is frowned upon.
For travelers interested in meaningful experiences, opportunities go beyond sightseeing. Programs like New Life Rising connect people to community-based projects and retreats that integrate personal renewal with Costa Rica’s natural environment. Experiences like these often leave a deeper impact than simply visiting tourist hotspots.
Food, Drinks, and Dining
Costa Rican cuisine is simple, fresh, and filling. Staples like gallo pinto (rice and beans), casados (set meals with protein, salad, plantains, and rice), and fresh seafood dominate menus.
- Affordable dining: Local “sodas” (small family restaurants) serve hearty meals at very reasonable prices.
- Tourist pricing: In popular coastal towns, you’ll pay more for international menus, cocktails, and beachfront views.
- Fruits and coffee: Pineapples, mangoes, and bananas taste completely different here, and Costa Rican coffee is a point of pride worth sampling fresh.
Tap water is generally safe to drink in cities, but bottled water is safer in rural areas.
Money and Costs
Costa Rica is more expensive than many expect, especially compared to its Central American neighbors. Hotels, tours, and transportation can quickly add up. The local currency is the colón, though US dollars are widely accepted. Carrying both is smart, as small shops may not accept cards or large bills.
Budget travelers can keep costs manageable by:
- Using public buses for intercity travel.
- Eating at sodas instead of tourist restaurants.
- Staying in eco-lodges or family-run guesthouses rather than resorts.
Language and Communication
Spanish is the official language, but many Costa Ricans in tourist areas speak at least basic English. A few phrases in Spanish, however, will earn you smiles and smoother interactions. Even simple greetings like “buenos días” or a cheerful “pura vida” go a long way.
Cell service is strong in most populated areas, and prepaid SIM cards from Kolbi or Claro are affordable if you want local data. Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafes, though rural areas can be spotty.
Health and Safety
Costa Rica is considered one of the safest countries in Latin America, but basic precautions matter. Petty theft does occur, especially in crowded beaches or bus terminals. Don’t leave valuables unattended, and use hotel safes where possible.
On the health side, vaccinations for hepatitis A, B, and typhoid are often recommended for travelers. In mosquito-heavy regions, bring repellent to protect against dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses. Travelers with allergies should take note that medical care in rural areas may be limited, though private hospitals in San José offer excellent service.
Activities That Define the First Visit
First-time visitors often try to see everything, but Costa Rica rewards choosing a few regions and exploring deeply. Popular options include:
- Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna: Hot springs, hiking, and waterfall swims.
- Monteverde Cloud Forest: A haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
- Manuel Antonio National Park: Easy wildlife spotting and some of the country’s most accessible beaches.
- Nicoya Peninsula: Surf towns, yoga retreats, and laid-back coastal life.
Each region offers a different feel. It’s better to pick two or three and enjoy them fully rather than rushing across the country.
Cultural Etiquette
Costa Ricans are polite, friendly, and value respect in conversation. Being patient in lines, greeting shopkeepers, and using formal “usted” in Spanish interactions with older locals shows courtesy. Punctuality is more relaxed than in North America or Europe, but patience pays off.
Tipping is optional since most restaurants add a service charge, though rounding up small amounts is appreciated. Taxi drivers don’t expect tips, but tour guides often do.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Costa Rica for the first time means stepping into a place where nature and people are closely intertwined. If you arrive prepared for varied climates, slower travel times, and a culture rooted in sustainability, your experience will be far richer. Costa Rica isn’t about rushing; it’s about pausing long enough to let the sound of howler monkeys, the crash of Pacific waves, and the kindness of locals sink in.
A first trip will never cover it all, but that’s part of the magic. Many who come once return, drawn back by that simple phrase that sums it all up: pura vida.
