Costa Rica
Costa Rica is famous for its breathtaking nature and incredible wildlife. For nature lovers, this country absolutely deserves a spot on your bucket list. We spent nearly three weeks road-tripping through Costa Rica in a 4×4 rental car and encountered an amazing variety of wildlife along the way. On this page, we’ve gathered all our practical tips to help you plan a successful and unforgettable trip to Costa Rica.
Travel Information for Costa Rica
The Ultimate Costa Rica Itinerary
After a short stopover in Panama, we flew to Costa Rica to begin our journey through the country. With a 4×4, we explored all the destinations listed in our itinerary and were able to see a wide range of landscapes and ecosystems. We didn’t visit every national park and honestly, that wasn’t a problem at all. We still saw plenty of wildlife throughout the trip. You can find our full route in our detailed Costa Rica itinerary and Google Maps travel guide Costa Rica.
Visa and Entry Requirements
We didn’t need to arrange a visa before departing for Costa Rica. Upon arrival, the process was quick and easy — we received a passport stamp without being asked many questions. Entry requirements can vary depending on your nationality, so it’s important to check the latest regulations before you travel.
Travel Budget and Currency
We visited Costa Rica during the rainy season, which is also the quietest time of year. Accommodation was very affordable — we paid around €30 per night for a private room with a bathroom, and sometimes even a small kitchen. The local currency is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC). The banknotes are colorful and feature beautiful wildlife illustrations.
That said, Costa Rica is generally more expensive than many other Central American countries — and even more expensive than you might expect. Groceries, in particular, were noticeably pricier than in the Netherlands.
If you’re curious about daily expenses and overall costs, make sure to read our detailed breakdown of what a trip to Costa Rica costs.
Climate in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has several tropical climate zones, depending on where you are in the country. The Cordillera mountain range runs through the center, creating significant elevation differences. Combined with the Pacific Ocean on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other, this strongly influences local weather patterns.
The central and western regions experience a clear rainy season, which can last until October or even December. In contrast, the northeast of Costa Rica is humid year-round and does not have a distinct dry season.
If you’d like more detailed climate information, it’s worth checking seasonal weather patterns before planning your trip.
When Is High Season in Costa Rica?
The driest months in Costa Rica generally run from December through April, which also marks the high season.
We traveled in August and September and were pleasantly surprised by the weather. It definitely didn’t rain every day — although a bit of luck always helps when traveling during the rainy season.
Popular Attractions in Costa Rica
The true highlights of Costa Rica are its national parks. During our three-week road trip, we visited several of them. Our personal favorites were Cahuita and Corcovado National Park.
We saw the greatest variety of wildlife in Corcovado, partly because we explored the park with a guide — something we highly recommend for the best experience.
Safety and Health
At no point during our trip did we feel unsafe in Costa Rica. We were comfortable walking around with our camera equipment, both inside the national parks and in nearby towns. We can’t share personal experiences about safety in San José, as we didn’t spend time exploring the city. Before traveling, make sure to check which vaccinations or health precautions are recommended for Costa Rica.
Internet and Connectivity in Costa Rica
We purchased a local tourist SIM card from the provider Kölbi after arriving in Costa Rica. It worked in most places, but the signal was often weak. We frequently stayed slightly outside town centers, where reception was generally still sufficient.
Because we bought the SIM card after arrival, we weren’t connected to the internet immediately upon landing. It wasn’t a major issue, but navigation apps like Maps.me weren’t always perfectly accurate without a strong connection. If you prefer to be connected as soon as you land, an eSIM provider such as Airalo can be a convenient option. With the code MEIKE4854 you’ll get a discount on your first purchase at Airalo.
