Central america • COSTA RICA
Book your flight
Start by comparing airfare early to get the best deals.
Use tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights to track price trends and flexible travel dates.
⚲ San Jose airport is where most international flights will land.
Book your accommodation
Whether you’re looking for hostels, or boutique hotels Costa Rica has a wide range of options.
Booking.com is great for hotels and guesthouses across the country.
Hostelworld is ideal for backpackers and budget travelers.
Tours & Activities
GetYourGuide is great for booking everything from city tours and museum tickets to outdoor adventures.
It’s easy to use, has tons of reviews, clear pricing, and offers free cancellation on most bookings.
Travel insurance for the unexpected
Always, always have travel insurance! Travel insurance is essential. It protects you from unexpected events like flight delays, illness, theft, or accidents.
I recommend SafetyWing, which offers flexible and affordable plans perfect for long-term travelers and digital nomads.
General Information about Costa Rica
Language
The official language is Spanish. However, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, especially by guides and hotel staff.
Transportation
The roads in Costa Rica are generally in good condition, especially between major towns, so renting a car is a great option if you want flexibility. Just be prepared for some narrow mountain roads and occasional potholes in rural areas.
There’s no national train system, but buses are the main form of public transportation and connect nearly every town. Companies like ALSA and TransNica offer long-distance routes, while local buses are budget-friendly and run frequently. Check out the bus timetable at The Bus in Costa Rica.
If you’re looking for more comfort or convenience, private shuttles and vans are widely available and can be booked in advance for popular routes like San José to Monteverde, La Fortuna, or the coast.
Uber is available in Costa Rica. (Technically not legal though, but you can request drivers.)
Currency
Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
US dollars are also accepted in many places, especially in tourist areas.
Always have cash on you. Make sure to have small notes as some vendors may not have enough change. Larger restaurants/cafe take credit cards. ATMS are common around the country.
Download the XE app to have the current exchange rate. Best app by far. You don’t need signal if currency downloaded beforehand. It’s useful when shopping.
Travel Guides for Costa Rica
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Top Things to do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
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How to spend 5 days in Leon, Nicaragua
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Step by step guide: How to cross the border by land from Costa Rica to Panama
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Complete Guide Of Things To Do In Tamarindo, Costa Rica
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La Leona Waterfall Hiking Adventure near Liberia
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Top 7 Things to do in Monteverde, Costa Rica
What to pack for Costa Rica
When packing for Costa Rica, it’s best to keep things light, comfortable, and versatile. Bring breathable clothing for the hot and humid weather, plus quick-dry shirts and pants if you plan to hike or explore nature. Don’t forget a rain jacket or poncho, especially during the rainy season from May to November. A swimsuit is a must for beaches, waterfalls, and hot springs, and a light sweater or jacket will come in handy for cooler mountain towns like Monteverde. For footwear, pack comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots for outdoor adventures, along with sandals or water shoes for the beach and rivers. Essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable water bottle, sunglasses, a hat, and a small daypack will make exploring easier.
Other destinations to explore in Central America
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