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Costa Rica Travel Guide

Discover the Beauty of Costa Rica

EXPLORE COSTA RICAS HIDDEN GEMS

SUSTAINABLE JOURNEY THROUGH RICH CULTURAL HERITAGE

EMBARK ON THRILLING JOURNEYS

The colorful Red eyed Frog in our Costa Rica Travel Guide

Despite its relatively small size, Costa Rica overflows with life. It contains 5% of the world’s biodiversity!

This includes sweeping, verdant rainforests and 500,000 species of wildlife, of which 900 are birds alone.

Of equal importance, Costa Rica consistently ranks as one of the world’s happiest countries, regularly outperforming far wealthier nations.

With warm people, inherent charm, and a remarkable variety of natural wonders, it’s no wonder why people flock from around the world to this part of Central America.

At Martsam Travel, we have carefully curated a range of Costa Rican tours that showcase the country’s best.

For the ultimate luxury, freedom, and flexibility, consider our tailor-made custom tours of Costa Rica. 

Our expert trip planners love going above and beyond to deliver bespoke itineraries that turn dream vacations into reality!

Of course, if you have any questions about any aspect of our tours in Costa Rica or anywhere else in Central America, please feel free to contact us.

For now, though, we present our Costa Rica travel guide. We hope it provides all the inspiration and information you need.

Where is Costa Rica?

If you’re unfamiliar with the geography of Central America, let’s start by getting our bearings.

Costa Rica shares a border with Panama to the south and Nicaragua to the north. This means that Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Belize are all further north on the subcontinent.

The azure waters of the Caribbean Sea wash over the eastern shores while the Pacific Ocean does the same to the west. Best of all, it only takes a couple of hours to fly to Costa Rica from many US cities!

Are you planning a trip through multiple Central American countries

Our Guatemala Travel Guide and Belize Travel Guide are valuable resources for anyone looking beyond Costa Rica.

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Costa Rica?

When to go to Costa Rica is a subjective decision influenced by your own personal circumstances, such as interests, preferences, budget, and freedom to travel.

However, you can use the information below to help make decisions.

Costa Rica’s topography includes everything from volcanoes and mountains to valleys and beaches. 

As such, it has multiple climate zones, creating varying weather patterns across the country.

Due to its proximity to the equator, Costa Rica is a tropical country. This means it has no true winter season and is warm year-round.

Coastal areas have an annual average temperature between 80°F (26.7°C) and 90°F (32.2°C). 

The average for the countryside and mountainsides varies between 75°F (23.9°C) and 80°F (26.7°C).

Generally speaking, Costa Rica is divided into two seasons — a dry season (December to April) and a rainy season (May to November).

Is Costa Rica Safe for Tourists?

Personal safety is another highly subjective matter. Anything from gender to previous travel experiences can influence this. As such, we will avoid sweeping generalizations here.

It’s important to note that Costa Rica values international tourism. As such, practically all locations on the tourist trail are safe and welcoming.

To underline the safety in Costa Rica, the country holds a “Level 1” travel advisory (at the time of writing) from the US Department of State.

In comparison, that’s lower than both France and the UK!

Ultimately, you only need to take the same precautions you would when traveling to any new destination.

We recommend planning your trip to Costa Rica with plenty of time. This will allow you to research the locations and attractions you want to visit without rushing.

Furthermore, you can use this pre-travel period to assess the most highly rated tour companies, such as Martsam Travel.

Is Self-Drive in Costa Rica Safe?

Yes, most overseas visitors find driving in Costa Rica no more challenging than in their country.

Of course, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with Costa Rica’s rules of the road before arriving.

Take it easy when you first get out on the road. Driving defensively is advisable just to be overly safe.

Needless to say, you must always stick to the stated speed limit.

Plenty of investment has been made in Costa Rica’s roads over the years, so many are now paved to a high standard.

However, you should always remain aware of potholes during and after heavy rain.

And finally, you should be extra vigilant when driving at night. Pedestrians may have to walk on the road, and bikes often fly by with lights, so they aren’t always easy to spot in the dark.

Generally speaking, Costa Rica’s roads are quiet once you leave the main hubs behind.

What is the Best Way to Get Around Costa Rica?

While driving a rental vehicle offers unrivaled freedom and independence, it’s not for everyone.

Despite the road investment, some are still tricky to navigate, especially those spotted with potholes.

Some intersections are also confusingly marked, which can result in heading in the wrong direction or even getting lost.

Many travelers (and locals) get around to Costa Rica’s excellent public bus system.

Buses run frequently and reliably. They’re also inexpensive. And best of all, you can rely on them even in remote areas, not just the significant towns and cities.

What Languages do People Speak in Costa Rica?

Spanish is the official and most widely used language of Costa Rica. But English is just as common in all areas catering to tourists too.

What is Considered Impolite Behavior in Costa Rica?

Every country has its cultural nuances, and being aware of Costa Rica’s can help to avoid awkward faux pas.

  • Kissing on the cheek is a customary greeting. However, women kiss women, and men and women kiss each other, but men do not kiss men. Men tend to shake hands or engage in a one-armed hug. If in doubt, a handshake is always acceptable.
  • Pointing at things or people with your finger is considered rude. If you want to point out something or someone, use your whole hand.
  • It’s disrespectful to put your feet on furniture. This is as true for someone else’s home as in public settings, including public transport.
  • Dress appropriately for your environment and use common sense when choosing your clothes. Beachwear is fine for beaches and coastal towns, but you will need to dress up if heading to a restaurant, theater, or museum. 
  • Specific topics are best avoided. These include Abortion, pre-marital sex, and gay marriage. Costa Rica is a conservative country, although places that cater to tourists and ex-pats are more liberal.
  • Accusations and confrontations are considered impolite. Courteousness is a crucial aspect of this friendly society, so you’ll rarely see displays of anger in public.

What are the Entry Requirements for Costa Rica?

Holders of valid US, EU, and UK passports do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica.

Upon arrival, you must be able to show proof of your intention to leave the country (an outbound flight ticket) before the expiration of your visa or entry stamp. These typically last for 90 days.

We advise travelers to stay updated with the latest entry requirements for Costa Rica.

What Do I Need to Pack for a Trip to Costa Rica?

With such a wide range of activities in Costa Rica, listing everything visitors may need to bring here is impossible. After all, what works for a relaxing beach vacation won’t apply to adventures in rainforests and national parks!

It’s worth packing the following items:

  • Casual and comfortable clothing
  • Quick-drying clothing and towels
  • Raincoat or light waterproof jacket
  • Sturdy sneakers or hiking boots
  • Sunglasses and sun hat
  • Flip flops and sandals
  • Swimwear and sarong
  • Rain covers

If you plan to spend time in San Jose or you want to attend a nice restaurant, bring slightly more refined options. Think of a polo shirt and pants for men and a simple dress and flats for women.

Don’t forget other essentials like sunscreen, insect repellent, and medication. We advise bringing a flashlight if you’re heading to more remote areas.

You should always travel with copies of your necessary documents.

Costa Rica’s currency is the colón, but US dollars are widely accepted, as are credit cards.

What are Some Must-Do Activities in Costa Rica?

There aren’t many destinations in the world that can compete with the sheer range of spectacular scenery, natural wonders, and wildlife on offer over a week in Costa Rica.

To see the extent of what’s possible, read through the itinerary for our incredible Highlights of Costa Rica Tour.

How you spend your time here will depend on your interests and travel preferences. But there is something for everyone!

Just some of the adventures and activities you can enjoy include:

  • Eco-Tourism
  • River Rafting
  • Surfing
  • Scuba Diving
  • Snorkeling
  • Canopy Tours
  • Ziplining
  • Canyoning
  • Waterfall Rappelling
  • Golfing
  • Sportfishing
  • Relaxing on Pristine Beaches

You can find all the above and much more in this tropical paradise.

Around 20% of Costa Rica’s land is national parks and reserves, so there’s ample opportunity to participate in activities focused on nature and wildlife. We even have a dedicated Costa Rica National Parks Tour.

Some of the most well-known national parks and reserves you can explore include:

  • Chirripo
  • Manuel Antonio
  • Braulio Carrillo
  • Santa Rosa
  • Guanacaste
  • Corcovado
  • Tortuguero
  • Arenal
  • Poas
  • Irazú
  • Cahuita
  • Cabo Blanco

There also are many protected wetlands, plus the renowned Monteverde Private Reserve.

Costa Rica is one of Earth’s most unique vacation spots, and it’s ready to explore!

What's the Best Place for a Beach Vacation in Costa Rica?

Given the sheer variety of Costa Rica’s natural wonders, it’s no surprise that its beaches are equally varied.

There’s everything here from soft, white sand Caribbean beaches to rugged spots renowned for surfing.

Some of Costa Rica’s most popular beaches include:

  • Manuel Antonio Beach (in Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Conchal Beach (Guanacaste)
  • Tamarindo Beach (Guanacaste)
  • Flamingo Beach (Guanacaste)
  • Costa Ballena (South Pacific Coast)
  • Dominical Beach (South Pacific Coast)
  • Nacascolo Beach (Papagayo Peninsula)
  • Montezuma Beach (Nicoya Peninsula)
  • Mal Pais and Santa Teresa Beach (Nicoya Peninsula)
  • Nosara Beach (Nicoya Peninsula)
  • Ostional Beach (Nicoya Peninsula)
  • Samara Beach (Nicoya Peninsula)
  • San Juanillo (Nicoya Peninsula)
  • Punta Uva Beach (Southern Caribbean Coast)
  • Manzanillo Beach (Southern Caribbean Coast)

What are the Best Travel Hacks when Traveling to Costa Rica?

Some of the best travel hacks for traveling in Costa Rica are:

  • Bring a pocket English-to-Spanish dictionary as a backup to Google Translate if you can’t get cellphone service.
  • Costa Rica has its currency (the Costa Rican colón), but US dollars are also widely accepted. To cover every eventuality, carry a mix of currencies from the start of your trip.
  • Hire a local guide if you want to see the very best of Costa Rica’s wildlife. Animals aren’t always easy to spot, but an expert (like our local guides) knows exactly where to look.
  • You can use the rainy seasons to your advantage. You won’t always have ideal conditions, but there are fewer tourists, cheaper rates, and incredibly lush greenery. And for a bonus hack, buy rain boots in Costa Rica!
  • Locals know the best deals for everything, so don’t hesitate to ask. The inherent friendliness of the people means recommendations and introductions are easy to come by. On a Martsam Travel tour, you will always benefit from this local insight.

Discover Authentic Costa Rica with Our Carefully Curated Tours

At Martsam Travel, we pride ourselves on being leaders in first-class Central American vacations. We can arrange your trip or activity, no matter where you want to go or what you want to do.

Our pre-planned Costa Rica tours cover everything this unique country has to offer.

And remember, you can always build a tailor-made itinerary with one of our custom tours of Costa Rica.

For more information about any of our tours, please feel free to contact us. We’re here to answer all of your questions.