Costa Rica

1. What are the best beaches in Costa Rica?
Top beaches include Manuel Antonio Beach for its white sand and wildlife, Tamarindo Beach for surfing, and Playa Conchal for its unique shell-covered shore. Visit Playa Flamingo for a quieter vibe, Nosara for yoga retreats, and Playa Santa Teresa on the Nicoya Peninsula for stunning sunsets and surf.

2. What is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
The best time to visit is during the dry season, from December to April, with sunny days and temperatures of 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 29°C), perfect for beach trips and hiking. The rainy season (May to November) brings lower prices and lush greenery, but expect daily showers, with September and October being the wettest months.

3. Do I need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?
US, Canadian, EU, and UK citizens can visit Costa Rica visa-free for up to 90 days with a valid passport. Other nationalities may need a visa, which can be checked via the Costa Rican Embassy website. Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay, and you may need proof of onward travel.

4. What are the top things to do in Arenal?
In Arenal, hike around Arenal Volcano National Park, soak in natural hot springs like Tabacón, and zip-line through the rainforest canopy. Visit La Fortuna Waterfall for a swim, go white-water rafting on the Sarapiquí River, and take a hanging bridges tour at Mistico Park to spot wildlife like sloths and monkeys.

5. Is Costa Rica expensive to travel to?
Costa Rica can be moderately priced, with daily costs averaging $50–$120 per person for accommodation, food, and activities. A mid-range trip can cost $600–$1,200 for a week. Tourist areas like Manuel Antonio are pricier, but you can save by staying in hostels, eating at sodas (local diners), and visiting during the rainy season.

6. What are traditional Costa Rican foods to try?
Try gallo pinto, a breakfast dish of rice and beans with eggs or plantains, and casado, a lunch plate with rice, beans, meat, and salad. Savor ceviche with fresh fish, tamales during holidays, and chifrijo, a bar snack with beans, pork, and tortilla chips. Pair your meal with a guaro shot or a pipa fría (fresh coconut water).

7. What are the best national parks in Costa Rica?
Top national parks include Manuel Antonio for its beaches and wildlife, Corcovado on the Osa Peninsula for its biodiversity, and Tortuguero for turtle nesting and canal tours. Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest for misty trails and quetzals, Cahuita for coral reefs, and Rincón de la Vieja for volcanic landscapes and hot springs.

8. What are the best adventure activities in Costa Rica?
Top adventure activities include zip-lining in Monteverde, white-water rafting on the Pacuare River, and surfing in Tamarindo or Santa Teresa. Go canyoning in La Fortuna, hike to the Rio Celeste waterfall in Tenorio Volcano National Park, and take a night tour in the jungle to spot nocturnal wildlife like frogs and owls.

9. What are the best things to do in San José?
In San José, explore the National Museum of Costa Rica, visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, and stroll through the Central Market for local crafts and food. Take a day trip to Poás Volcano, enjoy a coffee tour in the Central Valley, and catch a show at the National Theatre. Don’t miss the La Paz Waterfall Gardens nearby.

10. How can I travel around Costa Rica?
Renting a car is popular, costing $30–$70 per day (driving is on the right), but a 4x4 is recommended for rural roads. Public buses are affordable at $2–$10 per ride, connecting San José to places like Tamarindo and La Fortuna. Shared shuttles like Interbus cost $40–$60 for longer routes. Domestic flights with Sansa Airlines to places like Drake Bay cost $80–$150.