Costa Rica Travel Guide

Welcome to our Costa Rica Travel Guide, where your dream adventure awaits! From stunning beaches and lush rainforests to vibrant wildlife, Costa Rica is a place that will captivate your heart and inspire your soul. Whether you’re an adrenaline seeker ready to surf the waves, a yoga enthusiast looking for tranquility in nature, or a nature lover eager to explore hidden trails, this incredible country offers endless possibilities. Picture yourself practicing yoga at sunrise, standing at the foot of towering volcanoes, or relaxing on pristine shores.

Let this Costa Rica Travel Guide and Costa Rica blog posts be your gateway to an unforgettable journey, filled with adventure, peace, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Costa Rica Trip Planning & Costs

CURRENCY

In Costa Rica, the colón (CRC) is the official currency, but you’ll find US dollars widely accepted in popular tourist areas. To make the most of your adventures, it’s smart to carry a blend of both currencies as you may find one is preferred over the other depending on the situation. With plenty of ATMs and the ease of credit card payments, managing your money is simple, leaving you free to focus on the unforgettable experiences that await you!

WHEN TO VISIT

The best time to visit Costa Rica truly depends on the adventures you’re seeking. If you dream of sun-soaked beaches and perfect surf, the dry season from December to April is your moment to shine. For those who crave lush rainforests, majestic volcanoes, and a quieter experience, the green season (May to November) offers vibrant landscapes and fewer crowds—just a bit of afternoon rain to cool you down. Wildlife lovers will find magic year-round, with the dry season offering clearer views and the wet season bringing a symphony of migratory birds. Costa Rica offers something for everyone year-round!

ACCOMMODATIONS

Costa Rica offers a wide range of accommodations, from simple, charming stays to ultra-luxurious escapes. There are plenty of options across all budgets, allowing every traveller to experience this stunning destination. Below is a sample of accommodation costs as of 2025 based on double occupancy (in USD) to help you plan your perfect stay.

Budget:

Budget accommodations in Costa Rica include hostels, budget hotels, cabinas, shared accommodations, and campsites. These offer affordable stays with simple amenities like shared or private bathrooms, Wi-Fi, and sometimes communal kitchens. Budget accommodations typically fall under $50 per night.

Mid-Range:

Mid-range accommodations vary greatly depending on location, but often range between $75 and $200 per night depending on location, amenities, and season. Boutique hotels, comfortable vacation rentals, and cozy guesthouses offer amenities like Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and sometimes breakfast. These stays are ideal for experiencing the beauty of Costa Rica without breaking the bank.

Luxury:

Luxury accommodations in Costa Rica can start as low as around $300 per night and land up in the thousands. They offer an extraordinary escape, often with breathtaking views and unparalleled service. Immerse yourself in world-class resorts, private villas, luxury lodges, and high-end vacation rentals. For those seeking the ultimate indulgence, these luxurious stays provide a truly unforgettable experience in paradise.

Eco-Lodges:

Eco-lodges offer a unique opportunity to reconnect with nature in sustainable, beautiful settings. Immerse yourself in eco-conscious retreats, where locally sourced materials and solar energy create a harmonious experience with the environment. Prices typically range from $75 to $200 per night, however, luxury lodges can run up to $600+.

MEALS

Costa Rica’s food scene is a vibrant adventure, where every meal celebrates the country’s focus on fresh, healthy ingredients. From the tasty street food to elegant fine dining, each dish offers a flavourful experience that reflects this tropical paradise. Our Costa Rica Travel Guide provides a sample of typical meal prices (in USD) to help you plan the perfect Costa Rica vacation for your budget!

Street Food & Small Eateries:

Savour the authentic taste of Costa Rica with vibrant street food like tacos, empanadas, and “casados” — a traditional plate of rice, beans, and freshly grilled meat. Every bite is a taste of local flavours.

• • • • • $5 to $10 per person

Casual Dining (Sodas):

Delight in homemade meals at family-run sodas, where you’ll enjoy comfort food like rice, beans, and fish, prepared with love and the freshest ingredients.

• • • • • $8 to $13 per person

Mid-Range Restaurant:

Immerse yourself in a world of bold flavours, from Costa Rican classics to international dishes, all crafted with the freshest local ingredients.

• • • • • $12 to $25 per person

Tourist-Oriented Restaurants:

Indulge in a relaxed dining experience, where locally sourced dishes are served with a touch of creativity, offering both familiar and new tastes to savour after a day of exploration.

• • • • • $18 to $30 per person

Fine Dining:

Experience exquisite meals that showcase the very best of Costa Rica’s natural bounty, with beautifully plated dishes made from the freshest seasonal ingredients in an elegant setting.

• • • • • $30 to $75+ per person

Costa Rica’s food scene is consistently great! No matter where we’ve eaten, the quality of ingredients has been routinely impressive. We’ve noticed a real pride in the dishes, and even though prices are higher in Costa Rica than many other Latin American destinations, the quality of food and proportions have never disappointed.

TIPPING

In Costa Rica, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory other than the 10% service charge automatically added to many restaurant bills towards gratuity. If you feel service was excellent then leaving a little extra is certainly gracious. For hotel staff, such as housekeeping or bellhops, $1-2 USD per service is a kind gesture. Tour guides and drivers also appreciate a tip, typically ranging from $5 to $20 USD depending on the length and quality of the service.

Again, tipping isn’t mandatory, but like anywhere workers appreciate the extra to supplement their income if they have provided you with a great experience!

TRANSPORTATION

Getting around Costa Rica is part of the adventure, with options ranging from private shuttles to local buses and ATV rentals. Whether you’re heading to secluded beaches or exploring the rainforest, each journey offers a chance to dive deeper into this tropical paradise. Embrace the freedom to explore Costa Rica your way with these diverse transportation choices! Price estimates quoted in USD.

Shuttle Buses (Shared):

Shared shuttle services that transport multiple passengers to various tourist hotspots. Although not private, they are usually air conditioned and comfortable with cheaper prices for solo travellers or small groups. You can expect to pay between $30 and $50 per person between popular tourist destinations.

Private Shuttle:

Private shuttles offer convenient, door-to-door service to destinations throughout the country. For a one-way trip – distance and location dependent – usually costs between $120 and $250.

Public Buses:

Public buses are affordable and a great way to get around local towns and cities. Cost per ride range from $1 to $5, depending on location and distance.

Taxis:

Taxis are readily available in most cities (but not so much outside of urban centres / tourist destinations). They are a convenient option for short distances. For short trips within cities, costs range between $5 and $15. For longer trips, such as to/from the airport, can run between $50 and $100.

Uber:

Uber is available in major cities like San José and Escazú, as well as some tourist destinations. It offers a more affordable option compared to taxis; however, it’s not 100% legally setup in Costa Rica. It has; however, still become popular to use among locals and tourists where available. For short rides, expect to pay between $5 and $25 – depending on distance and demand.

ATV Rentals:

For those looking to explore rugged terrain and remote beaches, ATV rentals are a popular choice. These are quite common in beach-side tourist towns and run between $50 to $100 per day.

Rental Cars:

Rental cars offer flexibility and freedom to explore at your own pace (price estimates are base rates only). Economy cars typically run between $25 to $60 per day, while larger vehicles or 4x4s run $60 to $150. For large SUVs and luxury vehicles, expect to pay $150+ per day. These are base rates only.

For the ultimate Costa Rican adventure, we highly recommend renting a car! A 4×4 may be a good idea depending on where you plant to travel, though recent road improvements have reduced the need in some areas—especially in the dry season. Rental car insurances are mandatory in Costa Rica and catches many first-timers off-guard. Read our blog post on renting a car in Costa Rica to find out more!

Prices vary depending on the season (high or low), demand, and location. Always check in advance for specific rates when planning your trip!

PEAK VS OFF-SEASON PRICING

Costa Rica’s peak season (December to April) brings vibrant energy and perfect weather, though prices are higher due to the influx of travellers. Off-peak season (May to November) offers a more serene experience, with lower prices and the lush beauty of the rainy season creating a tropical paradise all to yourself. If you don’t mind moderately increased humidity and occasional rain showers, embrace the quiet charm of Costa Rica’s off-peak months between May and June or November (least rainy months of the rainy season) – enjoy a truly intimate connection with nature at an unbeatable value. We do recommend booking in advance for travel during the high season – especially for travel between Christmas and Easter.