Costa Rica Travel Guide

Main International Airport

SJO · Juan Santamaría International (San José) — Costa Rica's primary hub. Direct flights from US, Canada, and Europe.

Pacific Coast

LIR · Daniel Oduber (Liberia, Guanacaste) — direct US flights. Gateway to Tamarindo, Nosara, Manuel Antonio, and Nicoya Peninsula.

Domestic Flights

SANSA and Skyway operate prop-plane hops to remote destinations: Quepos (Manuel Antonio), Tamarindo, Drake Bay.

Domestic flights are short but luggage limits are strict (~12kg).

Currency

Costa Rican Colón (CRC ₡)
~530 CRC = 1 USD. USD is widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and tour operators — often preferred.

Tipping

Restaurants include a 10% service charge by law. Additional tipping appreciated but not expected. Tour guides: $10–20/day. Drivers: $5–10.

Value

Mid-range destination. Budget lodging: $30–60/night. Good restaurant: $15–30. Eco-lodges: $100–300+. Activities (zip-lining, rafting): $50–100 each.

Time Zone

CST — Central Standard Time
UTC−6 year-round. Costa Rica does not observe daylight saving time.

Dry Season

Dec–Apr Pacific coast: sunny and dry. Best for beaches and outdoor activities. Book accommodation well in advance — this is peak season.

Green Season

May–Nov Afternoon rains (typically 2–4pm). Lush and beautiful. Far fewer tourists. Excellent value. Some roads impassable with heavy rain.

Cloud Forests

Monteverde and cloud forest areas are cool and misty year-round (15–22°C). Bring layers regardless of season.

Language

Spanish — "Pura vida" is used as hello, goodbye, thank you, you're welcome, and everything's fine. The most useful two words you can learn.

English

Widely spoken in tourist areas, national parks, and eco-lodges. Very good English coverage throughout the country.

Visa-Free

US, Canadian, UK, EU, and most Western citizens enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Return ticket and proof of funds required.

General Safety

Generally Safe One of the safest countries in Central America. Petty theft is the main concern in tourist areas and San José.

Emergencies

911 — Police, Fire, Ambulance. Red Cross ambulance: 128.

Nature Safety

Respect wildlife — never touch or feed animals. Strong ocean currents at Pacific beaches — obey flags. Hiking: stay on marked trails.

Costa Rica