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Home › Costa Rica
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Costa Rica

Pura vida, the philosophy that guides the world's happiest country. Cloud forests, Pacific surf, Caribbean coast, active volcanoes, and extraordinary biodiversity, all in one small nation.

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.
Domestic Flights
Sansa and Green Airways connect San José to Liberia, Tamarindo, and other regional airports — often faster than the winding mountain roads.
Rental Car
A 4x4 is recommended for reaching Monteverde and more remote beaches, where roads can be unpaved and steep.
Shuttle Services
Shared shuttles (Interbus, Easy Ride) connect major tourist areas affordably and are a popular alternative to renting a car.
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.

Destinations in Costa Rica

Latin America

Arenal

The perfect conical volcano rising from the jungle, with hot springs, hanging bridges thro…

0 restaurants · 2 hotels · 3 attractions
Latin America

Manuel Antonio

Costa Rica's most beloved national park, with white-sand beaches, troops of monkeys, three…

0 restaurants · 2 hotels · 2 attractions
Latin America

Guanacaste

Costa Rica's sun-drenched Pacific province, home to world-class resorts on the Papagayo Pe…

2 restaurants · 3 hotels · 2 attractions
Latin America

Monteverde

The cloud forest that invented eco-tourism, with canopy zip-lines, hanging bridges through…

0 restaurants · 2 hotels · 3 attractions