Costa Rica
KEY TIPS FOR YOUR TRIP
Here’s some essential info for visiting Costa Rica:
Best Time to Visit: December to April is the dry season and usually the most popular time to visit. If you don’t mind a little rain, May through November can mean fewer crowds, greener landscapes, and sometimes better prices.
Weather: Costa Rica is warm year-round, but the weather can change a lot depending on where you are. The beaches are typically hot and humid, while places like La Fortuna and Rincón de la Vieja can be cooler and rainier. Even during the dry season, I would still pack a rain jacket!
Altitude: Most of the popular beach towns are close to sea level, but some inland areas sit at higher elevations. For most travelers, altitude isn’t something you really need to worry about in Costa Rica.
Top Attraction: This is a hard one because Costa Rica has so many different highlights, but Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna are definitely worth adding to your itinerary. Between the waterfalls, hot springs, hiking, and ziplining, there is so much to do in one area.
Getting Around: Renting a car gives you the most freedom, especially if you plan to visit several different parts of the country. Shared shuttles are also really common and can be an easier option if you don’t want to drive. Just keep in mind that distances can look short on a map, but the drives usually take longer than you expect.
Local Cuisine: Make sure to try gallo pinto, casado, fresh fruit, ceviche, and plenty of Costa Rican coffee. Gallo pinto is especially popular for breakfast and is made with rice and beans.
Outdoor Activities: This is really where Costa Rica shines. You can hike around volcanoes, swim at waterfalls, soak in hot springs, zipline through the rainforest, go horseback riding, surf along the Pacific Coast, and spot wildlife like monkeys and sloths. If you love being outside, you will have no shortage of things to do here.