Costa Rica

Costa Rica rewards travellers who slow down and spend time outside. Build your trip around one or two regions rather than trying to cross the entire country. Near La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano National Park pairs rainforest trails with relaxing hot springs. Monteverde offers misty cloud forest walks, while Manuel Antonio combines beaches, forest and chances to spot monkeys and sloths. For wilder experiences, consider Tortuguero, Corcovado or Cahuita.

Start park visits early, when wildlife is more active and trails are generally cooler and quieter. Pack lightweight long sleeves, insect repellent, sunscreen, a refillable water bottle and a compact rain jacket—even during the dry season, tropical showers can arrive quickly. Follow marked trails and never feed animals. Some parks limit daily entry, so check official park arrangements and reserve ahead when possible. A local naturalist guide can make a huge difference, especially for finding camouflaged frogs, birds and reptiles.

Costa Rican food is comforting, filling and easy to enjoy on almost any budget. Begin with gallo pinto, the classic breakfast of rice and beans served with eggs, tortillas, cheese or plantain. At a small family-run soda, try casado: rice, beans, salad and a choice of chicken, fish or meat. Ceviche, patacones and fresh fruit make excellent choices near the coast, while olla de carne is especially satisfying in cooler highland towns.

Menus and prices vary by region, so keep some colones for small restaurants, bakeries and roadside stands. The colón is Costa Rica’s currency, although U.S. dollars and major cards are widely accepted in many tourist areas. Check whether a menu includes servicio incluido, the standard service charge, before adding anything extra. Hello’s budget tracking can help record meals in colones, while expense splitting keeps shared dinners simple when travelling with friends. Try local coffee in the Central Valley, and ask whether produce or seafood is seasonal—the freshest option is often the best value.

Costa Rica is compact on a map but slower to cross than many visitors expect. Mountain roads, traffic around San José and seasonal rain can turn a short journey into a full day. Plan generous travel time and avoid scheduling an important flight immediately after a long overland transfer.

Public buses are affordable and reach most popular destinations, but services are operated by different companies, with separate terminals and schedules. In San José, confirm the correct terminal before setting out; la parada means the bus stop or station. Shared shuttles are convenient between major tourist routes, while a rental car offers more freedom for Arenal, Nicoya and the Pacific coast. Choose a vehicle suited to your route, inspect it carefully and avoid driving unfamiliar rural roads after dark. Use licensed taxis or reputable ride services, keep valuables out of sight and hold your day bag securely on buses. Hello trip planning can keep transport times, pickup points and backup options in one itinerary.

Carry a small amount of cash in colones for local buses, market stalls, soda restaurants and rural stops. ATMs are widely available, but use bank machines in secure locations and exchange currency only through banks or approved exchange offices. Keep your original passport available for bank transactions, and retain a little emergency cash separately from your wallet. Credit cards work well in cities and tourist centres, though smaller businesses may have a minimum purchase or unreliable connection.

For effortless navigation, translation and booking updates, buy and activate Hello eSIM before you land so your phone connects without roaming charges. Download offline maps as a backup, especially for national parks and remote beaches. Spanish is useful beyond tourist hubs; a few phrases such as “¿Cuánto cuesta?” and “Pura vida” go a long way. Pack light, protect electronics from sudden rain, and remember that Costa Rica’s relaxed rhythm is part of the experience—leave space in your itinerary for an unplanned swim, viewpoint or roadside fruit stand.