Costa Rica, answered
Everything travelers ask us before they go — safety, money, timing, getting around and what to pack — answered honestly by a local team that lives here year-round.
Before you book
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
The dry season (mid-December to April) brings the most reliable sunshine and is ideal for beaches and family travel. The green season (May to November) is lush, quieter and better value, with rain usually limited to afternoon showers. Wildlife is excellent year-round. See our full month-by-month guide.
How many days do I need in Costa Rica?
Seven to ten days is the sweet spot for a first visit — enough to pair a volcano or cloud-forest region with a beach without rushing. With five days, we recommend focusing on one or two areas. Two weeks lets you add the Caribbean coast or the wild Osa Peninsula.
How far in advance should I plan my trip?
For dry-season and holiday travel, book 4–6 months ahead — the best lodges fill early. Green-season trips can often be arranged with a month or two of lead time. Either way, the sooner we start, the more of your first-choice hotels we can secure.
Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica?
Travelers from the US, Canada, the UK, the EU and many other countries do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days — you just need a passport valid for the duration of your trip and proof of onward travel. Always confirm current requirements for your nationality before departure.
Currency & budgets
What currency is used, and should I bring US dollars?
The local currency is the Costa Rican colón (₡), but US dollars are widely accepted at hotels, tours and many restaurants. We recommend carrying some colones for small purchases, taxis and rural areas, and using cards for larger expenses.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes — Visa and Mastercard are accepted almost everywhere, including most hotels, restaurants and tour operators. Carry some cash for small sodas (local eateries), roadside stands, tips and remote areas where connectivity can be limited.
How much should I tip?
A 10% service charge is usually included on restaurant bills; leaving a little extra for great service is appreciated but not required. For guides and drivers, US$10–20 per day is a kind gesture for excellent service. Tipping is never obligatory.
Staying well
Is Costa Rica safe for tourists?
Costa Rica is one of the safest and most stable countries in Latin America, and tourism is its largest industry. The most common issue travelers face is petty theft from unattended belongings. With normal precautions — and a local team on call — most visitors have a completely trouble-free trip. See our full safety guide.
Can I drink the tap water?
In most of the country, including San José and the main tourist areas, tap water is safe to drink. In a few remote regions we'll recommend bottled or filtered water, and your guide will always let you know.
Do I need any vaccinations?
No special vaccinations are required for most travelers arriving from North America or Europe. We always recommend checking with your doctor or a travel clinic before any international trip for the most current, personalized advice.
Should I buy travel insurance?
Yes — we strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical care, evacuation and trip cancellation. It's inexpensive peace of mind for an active, adventure-filled destination.
Getting around
Do I need to rent a car, or should I use private transfers?
Both work well. Private transfers and domestic flights are the most relaxed way to travel between regions and let you enjoy the scenery without navigating. A rental car offers freedom but means dirt roads, river crossings and mountain driving in some areas. We design your logistics around whichever you prefer.
Is English widely spoken?
English is widely spoken in hotels, tours and tourist areas, and our guides are bilingual. Learning a few words of Spanish — and the phrase "pura vida" — is always warmly received by locals.
What should I pack?
Lightweight, quick-dry clothing, good walking shoes or sandals, a rain layer, swimwear, sun protection, insect repellent and a reusable water bottle cover almost everything. Bring a light sweater for cooler highland areas like Monteverde. We send every guest a tailored packing list for their specific route.
Will I have phone signal and Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is available at nearly all hotels and lodges, and mobile coverage is good across most of the country. In remote eco-lodges and deep rainforest, connectivity can be intentionally limited — a welcome chance to disconnect.