Costa Rica Travel Tips for an Epic Adventure

Are you planning a trip to Costa Rica? If so, you came to the right place to get tips for visiting Costa Rica! This incredible year-round destination is a little slice of paradise located in Central America. Costa Rica is known for its biodiversity, beautiful beaches, dense rainforest, stable economy, and friendly locals. It’s also an incredible place for surfing, snorkeling, and relaxing on pristine beaches. Keep reading for Costa Rica travel tips that will take your vacation to the next level!

When Is The Best Time To Visit Costa Rica?

The first thing to know about Costa Rica is that it has a tropical climate with two seasons: a dry season and a rainy season. The dry season falls between December and April, and is generally considered the best time for tourists to visit the country. However, the wet (or green) season, which falls between May and November, is a great alternative for tourists who want to avoid the crowds and experience Pura Vida, or “the pure life,” away from other travelers.

Packing for Adventure: What To Bring To Costa Rica

When you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, the best advice you can follow is to simplify your packing list and travel with a carry-on backpack! You won’t need checked baggage for your vacation, especially if you plan to be outdoors most of the time. If you’re looking to be a beach bum, you won’t need much more than a swimsuit, casual shirts and shorts, rain gear, and good shoes. However, it is a good idea to consider the climate. If you are planning to break away from the beach and go hiking in the mountains, one of the best Costa Rica travel tips we can give you is to pack a durable pair of hiking pants and a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt or jacket to account for colder temperatures at elevation.

To make packing easy, we’ve included a packing list along with our favorite tips for visiting Costa Rica:

• A waterproof beach and travel bag: Having a small bag to carry your daily essentials is necessary! Leave your bulky luggage behind and use a smaller tote bag to keep your wallet and phone safe and secure. You can even use it to carry a change of clothes for post-beach exploration, and a smaller wet bag for bathing suits and other sundries.
• Closed-toe sandals: Many parks and adventure locations require adults (and children) to wear closed-toe sandals for entry. This is simply for your protection while visiting, so plan accordingly and make sure you have a pair before you go on your trip!
• Quick-dry clothes: Moisture-wicking shorts and shirts are perfect for Costa Rica’s climate and all the outdoor fun you’ll be experiencing. Most hotels don’t have dryers, so having clothes that dry quickly before you need to put them back on is a must!
• Refillable water bottles: Costa Ricans are very eco-conscious, so disposable plastics are restricted in many parts of the country. Pack a lightweight water bottle that can travel easily and won’t weigh down your bags.
• Rain gear: To keep your bags light, consider disposable ponchos, dry-wicking clothes, and an umbrella. Don’t overload your bag with rain gear – instead, expect to get wet and know you’ll dry out … eventually.
• Sunscreen: To save on money, pack your sunscreen. This product is very expensive to purchase in Costa Rica, so don’t forget it before you leave the states. And don’t forget – you’ll want to make sure the sunscreen you pack is reef-safe and ocean-friendly.

Top 5 Tips for Visiting Costa Rica

Planning a vacation to Costa Rica can be both exciting and overwhelming. Even if you have booked your trip through a professional guide, like Gondwana Ecotours, you want to make sure you have enough information about the country you are visiting to make your trip unforgettable!

Here are five of our favorite Costa Rica travel tips to get you started on an amazing adventure:

Tip #1: Animals Are Everywhere – But A Guide Can Help You Find Them!

Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. From mischievous monkeys to roadside sloths and the occasional shower-drain scorpion, visitors can find animals everywhere! However, if you want to guarantee a wildlife sighting, hire a guide. Although wild animals are plentiful, it isn’t always easy to see them if you don’t know what you are looking for. Costa Rican wildlife guides are trained to spot animals and are always more than happy to share their vast storehouse of information about the animals you see to make the sighting even more impactful.

Tip #2: The Two Coasts Are Very Different

Costa Rica sits between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. When you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, you’ll want to keep in mind that the beaches on each coast are very different and cater to different activities. The Pacific coast has small coves, with rocky cliffs and waves ideal for surfing. This coast is much more Americanized and can feel very touristy, with expensive restaurants and potential tourist traps. While the Caribbean coast has beaches, they cater more to the locals. On the Caribbean side, the cultural landscape is different, with a laid-back feel. Here, you’ll find more boutique accommodations and fewer amenities. If you want to experience life like a Tico, the Caribbean coast is for you!

Tip #3: Learn a Little Spanish

One of the most important tips for visiting Costa Rica is also the simplest: Learn a little Spanish before you go. This piece of advice can be a true game changer, because locals appreciate it when visitors speak Spanish. Although many Ticos speak English, the farther away from the city you go, the less likely the locals will. Fortunately, translator apps (like Google Translator) are readily available through your phone and are easy to use. Still, nothing can replace a basic knowledge of the Spanish language, so consider language lessons if you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica.

Tip #4: Be Prepared for Weather Changes

Costa Rica’s tropical climate is changeable, with sunny skies turning into downpours in the blink of an eye. Flash rainstorms are common, especially during the wet season. However, this doesn’t have to put a damper on your trip. Plan ahead, and pack at least one pair of waterproof shoes, a rain shell, a waterproof bag, and a few layers for chilly temperatures. And don’t forget – even if the skies are clear when you leave your hotel, pack your rain shell, just in case.

Tip #5: Eat Like a Tico

One of the best Costa Rica travel tips you’ll get involves food – and saving money. Costa Rica can be very expensive, but you can watch your meal budget by eating at a soda. A soda is a little mom-and-pop establishment, similar to a diner. The sodas serve up hearty meals and traditional Costa Rican cuisine, and will fill you up without breaking the bank.

Bonus Tip: Count Your Pennies!

The Costa Rican colon is the country’s main currency, although the U.S. dollar is accepted in most tourist areas. If you do need to exchange your cash for colones, however, you can do it anywhere!  Many small stores, known as pulperias, will allow you to purchase a pack of gum or a soda with a $5, $10, or $20 bill, giving you colones in return. You can also exchange currency at the Global Exchange office located in San Jose’s International Airport, or at any bank.

Tips for Visiting Costa Rica: Go with a Pro

While traveling to Costa Rica on your own is fairly easy, booking a small group tour with a company like Gondwana Ecotours can take the experience from “ordinary” to “extraordinary.” Gondwan’s professional guides will be there for you every step of the way, offering Costa Rica travel tips to make your adventure a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning a trip to Costa Rica with Gondwana today!