Frequently Asked Questions

This depends on your preferences. You are able to visit Costa Rica year round. The dry season is very popular among tourist, which also makes the most touristic spots crowded and expensive. During rainy season, nature in Costa Rica is at its best, lush green and alive. Seasons are also different on the Pacific and Caribbean side. When the peak of the rainy season hits the South Pacific, it's actually a good time to visit the Caribbean. Read more on the Seasons page.

Costa Rica is a tropical country with a rainy season and a dry season, which follow different patterns on the Pacific side and the Caribbean side. Although the seasons are the same on the Pacific side, there is a huge difference in rainfall between the dryer north pacific region and the more wet south pacific region. Then there are also differences between coastal and mountainous regions. I think you get the idea that explaining the weather and the seasons in Costa Rica can't be done in a few sentences. Learn more about it on the Seasons page.

The official language in Costa Rica is Spanish. There are several small indigenous communities which maintain their own language, and at the Caribbean coast a variant of English-based Creole is spoken. Read more about it on the Costa Rican Spanish page.

The local currency in Costa Rica is the Colon or Colones in plural, abbreviation to "CRC" and the symbol "₡". Although dollars are frequently used in the tourism sector, the colon is the currency used and preferred by locals. Read more about it on the Currency & Money page.

Costa Rica is considered one of the safest countries in Latin America. Costa Ricans in general are nice, friendly and helpful. I would say Costa Rica is a safe and accessible country to travel as long as you apply common sense and stay vigilant as you would in any country. Be aware of scams, petty theft and check with your accommodation if there are any specifics you should know regarding your safety in that particular area. Read more about Travelling in Costa Rica.

Yes, it is safe to drive in Costa Rica, although road and weather conditions might be more challenging than you are used to. It is advisable to plan ahead, take your time, and don't drive at night. Learn more about Travelling by Car in Costa Rica.

Not necessarily. The main roads in Costa Rica are in good condition. Many touristic hotspots are connected by primary roads, for which you do not need a 4WD. Conditions of secondary roads are more challenging, however a car with high clearance (SUV) should be sufficient in most cases. Note that road conditions get worse during rainy season. It also depends on your accommodation. Some hotels are not located close to the main road and might have a driveway that requires a 4WD. Learn more about Travelling by Car or Renting a Car in Costa Rica.

This depends on the regions you are going to visit and the activities you are planning on doing. Costa Rica is a tropical country with both coastal and mountainous regions. You can find yourself sunbathing on a hot beach, hiking through hot and wet jungle, or visiting colder cloud forests or volcano summits, etc. Travel well-prepared and check the Packing List page for more details and tips.

This depends on your activities. For simple hikes, strolling down the beach, hiking through water to visit waterfalls, I prefer light trail runners which you can wear in water. For the more serious hikes I prefer some solid waterproof hiking shoes. Although this might be warm, note that safety comes first. Trails can be wet and slippery and although not likely to attack humans, snakes, scorpions, etc. can be found on jungle trails. Travel well-prepared and check the Packing List page for more details and tips.

In general, tap water in Costa Rica is considered safe to drink. Be careful in remote areas and during periods of heavy rainfall or drought. The best advice is to check with your accommodation if the tap water is safe to drink in the area you are staying. Bottled water is widely available, but be aware that single use plastics are not allowed in many National Parks. Check the About Costa Rica page for more general info.

It really depends on when you travel. Check the Seasons page for more information. I would book accommodation for the Osa Peninsula. For Corcovado National Park, it is always advisable to book a tour in advance. You cannot enter the park without a guide and there is a visitor limit. I would also book accommodation in advance for Tortuguero. You have few alternative options for both areas, so you don't want to be without one when you get there.