Planning Your Trip to Costa Rica
When is the best time to travel to Costa Rica?
You can visit Costa Rica any time of year. The dry season, from December to April, is the most popular, especially on the Pacific side. The green season, from May to November, brings fewer visitors and lower rates. The Caribbean coast follows a different pattern, with drier stretches in February–March and September–October. Our guide to the
best time to visit Costa Rica covers each month, plus whale and sea turtle seasons.
What is the weather like in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is warm year-round, and altitude matters more than season:
- Coastal lowlands (Pacific and Caribbean): hot and humid, with daytime highs typically in the mid-80s to around 90°F.
- San José and the Central Valley: milder, typically in the 70s°F.
- Cloud forests such as Monteverde: cooler, especially at night, so bring a warm layer.
- Rain: the Pacific side and Central Valley are wettest in September and October. The Caribbean side gets rain throughout the year, with its drier stretches in February–March and September–October.
For month-by-month detail, see the
best time to visit Costa Rica.
Do I need a passport to go to Costa Rica?
Yes, all visitors need a valid passport. For U.S. citizens, Costa Rica requires that the passport be valid for at least one day from the date you enter. UK guidance says it must be valid for at least one day after the date you leave. To be safe, make sure your passport is valid for your entire stay, keep it in good condition (damaged passports can be refused), and check your airline’s rules, since some carriers apply stricter requirements. You’ll also need proof of a return or onward ticket, and you may be asked to show proof of funds for your stay.
Do I need a visa for Costa Rica?
Citizens of the United States, Canada, the UK, and most European countries don’t need a visa for tourism. U.S. and UK visitors can be admitted for up to 180 days, though the immigration officer decides the exact length of stay on arrival. Requirements differ for other nationalities, and some travelers need a visa in advance. Entry rules change periodically, so check the latest requirements with the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería or your nearest Costa Rican embassy before you travel.
What immunizations are recommended or required?
No vaccinations are required for most travelers. The exception is travelers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk, mainly in parts of South America and Africa, who must show proof of yellow fever vaccination.
The CDC recommends that travelers be up to date on routine vaccines, and it lists hepatitis A for most unvaccinated travelers, along with hepatitis B, typhoid, and rabies depending on your plans. CDC also recommends malaria-prevention medication for travelers going to certain areas of the country, so check its map against your itinerary. Mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue occur in Costa Rica, so pack insect repellent and use it, especially in coastal and lowland areas.
For current recommendations, talk with your doctor or a travel clinic, and see
CDC’s Costa Rica page.
How safe is Costa Rica?
Millions of visitors travel to Costa Rica each year without problems, and its tourism infrastructure is well developed. The U.S. State Department currently rates Costa Rica at Level 2, “Exercise Increased Caution,” due to crime. Petty theft is the most common issue, especially in crowded areas, on beaches, and from cars. Violent crime is less common but does occur.
Sensible precautions go a long way:
- Don’t leave belongings unattended on beaches or in vehicles.
- Use hotel safes and carry only the cash you need.
- Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers during the day.
- Use licensed taxis and reputable tour operators.
- Swim only where lifeguards or local guidance say it’s safe. Rip currents are a serious risk on many beaches.
For the latest guidance, see the
State Department’s Costa Rica travel advisory or your own government’s advisory.
Is the water safe to drink?
Tap water is generally considered safe in San José and most major tourist towns. In remote rural or coastal areas, it’s best to drink bottled or filtered water. Many eco-lodges now offer filtered refill stations to reduce plastic waste, so a reusable bottle is worth bringing. Travelers with sensitive stomachs may prefer bottled or purified water everywhere.
What time zone is Costa Rica?
Costa Rica stays on Central Standard Time (UTC−6) all year and does not observe daylight saving time.
- During U.S. daylight saving time (March to November): when it’s noon in Costa Rica, it’s 2 p.m. in New York and 1 p.m. in Chicago.
- The rest of the year: noon in Costa Rica is 1 p.m. in New York and noon in Chicago.
What is the local currency?
The local currency is the Costa Rican colón (₡). For current exchange rates, use a converter such as
OANDA. U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, as long as the bills are in good condition without rips. You’ll usually receive change in colones.
Should I bring cash? Are ATMs available? Can I use credit cards?
Most travelers bring a small amount of U.S. cash and withdraw more from ATMs as needed. ATMs are easy to find in larger towns and cities and can dispense dollars or colones. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in tourist areas, but small local restaurants (sodas), markets, and businesses in rural areas may be cash-only. Carry some cash for those, and for tips. Traveler’s checks are rarely used today and can be difficult to exchange.
Can I use my cell phone?
Check with your cell phone provider about international plans before you leave, since coverage and costs vary by company. Local SIM cards and eSIMs are also available.
Do I need a converter or adapter for the electricity?
Costa Rica uses 110-volt, 60-cycle electricity, the same as the U.S. Costa Rica plugs are typically the two-pronged flat type, so U.S. travelers will not typically need a converter or adapter.
One practical tip: older buildings and some rural lodges often have only two-prong outlets. If you’re bringing devices with three-prong plugs, such as many laptop chargers, pack a simple three-to-two-prong adapter. Travelers from outside North America will need a plug adapter for the flat-pin outlets.
What should I pack?
You’ll receive a detailed packing list after you book. In general, bring long sleeves and a fleece or sweater for cool highland evenings, plus plenty of light, breathable clothing for warm days. Good walking shoes, a rain jacket, insect repellent, and sun protection are essential. Many trips include whitewater rafting, so bring an extra pair of shoes you don’t mind getting wet.
What is Costa Rican food like?
Costa Rican food is built around rice, beans, corn, fresh produce, and tropical fruit, and it is flavorful rather than spicy:
- Gallo pinto: rice and beans cooked together, the standard breakfast, often served with eggs.
- Casado: the classic lunch plate of rice, beans, plantains, salad, and chicken, beef, or fish.
- Caribbean dishes: on the Caribbean coast, rice and beans are cooked in coconut milk, and you’ll find dishes such as rondón, a coconut seafood stew, and patí, a spiced meat pastry.
- Salsa Lizano: a mild, tangy sauce found on most tables.
International food is easy to find in towns and tourist areas. To learn how food fits into Costa Rican traditions, see our guide to
Costa Rica’s religion, culture, traditions, and history. For Caribbean dishes, see our article on the
Limón Carnival.
What are the accommodations like?
We’ve selected a variety of accommodations, from eco-friendly lodges in remote rainforest to comfortable city hotels with modern conveniences. In general, we use small, locally owned lodges that reflect the character of each area rather than large chain resorts. See our
Costa Rica hotels page for photos of the properties we use.
Are meals included?
We include meals on tour days when you’re off the beaten path and restaurant choices are limited, for example, on most rainforest segments of our
Costa Rica tours. In larger towns with plenty of restaurants, we generally leave meals open so you can choose for yourself. Your tour leader or hotel staff can recommend good local options, and your hotel will often provide breakfast on these days.
What type of transportation is used in Costa Rica?
Our
Costa Rica tours use a mix of transportation, including private vans and cars, shared shuttles, small domestic flights, river boats, and 4x4 vehicles, chosen for efficiency, safety, and value in each area. Each itinerary page describes the transportation included. If you have questions, just ask.
What type of planes are used on internal flights?
Domestic flights in Costa Rica generally use small propeller planes, such as the Cessna Grand Caravan.
How do I get to the hotel from the airport?
We can arrange an airport transfer, or you can take a licensed taxi. Taxis are usually less expensive, but many travelers prefer having someone waiting for them after a long flight. Let us know your preference.
How much should I budget for tips?
Tips are not required, but tipping for good service is customary. Amounts vary, but many travelers tip about 2–10 per person per day for a guide and 1–3 per person per day for a driver.
Is travel insurance recommended?
Yes. We work with a travel insurance provider that offers coverage for trip cancellation, medical expenses, medical evacuation, lost bags, and more. See details on our
travel insurance page.
Booking with Adventure Life
What are the tour leaders like?
Our tour leaders are bilingual in English and Spanish, and most come from the regions where they guide. They know both the main highlights and the smaller local places that are easy to miss, and they take care of logistics so you can focus on the trip.
What is the difference between an escorted and a non-escorted tour?
Our
Costa Rica tours include both escorted and non-escorted options.
Escorted tours: one of our local tour leaders travels with you for most of the trip, and you stay with the same group and guide throughout. These are a good choice for solo travelers who want to get to know a group.
Non-escorted tours: local guides at each lodge lead your planned activities, but a tour leader doesn’t travel with you between locations and may not be available on free days. You’ll either have a private guide for your own group or join a small group at each lodge. Solo travelers are welcome on these trips too. They often depart weekly and usually have smaller groups.
Are there Costa Rica family tours?
Yes. Costa Rica works well for families with children of almost any age: rainforest lodges with good guides are spread across the country, and drive times between stops are often three hours or less. Some lodges run special programs for children.
For trips that include whitewater rafting, minimum ages are set by each rafting operator. The Pacuare River (Class III–IV) commonly requires rafters to be at least 12. Gentler stretches of rivers such as the Reventazón may accept younger children. For families with younger kids, an aerial tram ride through the rainforest canopy is a good alternative.
Some remote lodges have limited electricity or Wi-Fi, and some tours involve longer travel days than others, so talk with your Trip Planner if either is a concern. Our
Costa Rica family tours page lists suitable trips and age recommendations. For families, we often recommend a private group and guide, and we offer private-tour rates for families on request.
What is the typical age range on these tours?
We’ve welcomed travelers of nearly every age on our
Costa Rica tours, including multigenerational families, honeymooners, and solo adventurers. Travelers of almost any age, apart from very young children, can find a Costa Rica trip that suits them.
Are these trips a good choice for solo travelers?
Yes. Solo travelers are welcome on any of our tours, and we often recommend escorted departures, which tend to have slightly larger groups and more chances to meet fellow travelers. Some tours can also be arranged for one traveler at a higher rate. Ask your Trip Planner, and see our
solo travel options.
Do tour rates include international flights?
No. It’s usually less expensive to book international flights separately, and doing so lets you choose the schedule and routing that suit you. You’re welcome to book them yourself, or we can help you arrange them.
Are there any discounts available?
Yes. We offer select trip discounts throughout the year. See our
Costa Rica deals page for current offers.
How far in advance should I book?
Generally, the earlier you book, the better. For dry-season departures (December to April), booking at least four months ahead gives you better availability. For the Christmas and New Year holidays, nine months ahead is recommended. Outside the dry season, shorter notice is often possible, though two to three months is still a good idea.
We recommend waiting to book international flights until your tour is confirmed. We can also often accommodate last-minute travelers, sometimes within a week of departure. For short-notice trips, flexibility helps: your first-choice tour may not be available, but your Trip Planner can suggest similar options. Many lodges won’t hold space within 30 days of arrival, so you may need to send your registration and payment right away.
Are tour dates flexible?
Yes. If the listed departure dates don’t work for you, most tours can be arranged on other dates for a minimum of two travelers, subject to lodge and hotel availability.
Contact us to check your dates.
Can I extend or change my stay?
Yes. Extra days can be arranged in most areas, and you can add stops to your trip, such as a beach stay or another rainforest lodge. Let us know how you’d like to customize your trip, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
