Things to Do in Costa Rica

About Costa Rica

Costa Rica operates on a different frequency than most places. This sliver of land between two oceans has somehow managed to pack in smoking volcanoes, misty cloud forests, and beaches where sea turtles nest under the stars—all within a few hours' drive of each other. The country abolished its military in 1948 and funneled that money into education and conservation instead, which tells you something about the national character. You'll hear "pura vida" everywhere, and while it's become a bit of a tourist catchphrase, locals actually mean it—it's less a greeting and more a philosophy about savoring life's simple moments. The pace here tends to run slower than you might expect, which can be frustrating when you're waiting for your meal, but you'll likely find yourself adopting that same unhurried rhythm by day three. Between the howler monkeys waking you at dawn and the unexpected encounters with sloths crossing the road, Costa Rica has this way of making you feel like you've stepped into a nature documentary.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Renting a 4WD is genuinely worth it—many beach towns and mountain lodges require navigating unpaved roads with river crossings. That said, public buses are surprisingly reliable and cheap (around $2-15 between major destinations). Domestic flights save time but book early, as SANSA and Aerobell have limited schedules. GPS works inconsistently, so download offline maps beforehand.

Money: The colón is the official currency, but US dollars are accepted almost everywhere. Carry small bills though—many places struggle with change for $50s or $100s. ATMs are your best bet for colónes with decent exchange rates. Credit cards work in tourist areas but add a 3-4% foreign transaction fee. Always carry cash for sodas (local restaurants) and rural areas.

Cultural Respect: Ticos are genuinely polite and appreciate the same—greet people with "buenos días" before asking questions. Punctuality is flexible here ("Tico time" is real), but don't assume that gives you license to be late. Beachwear stays at the beach; cover up when entering towns or restaurants. Tipping isn't mandatory but 10% is appreciated for good service.

Food Safety: Tap water is safe to drink in most areas, which is rare for Central America. Seek out sodas for authentic, inexpensive casados (traditional plate with rice, beans, plantains, salad, and protein). Ceviche is outstanding but order it at busy places with high turnover. Fruit from roadside stands is perfectly safe—the pineapple and mango here will ruin you for anywhere else.

When to Visit

Costa Rica's seasons split into dry (December-April) and green/rainy (May-November), though calling it that simple feels misleading. The dry season brings sunny days with temperatures around 75-90°F and minimal rain—this is peak tourist season, meaning prices jump 30-50% and popular spots like Manuel Antonio get genuinely crowded. December through January sees the biggest surge because of holidays. The green season is actually when the country looks its best—everything's lush, waterfalls are dramatic, and you'll find deals 20-40% cheaper than high season. Morning tends to be sunny even in rainy months, with downpours typically hitting afternoons. September and October get the heaviest rainfall (some remote lodges actually close), but May-June and November offer a sweet spot of fewer tourists and manageable rain. The Caribbean coast flips this script entirely—it's driest September-October and February-March. Temperature-wise, you're looking at consistent warmth year-round, though highlands like Monteverde stay cooler (60-75°F). Major festivals include Palmares Festival (mid-January), Envision Festival in Uvita (late February), and Independence Day (September 15). Surfers should know Pacific swells peak May-November, while Caribbean waves are best December-March. Honestly, shoulder seasons (late April-early June, November) might be your best bet—decent weather, reasonable prices, and you're not fighting crowds at every waterfall.