Costa Rica Hotels

Costa Rica, the jewel of Central America, is a country that fascinates its visitors with its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and commitment to sustainability. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, this tropical paradise is renowned for its dense rainforests, misty cloud forests, and diverse wildlife, including howler monkeys and colorful toucans. Adventure enthusiasts will be thrilled by the active volcanoes, exhilarating zip-line tours, and world-class surfing beaches. Conversely, nature enthusiasts will appreciate Costa Rica's conservation initiatives; over 25 percent of the country is safeguarded by national parks and reserves. Whether exploring Costa Rica's pristine beaches, immersing oneself in local traditions, or savoring the rich flavors of local cuisine, a visit to this country promises an unforgettable experience.

Things To Know Before Going To Costa Rica

• Driving in Costa Rica can be stressful due to heavy traffic in cities and poor road conditions elsewhere.
• In most areas, tap water is safe to drink.
• Tipping is not expected in Costa Rica, but it is appreciated by guides and servers.
• Be prepared for slow starts to scheduled events and for things to take longer than expected.
• Use credit cards whenever possible to avoid currency exchange fees and get a better exchange rate.

Cultural and Local Costa Rica Tips

• It's customary for women to greet each other with a kiss on the cheek. Men typically greet each other with a handshake or hug.
• Avoid putting your feet up on furniture or tables, as it is considered rude.
• Wait for the host to say "buen provecho" before starting to eat.
• Costa Ricans operate on "Tico time" and are often 30-45 minutes late to appointments and meetings.
• Costa Ricans prefer face-to-face meetings over phone or email, as they are seen as more impersonal.
• The person who extended the dinner invitation typically pays the bill.

Is Costa Rica Expensive To Visit?

Yes, Costa Rica is generally more expensive to visit compared to other Central American countries. 

Is Visiting Costa Rica Worth It?

Yes, Costa Rica's natural beauty, adventure activities, and family-friendly atmosphere make it a great vacation destination for all visitors. It is definitely worth visiting Costa Rica.

Is Costa Rica Good For Honeymoon?

With its romantic atmosphere, adventurous activities, natural beauty, and eco-friendly focus, Costa Rica makes an ideal honeymoon destination for couples looking for a unique and memorable experience.

Is Costa Rica Safe For Tourists? 

While Costa Rica is generally safe for tourists who take reasonable precautions, visitors should be aware of potential risks and plan accordingly for a secure and enjoyable trip.

Are Costa Rica People Friendly?

Costa Ricans are proud, friendly, and diverse people who enjoy sharing their culture and social activities with newcomers.

Best Cities in Costa Rica 

Here’s your fast Costa Rica city guide depending on where city you are planning to visit:

Find the best Costa Rica hotels here!

Must-See Costa Rica Attractions

Here are the must-see attractions in Costa Rica:

• Arenal Volcano: Located in Arenal Volcano National Park, this active volcano offers stunning views, hot springs, and opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting.
• Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: Known for its incredible biodiversity, including hundreds of bird species, butterflies, and plants. Canopy tours and hiking trails offer a chance to experience the cloud forest up close.
• Manuel Antonio National Park: Famous for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife such as monkeys and sloths. It's one of the smallest but most popular national parks in Costa Rica.
• Tortuguero National Park: Accessible only by boat or plane, this park is a prime spot for viewing nesting sea turtles (depending on the season), as well as exploring its network of canals through lush rainforest.
• Corcovado National Park: Located on the Osa Peninsula, this remote and biodiverse park is a haven for jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws. It offers excellent hiking opportunities and secluded beaches.
• Poás Volcano: Known for its large crater with a stunning blue-green lake and frequent geyser-like eruptions. The surrounding area has hiking trails and a visitor center.
• Tamarindo: A popular beach town on the Pacific coast known for its excellent surfing conditions, vibrant nightlife, and diverse dining options.
• La Fortuna Waterfall: A beautiful waterfall near the town of La Fortuna, with a 70-meter drop into a turquoise pool. Hiking trails lead to viewpoints and swimming spots.
• Rincón de la Vieja National Park: Known for its volcanic activity, with bubbling mud pots, geysers, and hot springs. The park also offers hiking trails through dry forest and opportunities to see wildlife.
• San José: Costa Rica's capital city offers museums such as the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, National Theater, and lively markets like the Central Market.

The Best Time To Visit Costa Rica

The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April on its Pacific Coast when the weather is at its driest and brightest, and between March and September on the Caribbean side. If you want to experience the country's green season, it's also advisable to visit in May to June or November.

Where is Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is a country located in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, the Caribbean Sea to the northeast, Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, and Ecuador to the south of Cocos Island.

What is the Capital of Costa Rica?

San José is the capital  city of Costa Rica. It is located in the center of the country, in the mid-west of the Central Valley, and serves as the seat of the national government, a focal point of political and economic activity, and a major transportation hub.

Languages Spoken in Costa Rica

The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish. %98 of the population speaks Spanish as their first language. However, there are other minority and indigenous languages spoken in Costa Rica:

• Bribri
• Cabécar
• Maleku
• Guaymí
• Buglere
• English
• Limonese Creole
• German
• French

Time Zone of Costa Rica

Costa Rica is located in the Central Standard Time (CST) zone, which is UTC-06:00. Also, Costa Rica does not observe daylight saving time, so the time offset from UTC remains the same year-round.

What Currency Does Costa Rica Use?

Costa Rica uses the Costa Rican colón (₡) as its official currency.  1 USD equals approximately 540 CRC and 1 euro equals approximately 578 CRC.

Costa Rica Flag

The flag of Costa Rica consists of five horizontal stripes of blue, white, red, white, and blue, with the coat of arms of Costa Rica in the center of the red stripe. The blue stripes represent the sky, opportunities, intellectual thinking, perseverance, and the country's idealism.

Population of Costa Rica

The current population of Costa Rica is estimated to be 5,247,355 according to Worldometer.

Strange Laws in Costa Rica

• Costa Rica has had no army since 1948.
• Costa Rica has made efforts to move away from traditional zoos with animals in captivity. So, no captive animals in zoos.
• While Costa Rica is a relatively conservative, Catholic country, there is no law against being topless at the beach.
• Costa Rica does not have any open container laws prohibiting the consumption of alcohol in public.