Costa Rica travel tips
Everything you need before you go: visa, budget, transport, microclimates, monthly weather, safety and side-by-side comparisons
Airport to destination transfers in Costa Rica
SJO and LIR airport transfers: private $50–150, shared shuttles $35–60, taxis licensed only. Complete guide to reaching your destination from day one.
April weather in Costa Rica: the dry season's last chapter
April is Costa Rica's last dry-season month. Very hot in Guanacaste, still good on the Central Pacific. First rains arrive late April; prices drop mid-month.
Arenal vs Rincón de la Vieja: which volcano destination should you visit?
Arenal is polished, family-friendly, and packed with activities. Rincón de la Vieja is quieter, wilder, and genuinely volcanic. Compare both before you book.
ATM and cash tips for Costa Rica
ATM fees in Costa Rica, which banks work best with foreign cards, and how to avoid losing money at the airport exchange counter. Practical 2026 guide.
August weather in Costa Rica: the complete guide
August brings humpback whale peak season and Tortuguero turtle nesting on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Green season prices, honest microclimate breakdown.
Best time to visit Costa Rica: honest month-by-month guide
Dry season (Dec-Apr) offers sunny Pacific beaches; green season (May-Nov) brings lush scenery and lower prices. The real answer depends on your region.
Caribbean vs Pacific coast Costa Rica: a first-timer's planning guide
First trip to Costa Rica? Pacific means sunshine, resorts, and surf. Caribbean means reefs, reggae, and Afro-Caribbean culture. Here is how to decide.
Costa Rica vs Panama: which country should you visit first?
Costa Rica has the wildlife infrastructure and national parks. Panama has the canal, lower prices, and a different kind of wilderness. Here is how to choose.
December weather in Costa Rica: the complete guide
December launches Costa Rica's dry season on the Pacific coast with sunny days in Guanacaste by Christmas. Prices surge 40-60% for the holidays. Plan ahead.
Driving in Costa Rica: everything you need to know
Complete guide to driving in Costa Rica: Waze setup, road numbers, river crossings, night driving rules, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.
Dry season Costa Rica: honest pros and cons
Costa Rica's dry season (Dec-Apr) means sunny Pacific days and higher prices. Is it worth paying the premium? An honest breakdown by region and traveller type.
eSIM and internet access in Costa Rica
Best eSIM options for Costa Rica in 2026. Airalo, Holafly, and local Kolbi compared. Coverage maps, dead zones, and Wi-Fi tips included.
February weather in Costa Rica: the complete guide
February is Costa Rica's driest, sunniest month. Perfect Pacific weather, peak prices, and excellent wildlife visibility. Plan smart with regional breakdowns.
Ferry routes in Costa Rica: Puntarenas, Nicoya, and beyond
Puntarenas to Paquera ferry: 1h 20min crossing, 4–6 daily sailings, Naviera Tambor schedules, costs, and tips for the Nicoya Peninsula crossing.
Green season Costa Rica: why it's worth considering
Green season (May-Nov) means lush scenery, 30-50% lower prices, and fewer crowds. Afternoon rain is real but manageable. Here's who should book it.
Guanacaste vs southern Pacific Costa Rica: which coast fits your trip?
Guanacaste = sun, dry, resorts. Southern Pacific = lush, wild, remote. This head-to-head comparison helps you pick the right Costa Rica coast.
Internal flights in Costa Rica: Sansa and Aerobell explained
Sansa and Aerobell fly to Drake Bay, Tortuguero, Quepos, and more. Fares run $90–180 per leg. Here's how to choose, book, and pack.
January weather in Costa Rica: the complete guide
January is Costa Rica's peak dry season: sunny Pacific beaches, warm temps, and higher prices. Caribbean side tapering rains. Plan smart.
July weather in Costa Rica: green season with a twist
July brings green season rain to Costa Rica's Pacific coast, but the veranillo mini-dry spell arrives mid-month. Turtle season begins; Caribbean stays damp.
June weather in Costa Rica: the complete guide
June is full green season: afternoon rains, 30-40% lower prices, and possible Veranillo dry spell. Caribbean coast stays relatively clear and uncrowded.
Manuel Antonio vs Corcovado: easy park or true wilderness?
Manuel Antonio is accessible and family-friendly. Corcovado is raw, remote, and mandatory-guide only. Which Costa Rica national park is right for you?
March weather in Costa Rica: the complete guide
March is Costa Rica's hottest, driest Pacific month. Intense sun, calm seas, peak wildlife visibility — last window before green-season prices drop 25-35%.
May weather in Costa Rica: the complete guide
May marks the start of green season in Costa Rica. Afternoon showers arrive on the Pacific, prices drop 25-35%, and the Caribbean coast has near-ideal weather.
Costa Rica microclimates explained: why weather differs by region
Costa Rica has 12 climate zones. Atlantic vs Pacific watershed, altitude, and trade winds drive wildly different weather just 50 km apart — here is why.
Money and currency in Costa Rica
Colón or USD in Costa Rica? Both work, but knowing when and where saves money. ATM fees, card tips, and cash strategy for every budget.
November weather in Costa Rica: the complete guide
November bridges green and dry seasons: Pacific rain eases late in the month, Caribbean turns wetter. Thin crowds, shoulder prices, wildlife throughout.
October weather in Costa Rica: what you need to know
October is the Pacific's wettest month but the Caribbean's best window. Humpback whales peak and prices are lowest. Here's how to plan October in Costa Rica.
Packing list for Costa Rica: what to actually bring
What to pack for Costa Rica in 2026. Quick-dry clothes, headlamp, reef-safe sunscreen, dry bag and more. Honest list for every type of trip.
Rent a car in Costa Rica or not? Honest decision guide
Should you rent a car in Costa Rica? Honest breakdown of costs, road conditions, scams, and when shuttles or private transfers make more sense.
Road conditions in Costa Rica by region and season
Which Costa Rica roads are worst and when? Monteverde gravel, Drake Bay crossings, Osa Peninsula, Caribbean coast — detailed seasonal condition guide.
Safety in Costa Rica: honest risks and smart habits
Is Costa Rica safe to travel? Honest breakdown of real risks: car theft, riptides, motorbike accidents, and how to travel smart in 2026.
September weather in Costa Rica: the complete guide
September is the Pacific's rainiest stretch but the Caribbean coast's best month. Turtle nesting peaks at Tortuguero, prices hit annual lows. Plan honestly.
Shoulder season deals in Costa Rica: the insider's timing guide
Late April and late November offer 30-40% off peak rates with near-dry-season weather. The ultimate timing guide for value-conscious Costa Rica travellers.
Shuttle services in Costa Rica: the complete operator guide
Interbus, GrayLine, and Caribe Shuttle compared: routes, prices, booking tips, and when shuttles beat renting a car or flying.
Tipping in Costa Rica: what, when, and how much
Do you tip in Costa Rica? Restaurants include 10% service. Taxis and hotels are optional. Full guide to tipping culture with amounts in USD and colones.
Travel insurance for Costa Rica: what you actually need
Is travel insurance required for Costa Rica? No — but it's strongly recommended. Compare World Nomads, SafetyWing, and IMG for adventure and medical cover.
Visa and entry requirements for Costa Rica
Who needs a visa for Costa Rica, what documents to bring, and what happens at the border. Honest answers for 2026 travellers.