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Travel Guide
Visiting Costa Rica
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Top Attractions in Costa Rica
The most iconic and unmissable experiences this country has to offer.
Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano National Park protects a 1,633-metre stratovolcano and the surrounding rainforest, home to over 850 bird species, jaguars, howler monkeys, and a rich understory of orchids and bromeliads. The park, established in 1991, encompasses the ancient dormant crater of Cerro Chato alongside Arenal itself, offering hiking trails with striking views of the cone. Visitors combine trail walks with nearby natural hot springs fed by geothermal activity beneath the volcano.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Costa Rica's smallest national park packs 683 hectares of Pacific rainforest, coral reef, and white-sand beach into one of the country's most visited and celebrated natural areas. Four species of monkey, including the endemic Manuel Antonio squirrel monkey, share the trails with sloths, coatis, and over 180 bird species, all observable at close range along well-maintained paths. The park's beaches, including Manuel Antonio and Espadilla Sur, front calm turquoise water suitable for swimming.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve spans more than 35,000 acres across eight life zones atop the Continental Divide, sheltering approximately 2.5 percent of the world's total biodiversity within a single protected area. Over 3,000 plant species, 450 orchid varieties, 400 bird species, and six wild cat species, including jaguars and pumas, inhabit the perpetually mist-covered forest. The reserve is particularly celebrated as habitat for the resplendent quetzal, one of the most sought-after birds in the Americas.
Wise
Your bank marks up every USD you spend in Costa Rica. Wise doesn't.
- No foreign transaction fees
- Free ATM withdrawals up to your limit
- Pay in local currency at the real rate
4.8 ★ App Store·4.8 ★ Google Play
Airalo eSIM
Your phone plan was built for home. This one was built for Costa Rica.
- No SIM swapping
- No data roaming charges
- Active in minutes
4.7 ★ App Store·4.6 ★ Google Play
Health & Safety
Health & Emergency Info
Before You Travel
Before you travel check that: your destination can provide the healthcare you may need you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant. Emergency medical number Call 911 and ask for an ambulance. Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment. Vaccine recommendations and health risks To enter Costa Rica, you must have a certificate to prove you’ve had a yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a country listed as a transmi
Full health advice (FCDO) →Emergency Numbers
Police911
Ambulance911
Fire911
Health information sourced from UK FCDO. Always consult a travel health professional before departure.
Practical Info
Travel Essentials
Travel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Costa Rica
Entry requirements vary by passport. Check the requirements for your specific passport on the Costa Rica page at Yoogo.
Costa Rica uses the Costa Rican colón (CRC). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, hotels, and larger restaurants, often at favourable exchange rates. Cards are accepted at most established businesses. Carry colónes for local transport, smaller restaurants, and markets.
Costa Rica is one of the safer destinations in Central America. Petty theft, including bag-snatching and opportunistic theft from rental cars, is the main concern for tourists, particularly in San José and at beaches. Some coastal areas have experienced increased gang-related crime. Keep valuables out of sight, avoid deserted beaches at night, and use reputable transport.
Car hire is the most practical way to explore Costa Rica's national parks and natural attractions independently. Public buses are affordable and extensive. Taxis and ride-hailing services operate in San José. Domestic shuttle services run between key tourist destinations. Roads can be rough, especially to remote parks and beach areas, where 4WD is often recommended.
The dry season from December to April (verano) is the most popular time to visit, with sunny skies and accessible roads. The green season from May to November brings afternoon rains that keep the rainforests lush. Guanacaste province on the Pacific coast is driest from December to April. The Caribbean coast has a different pattern, with September and October being relatively dry.
Spanish is the official language. Costa Rican Spanish is considered clear and relatively easy to understand. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, national parks, upscale hotels, and tour operations. The phrase 'pura vida', meaning pure life, is used constantly as a greeting, farewell, and general expression of contentment.
No vaccinations are legally required for most travellers. Hepatitis A, typhoid, and rabies (for those spending time outdoors in rural areas) are commonly recommended. Dengue fever is present; use insect repellent, especially during the wet season. Tap water is generally safe in urban areas. Travel health insurance is strongly recommended.
A 10% service charge is included in most restaurant bills by law. Additional tipping for exceptional service is appreciated but not required. Taxi drivers are not typically tipped. Tour guides, hotel porters, and shuttle drivers appreciate a modest gratuity of two to five US dollars.