So you have chosen Costa Rica for your next vacation but you are unsure what to expect from the beautiful Central American country?
This blog has got you covered, as it provides you with an insight into all of the different parts of the beautiful country that make Costa Rica famous.
Following several trips to the Central American country, we have detailed its highlights, along with some travel trips, and have also included some photos that will make your imagination crazy. As you dream of the tranquil beaches and abundant rainforests, both of which are contributors to Costa Rica’s famous pura vida lifestyle.
With so many awesome destinations dotted around the country, this guide will give you an idea of what to add to your travel itinerary, so you can plan your perfect getaway!
Costa Rica and its pura vida lifestyle.
Costa Rica has a strong global reputation for its happiness levels and is frequently mentioned as one of the happiest nations in the world. Its pura vida philosophy is deeply ingrained into its culture, with a laidback approach to life adopted by its citizens, both young and old. You will often be greeted by ‘pura vida’ and a smile from the local workers.
The simple pleasures of nature, sunshine, and healthy food are fully appreciated in Costa Rica as the Ticos live a good life.
Best time to visit Costa Rica.
Costa Rica has a tropical climate which means it has two main seasons, the dry season and the rainy season.
The dry season is the most popular time for visitors, and runs from December until April, with long sunny days, very few rainy days, and lower humidity. The increase in tourism is reflected in prices and crowds, so if you want the natural wonders of Costa Rica to yourself, you should consider the rainy season. Although many find the rainy season to be the worst time to visit Costa Rica, some beautiful moments can be found in the lush rainforests during a downpour.
Planning a visit in the shoulder months of November or May can provide you with the ideal combination of cheaper prices and fewer crowds, with many dry days meaning your travel itinerary should remain unaffected by last-minute weather problems.
What makes Costa Rica famous?
Two beautiful coastlines.
Being located on the Central American isthmus means that Costa Rica benefits from two beautiful coastlines. The Pacific and Caribbean sides both offer different vibes, however, they are equally fun.
The Pacific side is longer at over 600 miles in length with many of the popular tourist destinations spanning the whole country. You will find spectacular sunsets, reliable surfing waves, and more developed infrastructure for tourism.
At a much shorter length of just over 100 miles in length, the Caribbean coastline draws in fewer tourists, however, it may be the better option if you are looking for a more relaxed vacation. Popular towns such as Puerto Viejo have a strong Afro-Caribbean influence, with reggae music, Jamaican-inspired cuisine, and annual festivals celebrating different heritages.
Surfing.
One of the biggest draws to Costa Rica is the beautiful surf spots throughout the county, however, the Pacific Ocean cannot be matched.
Pacific side towns such as Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, and Jaco are surf crazy and offer surf camps, lessons, and equipment hire for any standard. We loved our surf lesson in Tamarindo, as the overall atmosphere of the shoreside is incredible.
If you are new to the sport, then Tamarindo is a great spot, with beginner-friendly waves during the daily low tide. Lessons are usually planned around this to give newbies a better experience.
Snorkeling.
International visitors enjoy snorkeling on both coasts of Costa Rica, however, the Pacific side has more predictable weather conditions and better infrastructure so you will find more organized trips. Clear waters ensure that visitors can fully enjoy the vibrant colors of the tropical fish.
The Caribbean side is famous for its coral reefs, and in particular, spots such as Cahuita National Park, which offer extensive coral systems.
Stunning sunrises and sunsets all year round.
The beautiful sunshine in Costa Rica contributes to the locals’ happy life. Long sunshine hours can be enjoyed throughout the year, as even in the rainy season, there are long spells of dry and sunny weather.
As the Central American country is close to the equator, sunrises and sunsets are pretty consistent all year round. The Caribbean side enjoys awesome sunrises between 5.30 and 6.30 am with vibrant colours, and tranquil surroundings.
There is usually more activity on the packed beaches in the evening as the sun spectacularly drops below the Pacific Ocean on the other side of the country. Happy hour is popular in tourist towns like Tamarindo as visitors enjoy an ice-cold beer with friends admiring the natural phenomenon. All year round the sun sets between 5.30 pm and 6.30 pm, which contributes towards thriving tourism in the Pacific towns.
Vast rainforests.
Costa Rica is famous for its expansive rainforests which cover around half of the landmass in the country. There are both tropical and temperate rainforests making up the beautiful nature, which is home to a richness of biodiversity.
The people of Costa Rica proudly protect their rainforests with 25% of the country designated as National Parks. Despite being small in size, Manuel Antonio is the most popular park for tourists to visit, due to its combination of beautiful beaches and diverse wildlife. It is also conveniently located for day trips from San Jose.
Monteverde and La Fortuna are both regions located higher above sea level and, therefore, home to temperate rainforests with cooler temperatures and frequent cloud coverage. If you want to experience the unique mist in the forests, both jungle towns offer amazing experiences with very knowledgeable local tour guides.
A personal highlight is the Mistico Hanging Bridges Park located in La Fortuna, which is home to hanging bridges high above the forest, offering guests a unique perspective of the rainforest, along with a touch of adrenaline for some. A night tour of the cloud forest in Monteverde will provide an authentic experience, as most of the inhabitants come out after the sun sets.
If you want to visit a tropical rainforest, a popular spot is Corcovado National Park, located on the Osa Peninsula in the southwest of the country.
An abundance of wildlife.
Due to the unique location of the Central America Isthmus, it is somewhat of a biological corridor, which has created a biodiverse rich nation in Costa Rica.
Sloths are a massive draw for international tourists wanting a glimpse of the cute creatures in their natural habitats. There are both two-toed and three-toed sloths in Costa Rica, and both thrive in the tropical climate. The beautiful animals are a protected species, which means that the Costa Rica conservation efforts help to protect and relocate the sloths, as well as offer education to visitors about their importance to the ecosystem. Booking on a guided tour will be your best option for spotting a sloth during your trip.
The mangrove forests in Costa Rica have created the perfect environment for wildlife to thrive. Crocodiles and monkeys are two examples of wildlife that love the estuary conditions. Enjoying the Tamarindo estuary tour is the best way to observe the magnificent reptiles in their natural habitat, whilst learning about their unique living conditions. The howler monkeys will also come and say hello as you cruise around during low tide.
Marine life is abundant off both coasts in Costa Rica, with dolphins and whales often being spotted from shoreside on the Pacific side. Marino Ballena National Park is the go-to spot for the best experience of observing mammals.
Outdoor adventure.
Costa Rica is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, with both established and off-the-beaten hiking trails available to explore all the beauty that Costa Rica has to offer.
Corcovado National Park offers visitors some challenging trails in a remote setting. As you wander through the dense forests, you will see untouched ecosystems and empty beaches. This is a great way to fully immerse yourself in the Costa Rican jungle life.
Zip-lining in Costa Rica is globally famed as a result of its beautiful scenery and unique biodiversity, which can be spotted as you zip through the canopy. There are many places in the country to enjoy a high-level ziplining experience, however, there is something extra special about sharing the tree tops with howler monkeys in Montezuma. You can also enjoy some cliff jumping into the top pool of Montezuma waterfalls during your tour.
Offroad adventure is also very popular with tourists looking to explore off the beaten track. The poor road infrastructure and hilly landscape mean that visitors can get around more easily on hired ATVs, especially in the quieter bohemian towns such as Montezuma.
The rainy season brings higher water levels and faster currents making white water rafting a lot more fun. Rafting can be enjoyed throughout Costa Rica, however, the Balsa River near La Fortuna is known for its beginner and intermediate-class rapids. The tour operators in this region are well-established and very professional, so you can enjoy a safe and awesome introduction into the rapids.
A culture of health and wellness.
Whether you are wandering through one of the jungle towns, or breathing in the fresh ocean air on your beach walk, you will notice the culture is significantly different to many western countries.
Feel-good vibes circulate around the popular towns, which are contagious. They are as real as the Pacific waves crashing against the shore each day.
In Tamarindo, we witnessed a beach yoga class, early morning surfers, and people enjoying healthy breakfasts, and this was at 6 am.
Fitness and wellness retreats are very common throughout Costa Rica with an escape to nature being the perfect soul healer for many international tourists. The Nicoya Peninsula is a common spot for holistic wellness and yoga retreats, with the towns of Santa Teresa and Nosara often becoming a short-term home for guests.
Natural wonders.
The natural rainforests are popular in Costa Rica, however, some of the country’s other natural wonders also capture visitors’ hearts.
Waterfalls.
The waterfalls in Costa Rica never cease to amaze, with a number of the iconic wonders very popular with tourists.
Rio Celeste deserves a mention due to its unique sky blue colored water, which dazzles visitors as they complete the moderately challenging hike to get a glimpse of it.
Tenorio National Park is home to the gorgeous waterfall, along with two different colored rivers that collide close to Rio Celeste, creating a point that displays both side by side.
This unique optical illusion is caused by the mineral composition in the geographical area close to Tenorio Volcano.
If you are looking for a beautiful waterfall to swim at, then La Fortuna is an ideal candidate.
The beautiful forest surroundings will offer you a nice secluded spot to cool down and relax, with tourists finding the noise of the powerful cascade of La Fortuna waterfall to be soothing. Many visitors accept the challenge of trying to swim close to the 70-metre-high waterfall’s base.
Volcanoes.
The distinct geographical landscape in Costa Rica means that volcanoes are located across three main volcano ranges throughout the country.
The enormous volcanoes have created many geothermal regions which include hot springs that are often enjoyed by international tourists. We enjoyed the free natural hot springs and a resort during our time in La Fortuna.
The most picturesque and until recently, the most active, is the Arenal Volcano overlooking La Fortuna. The town’s beautiful backdrop is dream-like, especially when the sun sets behind the wonder.
The largest volcano in Costa Rica is Irazu at a height of approximately 3,432 metres above sea level. Its largest crater has a lake which attracts many day tour visitors. It had a minor eruption in 1994, and despite still being deemed an active volcano, the locals aren’t too worried about it.
A unique variety of cuisine.
Due to the country’s location, there has been an influx of outside influence on the cuisine in Costa Rica, which alongside the cultural traditions has created a cosmopolitan culinary scene.
The capital offers more of a local and traditional feeling with very little English spoken, local food markets thriving, and many Soda Restaurants. The national dish of Costa Rica is ‘Gallo Pinto’, which comprises rice, plantain, and beans, all staples in the Tico’s diet. Other tasty dishes that the locals enjoy are Casado, Olla de Carne, and Chifrijo.
We found the Pacific town of Tamarindo to be Westernized with strong American influence. You can expect to find international flavors such as American, Italian, Asian, and Mexican as the businesses cater to tourists and expats. There are also healthy breakfast spots popping up constantly around Tamarindo, as the locals maintain their pura vida lifestyles.
Puerto Viejo on the other coast has a strong Afro-Caribbean influence, along with a vast array of fresh seafood options. Popular dishes in the Caribbean towns include Rondon, Patí, and coconut shrimp. You can also expect to enjoy a cocktail or two as you enjoy a Caribbean-themed evening.
If beautiful cuisine is one of the biggest factors in your travel planning, you can have different culinary experiences depending on which Costa Rican destinations you visit.
Is Costa Rica expensive?
It is no secret that tourism is on the rise in Costa Rica, as Western tourists hunt for a sprinkle of the good life. This has come at a cost though, with prices now very expensive relative to its Central American neighbours. Some of the prices in Costa Rica are now similar to the USA, especially in the dry season.
Here are some of the average costs you can expect to pay per person:
Accommodation per night – $40-$80.
Meal out in a mid-range restaurant – $25-$30.
Shuttle bus journey – $50.
Day trip – $50.
Travel tips for Costa Rica.
You will love your time in Costa Rica regardless, however, if you want to maximize your enjoyment levels, and be more efficient, these few travel trips will go a long way to help you.
Use local tour guides.
The number one tip we can suggest is to use a tour guide in the rainforests. Our time in Mistico Hanging Bridges Park in La Fortuna was made much more enjoyable by ‘Chris’. He taught us some fascinating facts about the Costa Rican ecosystems as he pointed out some crucial aspects to us.
He also supplied the group with binoculars and a telescope used to enjoy close-up shots of the forest’s inhabitants. He knew the secrets of the surroundings and showed us many of them.
Plan and allow for delays.
Traffic jams, steep hills, poor road infrastructure, you name it. There are many reasons why your journeys may be delayed as you travel between popular destinations. You should plan for several hours worth of delays on the longer journeys.
The public and shuttle buses are comfortable with air conditioning which makes the delays more bearable, but if you want a more efficient trip, along with more control over your situation, you should rent a car.
Learn some basic Spanish phrases.
Spanish is the national language of Costa Rica, and although there is some English spoken in the more touristic areas, only around 10-20% speak decent English. We would have found it tricky to navigate San Jose without our basic Spanish, especially when purchasing bus tickets to La Fortuna in the main station. The Google Translate app may also be a very important tool to equip yourself with.
Consider dining in the local Soda restaurants.
Soda restaurants in Costa Rica are a vital part of the local culture and offer visitors home-cooked food for very reasonable costs. If you are on a budget or just want to live like a local, you should dine in soda restaurants, rather than international establishments. You will find the portion sizes, flavourful dishes, and impeccable service will make up for their modest decors and reduced menus.
Make the effort to be an eco-friendly tourist.
Costa Rica is famous for the importance it places on sustainability and ecosystem protection, and we can all play our part in helping to preserve the beauty in the Central American country. Consider carrying a reusable water bottle, along with leaving nonessential luggage behind for your day trips.
The national parks are very sustainability conscious, so you will find some restrictions in place, therefore, pre-planning should help you to stick to the rules.
Keep reading: Top Central America Hidden Gems
With so much to see and do, it’s easy to see why Costa Rica has become a top travel destination. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a unique cultural experience, this small Central American country delivers in a big way. Start planning your Costa Rican escape today and get ready to embrace the pura vida lifestyle.
