We recommend spending
10 days to two weeks
in Costa Rica, as this timeframe will give you enough time to cover all the major highlights while also including time for traveling from one destination to another. A two-week Costa Rica itinerary will guarantee you see everything the country has to offer.
Is 7 days enough for Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is also a relatively small country, making it the perfect destination to explore even on a week-long trip. Although this might feel like a short time to explore Costa Rica,
7 days gives you enough time to see the country's best highlights
.
Is one week enough for Costa Rica?
Costa Rica might look small on a map, but don't be fooled,
you can't see everything in just one week
. With some careful planning, however, you can still have a vacation of a lifetime that showcases what Costa Rica is all about: nature, adventure, and pura vida.
What is the best month to go to Costa Rica?
The best time to visit Costa Rica is between
December and April
, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. We'd also recommend traveling in the country's green season, from May to June or in November. This is when you catch the seasons in transition, and the national parks are quieter.
Is it expensive in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica can be expensive
. At least, it can feel expensive to Westerners who expect to be able to have the same buying power as in places like India or Thailand. Costa Rica is ranked as the most expensive country in Central America and the sixth most expensive in North America and the Caribbean (2015).
What should I avoid in Costa Rica?
- Leave valuables unattended. Unfortunately, one of the most common crimes in Costa Rica is theft. …
- Go to the beach at night. …
- Buy drugs. …
- Speed. …
- Swim in front of a surf break. …
- Take a dip in the river. …
- Think you can get a base tan. …
- Skip out on mosquito repellent.
Can you drive in Costa Rica?
Foreigners can drive in Costa Rica with a valid original driver's license and their original passport with a valid tourist stamp
. Tourists must have their original passport and valid original driver's license with them when they drive. They can only drive for as long as their tourist visa is valid.
How do people spend a week in Costa Rica?
- Intrepid travellers hiking near Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano.
- Arenal Volcano.
- Waterfall in La Fortuna.
- Ziplining in Monteverde.
- Manuel Antonio National Park.
- Manuel Antonio's marina.
How far is a flight to Costa Rica?
An average nonstop flight from the United States to Costa Rica takes 6h 24m, covering a distance of
2136 miles
. The most popular route is Los Angeles – San José with an average flight time of 5h 34m.
How do you get around in Costa Rica?
The best way to get around Costa Rica is
by bus
, which is reliable, navigable, inexpensive and frequently runs through San José, Costa Rica's capital. Driving on your own is not highly recommended as some roads are tricky (speckled with potholes and ambiguously marked intersections).
Do you need a car to visit Costa Rica?
Getting around Costa Rica without a car is certainly feasible, but it's likely to be either expensive or time-consuming
. So, if you prefer to relax and enjoy, rather than hailing a taxi or waiting for your drop-off in a shared shuttle, renting a car is right for you.
Is Costa Rica cheap?
If you're wondering “Is Costa Rica cheap to visit?”, the answer is
yes and no
. Compared to other Central American countries like Nicaragua or El Salvador, Costa Rica is generally more on the expensive side. It's pretty well-developed and has a thriving tourism industry, so things do cost more.
Does the US dollar go far in Costa Rica?
| Location Currency Exchange Average Cost of Daily Expenses | San Jose, Costa Rica 1 USD = 567.494 CRC $49 |
|---|
What is the hottest month in Costa Rica?
The hottest month of the year in Costa Rica is
January
, with an average high of 88°F and low of 70°F. The cool season lasts for 2.6 months, from May 16 to August 4, with an average daily high temperature below 77°F.
When should you not go to Costa Rica?
But if you have just a week or two to get away, there are certain times of year you'll want to avoid. The rainiest months in general are
September and October
. During this time, you could have several days in a row with prolonged periods of rain, which can make it difficult to get out and explore.
How much does a girl cost in Costa Rica?
This holds true in sex tourism industry as well. Prices for prostitutes ranged from between
$100 to $150
but buyer-beware is a good maxim not to forget in Costa Rica. Some women of the night will stay with you all night and others will be checking their watch and after 20 minutes.
Is the US dollar used in Costa Rica?
U.S. Dollars are Accepted in Costa Rica
For visitors from the U.S. there's no reason to change money in advance because dollars are commonly used in Costa Rica. The taxis out in front of the airport, the restaurants and hotels all accept dollars.
Is English common in Costa Rica?
Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica: it's also the most widely spoken language throughout the country. Other languages spoken are English, Creole, and some Indian languages. All official business and major newspapers are in Spanish, whereas
English is widely used in areas frequented by tourists
.
What is the average cost of a home in Costa Rica?
| United States v/s Costa Rica United States Average ($) Costa Rica Average ($) | Housing (comparable 3 bedroom, 2 bath) $1000-3000 $500-1200 | Gasoline (per gallon of regular) $3.00 $5.00 | ADSL Internet monthly (1024/512 kb/sec) $34.95 $28.25 | Home Phone Service (basic monthly fee) $29.95 $7.00 |
|---|
Can you flush toilet paper down the toilet in Costa Rica?
You can't flush toilet paper in Costa Rica
– TRUE!
The country's plumbing was never built to accommodate for excessive amount of toilet paper and, since many systems are septic or composting, you'll find ‘toilet paper bins' in every toilet stall, all over the country.
What is the safest city in Costa Rica?
Tamarindo, Puerto Viejo and Drake Bay
are the safest areas in Costa Rica. You'll hardly find any crime here apart from the typical pickpocketing.
Can US citizens live in Costa Rica?
Can I move to Costa Rica from the U.S.? Yes. It's quite easy to move to Costa Rica from the U.S. Before the global pandemic disrupting travel and immigration,
some 120,000 U.S. citizens were thought to reside permanently in Costa Rica
.
Do you tip in Costa Rica?
In Costa Rican eateries,
tipping is optional
, though it's polite to offer an additional sum if you feel your server exceeded your expectations or went the extra mile to ensure you were happy with your meal.
Can you drink and drive in Costa Rica?
Drunk-Driving
Well,
driving in Costa Rica under the influence of alcohol is not allowed
. If you are caught with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of more than 0.05%, you will be liable to a fine of up to $410 or imprisonment for up to three (3) years. All road users are obliged to make driving in Costa Rica safe.
Where can you see sloths in Costa Rica?
The best places to see sloths in Costa Rica in the wild are
Puerto Viejo, Tortuguero, Manuel Antonio, Uvita, Dominical and the Osa Peninsula
. You can see them in the treetops on the side of the road, crossing the road or snoozing in palm trees on the beach!
Is 5 days enough in Costa Rica?
Although 5 days in Costa Rica may not sound like much time, the small size of this Central American country (equal to West Virginia or Denmark) means
a 5-day tour to Costa Rica is still long enough to experience many of its most extraordinary sights
.
Is San Jose Costa Rica safe?
Generally speaking,
San Jose is a safe city to visit, so long as visitors keep their wits about them and behave in a street smart manner
. Knowing which neighborhoods to avoid and keeping an eye on your possessions is key.
