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Costa Rica
Sustainability Politics
✈️ Travel Guide

Costa Rica

Pure Life, Pure Nature

Capital
San José
Currency
Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Language
Spanish
Best Time
Dec–Apr
Time Zone
CST (UTC−6)
Flag of Costa Rica
👋 Overview

Welcome to Costa Rica

Welcome to Costa Rica, a Central American paradise where lush rainforests, active volcanoes, and stunning coastlines come together in remarkable harmony. The country's commitment to conservation has made it a global leader in biodiversity, protecting sloths, toucans, and countless other species within its national parks. Arenal Volcano rises dramatically over hot springs and cloud forest, a favorite destination for adventure and relaxation alike. Costa Rica's Pacific and Caribbean coasts offer world-class surfing, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life just off the shore.

Monteverde's cloud forest invites visitors to walk among the mist on hanging bridges high above the canopy. The philosophy of "pura vida," or pure life, permeates daily life, reflecting a culture centered on happiness and simplicity. Wildlife encounters here feel remarkably close, from sea turtles nesting on beaches to monkeys swinging through treetops. Costa Rica invites travelers to experience unmatched natural beauty paired with genuine, easygoing warmth.

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📍 Where to go

Popular Cities

01

San José

San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital, offers the National Theatre, an ornate nineteenth-century building funded partly by a coffee export tax and considered one of the finest examples of period architecture in Central America. The Gold Museum, housed underground beneath the Plaza de la Cultura, displays pre-Columbian gold artifacts crafted by Costa Rica’s indigenous cultures.

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The Central Market offers a lively look at Costa Rican produce, spices, and traditional sodas serving casado, the country’s classic rice-and-beans plate. Nearby coffee farms, easily reached on day trips, offer tours explaining the production of one of Costa Rica’s signature exports. San Jose serves mainly as a practical gateway before heading toward Costa Rica’s famous volcanoes, rainforests, and beaches. Its museums and markets offer a worthwhile stop for understanding the country’s culture beyond its natural attractions.

02

Liberia

Liberia, in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province, serves as the main gateway to the country’s Pacific beach resorts and dry tropical forest regions. The town’s whitewashed colonial buildings, including the Iglesia La Ermita, reflect its history as a regional ranching center.

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Nearby, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano National Park offers hiking past bubbling mud pots and hot springs fed by ongoing geothermal activity. Liberia’s proximity to Guanacaste’s beaches and volcanoes has made it an increasingly important tourism hub, supported by its own international airport. The surrounding cattle ranching country reflects Guanacaste’s cultural identity as the heart of Costa Rican cowboy, or sabanero, tradition. Liberia offers a practical, well-connected base for exploring Costa Rica’s northern Pacific region.

03

Tamarindo

Tamarindo, one of Costa Rica’s most popular beach towns, offers consistent surf breaks that have made it a magnet for surfers of all skill levels. The town’s beach curves in a wide bay backed by mangrove estuaries where crocodiles can sometimes be spotted on guided boat tours.

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Nearby, Playa Grande and the Las Baulas National Marine Park protect nesting sites for leatherback sea turtles, visible on regulated night tours during nesting season. Tamarindo’s lively restaurant and bar scene has made it one of the more developed beach towns along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Sunset views over the water, often watched from beachfront bars, remain one of the town’s simple daily pleasures. Tamarindo’s combination of surf culture and turtle conservation makes it a well-rounded stop on Costa Rica’s coast.

🍴 On the menu

Local Food to Try

Discover some of Costa Rica's most popular flavors, traditional dishes and memorable local treats during your visit.

Gallo Pinto

Gallo Pinto is a signature Costa Rica specialty known for its distinctive local ingredients, seasoning and traditional preparation.

Casado

This popular Costa Rica dish brings together familiar regional flavors and is commonly enjoyed in homes, markets or local restaurants.

Olla de Carne

A well-loved part of Costa Rica cuisine, Olla de Carne reflects the country's culinary traditions and locally available ingredients.

Chifrijo

Chifrijo is a comforting regional favorite, prepared in styles that may vary between families, cities and different parts of Costa Rica.

Tamales

Visitors often seek out Tamales for an authentic taste of Costa Rica's everyday cooking and food culture.

Sopa Negra

This traditional favorite highlights the bold, savory or gently spiced flavors associated with cooking in Costa Rica.

Patacones

Patacones is widely recognized in Costa Rica and is often served at casual meals, celebrations or community gatherings.

Arroz con Leche

A memorable choice for travelers, Arroz con Leche offers a flavorful introduction to the ingredients and techniques used across Costa Rica.

Tres Leches Cake

This classic food is an important part of Costa Rica's culinary identity and is best sampled freshly prepared.

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💡 Did you know?

Little-Known Facts

1

Costa Rica occupies less than one-tenth of one percent of Earth’s land surface, yet it contains an estimated 5% of the planet’s known biodiversity. Its varied terrain includes rainforests, cloud forests, volcanoes, dry tropical forests, mangroves, and coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. More than a quarter of the country is protected through national parks, reserves, and wildlife refuges, helping preserve sloths, monkeys, jaguars, tapirs, toucans, and thousands of plant species.

2

In 1948, Costa Rica abolished its standing army and redirected resources toward education, healthcare, and public services. The decision is commemorated each year and remains a central part of the national identity. The country also generates most of its electricity from renewable sources, particularly hydropower, wind, geothermal energy, and solar power. Several active volcanoes contribute to its geothermal potential and create mineral-rich soils that support coffee plantations.

3

Costa Ricans often use the phrase pura vida, literally “pure life,” as a greeting, farewell, expression of gratitude, or way of describing a relaxed and optimistic outlook. The country is one of the world’s most important nesting areas for sea turtles, including massive gatherings of olive ridley turtles called arribadas. Costa Rica also has tiny hummingbirds, brilliant poison dart frogs, and quetzals whose shimmering green feathers were treasured by ancient Mesoamerican cultures.

🧳 Before & during your trip

Travel Tips

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Before You Go
  • Confirm passport validity and entry requirements.
  • Check whether a tourist visa is required.
  • Keep digital copies of important documents.
  • Consider purchasing travel insurance.
Money & Payments
  • Review the local currency and exchange rate.
  • Carry some cash for small businesses and markets.
  • Check for international bank transaction fees.
  • Learn the country's customary tipping practices.
Stay Connected
  • Review your mobile carrier's international plan.
  • Consider purchasing a local SIM or eSIM.
  • Download maps for offline use before traveling.
  • Avoid sensitive transactions on unsecured Wi-Fi.
Transportation
  • Research public transportation before arrival.
  • Use licensed taxis or reputable rideshare services.
  • Check which side of the road vehicles use.
  • Confirm whether an international permit is needed.
Electricity
  • Check the country's voltage and outlet type.
  • Bring the correct plug adapter for your devices.
  • Use a voltage converter when required.
  • Pack a portable charger for longer excursions.
Weather & Clothing
  • Review the seasonal weather before packing.
  • Bring layers for changing temperatures.
  • Pack rain protection when appropriate.
  • Use sunscreen even on cool or cloudy days.
Food & Water
  • Research whether tap water is safe to drink.
  • Communicate food allergies clearly.
  • Try traditional dishes from reputable vendors.
  • Observe local dining customs and meal times.
Safety
  • Secure valuables in crowded tourist areas.
  • Avoid displaying large amounts of cash.
  • Share your itinerary with someone you trust.
  • Review current government travel advisories.
Language & Etiquette
  • Learn a few polite words in the local language.
  • Respect dress requirements at religious sites.
  • Ask permission before photographing people.
  • Follow local traditions, laws and social customs.
Emergency Planning
  • Save the country's emergency telephone number.
  • Locate your nearest embassy or consulate.
  • Keep medication in its original packaging.
  • Store emergency contacts offline and on paper.
Smart Packing
  • Pack comfortable shoes for walking and tours.
  • Keep essential medication in your carry-on.
  • Bring a reusable bottle where appropriate.
  • Leave room for locally purchased items.
Local Research
  • Check attraction hours and reservation policies.
  • Review national holidays and local closures.
  • Download important addresses before departure.
  • Leave flexibility for unexpected discoveries.

Important: Entry requirements, transportation rules, weather conditions and safety guidance can change. Verify important information with official sources before traveling.

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