Costa Rica Travel Guide

Use this guide to help you prepare for your travels to Costa Rica. Below are topics and categories that are important for travelers going to Costa Rica. Browse the topics and submit links, comments, ideas, and information wherever you can to assist other travelers in Costa Rica.

Map of Costa Rica

Costa Rica Travel Information

Costa Rica is a country located in Central America. It is bordered by Panama and Nicaragua.  To the east is the Caribbean Sea and to the west is the Pacific Ocean. Its total area is 51,100 square kilometers. The population of Costa Rica is over 4,500,000. Spanish is the national language. The capital of Costa Rica is San Jose and it is a democratic republic. Costa Rica is famous for its diverse environment and its conservation efforts. Not only does it have beautiful beaches but there are also cloud forests, rainforests and mountains. 

Budget Travel Tips

Costa Rica is a hub for young backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of cheap hostels everywhere in the country. They usually start at about $7 for the very basics. It is generally a cheap country to fly into from the US, probably cheaper than any other country in Central America with the possible exception of Guatemala. The buses are cheap and can take you all over the country, though most make connections through San Jose and the roads generally aren’t too good, so it can take a long time. Food is cheap if you eat what the locals eat, and why wouldn’t you? Gallo pinto (refried rice and beans) is one of the best foods in the world. Costa Rica is generally more expensive than other Central American countries. Expect to spend about $25 a day. 

Recommended Destinations

Costa Rica has a little bit of everything. Check out a volcano like Arenal or Irazu. There are plenty of beautiful beaches, check out the Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific Ocean or if you want to go to the Caribbean, Cahuita is nice.  Monteverde Cloud Forest is an amazing unique ecosystem. If you want to get off the tourist track check out Santa Maria de Dota and other little towns in the mountains of Central Costa Rica. The Osa Peninsula is where the tropical rain forest meets the Pacific Ocean, one of the most beautiful places in the world.