Costa Rica Travel Guide

What is Costa Rica known for?

Costa Rica is known for its extraordinary biodiversity, tropical beaches, dense cloud forests, volcanoes, wildlife and national parks.

The country is also famous for Costa Rican coffee and chocolate, outdoor adventure and the welcoming Pura Vida lifestyle.

What are the best places to visit in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica combines cities, volcanoes, rainforests, cloud forests and beaches. The best destinations depend on whether your trip focuses on nature, adventure, wildlife, beaches or cultural experiences.

How many days should I spend in Costa Rica?

A stay of approximately 7–10 days provides enough time to combine several Costa Rican destinations and experiences.

Tripmasters itineraries are customizable, allowing travelers to select the number of nights, hotels, transportation and activities included in each destination.

What is the best way to get around Costa Rica?

What currency is used in Costa Rica?

The official currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón (CRC). U.S. dollars are also commonly accepted in many tourism businesses, but travelers should keep access to local currency, especially in smaller towns and rural areas.

What language is spoken in Costa Rica?

Spanish is the official and primary language. English is commonly spoken in many hotels and major tourist areas, although travelers should not expect it to be spoken everywhere.

Costa Rica is a year-round destination and generally experiences two principal seasons: the Dry Season and the Rainy Season, commonly known as the Green Season.

The dry months are particularly attractive for outdoor activities and beaches, while the Green Season transforms forests and mountains into especially lush tropical landscapes. Weather varies by region, especially between the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.

The Caribbean side follows a different rainfall pattern, so travelers should check conditions for the specific regions included in their itinerary.

Tipping practices vary according to the type of service. Restaurant bills may already include a service charge, so travelers should check the bill before adding an additional tip.

Should I use U.S. dollars or Costa Rican colones?

Costa Rica’s official currency is the Costa Rican colón. U.S. dollars are commonly accepted in many tourism businesses, while colones are useful for smaller purchases and local services.

Gratuities can be used to recognize especially good service while travelers should always check whether service has already been included in the price.