Key Takeaways
- Diverse Landscapes: Costa Rica has a rich tapestry of environments, from loud cities to serene beaches and green rainforests.
- Adventure and Relaxation: The itinerary balances activities like zip-lining and white-water rafting with relaxation in hot springs and beach lounging.
- Cultural Immersion: Opportunities to engage with local culture through cuisine, markets, and guided tours.
- Wildlife Encounters: High chances of spotting diverse wildlife like sloths, monkeys, and wild birds.
- Travel Logistics: Recommendations for transportation, accommodations, and budgeting for a smooth trip.
Costa Rica is among the most beautiful and relaxing countries I’ve ever visited, and among the most green. From beautifully kept rainforests to clear-water beaches, Costa Rica has many experiences for every type of traveler.
Before your trip, check U.S. travel advisory updates and visa requirements for a smooth experience.
Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations in Central America. Although Costa Rica may seem small on the map, it is actually quite large. You cannot see it all in a few days. You’ll find an itinerary at the end of this guide. Use the itinerary for your trip. This ensures you get the most out of your visit there.
Travel Requirements
To enter Costa Rica, you need a return flight ticket, which the immigration officer will request upon arrival. It is advisable to photocopy your passport with the entry stamp or take a picture. Carry this at all times during your stay.
Your country of origin determines the days you can stay in Costa Rica as a tourist. Even with a 90‑day tourist visa, the immigration official determines the duration of your stay as your passport allows.
Visitors to Costa Rica must have a valid passport and proof of their intent to leave the country before their visa or entry stamp expires, which usually happens within 90 days.
Vaccination Requirements
- A yellow fever vaccination is required if you’re arriving from certain countries in South America or Africa. Travel.gov
- While not mandatory, unvaccinated travelers aged 60 and older should get vaccinated before traveling.
Where to Stay
You can choose the Marriott Bonvoy in San Jose for a hotel stay. This hotel is located in a safe and inclusive area. It offers great amenities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. It also caters to leisure and business travelers, with spacious rooms and on-site dining options.
This hotel was a short drive from the airport, making it a great spot to arrive late. You also have access to nearby attractions, making it an ideal choice for a comfortable stay in Costa Rica.
I stayed with a few friends after leaving San Juan on day 3. I stayed at the Airbnb mentioned below for part of my stay. The video below summarizes the Airbnb location and amenities. I highly recommend this after an adventurous trip around Costa Rica. You get some time away from the noise and adventure. Let relaxation come to you.
Eco-friendly Costa Rica Itinerary
For a personalized itinerary, please check out the ‘Itineraries’ tab for more details.
Exploring Costa Rica
You should consider booking a travel package or working with an experienced agent to create the perfect itinerary tailored to you. I’ll share some tips for finding the best spots and hidden gems you won’t find on Reddit. Costa Rica isn’t just a place to visit; it’s a place that will leave you inspired and excited to return.
Save this guide. Use it as you plan your trip through San Juan. There, you will see protected wildlife and taste fresh local cuisine.
Day 1: Arrival in San José
San José, the capital, is often just a stopover for many, but I decided to spend a day exploring. I checked into my hotel in the heart of the city. Then, I set out to visit the National Museum of Costa Rica.
For dinner, I headed to Restaurante Grano de Oro. Their fusion of European cuisine with local ingredients was a great and tasty start to my journey.
Day 2-3: Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs
The next morning, we rented a car and drove to La Fortuna, home to the majestic Arenal Volcano. The three-hour drive was scenic, with views of rolling hills and quaint villages. I spent the afternoon walking the trails at Arenal Volcano National Park. Book a guided tour here. The highlight was the trek to the lava fields, where I could see the trail of past eruptions.
The next day was all about relaxation. I indulged in the therapeutic hot springs at Tabacón, available for booking on Booking.com. I spent the day soaking in the natural thermal waters surrounded by lush greenery.
Day 4-5: Monteverde Cloud Forest
From La Fortuna, we took a jeep-boat-jeep transfer to Monteverde. The journey combined a scenic boat ride across Lake Arenal with a rugged drive through the mountains. I was excited to explore Monteverde because it is famous for its cloud forests.
I stayed at a cute Airbnb lodge and spent my days walking the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve trails. Explore options on TripAdvisor.
The biodiversity here is astounding. I spotted some quetzals, toucans, and countless other bird species. A night tour offered a chance to see more nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat.
Day 6-7: Manuel Antonio National Park
Next, we headed to the Pacific coast to visit Manuel Antonio National Park. The park is a paradise of white-sand beaches and forests filled with wildlife. I got to hike and listen to the sound of waves. Hiking through the park, I saw sloths, iguanas, and various colorful birds. I also got to enjoy the sight of monkeys playing in the trees.
Travel Tips
- Pack for Adventure: Lightweight clothing, hiking shoes, and a good rain jacket are essential.
- Health Precautions: Bring insect repellent and sunscreen. Consider vaccinations and medications for tropical diseases.
- Local Cuisine: Try local foods like gallo pinto, casado, and ceviche. Also, try fresh fruits like mangoes and papayas.
- Respect Nature: Costa Rica is known for its eco-tourism. Follow guidelines to protect the wildlife and habitats.
- Travel Tips
- Transportation: Renting a car or driver gives flexibility, especially for reaching destinations like Monteverde. Make sure your rental includes GPS or download offline maps.
- Currency: The Costa Rican colón (CRC) is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying some cash for small purchases is advisable.
- Safety: Costa Rica is generally safe for travelers. Exercise general precautions, especially when visiting remote areas.
- Language: Spanish is the official language. Learning basic phrases can enhance your interactions with locals.
I plan to return to Costa Rica and stay at another beautiful villa in the middle of a rainforest, with only the noises of birds will keep me company.
Would I Go Again?
Um Yes! What I loved most was the country’s value for nature. The efforts to protect it made my experience even more meaningful.
If you’re into adventures like zip-lining and white-water rafting, Costa Rica has plenty of that. If you enjoy exploring nature and spotting unique animals, it has that as well. And if you prefer relaxing on a quiet beach listening to the waves, you’re going to love it here.
I hope my experiences inspire you to visit Costa Rica. Pura Vida!
Travel Resources
Resources to Use While You Plan
These are core guides and tools you can use for almost any trip, from picking a destination to mapping your route and making more time to travel.
All Itineraries & Trips
A central hub of long-weekend guides, Detty December routes, solo trips, and country itineraries you can copy and tweak.
Open itineraries hub →Solo Travel Starter Guide
A full solo travel hub with safety tips, destination ideas, and resources if you’re planning to travel on your own.
Open solo travel guide →Group Travel & Hosted Trips
Explore hosted group trips and trusted partner trips if you’d rather join a group instead of planning alone.
See travel options →COI Travel Network
A central page for solo, group, agency, and travel update links, so you can plug into my wider travel ecosystem.
Explore the network →How to Take More Time Off
A practical guide on stacking weekends, holidays, and smart PTO so you can travel more without quitting your job.
Read time-off tips →Trip Consultation Call
Need help with route, timing, or where to stay? Book a call and we can walk through your trip plan together.
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