Ultimate Guide to Costa Rica

thekatidaulton
Aug 1
4 min read

This post is meant as a launching pad for research on Costa Rica for your next trip! To read more in-depth about my personal experience there and what I thought was overrated or what was underhyped, please check out "Overrated or Underhyped: Costa Rica Edition"

Also, if you want to take the stress of planning an itinerary or need ideas for where to go and the commute for them, please download my FREE Costa Rica Map!

Understand, Costa Rica can either be a week-long vacation or a 3-month long adventure. There is SO much to see and experience. If you are planning a shorter trip (less than 2 weeks), I suggest you decide a main region to explore to cut down on commute time. Even just doing to the NorthWest Coast (as my group did) still have medium length commutes and we only saw a few things.

Costa Rica is the adventure capital of Central America — packed with biodiversity, powered by volcanoes, and cooled off by two coasts. Whether you're ziplining through cloud forests or sipping smoothies on a black sand beach, this country is built for nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and anyone chasing a little "Pura Vida" in their life.

As far as beginner traveling goes, this country is one of the best, in my opinion, for starting your travels. It is easy to navigate, very tourist friendly with lots to do and welcoming locals.

📍 Top Locations to Visit

1. La Fortuna

Costa Rica’s adventure HQ. La Fortuna sits at the base of Arenal Volcano and is known for:

Hot springs (both fancy resorts and free ones like Rio Chollin)
Waterfalls (like the iconic, but possibly overrated, La Fortuna Waterfall)
Rainforest hikes, wildlife spotting, and rope swings at El Salto.

It’s a great base for both relaxing and adrenaline-fueled excursions.

2. Drake Bay

Remote and wild, Drake Bay is the gateway to Corcovado National Park, one of the most biologically intense places on Earth. Expect:

Jungle treks
Rare wildlife sightings (jaguars, scarlet macaws, tapirs - those strange pig-aardvark-looking creatures)
Diving and snorkeling around Caño Island.

You’ll feel completely off the grid — because you basically are.

3. Tamarindo

A popular surf town on the Pacific coast, Tamarindo is touristy but super fun. Perfect for:

Beginner surfers
Beach bars and nightlife
Yoga retreats and sunset views.

It’s a great spot for solo travelers, groups, and anyone craving a social scene.

4. Monteverde

Cloud forest heaven. Misty trails, hanging bridges, and endless green. Come here for:

Canopy tours through the treetops
Suspension bridges (like in Selvatura Park or Monteverde Reserve)

Birdwatching – home to the elusive resplendent quetzal (not the money I spoke about in my Guatemala Guide, though that currency is named after this colorful bird)

Monteverde is cooler in climate and feels like a fantasy forest come to life.

5. Manuel Antonio

A crowd favorite for good reason. Manuel Antonio National Park is where beach meets jungle. It offers:

Short trails with sloth and monkey sightings
Stunning beaches inside the park
A more refined, resort-friendly vibe without losing that wild edge

Perfect for first-time visitors to Costa Rica.

6. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Located on the Caribbean coast (the east coast), Puerto Viejo is the place for laid-back Rasta vibes, Caribbean culture, and wild beaches. Known for:

Afro-Caribbean food and music
Cahuita National Park (easy snorkeling and coastal hikes)
Playa Cocles and Punta Uva – great for surfing and lounging

It’s less polished than the Pacific side — and that’s part of its charm.

7. Nosara

A mellow, wellness-driven beach town known for:

Yoga retreats and surf camps
Tide pools and long beach walks at Playa Guiones
A strong community of expats and digital nomads

It’s where you go to unplug, meditate, and watch epic sunsets without a crowd.

8. Tortuguero

Accessible only by boat or small plane, Tortuguero is Costa Rica’s version of the Amazon. Go here for:

Canoe tours through jungle canals
Sea turtle nesting (especially July–October)
Remote, rustic vibes

It’s wild, wet, and magical — especially for animal lovers.

Currency & Budget Tips

Currency: Costa Rican Colón (₡), but USD is widely accepted. (If you have an international credit card, such as a Chase Credit card, you will be fine. I did not take cash out in the tourist towns)
ATMs: Easy to find in most towns; always choose colones for better rates.
Cost Level: 💰💰💰 — Costa Rica is not cheap. I spoke about this a lot in my first post about CR. Expect U.S.-level prices for activities, especially in tourist areas. It is one, if not THE most expensive central, Latin American country to visit.

Language

Spanish is the official language.
English is common in tourism zones.
Basic Spanish phrases go a long way in smaller towns and local markets.

Cultural Context

Its "Pura Vida" philosophy, meaning "pure life" or "simple life." Being eco-conscious and one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. They also haven't had a military since 1949, which plays into their culture of peace, cohabitation and conservation. Over 25% of the country is protected parkland, so a haven for nature lovers. The people (called Ticos and Ticas) are known for their friendliness, love for nature, and strong environmental values.

Who Is Costa Rica Good For?

Adventurers – Ziplining, rafting, canyoning, hiking — this is your playground.
Wildlife lovers – Sloths, toucans, monkeys, dolphins, jaguars. Enough said.
Eco-tourists – Sustainable lodges, reforestation projects, and national parks abound.
Wellness travelers – Yoga, surfing, healthy eats, and slow living are part of the culture.
Families – Safe, clean, and packed with accessible, guided nature excursions.
Digital nomads – Strong WiFi, coworking in surf towns like Tamarindo and Nosara.

!!Not ideal for: ultra-budget backpackers, party-only travelers, or those looking for luxury without nature!! But who wants luxury without nature???

General Travel Tips

Avoid planning everything — Costa Rica rewards spontaneity.
Rent a car if you want to explore remote areas (just get 4WD).
Be prepared for sudden rain, even in dry season.
Respect wildlife: don’t feed animals, even if they’re cute.
Don’t skip the free stuff — rivers, rope swings, and trails are often more memorable than the pricey tours, at least they were to me! But maybe I just like a good deal?