Photo: Arenal Volcano · Rhododendrites · CC BY-SA 4.0
First-Timer Guide 🇨🇷Costa Rica: What to Know Before You Go
Destination Intel / Costa Rica
A typical first trip here runs about $875 to $1,200 per person for 7 days at a mid-range style, before flights. This is an estimate from PINYA hand-reviewed prices, not a live price. Prices last reviewed July 2026. Real cost moves with your dates and exchange rates. Get a tailored number in the Budget Calculator, or have The Crown price your exact trip.
Culture, Food and Etiquette
- Gallo pinto, rice and black beans stir-fried together; breakfast staple
- Casado, "married plate" of rice, beans, salad, plantains, and protein
- Arroz con leche and tres leches cake, beloved sweet traditions
- Frescos (fresh fruit drinks) and agua dulce (hot sugar cane water)
- Costa Rican coffee is among the world's finest, grown in volcanic soil
- Independence Day (September 15), torch parades the night before
- Boyeo y la Carreta (ox-cart parade), UNESCO-listed tradition
- Envision Festival (February), arts and music in the jungle
- La Negrita (August 2), pilgrimage to Cartago's Basílica; most important religious event
- Pura vida philosophy, "pure life" is not just a phrase but a way of being
Spanish is official. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
"Pura vida" means pure life and is used as hello, goodbye, thank you, and everything is great. Costa Ricans ("Ticos") are exceptionally friendly.
- Embrace the pura vida mindset, relax, don't stress, enjoy
- Ticos are punctual by Latin American standards, don't be excessively late
- Respect the extraordinary biodiversity, Costa Rica has 5% of world's species
- Tipping 10–15% is appreciated; sometimes included as service charge
Best Time to Visit
Costa Rica has a tropical climate that varies by region; the dry season is the popular time to visit, while the green season brings afternoon rain and lower prices.
- Peak: December to April
- Shoulder: May, November
- Off season: June to October, the green season
Source: imn.ac.cr
Getting Around
- Domestic flights and shared shuttles connect the regions over longer distances.
- Public buses are inexpensive and reach most towns.
- A vehicle with good clearance helps on rural and mountain roads.
Source: travel.state.gov
What moves the cost: The dry-season peak and holiday weeks cost the most, while the green season is cheaper.
Common Questions
Do US citizens need a visa to visit Costa Rica?+
Source: travel.state.gov
Is Costa Rica safe for first-time travelers?+
Source: travel.state.gov
Latest for Costa Rica
Updates for Costa Rica will appear here as they are published. Every update cites official sources, so you can plan on it.