North America
Below is a summary of how I entered, whether through a visa or another permitted route.
I entered this country using my US tourist visa, which allowed entry without a separate visa.
Last updated 2 hours ago
| S.No | Details | Date | Amount | Currency | Amount (NPR) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ~10000/night | — | — | — | 30,000 | Accommodation |
| 2 | ~8000/day | — | — | — | 24,000 | Food & Dining |
| 3 | — | — | — | — | 6,000 | Activities |
| 4 | Free | — | — | — | — | Activities |
| 5 | Entrance + transport | — | — | — | 10,000 | Activities |
| 6 | Tour cost estimate | — | — | — | 25,000 | Activities |
| 7 | — | — | — | — | 3,000 | Transport |
| 8 | — | — | — | — | 5,000 | Connectivity |
| 9 | — | — | — | — | 35 | Insurance |
| 10 | — | — | — | — | 8,000 | Miscellaneous |
| 11 | — | — | — | — | 3,000 | Miscellaneous |
| 12 | — | — | — | — | 6,000 | Transport |
| 13 | — | — | — | — | — | CRC 120,000 + USD 35 |
| Total | 0.00 | 120,035 |
Last updated 2 hours ago
US, Canadian, UK, and EU passport holders can visit Costa Rica visa-free for up to 90 days. Your passport must have at least 6 months validity. Always carry proof of legal stay as officers conduct checks.
The currency is the Costa Rican Colon (CRC). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, but bring small bills as $50 and $100 notes are not always taken. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants. Carry colones for local buses and small shops.
Official taxis are red with a yellow triangle on the side (orange at the airport). Always use official taxis or Uber, which operates in most urban areas. Unofficial taxis pose safety risks. For rural areas, 4WD rental vehicles are recommended.
Costa Ricans say 'Pura Vida' (Pure Life) as a greeting, goodbye, and expression of contentment. It reflects the country's laid-back, optimistic culture. Embrace the slower pace and friendliness of the locals.
The rainy season (May-November) brings daily afternoon showers but also lower prices and fewer crowds. Flooding is common in Limon, Puntarenas, and Guanacaste provinces. Roads can be hazardous. The dry season (December-April) offers the best weather for beach activities.
Costa Rica has incredible biodiversity with 5% of the world's species. Never touch or feed wild animals including monkeys, sloths, and iguanas. Keep a safe distance. National parks charge entrance fees (typically $15-18 for foreigners). Book guides for the best wildlife spotting.
Last updated 2 hours ago
📍 San Jose
Arrive in San Jose and visit the National Museum of Costa Rica housed in the former Bellavista Fortress. Explore the bustling Mercado Central for a traditional casado lunch and fresh tropical fruit. Take an afternoon trip to the Poas Volcano National Park to peer into one of the world's largest active craters.
📍 Arenal, La Fortuna
Drive to La Fortuna and hike the trails of Arenal Volcano National Park with views of the perfectly conical volcano. Cross the Arenal Hanging Bridges through the cloud forest canopy, spotting toucans and howler monkeys. Soak in the natural volcanic hot springs at Tabacon Hot Springs as the sun sets behind Arenal.
📍 Monteverde
Travel to the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and walk the suspended hanging bridges through misty treetops. Search for the resplendent quetzal, one of Central America's most elusive and beautiful birds. Try the thrilling zipline canopy tour over the cloud forest, one of the longest in Costa Rica.
📍 Manuel Antonio
Drive to Manuel Antonio National Park, where lush rainforest meets pristine white sand beaches. Hike the park trails spotting white-faced capuchin monkeys, sloths, and iguanas among the tropical trees. Swim at Playa Manuel Antonio and Playa Espadilla, two of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica.
Last updated 2 hours ago
Breakfast staple of rice and black beans fried together with onions, peppers, and Lizano sauce.
Typical lunch plate with rice, beans, plantains, salad, and a choice of meat or fish.
Bar snack of rice, beans, chicharrones, pico de gallo, and avocado served in a bowl.
Hearty beef soup with corn on the cob, potatoes, yuca, and chayote squash.
Sponge cake soaked in three types of milk, topped with whipped cream.
Last updated 2 hours ago
Security Ranking
76/100
Steady
Costa Rica currently trends toward low-to-moderate caution across the main government travel advisories we track.
Refreshed 04 Apr 2026
Last updated 2 hours ago
A perfectly conical active volcano surrounded by hot springs, hanging bridges, and lush rainforest trails near the town of La Fortuna.
📍 Open in Google Maps →Costa Rica's most visited national park where tropical rainforest meets white sand beaches, home to monkeys, sloths, and iguanas along well-maintained trails.
📍 Open in Google Maps →A cloud forest reserve famous for its hanging bridges, zipline canopy tours, and the chance to spot the elusive resplendent quetzal in the misty treetops.
📍 Open in Google Maps →A network of canals and waterways on the Caribbean coast known as 'Costa Rica's Amazon,' famous for sea turtle nesting from July to October.
📍 Open in Google Maps →A popular Pacific coast surf town in Guanacaste province known for golden sand beaches, consistent waves, and vibrant nightlife and restaurants.
📍 Open in Google Maps →Last updated 2 hours ago
A glimpse into our favourite moments from Costa Rica.
Welcome to Costa Rica
