Costa Rica has it all: incredible rainforests, epic waterfalls, beautiful beaches and some of the best wildlife watching opportunities in the world.

This small country really does have it all, and after Cat visited in 2008, we both put it high on our list of places to discover in more depth. Despite it taking 15 years to go back (and a lot of things have changed), we’re so glad we did!

Within a week, we’d found an adventure travellers’ mecca, and kept coming up with reasons to extend our stay.


Quick Summary

  • Top Tip: Everything costs money in Costa Rica, even the things you’d expect to be free such as hiking trails and waterfalls. You’ll need to budget in these places as you’ll miss out if you only do the occasion free activity on offer.

  • Currency: Costa Rican Colones

  • Visa: Most western countries are allowed to visit for up to 90 days without a visa.

  • Safety: On the whole, Costa Rica is safe, but you do need to be wary of petty crime like theft.

  • When to go: It’s ideal to visit in the dry season, as everything is accessible and road conditions are generally good.

    • Peak Season: December - April

    • Off Peak Season: May - November

  • Walk My World Cost Index: $$$$$ - We were really surprised by just how pricey Costa Rica is, as it’s now the most expensive country we’ve visited (yes, even more than Iceland).

    You can snag a bargain when it comes to budget accommodation, but food and activities can be shockingly pricey.


Our Top Picks


Planning your trip to Costa Rica


Bajos Del Toro


Drake Bay


La Fortuna


Liberia


Monteverde


San Gerardo de Dota (Los Quetzales National Park)


The Pacific Coast - Jaco, Manuel Antonio & Uvita


Tortuguero