My sister and I have spent the last week on a Costa Rica road trip. Even as experienced travelers, we picked up practical tips specific to Costa Rica and a few that apply to travel anywhere. Below are clear, useful insights to help you enjoy the country safely and comfortably.
Costa Rica is one of my favorite destinations. This was my second visit, and I remain impressed by its natural beauty, varied landscape, delicious food, and friendly people. It’s a great place for adventurous activities—zip lines, sky trams, waterfall rappelling, hiking, horseback riding—and it suits honeymooners, families, retirees, and budget-minded travelers alike.
- Credit cards are widely accepted, and US dollars are commonly used at fair exchange rates. You don’t need to arrive with local colones if you prefer not to.
- Much of the country is rainforest, so expect wildlife and insects. Keep bags zipped and check shoes before putting them on—locals warn that scorpions sometimes hide in sneakers.
- Bring waterproof hiking boots or an extra pair of sneakers—shoes will get wet. Also pack a sturdy rain jacket: when it rains, it tends to pour.
- Locals usually give directions by landmarks and town names rather than street numbers. Ask how to get to a town or notable place rather than requesting a route number.
- Google Maps can be unreliable on secondary roads. We followed directions down dirt tracks only to be told the remainder required 4WD and an SUV, forcing us to backtrack to a paved route.
- Traditional maps aren’t foolproof either; some routes may cross rivers without bridges—information that doesn’t always show up on paper maps.
- When renting a car, bring proof of your insurance; rental companies often require it or will sell you additional coverage.
- If you plan to leave the main highways (1 or 21), consider renting an SUV and research your route in advance.
- Expect to encounter animals on the road—horses, cattle, cowboys, iguanas, monkeys, and sloths—so stay alert and be ready to brake.
- Avoid driving at night when possible and allow extra time (an extra 45 minutes or more) for getting lost or delayed.
- Carry extra water and snacks in the car. Heat and limited traffic on some roads mean a breakdown can leave you waiting a while.
- The Pacific side generally has better roads. If you’re heading to Arenal/La Fortuna, the route from Liberia airport is frequently smoother and more recently paved than many roads from San José.
- Note that there are two towns called La Fortuna—one near Arenal Volcano is the destination most travelers seek.
- In La Fortuna, locals sometimes park facing the road so they can depart quickly if necessary.
- Costa Rica may be small in area, but travel times can be long due to road conditions. Expect a 120-mile drive to take much longer than it would in the U.S.
- Make sure your rental includes a spare tire. We needed ours and, while we could physically change a tire, we lacked the right tools to remove lug nuts. A helpful local stopped with professional tools and changed the tire within minutes. If you can’t change a tire, arrange transfers or consider bus travel.
- Smoking restrictions are strict in public areas; smoking is rarely seen at hotels.
- Be cautious with opaque booking options like Priceline Express Deals. We booked what seemed like a four-star all-inclusive and ended up at a property that felt far below expectations and had concerning reports of theft and poor security. When booking internationally, confirm the exact hotel before you commit.
Have you been to Costa Rica? Share your tips and experiences in the comments. I’ll publish follow-up posts about the activities we tried and the places we stayed, and I’ll update on the rental car and booking issues as they are resolved.