Costa Rica is a nature-lover’s paradise. With tons of opportunities to hike, zip-line, kayak, and partake in all kinds of outdoor activities, it’s no surprise that ecotourism is so mainstream there. It’s also a gorgeous place to simply hang out at the beach, relaxing the day away. I did a bit of both, making for an incredible trip throughout the country.
But after nearly a month of traveling here, I realized there were a few things I wish I knew beforehand.
These are some tidbits of information, pieces of advice, and general things to know before you travel to Costa Rica, so you can have an awesome time and hopefully not repeat my mistakes and faux pas:
1. Costa Rica can be very expensive.
I anticipated this before my trip, but I was surprised at how expensive it was to travel through Costa Rica, even with prior knowledge that it was pricier than other Latin American countries. Especially in tourist hot spots like Manuel Antonio and La Fortuna, the prices for accommodation, food, and activities is comparable to some cities in the US. It’s pretty tough to find free things to do in Costa Rica, and entrance fees for the national parks start around $15 per day; tours start at $60.
Not all hope is lost for backpackers, though. There are plenty of affordable hostels in Costa Rica, many of which include breakfast and have less expensive tour options.
2. For cheap eats, go to the sodas.
One way to save money while traveling through Costa Rica is to dine in the sodas, aka mom-and-pop restaurants. These are always clearly marked as such, and serve up hearty meals that capture the essence of daily Costa Rican cuisine. The most typical plate is called a casado, which includes the traditional gallo pinto, aka rice and black beans, with some kind of meat or fish and a salad. These usually cost around 4,000-6,000 colones ($6-9 USD) and are very filling.
To save money on food, you can also choose a hostel or hotel that includes breakfast and then go to sodas for lunch. Considering that entrees at restaurants in touristy areas can cost $10-15, sodas are a bargain.
3. The weather can change in an instant.
Although I went to Costa Rica ready for almost any type of weather, I couldn’t believe how sunny skies could change in the blink of an eye into a complete downpour. Especially if you plan to visit Costa Rica in the rainy season (May to November),…
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