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Open trips to Costa Rica
Post yours and see who is going on your dates. Asking to join a trip is always free.
Best time to go
The dry season (December to April) is the most reliable for beaches and wildlife. The green season brings afternoon rain, lush forest and fewer crowds. The Caribbean side keeps its own, wetter rhythm.
Top places
Things to do
Rainforest and wildlife
- Sloths and monkeys in Manuel Antonio
- Cloud-forest walkways at Monteverde
- Turtle nesting on the Caribbean coast
Volcanoes and adventure
- Hot springs beneath the Arenal volcano
- Zip-line through the rainforest canopy
- Whitewater rafting on jungle rivers
Beaches and surf
- Beginner surf and sunsets at Tamarindo
- Wild Pacific beaches on the Nicoya Peninsula
- Laid-back Caribbean vibes in Puerto Viejo
Food and nature
- Casados, gallo pinto and fresh fruit
- Coffee tours in the central highlands
- Farmers' markets in every town
Costs
| What it costs | Typical |
|---|---|
| Hostel dorm, per night | $15 to $28 |
| Budget hotel or guesthouse, per night | $45 to $90 |
| Mid-range hotel, per night | $100 to $180 |
| Meals, per day | $20 to $45 |
With a partner, rooms, taxis and boats are the easy things to share. Our guide to splitting travel costs with a travel partner has a simple way to keep track. Estimates in US dollars, for planning only.
Getting around
A rental car gives the most freedom on the winding roads; shuttles and local buses connect the main hubs. Distances look short but take longer than the map suggests.
How many people visit
International arrivals to Costa Rica over the most recent years with data, roughly number 6 of 6 in its region by reported arrivals.
Source: UN Tourism (UNWTO). Years marked * are estimates: this country's measured baseline scaled by UN Tourism's published regional recovery rates, shown until measured figures are out.
Key facts
- Largest city
- San José
- Languages
- Spanish
- Population
- 5.2 million (2025)
- Area
- 51,100 km² (19,730 mi²)
- Calling code
- +506
- Region
- Central America
Travelling solo in Costa Rica
Arriving alone is fine: plenty of people start a Costa Rica trip on their own, and a travel partner can be someone you share one day with or the whole route.
- Heed rip-current flags: some beaches have strong undertows.
- At night, use a licensed taxi or a ride-hailing app rather than an unmarked car.
- Carry a copy of your ID and leave the original in your accommodation safe.
Meeting someone new? Talk here first, meet somewhere public, and read our travel safety guide.
Visa check
A free checker with a link to the official source. Your passport is picked from where you are browsing; change it any time.
Travelling to Costa Rica with a travel buddy
How do I find a travel buddy for Costa Rica?
Make a free profile and add your Costa Rica trip with rough dates. You will see travelers going on your dates and open trips to Costa Rica you can ask to join, or you can post your own trip and let partners find you. Asking to join a trip is always free.
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
The dry season (December to April) is the most reliable for beaches and wildlife. The green season brings afternoon rain, lush forest and fewer crowds.
How much does a day in Costa Rica cost?
Typical costs, in US dollars: hostel dorm, per night: $15 to $28; budget hotel or guesthouse, per night: $45 to $90; mid-range hotel, per night: $100 to $180; meals, per day: $20 to $45. These are estimates for planning only. With a travel partner, rooms and taxis are easy to share.
Is Costa Rica good for solo travelers?
Arriving alone is fine: plenty of people start a Costa Rica trip on their own, and a travel partner can be someone you share one day with or the whole route.
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