Costa Rica travel resources
Volcanoes, cloud forests, wildlife-rich national parks and beaches on two coasts.
Quick facts
- Currency
- Costa Rican colón (CRC)
- Language
- Spanish
- Best time to visit
- Dec–Apr (dry season) Compare countries by month
- Emergency
- 911
- Plug types
- A, B
- Drives on
- Right
- Government travel advice
- UK Canada How to read it
General guidance; seasons vary by region. Plug types from Wikipedia's mains electricity by country table; currency, driving side and emergency numbers cross-checked with Wikidata in . Check the latest advice for entry rules and safety before you book.
Top Destinations in Costa Rica
- San José
- Arenal Volcano National Park
- Monteverde
- Manuel Antonio National Park
- Tortuguero National Park
Travel Resources
Travel Tips
- The rainy season (roughly May–Nov) brings afternoon showers but greener forests and fewer visitors.
- US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas, but you’ll often get change in colones.
- Many roads are unpaved or winding; a 4x4 helps outside the main highways and travel times are longer than maps suggest.
- Popular national parks such as Manuel Antonio limit daily visitors. Buy entry tickets online in advance.
- A local guide spots far more wildlife than you will alone, especially sloths and birds.
Booking a hotel or tour in Costa Rica? See which review sites to trust and five checks before you pay.