Pre-Travel Information
Passports and Visas
For most travelers, entering Costa Rica is remarkably straightforward. Citizens of the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, Australia and most Latin American countries may visit for up to 90 days without a visa; one more reason to start dreaming of the pura vida life.
Passport requirements: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date and have at least one blank page for stamps. As a matter of security and prudence, it is always advisable to leave the original passport at your hotel or place of accommodation and to carry a photocopy with you.
Proof of onward travel: Immigration will ask for proof of onward or return travel, such as an air or bus ticket showing that you will be leaving Costa Rica.
Length of stay: Most visitors are granted up to 90 days on arrival, although the exact duration is determined and stamped by the immigration officers.
Entry fees: There is no entry fee, although a small departure tax may apply on the way out (often already included in the price of the air ticket).
You may visit www.migracion.go.cr/residencias/directrices.doc to see which countries need a visa to enter Costa Rica.
Health and Vaccinations
Health and insurance: Travel insurance is not required, but we strongly recommend holding cover for unforeseen medical needs or changes to the itinerary.
Yellow fever: Costa Rica requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate from travelers arriving from countries subject to entry restrictions.
Cash and Cards
The official currency of Costa Rica is the colón; United States dollars, however, are welcome and accepted by the great majority of businesses across the country. Even so, it is always worth keeping an eye on the day's exchange rate.
The country is also highly developed in digital payment technology, and most debit and credit cards are widely accepted. American Express cards, however, are not always accepted, so it is useful to carry some cash for small purchases.
Language and Phrases
Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica and is spoken by people all over the country. Thanks to the thriving tourism industry, English is widely understood in hotels, restaurants and popular visitor areas, which makes communication easy. Even so, learning a few local expressions will enrich your experience and bring you closer to "tico" culture.
Here are some useful Costa Rican phrases:
- Pura Vida – Literally "pure life", but used to say hello, goodbye or thank you, or simply to express positivity and contentment.
- Gallo Pinto – The traditional Costa Rican breakfast of rice and beans; a local dish worth trying.
- Tico/Tica – The word locals use for themselves; Tico for men, Tica for women.
- ¡Qué lindo! / ¡Qué linda! – "How lovely!" or "How beautiful!" A friendly compliment to express admiration.
Weaving these phrases into your conversations will make your travels feel more genuine, and locals will welcome them warmly.
Weather
The climate of Costa Rica is as diverse as its landscapes. Although it is a small country, it enjoys a mosaic of microclimates shaped by its mountains, its rainforests and its coastline on two oceans.
Broadly, there are two main seasons:
- Dry season (November to May): sunny days and clear skies — perfect for beach escapes and outdoor adventures.
- Green season (May to November): when warm tropical rains fill the forests with life, the rivers rise and everything feels lush and vibrant.
Ocean Playground: Usually warmer, with temperatures ranging between 25°C and 35°C (77°F and 95°F).
Mystic Mountain: Cooler because of the altitude, with temperatures between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F).
Green Haven: Known for its rainforest climate, Arenal stays warm and humid all year round. Temperatures generally range between 20°C and 34°C (68°F and 93°F).
Nature's Coast: Warm and humid year round, with temperatures between 24°C and 32°C (75°F and 90°F). The dry season runs from February to April, while the rest of the year is considered green season, especially from July to November.
Temperatures stay pleasantly warm all year, which makes Costa Rica a wonderful destination in any season, whether you are after sunshine or the renewal of the rainforest.
Regional Flights
Commercial – SANSA Airlines is the country's main commercial carrier. Flying mostly Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft, intimate 12-seat planes, each flight feels less like a simple connection and more like a scenic passage by air. As you rise above volcanoes, forests and the bright waters of the Pacific, the journey itself becomes part of the adventure.
General information:
Check-in: Airport check-in is required (there is no online check-in). Your boarding pass is issued at the check-in counter. Arrive 60 minutes before departure for domestic flights.
Carry-on luggage: One personal item of up to 10 lb (4.5 kg); additional items may carry an extra charge or be sent to the hold, as space is limited.
Checked luggage: Because of the small size of the aircraft, the luggage allowance is restricted and strictly controlled to ensure safe weight distribution and balance. The limits depend on the fare and the rules of the ticket, roughly between 30 lb (14 kg) and 40 lb (18 kg). Excess weight is charged at $1.5 per pound at check-in and cannot be bought in advance.
Private – Private air travel in Costa Rica offers unmatched flexibility, efficiency and personal attention, opening up even the most remote destinations with trusted aviation partners.
At Terranova\Origen we choose those partners with care, so that we fly only the finest and newest aircraft — Cessna Grand Caravans, Kodiaks and twin-engine King Airs — always with the most experienced aviators at the controls.
Check-in: Airport check-in is required (there is no online check-in). Arrive between 15 and 30 minutes before departure, depending on the airport or airstrip.
Luggage: Maximum luggage weight is 40 lb (18 kg) per person, based on full aircraft capacity.
Special luggage: Surfboards or equivalent items are allowed up to a maximum length of 7 feet (2.13 meters).
There are no age restrictions; infants under 2 years travel on a parent's lap, and minors must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Flights include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
Suggested packing list
Costa Rica brings together beaches, rainforests, volcanoes and lively towns, so packing wisely is what lets you enjoy every experience fully. We have put together a guide covering the range of activities you may come across: adventure tours, hikes, wildlife watching, beach days and unhurried evenings.
Clothing and dress:
- Breathable sleeveless tops, T-shirts and long-sleeved shirts
- Shorts, light pants and casual clothes for the evening
- Swimwear and cover-ups for beach or pool days
- A sweater or light jacket for cooler evenings
- Comfortable sandals, flip-flops or water-friendly footwear
- Outdoor shoes or sneakers suitable for hiking or adventure tours
- A wide-brimmed hat or visor for sun protection
- A raincoat or light waterproof jacket
Accessories and essentials:
- Water-resistant sunscreen and insect repellent
- Sunglasses
- Personal toiletry kit (avoid aerosols)
- Reusable water bottle and personal medication
- Camera with charger and spare memory cards; a waterproof case is recommended
- Binoculars for wildlife watching (8x42 ideal, 7x32 minimum, optional)
Packing with care is what lets you rest, explore and enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica in comfort and in style.
Electricity and Plugs
Costa Rica uses type A and type B plugs, the same as North America, with a standard voltage of 110/60 volts. Visitors from countries with different plug types or voltages will need both a travel adapter for the shape of the plug and a voltage converter for any device that is not dual voltage.
Water
Tap water in Costa Rica is generally safe and of excellent quality in most urban areas; in rural or remote areas, however, it is best to ask locally before drinking it.
To help reduce plastic waste, we recommend glass or metal bottles, or bringing your own reusable bottle. Staying hydrated while keeping your impact small is simple, and it helps preserve the natural beauty of Costa Rica for everyone to enjoy.
Gratuities
Gratuities are always welcome, and the amount can be in proportion to the quality of the service you have received. They are not obligatory, but it is customary to show appreciation for good service to the people who have looked after you during your journey — porters, housekeepers, drivers and waiters, for example. The amounts below are guidelines only, and guests may leave more or less according to their own preference and experience.
- Host: USD 70–80 per person, per day (given on the last day of service)
- Guide: USD 20–40 per person, per day (given on the last day of service)
- Housekeeping or villa staff: USD 5 per room, per day
- Private driver: USD 10–25 per service/day
- Private chef: USD 50–60 per service/day
- Local guide: USD 30–40 per service/day
- Full boat crew: USD 100–200 per service/day
- Restaurant/bar staff: 10–15% is customary (usually not included in the bill, but worth checking first)
- Hotel porters: USD 3–4 per person, per bag
Travel Insurance
Before your Costa Rican adventure, we strongly recommend taking out travel insurance. We do everything in our power to make your journey run smoothly, but the unforeseen can still happen: flight changes, medical needs or unexpected interruptions. Travel insurance gives you peace of mind, protects your investment and lets you enjoy your experience without a second thought.
Suggested reading list
The 5 best books to read before traveling to Costa Rica:
- "The Ticos: Culture and Social Change in Costa Rica" by Mónica A. Brown – A fascinating exploration of Costa Rican society, its history and its cultural identity.
- "Costa Rica: A Traveler's Literary Companion" edited by Judy L. Pasternack – Stories and extracts by Costa Rican authors that capture the essence of the country.
- "The Mosquito Coast" by Paul Theroux – A gripping novel set partly in Central America, offering a look at the landscapes and cultures of the region.
- "Pura Vida: Stories from Costa Rica" by William Boyd – Essays and travel writing that capture the charm, the nature and the people of Costa Rica.
- Works by Carmen Lyra – A pioneering Costa Rican author; above all Los cuentos de mi tía Panchita, a window into local folklore, culture and history.
The 5 best series or films shot in or about Costa Rica:
- "Jungle Cruise" (2021) – A fantasy adventure, but parts of it were filmed in Costa Rica, showing lush jungle landscapes.
- "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" (2011) – Filmed in part on the coasts of Costa Rica.
- "The Mosquito Coast" (TV series, 2021) – Adapted from Theroux's novel, it offers a view of Central American settings.
- "Tropic of Cancer" (documentaries on the biodiversity of Costa Rica) – Various travel and nature documentaries on platforms such as National Geographic or Netflix.
- "Rescue Dawn" (2006) – Filmed in Costa Rica, exploring jungle survival and historical themes.
Smoking in Costa Rica
No-Smoking Policy: Under Costa Rica's General Tobacco Control Law #7501, smoking is strictly prohibited in all hotels, restaurants, transport and public places, without exception. Costa Rica is a smoke-free country; failure to comply with the Tobacco Control Law may result in fines.