Cloud forest, volcanoes, two coastlines, and a quarter of the country under some form of protection.
Cloud forest, volcanoes, two coastlines, and a quarter of the country under some form of protection.
Canadians get 90 days visa-free. Proof of onward travel within that window is genuinely enforced at check-in and occasionally at the border — have a booking ready. A departure tax is usually bundled into airfare but confirm when booking budget carriers.
Dry season runs December to April and is peak. Green season, May to November, brings afternoon rain, lower prices, and much emptier trails — September and October are wettest on the Pacific side but excellent on the Caribbean. Wildlife viewing is good year-round.
Monteverde for cloud forest, Arenal for volcano and hot springs, Manuel Antonio for accessible wildlife, Corcovado for serious biodiversity, and Tortuguero for turtles. The Nicoya Peninsula and Santa Teresa for surf. Distances look short on a map and take far longer in practice.
Roads are variable and a 4×4 is worth it for anywhere off the main highways. Domestic flights on Sansa save hours for longer hops. Shared shuttles between tourist towns are reliable and reasonable. Driving at night is best avoided — unlit roads, no shoulders, and wildlife.
Colones and US dollars both circulate; you will often get change in colones after paying in dollars. Cards are widely accepted. Costa Rica is more expensive than its neighbours — budget accordingly. Tipping 10% is often already added as a service charge.
Healthcare is good and private clinics in tourist areas are used to travellers. Tap water is safe in most of the country. Mosquito-borne illness exists — dengue in particular — so repellent matters. Riptides are the leading cause of tourist deaths; swim at patrolled beaches.
Eco-lodges are the signature and range from rustic to genuinely luxurious. Hostels are plentiful on the surf coasts. Book dry-season and Christmas well ahead. Many remote lodges include meals because there is nowhere else to eat.
Pura vida is a real attitude, not a slogan for tourists — expect a relaxed pace and plan accordingly. Costa Ricans are welcoming and Spanish gets a warm response. Conservation is taken seriously; follow park rules on wildlife distance and never feed animals.
Kölbi has the best rural coverage. Local SIMs are cheap and easy at the airport. Wi-Fi is standard in lodges though bandwidth in remote areas is limited. Power is 120V with Type A and B plugs — no adapter needed for Canadian devices.
Direct flights from Toronto and Montreal to San José and Liberia, mostly seasonal and concentrated in winter. Liberia is the better arrival airport for Guanacaste beaches; San José suits the central valley and Caribbean side. Winter fares from Eastern Canada are frequently under CAD $500 roundtrip in shoulder weeks.
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