Welcome to Costa Rica

The idea of pura vida (pure life) reigns supreme in Costa Rica, whether you’re doing sun salutations on a paddleboard or ziplining through the cloud forest of Monteverde.

This biodiverse gem is truly an ideal destination – easily accessible, beautiful weather and a variety of landscapes for a plethora of outdoor activities. Meet howler and capuchin monkeys in Tortuguero and Manuel Antonio national parks on the Osa Peninsula.

Spot a breathtaking resplendent quetzal in the San Gerardo de Dota region. Take a nighttime tour of the rain forest to meet the nocturnal forest dwellers. Soak in a volcanic hot spring, from opulent thermal resorts to remote river pools like Rio Perdido.

Tour a coffee plantation in the Central Valley, help a sea turtle hatchling into the sea and visit a feria, or rural farmers’ market, where you’ll not only find colorful produce, but other local delicacies, live music and welcoming locals. Find life’s essentials in Costa Rica.

Unique Facts

• A Blue Zone is where inhabitants commonly live active lives past the age of 100 – Nicoya, on the west coast of Costa Rica is a well-known one of these communities.
• There are five active volcanoes in Costa Rica: the Poás, the Irazú, Arenal Volcano (one of the 10 most active in the world), the Rincón de la Vieja and the Turrialba.
• Though Costa Rica takes up just .03 percent of the Earth’s surface, it’s home to more than 5 percent of its biodiversity. Don’t miss those rain forests during your visit!
• Keep an eye out for hummingbirds – there are more than 52 species of this tiny bird in Costa Rica.
• Set your watch by the sunrise and sunset. Because Costa Rica is so close to the equator, the sunrise and sunset are expected to be at the same time each day.

Language

Costa Rica’s official language is Spanish.

When To Go

The best time to go to Costa Rica is during the dry season, from mid-December to April.

Airports

Juan Santamaria International Airport, San Jose
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport, Liberia

Passport Validity

Passport must be valid.

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccines for most travelers when visiting Costa Rica: Hepatitis A, Typhoid. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need Hepatitis B, Rabies, Malaria and Yellow Fever vaccines.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: type A and B. Standard voltage: 120V. Frequency: 60Hz.

Currency

Official currency: Colón

Getting Around

Reliable, inexpensive, public bus service is available throughout Costa Rica and it frequently runs through the capital, San José. From San José, bus service runs to major attractions, such as Manuel Antonio and Monteverde. It is not recommended to drive on your own due to unreliable signs and markers and potholed roads. Consider hiring a car-and-driver service instead. Taxi service is available at the airport.

Driver’s License

Valid driver’s license from country of origin is required.

US Embassy Info

U.S. Embassy San José
Calle 98, Via 104
Pavas
San José, Costa Rica
Telephone: +(506) 2519-2000
Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(506) 2220-3127
Fax: +(506) 2220-2455
acssanjose@state.gov

Local Visitor Info

Costa Rica visitor offices are located in San José and at the Daniel Oduber International Airport.

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 911

Safety and Security

In popular tourism areas, theft and pickpocketing are the most common crimes. Do not leave valuables unattended on the beach, in a vehicle or in an unlocked room. Avoid traveling alone after dark.

Many of the popular beaches in Costa Rica can have dangerous riptides. Most beaches do not have lifeguards or proper warmings of unsafe conditions, so swim at your own risk.