Costa Rica Tourism

To explore Costa Rica without any rush, a 7- 10-day trip is highly recommended. Personalise your Costa Rica tour packages with Travel Triangle for a seamless and hassle-free experience. 

Quick Overview 

 Category  Details  Capital   San José  Location  Central America  Languages  Spanish, English, Bribri, Cabécar, Maleku, and Guaymi  Currency   Costa Rican Colón  Festivals   Fiestas Palmares, Envision Festival, Festival de la Luz, Semana Santa, Carnaval de Limón  Cities  San José, Alajuela, Cartago, Limon, Puntarenas, Heredia, Liberia, Golfito, Turrialba  Top Attractions   Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Manuel Antonio National Park, Tortuguero National Park, Rio Celeste, La Fortuna Waterfall, Playa Manuel Antonio  Best Time to Visit   December to April  Activities 

Wildlife exploring, hiking, ziplining, surfing, and relaxing in hot springs

Famous Cuisine

Gallo pinto, Chifrijo, Rondón, Casado, Olla de carne, Picadillo, Chorreadas, Ceviche.

Shopping Places

Budget & Accommodations 

Compared to other Central American countries, Costa Rica is an expensive destination due to its high standard of living, high taxes, and high import costs. A trip to Costa Rica can cost anywhere from INR 42,859 to INR 2,50,00 or even more, depending on the duration, season and accommodations. 

Whether you’re travelling solo or with family, Costa Rica offers a wide range of accommodations from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts. A decent stay in Costa Rica can cost anywhere from INR 1,700 to INR 17,000 per night, depending on factors such as location, duration of stay, and the amenities provided. For a local experience, stay at Pacuare Lodge, Believe Surf & Yoga Santa, Punta Islita by Autograph Collection and Hilton Garden Inn. 

How To Reach 

There are two possible ways to reach Costa Rica

By Air: Fly to Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaria, which is connected with several cities of the world. Take a taxi or a cab from the airport to the city centre.

By Sea: Take a boat from Nicaragua's San Carlos to Los Chiles in Costa Rica. Additionally, luxury cruises are also available from Panama. 

Getting Around: 

To travel within Costa Rica, buses, shuttles and renting a car are the best transportation options. A Bus fare can range from INR 25 to INR 800, depending on the distance. 

Culture

Cultural tourism in Costa Rica is influenced by Spanish culture, which is reflected in its tradition, festivals and delicious cuisine. 

Language 

In Costa Rica, the majority of the population speaks Spanish as an official language. Additionally, Bribri, English, French, German, Italian and Chinese are other languages widely spoken. 

Festivals 

Costa Rica tourism thrives due to its vibrant festivals, which are celebrated throughout the year. Fiestas Palmares, Envision Festival, the Festival de la Luz, Fiestas Palmares, Fiestas de Zapote, Carnaval de Limón, Semana Santa and Envision Festival are some of the notable festivals of Costa Rica.

Cuisine 

Satisfy your taste buds with Costa Rica’s delicious cuisine, including must-try dishes like Gallo pinto, Chifrijo, Rondón, Casado, and Olla de carne. Vegetarian and Indian options are also available. Enjoy authentic Costa Rican cuisine at elegant places like Restaurante Silvestre, La Esquina de Buenos Aires, Furca, Tierra Mia, and Tropic Tamarindo. 

Best Time To Visit 

Costa Rica experiences two distinct seasons: the dry season and the wet season. The dry season, which spans from December to April, is the best time to visit Costa Rica. 

 Seasons  Min/Max Temperature   Weather  Ideal For  Dry (December to April)  22°C-30°C  Sunny and dry  Hiking, surfing, Ziplining, beach vacations, and wildlife viewing  Wet (May to November)  19°C-27°C  Occasional showers Enjoying lush landscapes and a budget traveller 

Things to Do 

Exploring national parks such as Manuel Antonio and Corcovado, hiking, ziplining, surfing at Tamarindo Beach, and relaxing in hot springs are some of the top things to do in Costa Rica. 

Shopping 

Shopping in Costa Rica provides a delightful experience featuring a range of unique souvenirs. The top items to purchase include Costa Rican coffee, handcrafted jewellery, wooden crafts, Boruca masks, chocolate, hammocks, organic bath products, and local hot sauces. To find local and distinctive products, explore Mercado Central,  Multiplaza Escazú, Escazú Village, and Plaza Tempo. 

What to Pack

Pack comfortable and breathable clothes for going out.

Light Rain Jacket, as light showers can occur often.

Slippers for beach vacation, comfortable shoes and hiking boots for exploring attractions on foot. 

Pack all the necessary toiletries, such as shampoo, toothpaste, sunscreen, a mini first aid kit, and sanitiser.

Carry original copies of all necessary documents, such as your visa, passport, flight ticket, and accommodation booking.

Do carry a universal adaptor. In Costa Rica, you typically need a Type A and Type B adapter to plug in electronic devices. 

Essential Information

With warm hospitality, convenient access to medical facilities, and a variety of attractions and amenities, Costa Rica caters to the needs of elderly parents and children. The country boasts numerous venues, including restaurants, cafés, and even several shopping centres that welcome your furry companion. 

Visa & Permits 

Indian citizens require a visa to enter Costa Rica for business, tourism, or any other purpose. Apply for a visa at a Costa Rican embassy at least two months before visiting. 

Tips 

Book your accommodation and flights in advance for a better price

Expect to tip around 10% for good service, and up to 15-20% for exceptional service. 

Learn a bit of Spanish. 

You can directly drink tap water in Costa Rica.

To travel on a budget, consider visiting during the off-season, i.e., from May to November.