Things to know before visiting Costa Rica

Costa Rica car rental insurance is not optional in practice, and the offerings at the counter can be confusing and expensive. Emma Terra flags this as a non-negotiable line item that travelers are surprised by.

While US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas and larger towns, cash is essential for sodas (local restaurants), small markets, rural toll booths, and tip situations. Creators note that going cashless will leave you stranded in more remote areas.

Multiple creators flag that travelers arriving from cheaper Central American neighbors are shocked by Costa Rica's price level. Accommodation, tours, food, and rental cars all skew toward mid-range to expensive, especially in popular tourist zones.

While not universal, tipping is the norm in restaurants serving tourists and is strongly expected for tour guides. Creators covering La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio area dining reference this as part of the cost reality travelers should budget for.

Across multiple creators, renting a car is described as near-essential for exploring Costa Rica beyond a single resort. Shuttles exist but limit flexibility significantly, especially for reaching volcanoes, cloud forests, and remote beaches.

Winding mountain roads, unpaved stretches, and traffic mean that routes which look like one hour on a map can easily take three to four hours. Multiple creators warn against planning tight same-day connections.

Night driving in Costa Rica is consistently flagged as risky due to unlit roads, potholes, missing signage, and free-roaming animals. Creators recommend planning arrival drives for daylight hours.

Flying into Liberia (LIR) puts you much closer to Guanacaste beaches, while San José (SJO) is the hub for Arenal, Manuel Antonio, and the Caribbean coast. Picking the wrong one adds hours of extra driving.

Touchdown Money Travel covers Costa Rica Uber and transportation in La Fortuna specifically, suggesting that app-based rides are available and preferable to negotiating with taxis in areas where they operate.

Unofficial 'parking attendants' in tourist towns approach drivers and demand payment for public or free spaces. Finding Mangos flags this as a recurring scam that catches first-timers off guard.

Multiple creators recommend getting an eSIM before departure rather than relying on roaming or hunting for a local SIM on arrival. It provides immediate connectivity at the airport and throughout the country.

Costa Rica's road conditions mean that hopping between multiple regions in a short window leads to spending more time in the car than at destinations. Creators consistently recommend slowing down and picking two or three regions max for a week.

In places like Corcovado and the Mistico Hanging Bridges, guides spot wildlife that independent visitors walk right past. The Discoveries Of and Chris Chrisman both make the case that a knowledgeable guide transforms the experience.

Puerto Viejo has Afro-Caribbean, Jamaican, and Rasta influences that feel nothing like Guanacaste or Manuel Antonio. Olivia Anelise portrays it as a slower, more local experience with distinct food, music, and rhythm — worth planning as its own dedicated stop.

Manuel Antonio National Park has limited daily visitor capacity and sells out. Multiple creators confirm you cannot simply show up — tickets must be purchased online in advance or you'll be turned away.

Experiences like Sky Adventures ziplining, the hot springs resorts near Arenal, and guided hikes in national parks fill up during high season. Creators who pre-booked had smooth experiences; those who didn't faced sellouts or long waits.

Emma Terra's packing guide flags that travelers should bring these from home. Sunscreen in particular is expensive in Costa Rica, and reef-safe options may be limited in smaller towns near marine environments.

Costa Rica's trails through rainforests, volcanoes, and hanging bridge parks are muddy, steep, and uneven. Emma Terra and The Discoveries Of both implicitly and explicitly flag that proper hiking or trail shoes are essential, not optional.

Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula is not a day-trip destination you can improvise. The Discoveries Of spent three days there with a guide and frames proper advance planning as essential for this remote, permit-required park.

Chris Chrisman reviews the La Fortuna Waterfall honestly, questioning whether the entry fee is worth it and flagging the significant stair climb involved. He says it's worth it with the right expectations but surprises visitors who didn't plan for it.