Costa Rica, a Central American gem, is a haven of biodiversity and eco-conscious adventure. Renowned for its lush rainforests, active volcanoes, and pristine beaches, it offers a perfect blend of nature and culture. San José pulses with vibrant markets and colonial history, while the cloud forests of Monteverde and the surf of Tamarindo draw explorers. With a commitment to sustainability and pura vida spirit, Costa Rica captivates families, couples, and adventurers seeking immersive natural experiences.

**San José**: The capital, with museums and bustling markets like Mercado Central; suits urban explorers and culture enthusiasts. **Arenal/La Fortuna**: Home to Arenal Volcano and hot springs, perfect for adventurers and families. **Monteverde**: Cloud forests and wildlife, ideal for nature lovers and hikers. **Tamarindo (Guanacaste)**: Vibrant beaches for surfing and nightlife, great for couples and solo travelers. **Manuel Antonio**: National park with beaches and monkeys, suited for families. **Resorts**: Luxury eco-lodges like Nayara Springs in Arenal (US$300–600/night) cater to romantics; family-friendly hotels in Tamarindo (US$100–250) offer beach access. Budget hostels in San José (US$15–40) suit backpackers.

Costa Rica has a tropical climate with distinct seasons. **Dry Season (December–April)**: 25–32°C (77–90°F), sunny and ideal for beaches and hiking. **Wet Season (May–November)**: 22–30°C (72–86°F), with afternoon rains; lush scenery but muddy trails. **Caribbean Coast (Puerto Viejo)**: Wetter year-round, with less predictable dry periods. Pack lightweight, quick-dry clothing, rain gear, and sturdy shoes. Sunscreen and insect repellent are essential, especially in rainforests.

Citizens of the USA, Canada, EU, UK, and Australia enjoy visa-free entry for 90 days; passports must be valid for the stay duration. Others may need a visa (US$30–50, apply via Costa Rican embassies). Customs allows 3L alcohol, 400 cigarettes, and US$500 in goods. Declare cash over US$10,000. Prohibited: drugs, weapons, and fresh produce. Check Costa Rica’s Immigration Service website for updates. Proof of onward travel may be required at entry.

Fly into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José or Liberia (LIR) with direct flights from Miami, Toronto, or Madrid via United, Air Canada, or Iberia. Budget carriers like Spirit serve U.S. routes (US$100–300). Domestic flights to Tamarindo or Quepos (US$50–150) are available via Sansa Airlines. Buses from San José to Monteverde (4 hours, US$5–10) or Puerto Viejo (5 hours, US$10–15) are affordable. Book flights early for dry season. Taxis from SJO to San José cost US$15–30; shuttles to Arenal are US$40–60.

**San José**: Buses (US$0.50–1) and taxis (US$3–10) are common; Uber is reliable. **Intercity**: Shared shuttles like Interbus (US$20–50) connect Arenal, Monteverde, and Tamarindo. Domestic flights are quick for long distances (e.g., San José to Puerto Jimenez, US$80–150). Renting a car is ideal for flexibility; roads are paved in cities but gravelly in rural areas. Ferries to Nicoya Peninsula (1 hour, US$2–5) are scenic. Guided tours are recommended for remote parks.

Car rentals cost US$30–70/day from Alamo or Budget at SJO or LIR; 4x4s (US$50–100/day) are recommended for rural areas like Monteverde. A valid driver’s license is sufficient; international permits are optional. Driving is on the right; speed limits are 40–60km/h in cities, 80–100km/h on highways. Fuel costs US$1.30/L. Rural roads can be rough; carry a GPS app like Waze. Take photos of the car at pickup to avoid disputes.

Wi-Fi is reliable in San José, Tamarindo, and resorts; slower in rural Monteverde or Corcovado. Local SIM cards from Kolbi or Claro (US$5–15) offer 1–10GB data; buy at airports or supermarkets. WhatsApp is widely used. Coverage is limited in rainforests; satellite phones are used in remote parks. Free Wi-Fi is common in hotels and cafes. Carry a power bank for jungle or beach trips.

Costa Rica excels in eco-friendly accommodations. **San José**: Mid-range hotels like Gran Hotel Costa Rica (US$80–150/night) suit urban travelers; hostels (US$10–30) cater to backpackers. **Arenal**: Eco-lodges like Tabacón Thermal Resort (US$200–400) offer hot springs. **Manuel Antonio**: Beachfront hotels like Arenas del Mar (US$150–350) are family-friendly. **Monteverde**: Rustic lodges (US$50–120) suit nature lovers. Book early for dry season. Homestays (US$20–50) provide cultural immersion.

The currency is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC); US$1 ≈ CRC 520 (2025 rates). US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) work in cities and resorts; carry cash for rural vendors. ATMs are common in San José; exchange at banks for better rates. Daily costs: US$40–80 for budget travelers, US$100–200 for mid-range, US$300+ for luxury. Tip 10% in restaurants if service isn’t included; guides expect US$5–10/day per person.

['Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Ambulance): 911', 'Tourist Information San José: +506 2299 5800', 'U.S. Embassy (San José): +506 2519 2000', 'UK Embassy (San José): +506 2258 2025']

Costa Rica’s beaches are world-class. **Tamarindo**: Golden sand and surfing, ideal for couples and adventurers (24–30°C). **Manuel Antonio**: White sand with wildlife, great for families. **Puerto Viejo (Caribbean)**: Laid-back with coral reefs, suited for solo travelers. Best visited December–April. Facilities include rentals and cafes; lifeguards are present at major beaches. Strong rip currents are common; heed warnings.

Costa Rica offers vibrant diving, especially on the Pacific coast. **Cocos Island**: World-class for hammerhead sharks and rays, 20–30m visibility, for advanced divers (US$200–500/dive). **Caño Island**: Coral reefs and fish, suitable for all levels (US$100–150/dive). Operators like Dive Costa Rica provide gear and PADI courses. Best season is December–April. Snorkeling in Manuel Antonio (US$20–50) is popular. Book dives early for Cocos, as trips are limited.

Shop in San José’s Mercado Central for coffee and crafts. **Must-Buy**: Costa Rican coffee, wooden carvings, and oxcart replicas. Tamarindo’s night markets offer jewelry; Puerto Viejo has artisanal goods. Bargaining is common in markets but not stores. No VAT refund system exists. Budget US$10–50 for souvenirs; coffee starts at US$5/bag. Avoid buying coral or turtle products to comply with regulations.

Costa Rican cuisine is fresh and hearty. **Must-Try**: Gallo pinto (rice and beans), casado (mixed plate), and ceviche. **Dining Options**: San José’s La Esquina de Buenos Aires (US$10–20) serves Latin fusion; Tamarindo’s Pangas Beach Club (US$15–30) offers seafood. Street food in Puerto Viejo (US$2–5) includes empanadas. Vegetarian options like plantain dishes are widely available. Book upscale restaurants in dry season.