Amsterdam

COSTA RICA

Did you know that there are 801 miles of coastline in Costa Rica? This means that if you and your family or friends are looking for a South American beach escape for your next travel adventure, you've got plenty of sandy landscape to enjoy! To learn more general facts about Costa Rica as well as some tips for traveling there, scroll down!

FACTS ABOUT...

LANGUAGE

The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish but locals are also known to speak some English, Creole, and/or Indian.

CURRENCY

Costa Rica's main currency is Colon (CRC). It's currency code is ₡ so expect to see those letters next to pricing.

TIME DIFFERENCE

Compared to Eastern Standard Time (EST), Central Standard Time (CST) in Costa Rica is exactly two hours behind.

FOOD

The three most famous dishes you need to try in Costa Rica are Casado, Gallo Pinto, and Arroz con Pollo.

Read Why Costa Rica Should Be Your Next Travel Destination

A PARADISE FOR EVERY TYPE OF TRAVELER

Hanging Bridges in

La Fortuna

The Arenal Volcano

National Park

Costa Rica is a small country located in Central America, nestled between Nicaragua and Panama. With the Caribbean Sea on one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, travelers come to bake on the stunning beaches, adventure through the jungles, and experience the exotic nightlife. If you are a student looking to travel with a group of friends, or you and your family have been searching for a laid-back getaway to foreign beaches, Costa Rica is the perfect choice for you.

Before Jetting Off to Costa Rica, Consult the Topics and Tips Below

While the description above may make you want to pack your bags and catch a cab to the nearest airport, make sure to do the proper research before you get on the next flight out. Costa Rica is a fun, exciting country to explore, but there are some things you should know before going. Even though over 1.7 million tourists visit this country per year, it is still considered a Third World country. To learn more about Costa Rica, take a look at the individual blogs below and subscribe to my newsletter for alerts on the newest blogs about Costa Rica and other amazing countries!

Subscribe

Subscribe for Travel Tips & Guides

Sign up and stay up-to-date about what's happening at our site.

You Ask & I Answer

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the climate like in Costa Rica?

    Costa Rica has a varied climate, depending on where in the country you’re headed. The central highlands are tropical and hot. The Pacific coast is generally wet and cooler, and the Caribbean coast tends to be dryer and hotter than the rest of Costa Rica. You can expect some rain at any time of year, but the heaviest rains usually come between May and November. The dry season is from December to April, and the hurricane season runs from June to November.

  • What is the best time of year to visit Costa Rica?

    The busiest tourist season in Costa Rica is from mid-December to April, when visitors come to escape the cold weather in their home countries. This is also the driest time of year, so if you’re looking for sunny days, this is the time to visit. Keep in mind that prices for accommodations and activities will be higher during these months. If you’re looking to save money, travel during the “green season” from May to November. You’ll find lower prices and fewer crowds, but you will have to deal with rain. 

  • What is the currency in Costa Rica?

    The currency in Costa Rica is the colón (pronounced koh-lone). One U.S. dollar is worth about 550 colones. You can get colones from ATMs or exchange dollars at banks or currency exchange offices. U.S. dollars are widely accepted, so you won’t always have to pay in colones.

  • What are some popular activities in Costa Rica?

    There are many exciting things to do in Costa Rica, from exploring the beautiful beaches and national parks to taking part in adventure sports like zip lining, surfing, and white water rafting. Nature lovers will also enjoy bird watching and spotting wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and tropical fish. Other popular activities include volcano hiking, canopy tours, horseback riding, and snorkeling.