General information about Costa Rica

Costa Rica, the rich coast. Our home base country. Yeison is 100% Costa Rican, born and bred in the pura vida land. Samantha moved down in 2012 from the US and since then we’ve been traveling around the country, experiencing the best of what Costa Rica has to offer.

We want to share our love of Costa Rica with you and so we have dedicated this page to our beautiful little country. We share what it’s like to travel and live in this country from the perspective of a foreigner and a local. You can find all sorts of helpful travel information and our articles about living in Costa Rica as a foreigner.

If you’d like to see all our guides laid out, please go to our Costa Rica interactive map.

Travel Tips

Need some tips for your trip? We got you covered! Let us help you plan the perfect Costa Rica vacation. Travel stress free with our up to date information. From planning your trip to when you are actually here, we’ve got the best tips and advice for getting around, staying safe and more.

Costa Rica Travel Guide: Read this first if you’re a first time visitor.
Travel Planning Tips

Facts

Learn some facts about Costa Rica. Find out where it is, what the official language is, what kind of government they have and more. We also have a post about common misconceptions and stereotypes we’ve heard about the country.

Important Facts
Common Misconceptions
Weather
Healthcare
Dental care

Culture

It’s always good to read up on the culture of a country first before you visit since each one is always different. This is what most people fall in love with, the Latin American culture. Get to know the customs, the traditions and the Costa Rican way of life.

Spanish slang
Super Banco Monopoly
New Year Traditions
Costa Rica farmers markets
Independence Day
Meaning of the flag

Food and Recipes

Costa Rican cuisine may not be as exotic as others, but it still does offer up some tasty bites. Find out what are some of the dishes you’ll try when you’re there. Click here to go to our Costa Rica restaurant map, where we put all the places we have eaten and recommend.

20 Dishes You Have To Try
Eating Vegetarian/Vegan
Beer
Coffee
Copo
Fruit
Soda (local restaurants)
Snacks
Recipes

Beaches

Here’s our guides to some of the most popular beaches in Costa Rica and a few of our personal favorites, separated by province. You can also read our article about the best beaches in Costa Rica, or best white sand beaches in Costa Rica.

Cities/Towns/Beach Towns

San Jose is the capital city in Costa Rica. We also have a post for the best beach towns in Costa Rica.

Bajos del Toro
Bijagua
Brasilito
Cartago
Curubande de Liberia
Dominical
Grecia
Heredia
Jaco
La Cruz
La Fortuna
Liberia
Mal Pais
Monteverde
Montezuma
Nicoya Peninsula
Nosara
Paquera
Playas del Coco
Potrero
Puerto Viejo
Puntarenas
San Jose
Samara
San Gerardo de Dota
San Vito
Santa Teresa
Sarapiqui
Tamarindo
Turrialba
Uvita
Zarcero

National Parks/Wildlife Refuges/Reserves

Costa Rica has over 40 national parks, wildlife reserves, refuges and sanctuaries spread out throughout the country. Actually more than 25% of Costa Rica’s land is protected! Though we have yet to make it to all (hopefully one day), here are our articles about the ones we have been to so far.

Arenal Volcano National Park
Barra Honda National Park
Baru National Wildlife Refuge
Cahuita National Park
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge
Carara National Park
Children’s Eternal Rain Forest
Corcovado National Park
Curi Cancha Reserve
Irazu Volcano National Park
La Marta Wildlife Refuge
Los Quetzales National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park
Marino Ballena National Park
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Ostional Wildlife Refuge
Palo Verde National Park
Poas Volcano National Park
Rincon de la Vieja National Park
Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve
Santa Elena and Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserves
Tenorio Volcano National Park (Rio Celeste)
Tortuguero National Park
Turrialba Volcano National Park

Wildlife and Nature

Containing 5% of the world’s biodiversity, Costa Rica’s wildlife and nature is simply incredible. Listen to howler monkeys in the morning, see colorful tropical birds fly above you and don’t be surprised if you hear a little guest in your room at night. Some of the most popular animals to see are toucans, monkeys and sloths. There is no telling what you’ll see out in the water and on land!

Birds
Sloths
Whales
Turtles
Toucans
Monkeys
Arachnids and insects
Amphibians and reptiles
Wildlife watching guide

Things to do

There is just SO much to do in Costa Rica! Some favorite activities are ziplining, white water rafting and hiking but there is something for everyone! Here are our articles on things to do (separated by province and/or area).

50 awesome things to do
Things to do with kids
Ten cheap things to do
Best hikes
Best waterfalls
Fishing
Scuba Diving