Costa Rica Travel Planning Articles
Planning a trip to Costa Rica? How exciting! Here you’ll find all our Costa Rica travel planning articles that will help you with your research.
Language
Introductory guide to basic Spanish words and phrases (plus free downloadable pocket guide)
Health
Best mosquito repellent
Shots/vaccinations
Seeing a dentist
Seeing a doctor as a foreigner
Best sunscreen
Drinking tap water
What to Know Before You Go
15 things to know about Costa Rica before you go
Costa Rica survival guide
Immigration and customs in SJO and LIR Airport
Costa Rica international airports
Weather
Safety Tips
Common scams
Common questions about Costa Rica
Costa Rica travel insurance
Entry requirements
Taking your pet
10 mistakes to avoid
When is the best time to visit?
All about prepaid sim cards
Best souvenirs
Grocery stores
Do’s and Don’ts
Pre-trip Planning
Romantic destinations
Costa Rica maps
Finding cheap flights to Costa Rica
Why you should visit in rainy season
10 best destinations for first timers
Why visit the Central Valley
Useful and free apps
Booking guided tours
Costa Rica trip planning guideline
Itineraries
2 week itinerary: Arenal, Monteverde, Santa Teresa, Playas del Coco
1 week pre-planned itinerary
11 day pre-planned itinerary
1 week itinerary: Jaco, Manuel Antonio and Uvita
10 day itinerary: San Jose, Puerto Viejo and Manuel Antonio
5 day Guanacaste itinerary
Costa Rica honeymoon itinerary
1 month Costa Rica road trip
5 day San Jose itinerary
14 day itinerary: Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde, Guanacaste
14 days: Tamarindo Monteverde, Bijagua, Rincon de la Vieja
5 days Arenal & Monteverde
Costa Rica itineraries for families
10 days waterfall itinerary: Rincon de la Vieja, Bijagua, Grecia and Manuel Antonio
What to Pack
Packing list
Best footwear
Packing for rainy season
Our favorite Costa Rica travel gear
Money and Travel Expenses Planning
Costa Rican currency
Shopping and tipping
Bargaining
The complete cost of traveling
Tips to save money
Cost of traveling for 1 week
Hotels in Costa Rica
Airbnb
All our hotel reviews
Glamping
Best luxury hotels in Arenal
Best all inclusive hotels
Where to stay in Osa Peninsula
Guide to finding accommodation
Best hotels near Liberia International Airport
Best hotels near SJO Airport
Flying to Costa Rica
Liberia International Airport
San Jose International Airport
Flying options from Seattle to Costa Rica
Costa Rica domestic flights
Getting Around
The complete guide to getting around Costa Rica
Crossing the border from Costa Rica and Nicaragua – Penas Blancas
How to get to Tortuguero
How to get to Rio Celeste
How to get to Manuel Antonio
How to get to Tamarindo
How to get to Playas del Coco/Papagayo from Liberia Airport
Driving/Renting a Car
Road conditions
Basic tips for driving
Costa Rica gas stations
In depth driving guide
Tips for renting a car
Tips for taking shuttles
Car seats for kids
Driving around Costa Rica videos
Costa Rica car rental insurance
Driving from Liberia to Arenal
Types of cars to rent
Public Transportation
Tips for taking public transportation
Taking the bus from San Jose to Playas del Coco
Taking the bus from San Jose to Playa Jaco
Taking the bus from Jaco to Manuel Antonio National Park
Ferry/Boat
Puntarenas Paquera ferry
How to take the boat from Sierpe to Drake Bay
Taxi
Discounts
Costa Rica car rental discount
Diamante Eco Adventure Park discount
Rio Pacuare white water rafting discount
Nicaragua one day tour discount
La Fortuna and Arenal Tours discount
San Jose day tours discount
La Paz waterfall gardens discount
Fly Adventure Air discount
Pachira Tortuguero packages discount
Club Rio Adventure Club discount
Tortuga Island cruise disount
Hacienda El Viejo discount
Manuel Antonio/Quepos tours discount
Skyway CR discount
Extras
6 great gifts for the Costa Rica travelers
6 things more expensive in Costa Rica
7 things cheaper in Costa Rica than the US
