Costa Rica Travel Guide
Tourist season
Are December and January good months to visit Costa Rica?
December
Semi-high
season
January
High
season
Did you know?
The southernmost point of North America is Cocos Island (Isla del Coco), which belongs to Costa Rica, located about 311 mi southwest of the coast.
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between San José (CR) and Washington D.C. (US) is 2048 miles
To calculate distance between your location and San José click here
Country Comparison
Compare Costa Rica to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.
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Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Costa Rica
| Miles | San José | Cartago | Alajuela | Heredia | Santa Elena | La Fortuna | Puerto Viejo de Talamanca | Cahuita |
| San José | - | 12 | 11 | 5 | 57 | 54 | 92 | 85 |
| Cartago | 12 | - | 23 | 16 | 69 | 65 | 81 | 74 |
| Alajuela | 11 | 23 | - | 7 | 46 | 43 | 103 | 95 |
| Heredia | 5 | 16 | 7 | - | 53 | 49 | 96 | 89 |
| Santa Elena | 57 | 69 | 46 | 53 | - | 16 | 148 | 141 |
| La Fortuna | 54 | 65 | 43 | 49 | 16 | - | 141 | 133 |
| Puerto Viejo de Talamanca | 92 | 81 | 103 | 96 | 148 | 141 | - | 9 |
| Cahuita | 85 | 74 | 95 | 89 | 141 | 133 | 9 | - |
A Brief History of Costa Rica
Important historical events that significantly shaped the nation's trajectory throughout the centuries
500 A.D.
The Beginnings of SettlementThe Diquís, native people living in what is now southern Costa Rica, begin using gold to make jewelry, animal figures and other objects.
1502
First EuropeansOn September 18, Christopher Columbus becomes the first European to reach Costa Rica. Spanish colonization begins in 1522.
1821
Independence from SpainCosta Rica gains its independence from Spain and joins the Mexican Empire.
Costa Rica joins El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua as the United Provinces of Central America.
1823
United Provinces of Central AmericaThe Mexican Empire dissolves
1838
Independent countryCosta Rica becomes a fully independent country.
1849 - 1859
Fight against William WalkerJuan Rafael Mora leads the fight against William Walker, an American who tries to take control of the region.
1949
44-day civil warA new constitution is adopted after a bloody 44-day civil war.
1963
First protected areaThe Absoluta Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve is created. It is the first of many protected areas in the country.
1968
Volcano eruptionArenal Volcano erupts.
1987
Nobel Peace Prize for Oscar A. SánchezPresident Oscar Arias Sánchez wins the Nobel Peace Prize. He helped end civil wars in El Salvador and Nicaragua.
2006
The second termArias is elected president for the second time.
2010
First woman as presidentLaura Chinchilla becomes Costa Rica's first woman President.
Best Ways to Experience Costa Rica
- Cuisine
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MoreCosta Rican Colon (CRC)
- CRC
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
- CRC
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
| = |
Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Costa Rica.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Rabies
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Keep away from animals
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Costa Rica for tourism
A visa is not required.
- Allowed stay: 90 days
- Departure tax applies.
Electricity
120V (60 Hz)
In Costa Rica the standard voltage is 120V and the frequency is 60 Hz. Type A, B sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type A
Type BFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 120 / 231 Ranking | 5 094 118 white or mestizo 83.6%, mulato 6.7%, indigenous 2.4%, black of African descent 1.1% |
Area | 130 / 230 Ranking | 19.7 thous. mi² |
Life expectancy | 50 / 196 Ranking | 79.4 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 76.8women 82.2 |
Median age | 85 / 157 Ranking | 32.6 Average age of population expressed in years.men 32.1women 33.1 |
Population growth | 83 / 172 Ranking | 1.04% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 21 / 131 Ranking | 97.9% Ability to read, write and count.men 97.8%women 97.9% |
GDP | 66 / 194 Ranking | 21 143 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
Nicaragua