12 mistakes to avoid when traveling to Costa Rica (from people who live here)

Planning your first trip to Costa Rica? Between the rainforests, volcanoes, wildlife, and world-class beaches, it's easy to see why this tiny Central American country consistently ranks among the top travel destinations in the world. But Costa Rica has its own quirks — and first-time visitors often fall into the same traps that turn dream vacations into stressful ones.

We've been on the ground here for years, helping backpackers, families, and solo travelers explore Costa Rica from top to bottom. We've seen the mistakes, heard the stories, and fielded the panicked WhatsApp messages. So consider this your insider guide: 12 common mistakes to avoid when traveling to Costa Rica — and exactly what to do instead.

Mistake #1: Booking your flight to the wrong San José

Let's start with a mistake that sounds almost too simple — but it happens more than you'd think. There's a San José in Costa Rica (airport code: SJO) and a San José in California (airport code: SJC). They are very different places.

Before you hit "purchase" on that flight, triple-check your destination. The official name of Costa Rica's main international airport is Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), located about 20 minutes northwest of downtown San José.

If you're flying into the northwest of the country instead, you can also fly into Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia — a great option if you're headed straight to the Guanacaste beaches or the Nicoya Peninsula.

Our tip: Screenshot your itinerary, check the airport code, and then check it again. Once you land, we can help you with airport shuttles from SJO and LIR to anywhere in the country.

Mistake #2: Assuming Costa Rica is a budget destination

Here's the truth that surprises a lot of travelers: Costa Rica is not cheap. Just because it's in Central America doesn't mean prices are similar to Guatemala or Nicaragua. In many tourist areas, prices are closer to what you'd pay in the U.S. or Western Europe.

Here's a rough idea of what to expect:

• National park entry fees: $15–$25 per person

• Mid-range restaurant meals: $12–$25

• Car rental (before insurance): $40–$80/day

• Shared shuttles between destinations: $25–$55

• Tours and activities: $50–$150+

That said, Costa Rica absolutely can be done on a budget — you just have to plan for it. Eating at sodas (local family-run restaurants) will cut your food budget in half. Taking public buses instead of shuttles saves money but costs time. Visiting during the green season (May–November) means lower hotel prices and fewer crowds.

Our tip: Read our full guide on traveling Costa Rica on a budget before you book anything. Go in knowing what things actually cost, and you won't have any unpleasant surprises.

Mistake #3: Underestimating driving times

Costa Rica looks small on a map. And technically, it is — you can drive from one coast to the other in about 4–5 hours on a good day. The problem is that good days don't always happen.

Roads here are narrow, winding, and often in rough shape. Mountain passes slow you down. Wildlife crossings appear out of nowhere. Construction, flooding, and the occasional river crossing can add significant time to any journey. And during Semana Santa (Easter week) or the December holidays, what's normally a 4-hour drive can easily become 7 or 8.

Some real-world driving times to keep in mind:

• San José → La Fortuna: ~3.5 hours

• La Fortuna → Monteverde: ~3 hours (via the lake road)

• Monteverde → Santa Teresa: ~4.5–5 hours

• San José → Manuel Antonio: ~3 hours

• Manuel Antonio → Puerto Viejo: ~5 hours

Our tips: 

• Always add 30–60 minutes to any GPS estimate. Use Waze rather than Google Maps — it's the preferred app for locals and much better at rerouting around traffic.

• Never drive long distances at night, as roads are poorly lit and animals are more active.

• And if you're short on time, consider domestic flights — they're affordable and can save you half a day.

Mistake #4: Not researching car rentals carefully

Renting a car in Costa Rica is one of the best ways to explore at your own pace — but the car rental industry here has a well-earned reputation for confusing (and sometimes frustrating) pricing practices.

Here's what often happens: you book a car online for what seems like a great deal. When you arrive to pick it up, mandatory insurance, taxes, and fees are added — and suddenly your $30/day car is $80/day. Some companies also place a large security deposit hold on your credit card.

Things to know before you rent:

• Mandatory insurance (SLI/TPL) is required by law in Costa Rica. Budget for it.

• Some credit cards offer rental coverage, but you'll need to confirm with your provider and bring the right documentation.

• Always ask for the total all-in price before confirming your booking.

• A 4WD vehicle is highly recommended if you're visiting areas like Monteverde, the Osa Peninsula, or anywhere during rainy season.

Our tip: Book through a reputable, transparent company. We can help you rent a car in Costa Rica with clear pricing and no hidden surprises.

Mistake #5: Trying to see the entire country in one trip

We get it — Costa Rica has so much to offer, and you want to see it all. But trying to visit every region in 7–10 days is one of the fastest ways to end up exhausted, stressed, and spending half your vacation in a car or on a bus.

The most fulfilling Costa Rica trips tend to focus on 2–3 regions that match your travel style.

Here are some popular combinations:

• Adventure + Nature: La Fortuna (Arenal Volcano, hot springs, canyoning) + Monteverde (cloud forest, zip-lining, hanging bridges)

• Beaches + Surfing: Tamarindo + Santa Teresa or Nosara

• Wildlife + Relaxation: Manuel Antonio + Uvita (whale watching, snorkeling)

• Caribbean Vibes: Puerto Viejo de Talamanca + Cahuita National Park

Give each destination at least 2–3 nights. You'll see more, stress less, and actually enjoy the places you came to experience.

Our tip: Not sure how to structure your trip? Check out our destination guides and our trip planning page for help building an itinerary that fits your style and timeline.

Mistake #6: Not booking ahead during high season

Costa Rica's dry season (mid-December through April) is also peak tourist season. During Christmas, New Year's, and Semana Santa, the country fills up fast — and popular hotels, shuttles, and tours can sell out weeks or even months in advance.

We've heard from travelers who showed up in February without reservations, only to find that the hotel they wanted was fully booked, and the only available car rentals were high-end vehicles at three times the normal price.

If you're visiting between December and April, book the following as early as possible:

• Your hotel or accommodation (especially boutique lodges or ecolodges)

• Car rental (at least 2–3 months out; 4+ months for Christmas/New Year's)

• Shared shuttles between destinations

• Popular tours (Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero, Corcovado)

Our tip: The green season (May–November) is a fantastic time to visit — prices drop, crowds thin out, and the landscape is lush and dramatic. If you have flexibility, shoulder months like May, June, and November offer excellent value and great conditions.

Mistake #7: Expecting perfect weather — Or avoiding the rainy season

Many travelers plan their trip exclusively around Costa Rica's dry season, assuming the rainy season means constant downpours and ruined plans. That's a mistake on both ends.

Costa Rica has two seasons:

• Dry Season (December–April): Sunny, hot, and busy — especially on the Pacific coast. This is the best time for beaches in Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula.

• Green Season (May–November): Lush, beautiful, and rainy — but usually with sunshine in the mornings and afternoon showers. This is when the country looks its most tropical and dramatic.

  
  

Even during the dry season, the Caribbean coast and mountain areas like Monteverde can receive rain year-round. And even during the rainy season, you can have spectacular, sunny days.

Our tip: Pack a lightweight rain jacket and quick-dry clothing, no matter when you visit. A sudden afternoon downpour is part of the Costa Rica experience — and often leads to the most beautiful rainbows and golden light you've ever seen.

Mistake #8: Skipping the wildlife guides

Costa Rica is home to over 500,000 species of plants and animals — it's one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth. But spotting sloths, poison dart frogs, toucans, and jaguars isn't as easy as walking into the forest and looking around.

Most wildlife is camouflaged, nocturnal, or simply very good at hiding. Visitors who explore on their own often walk right past animals that a trained guide would have spotted instantly — and they go home disappointed.

Our tip: Book a guided wildlife tour at least once, especially for:

• Night walks — when frogs, snakes, and insects are most active

• Cloud forest hikes in Monteverde — where resplendent quetzals hide in the canopy

• Mangrove boat tours — for crocodiles, monkeys, and birds

• Corcovado or Tortuguero — remote parks where a guide is essential

Local naturalist guides have trained eyes, professional spotting scopes, and a depth of knowledge that will completely transform your wildlife experience. Browse our tours and activities to find guided options throughout Costa Rica.

Mistake #9: Underestimating the sun (and forgetting reef-safe sunscreen)

Costa Rica sits just 8–12 degrees above the equator, which means UV radiation is intense year-round — even on cloudy days. Sunburn can happen in as little as 15 minutes without protection, and we've seen travelers spend day two of their trip confined to their hotel room with painful burns.

Use SPF 50+ sunscreen, reapply every two hours (more often if swimming or sweating), and wear a hat and UV-protective clothing if you're spending long hours outdoors.

One critical note: use reef-safe sunscreen if you're snorkeling, diving, or swimming near coral reefs. Many conventional sunscreens contain chemicals that damage coral ecosystems — and Costa Rica's marine environments are worth protecting.

Our tips: 

• Bring reef-safe sunscreen from home, as it can be harder to find and more expensive in Costa Rica. We personally love the Thinksport Kids Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+, 6 Fl Oz (super handy when your hands are full of sand) or the Thinkkids Safe Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+, 3 Fl Oz, if you are travelling with only cabin baggage.

• A rash guard is also a great investment for days on the water.

Mistake #10: Not carrying cash

While credit and debit cards are accepted in most tourist towns and larger restaurants, cash is still king in many parts of Costa Rica — especially in more remote destinations.

Areas where you'll want cash on hand include:

• Osa Peninsula (Puerto Jiménez, Drake Bay)

• Tortuguero

• Montezuma and Santa Teresa

• Rural areas and small local sodas

• National park entrances (some accept cards, others don't)

• Gas stations off the beaten path

Our tip: Always carry some Costa Rican colones (CRC) — paying in local currency typically gets you better value than paying in USD. Withdraw cash at ATMs in larger towns before heading to rural areas. And notify your bank before you travel to avoid having your card flagged or blocked for international transactions.

Mistake #11: Leaving valuables visible in your car

Petty theft is the most common crime against tourists in Costa Rica, and break-ins to parked cars are unfortunately frequent — especially in beach parking areas and near popular tourist spots.

The rule is simple: if it's visible, it's at risk. We've heard countless stories from travelers who left a bag, camera, or iPad on a seat, went to the beach for an hour, and returned to a smashed window and an empty car.

Our tip:

• Never leave anything visible in your car — not even an empty bag

• Always lock your doors and roll up your windows, even for short stops

• Use secure, attended parking lots (parqueos) whenever possible

• Don't carry all your cash at once, and be discreet when paying

• Consider a money belt or hidden pouch for passports and large sums

Costa Rica is generally a very safe and welcoming country for travelers. These simple precautions go a long way toward keeping your trip hassle-free.

Mistake #12: Rushing through it all

Finally — and perhaps most importantly — don't rush. Costa Rica has a saying that captures its entire philosophy of life: Pura Vida. Literally "pure life," it's used as a greeting, a farewell, an expression of gratitude, and a reminder that life is good and meant to be enjoyed slowly.

Buses run late here. Roads have surprises. A waterfall trail takes longer than the map suggests. And that's okay. The travelers who have the best time in Costa Rica are usually the ones who let go of rigid schedules and let the country unfold at its own pace.

Our tip: Build buffer days into your itinerary. Leave room for an unplanned detour, a conversation with a local, or an extra afternoon at a beach that stole your heart. Some of the best memories from Costa Rica come from the moments you didn't plan for.

Playa 506 hotel in Puerto Viejo

Summary: mistakes to avoid when traveling to Costa Rica

Here's a quick recap of the 12 mistakes to avoid on your Costa Rica trip:

1. Booking the wrong San José airport (use SJO for Costa Rica)

2. Assuming Costa Rica is budget-friendly (plan for real costs)

3. Underestimating driving times (add 30–60 min to GPS estimates)

4. Not researching car rental pricing and insurance

5. Trying to visit too many destinations in one trip

6. Failing to book ahead during high season

7. Avoiding the rainy season — or expecting perfect weather in the dry season

8. Skipping guided wildlife tours

9. Forgetting reef-safe sunscreen (or any sunscreen)

10. Not carrying local currency

11. Leaving valuables visible in your car

12. Rushing instead of embracing the Pura Vida pace

Ready to plan your trip?

At Pura Vida Traveling, we've helped hundreds of travelers plan unforgettable Costa Rica adventures — from backpackers on a shoestring to families looking for the ultimate luxury escape. Whether you need help booking a shuttle, a tour, or just figuring out where to go first, we're here for it.

Explore our destination guides, browse our transportation options, or reach out to us directly on WhatsApp at +506 8826 3163. We're based in Costa Rica — we live this every day, and we love

helping travelers make the most of it.

Pura Vida!