10 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Traveling to Costa Rica

Planning your dream trip to Costa Rica? `Between lush rainforests, incredible wildlife, and those famous “Pura Vida” vibes, it’s easy to see why this tropical paradise has become one of the most popular destinations in Central America.

But before you book your flights and pack your flip-flops, it’s good to know that Costa Rica is a bit different from other travel destinations. From confusing roads to unpredictable weather, there are a few things that can surprise first-time visitors.

To help you make the most of your trip, here are 10 common mistakes to avoid when traveling to Costa Rica — plus our insider tips to help you travel smarter, safer, and stress-free.

Expecting Perfect Weather All Year Round

Costa Rica is tropical — meaning it’s warm, humid, and sometimes very rainy. Many travelers think they’ll get sunshine every day, but that’s not always the case!

The country has two main seasons:

• Dry season (December–April) – sunny and hot, ideal for beaches.

• Green season (May–November) – lush, beautiful, but expect daily rain showers.

Even during the dry season, the Caribbean coast and mountain areas like Monteverde can see rain at any time.

Our Tip: Pack a lightweight rain jacket, waterproof shoes, and quick-dry clothes — no matter when you visit.

Underestimating Driving Times

Costa Rica looks small on the map, but driving here can take longer than you expect. Winding mountain roads, river crossings, potholes, and wildlife crossings all slow down travel times.

For example:

• San José to La Fortuna: ~3.5 hours

• La Fortuna to Monteverde: ~3 hours

• Monteverde to Santa Teresa: ~5 hours

Our Tip:  Always use Waze or Google Maps, start drives early in the day, and avoid driving long distances at night.

If you’re short on time, consider flying between regions — there are daily domestic flights connecting popular areas.

Trying to see the whole country in one trip

Costa Rica may be small, but it’s packed with things to do — volcanoes, beaches, jungles, waterfalls, and wildlife everywhere! Many travelers try to visit everywhere in one week, and end up exhausted.

Our Tip: Focus on 2–3 regions that match your travel style.For example:

• Adventure and nature: La Fortuna & Monteverde

• Beaches and surfing: Santa Teresa, Nosara, or Tamarindo

• Relaxation and wildlife: Manuel Antonio or Puerto Viejo

Slow down, enjoy the journey, and embrace the Pura Vida pace.

Thinking Costa Rica is cheap

While Costa Rica is in Central America, it’s not a budget destination like Nicaragua or Guatemala. Prices here are closer to those in the U.S. or Europe — especially in tourist areas.

• National park entry: $15–$25

• Meals at mid-range restaurants: $10–$20

• Car rentals: $40–$80 per day (plus insurance)

Our Tip: Save money by eating at local sodas (small family-run restaurants), using public buses, or staying in locally owned lodges. Check out our blog, Costa Rica on a Budget: How to Travel This Tropical Paradise Without Breaking the Bank, for more information.

Expecting to see wildlife everywhere (without a guide)

Costa Rica is home to incredible wildlife: sloths, monkeys, toucans, and colorful frogs. But spotting them in the wild isn’t always easy.

Many animals are camouflaged and active at dawn or dusk. If you explore on your own, you might walk right past them without realizing it.

Our Tip: Join a guided tour at least once, especially for night walks or cloud forest hikes. Local naturalist guides have trained eyes and powerful scopes — you’ll see way more!

Getting sunburned (even on cloudy days)

Costa Rica is close to the equator, which means the sun is intense year-round. You can get burned in less than 15 minutes — even when it’s cloudy.

Our Tip: Wear reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Reapply sunscreen often, especially after swimming or sweating.

And if you plan to surf or snorkel, consider a rash guard for extra protection.

Not drinking enough water.

With high humidity and tropical heat, dehydration sneaks up fast. Travelers who spend all day hiking or lounging in the sun often forget to drink enough water.

Our Tip: Carry a reusable water bottle — Costa Rica’s tap water is safe to drink in most areas (especially in hotels and cities).

Skip the plastic bottles and stay hydrated sustainably!

Forgetting about mosquito protection

Mosquitoes are part of life in the tropics, especially in lowland areas and during the rainy season. While Costa Rica doesn’t have widespread malaria, dengue and chikungunya can occur.

Our Tip: Bring a good insect repellent (with DEET or picaridin), wear long sleeves at dusk, and sleep with a fan or mosquito net if needed.

Not carrying enough cash.

While cards are accepted in most tourist towns, some local restaurants, markets, and gas stations prefer cash. Also, smaller rural towns may not have ATMs nearby.

Our Tip: Always carry some Costa Rican colones (CRC) or U.S. dollars — both are widely accepted.

However, try to pay in colones to get better exchange rates, and don’t rely on ATMs in remote areas.

Forgetting to respect nature and local culture

Costa Rica takes sustainability seriously — and travelers should too. Don’t feed wild animals, take shells from the beach, or go off-trail in national parks.

Also, remember that “Pura Vida” isn’t just a phrase — it’s a lifestyle of gratitude, patience, and respect.

Travel responsibly, support local businesses, and take your time to connect with the culture. You’ll have a richer and more authentic experience.

Playa 506 hotel in Puerto Viejo

Bonus tip: Embrace the Pura Vida attitude

Things move more slowly in Costa Rica — and that’s a good thing! Buses might be late, roads might be bumpy, but the people are kind, and the country’s beauty makes up for everything.

Once you let go of strict schedules and expectations, you’ll see why “Pura Vida” is more than just a saying — it’s a way of life.

Final Thoughts: Travel Smart, Live Pura Vida

Avoiding these simple mistakes will make your Costa Rica trip smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.

Plan a bit ahead, pack smart, stay flexible, and most importantly — don’t rush it. Costa Rica rewards those who slow down, look around, and soak up its natural magic.

Ready to start planning your adventure? Explore our travel guides and discover the best places to visit in Costa Rica at Pura Vida Traveling.