Costa Rica is located in Central America sharing borders with Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. Offering two very different coastal areas, Costa Rica offers a the Caribbean Seal on the east coast and the Pacific Ocean on the west coast. While being a tiny country that is roughly the same size as West Virginia, this must visit country offers more than two oceans primed for surfing, but also serves as a hot spot for explorers seeking wildlife, hiking, and adventurers.
You’ll also encounter rain forests and countless scenic drives and national parks in Costa Rica.
While many tourists think of Costa Rica as being a beach goers paradise, there is so much more waiting for you in this highly unique country in Central America.
You’ll find different weather patterns in every pocket of Costa Rica that change with the two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy or “green season.” If you want excellent temperatures with virtually no rain, visit during the dry season that runs from December to April.
If you want to see lush, tropical rain forests, visit Costa Rica in the rainy season that starts in May and runs through November. While these months offer solid deals based on being in the shoulder seasons of less travel to the country, you will also benefit from less tourism at the airports and traffic on the roads. Expect rain showers on a daily basis, especially as the day gets later and into the evenings. I find this season a great time to visit La Fortuna, where you’ll travel down windy roads and go around Lake Arenal as you pass through the city of Nuevo Arenal and make your way into town.
The microclimates that you’ll experience in Costa Rica are like nothing you’ve ever seen! You can visit coastal areas and get that perfect tan on the beach or if you prefer cooler climates, you can opt for the mountains in the Central Valley.
Costa Rica’s Location and Geography
One misconception I often hear when telling people of my frequent travels to Costa Rica is that they think it’s an island! Costa Rica is a small country – not an island – and it’s wedged in between Panama and Nicaragua in a perfect slice of diverse paradise. I often hear people say it’s part of Mexico or Puerto Rico, which makes me chuckle, I have to admit. Costa Rica is it’s own sovereign nation completely independent and with it’s own government.
Costa Rican History in a Nutshell
In the year 1821, Costa Rica gained independence from Spain and became an entity located in Central America. They instantly focused on creating their own identity and democratic system.
In 1948 Costa Rica decided to eliminate it’s army. They did this to show they are a peaceful country focused on progress. This allowed them to invest in it’s healthcare system and educational structure to better support their people.
Costa Rica celebrates it’s Independence Day on September 15 each year. Parades take place all over the country and the festivities begin the evening before, on September 14. Traditional Costa Rican outfits are worn by children celebrating the holiday in most towns. Customary Costa Rican dances are done by performers and local restaurants feature typical Costa Rican foods like tamales, casados, and empanadas. Adults partake in having local Costa Rican beers and may even dabble into some guaro. Guaro is a local moonshine which can be mixed or sipped in shots that is native to Costa Rica.
Facts About the Gem of Central America
The leading country for tourism in Central America has a few things going for it that make it a top draw for tourism. Whether you fly into the center of the country, San Jose, or the Pacific coast, Guanacaste, (the two major Costa Rican airports), you’ll need to know the following facts about Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s official language is Spanish. However, English is widely spoken at tourism destinations as well as in the Central Valley where many expatriates live and retire.
Costa Rica has national symbols including the national flower, the historic national theater, and the traditional oxcart that showcase the heritage of Costa Rica.
Costa Rica has both UNESCO recognition, making it a world heritage site, and a world natural heritage site located in the Isla del Coco.
Most Costa Rican citizens are of Catholic religion, however they do have religious freedom across it’s population.
The national currency of Costa Rica is the Colon. You will find that US Dollars are widely accepted, but be careful on exchange rates as they may not be favorable.
Costa Rica’s Political and Cultural Landscape
Three fundamental powers make up a democratic structure including Executive Power, Legislative assembly, and Judicial Power. The Elections Supreme Court serves as the fourth power. Elections take place every four years and every person native to Costa Rica is a registered voter once they turn 18.
Featuring seven provinces which are divided by 81 cantons and 470 districts, Costa Rica operates as a unitary state.
Do You Need a Passport to Enter Costa Rica?
Yes — you must enter Costa Rica with a valid passport or travel document that meets the country’s entry rules.
What to Know About Entering Costa Rica
- The passport must be valid for the duration of your stay.
- Immigration requires that the passport be in good condition (no severe damage) and have at least one blank page for entry/exit stamps.
- You’ll also need a return or onward ticket showing you will leave Costa Rica before your permitted stay ends.
- For many travelers from visa-exempt countries, no separate visa is required for short tourist stays (often up to 180 days).
Costa Rica Do’s and Don’ts
I have visited Costa Rica over 400 times and at one point called it my home base. Having traveled most of the country and having been asked 100’s of times about what to expect in Costa Rica, I compiled a list of some do’s and don’ts.
What to Do in Costa Rica
- Eat Local Cuisine: you’ll save lots of money eating at local soda’s while immersing yourself deeper into the culture.
- Plan Ahead: knowing the seasons and the challenges the rains can bring, know your routes and plan on leaving earlier vs. later if you have paid excursions or set times to be somewhere. Often times roads can be muddy in rainy season as well as highly trafficked in tourist (dry season).
- Sample Coffee: Costa Rican coffee is a major draw. It’s incredible as well as highly affordable.
- Hydrate and Wear Sunblock: the sun is unbelievably hot in Costa Rica, especially in the dry season on the Pacific ocean side.
- Make Copies of Your Passport: this will come in handy if you lost your passport while visiting Costa Rica.
- Get Travel Insurance: this gives you peace of mind in cast you need to alter your trip or encounter an emergency while on your trip. I recommend Safety Wing.
What Not to Do in Costa Rica
- Respect The Environment: protected areas are protected for a reason. Stay on paths, do not disturb wildlife or local flowers as Costa Rica is very protective over it’s natural resources and wildlife.
- Plan for Long Travel Times: while the Costa Rica map depicts a small country, Costa Rica can be challenging to traverse at times. There are many winding, small roads that when busy, can take a while to pass through. Road conditions can often lead to longer travel times. If your GPS says you’ll be at a destination in one hour, plan for more time. What can go wrong, will go wrong.
- Book Late: book your trip early to save money on your trip. Prices for Costa Rica travel go up as you get closer to your travel date, much like other tropical destinations.
- Don’t Show Off Valuables: I can’t stress this enough. While Costa Rica is safe for Americans and other foreigners, petty theft is rampant. Don’t draw attention to yourself and make sure you aren’t flashy.
- Don’t Bring Natural Souvenirs Home With You: leave shells, plants, and fruits where they lie. While I highly recommend trying the many unique fruits of Costa Rica, bringing it home with you is illegal, as is taking sea shells. They are highly protective over this, especially in Playa Conchal.
What to Know About Costa Rica’s Geography
Costa Rica’s geography is incredibly diverse despite its small size, which makes it one of the most ecologically rich destinations in the world. The country is bordered by both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, offering travelers two very different coastlines. Its interior is marked by rugged mountain ranges, including the Cordillera Central and Cordillera de Talamanca, where several active volcanoes like Arenal and Poás are located. Elevation varies dramatically—from sea level beaches to peaks over 12,000 feet—which creates multiple climate zones, ranging from tropical rainforests and cloud forests to dry savannas. Because of this varied terrain, the weather can change quickly within a short drive, and travelers should be prepared for everything from humid heat to cool misty mountain conditions.
Enjoy the Pura Vida
The “meaning of Pura Vida” is to enjoy life. You’ll hear this phrase repeated often in Costa Rica as a greeting, a follow up to asking how you are doing, or asking someone for a fork! Costa Ricans live very carefree and enjoy their local festivals (like the annual Palmares festival) as well as their iconic beaches in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica FAQ’s:
Is Costa Rica a Country?
Costa Rica is a country located in Central America.
Is Costa Rica a U.S. Territory?
Costa Rica is it’s own sovereign nation.
Is Costa Rica Part of the U.S.?
No, Costa Rica is not a part of the U.S. It’s it’s own country.
Where is Costa Rica from the United States?
Costa Rica is located south of the United States, in Central America, between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. It sits between the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Caribbean Sea on the east.
From the U.S., Costa Rica is roughly 1,000–2,000 miles south, depending on your departure city. For example, flights from Miami take about 3 hours, from Houston about 4 hours, and from Los Angeles around 5–6 hours. It’s located in the tropical latitudes just north of the equator, making it warm year-round and a popular escape for travelers from colder U.S. climates.
Is Costa Rica in South America?
Costa Rica is located in Central America, between the countries of Panama and Nicaragua.
About Peter C.
Peter is a digital nomad who largely writes from Asia, Europe, and South America. Always following the "vibe," he sets up shop in hostels and AirBNB's and continues to entertain us with wild stories from life abroad. Ask him anything in our community forum. Make sure to download the AllWorld Travel Hacks FREE ebook.
