Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
Stop researching. Start exploring.Discover all 93 highlights,ranked
and organized into practical routes.
Get instant access
Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Hepatitis A and B shots are recommended. Check if your measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) and tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis (Tdap) vaccines are up-to-date. If hanging out in rural areas, consider a typhoid vaccine. Malaria risk is low, but pack some insect repellent to avoid mosquito bites. Consult your doctor for personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Costa Rica, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for Costa RicaCulture & Customs
Costa Ricans, or Ticos, are generally friendly and courteous. **Do** greet people with a handshake or a light kiss on the cheek. **Don’t** use first names unless invited to do so; use titles like ”Señor” or ”Señora.” When entering someone’s home, bringing a small gift is polite. Dress casually but neatly; beachwear is for the beach, not city streets.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, Costa Rica is relatively progressive, but public displays of affection might attract attention in rural areas. Women travelers should be aware that mild catcalling is common but usually harmless. Use common sense and trust your instincts.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Costa Rica.
- Gallo Pinto: A breakfast staple, this dish combines rice and beans with spices and occasionally a dash of Lizano sauce. It’s a cultural symbol of Costa Rican hospitality and a great way to start the day.
- Casado: A classic lunch or dinner option, this meal includes rice, beans, plantains, salad, and a choice of protein (like chicken, beef, or fish). It’s named ”casado,” meaning ”married,” because it brings together diverse flavors on one plate.
- Olla de Carne: This hearty beef and vegetable stew is perfect for sampling the country’s rich agricultural produce. It’s a traditional Sunday family meal and a comforting dish on cooler days.
- Chifrijo: A popular bar snack, this bowl mixes fried pork, beans, rice, pico de gallo, and avocado. It’s a go-to choice for locals when enjoying a casual night out.
- Arroz con Leche: A beloved dessert, this sweet rice pudding with cinnamon is a must-try for those with a sweet tooth. It’s often made for special occasions and family gatherings.
Tap water in Costa Rica is generally safe to drink in most urban areas and locals do consume it, but tourists might want to stick to bottled or filtered water, especially in rural regions or if you have a sensitive stomach. If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution with bottled water, which is widely available and cheap.
The main language in Costa Rica is
Spanish. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Spanish skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Costa Rica includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Costa Rica,
English is widely spoken, especially in tourist areas such as San José, Arenal, and the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Many Costa Ricans, particularly those working in the hospitality and service industries, have a good command of English, making it easier for travelers to communicate. However, proficiency can vary; while urban areas and popular tourist spots often have English speakers, rural regions may have fewer English speakers.
In educational institutions, English is taught as a second language, and younger generations are increasingly proficient. Nonetheless, knowing some basic Spanish phrases can enhance your experience and interactions with locals. Overall, English is commonly understood, but being open to using Spanish can enrich your travels in this beautiful country.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Costa Rica is CRC (₡).
Cash or Card: While cards are widely accepted in cities and touristy areas, smaller towns and local eateries might be cash-only. Always have some colones on hand for these spots.
ATM Access: ATMs are pretty common in urban areas and tourist towns. They’re the easiest way to get local currency, but watch for foreign transaction fees. Stick to ATMs attached to banks for better security.
Currency Choice: US dollars are almost universally accepted, but not euros. It’s smart to carry a mix of dollars and colones. When paying in dollars, expect change in colones and not always at the best rate.
Exchanging Money: Avoid exchanging money at the airport unless you’re desperate; the rates aren’t great. Head to a local bank or a reputable exchange bureau in town for better rates.
Tips: Always keep an eye on your cash and cards, especially in crowded areas. A money belt or hidden pouch can be a lifesaver. And don’t forget to notify your bank about your travel plans to avoid any card block mishaps.
Tipping in Costa Rica isn’t mandatory, but appreciated. Most restaurants include a
10% service charge in the bill, so anything extra is a bonus. For guides or drivers, a few dollars or around
5-10% of the tour cost is a nice gesture if the service was good.
v2.webp){kind=logo}
Best Backpacking.jpg)
Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
.jpg)
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.