Costa Rica offers a diverse range of stunning sceneries that are worth exploring. One of the top attractions is the lush rainforests, where you can embark on thrilling hikes and spot exotic wildlife like monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds. The …
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Backpacking Costa Rica in 2025
A complete guide for backpacking in Costa Rica with best places to go, best time to visit, what to bring and safety advice.
Visit Costa Rica
Welcome to Costa Rica, a backpacker's paradise where lush rainforests meet pristine beaches, offering a diverse range of adventures. Pros? Immerse in biodiversity, explore active volcanoes, and enjoy budget-friendly accommodations. Costa Rica's well-established tourism infrastructure ensures easy travel. However, compared to some backpacker havens, costs can be higher. Yet, for nature enthusiasts, Costa Rica stands out, offering an eco-friendly and exhilarating experience, where each trail leads to wildlife encounters, making it a unique and enriching destination in Central America.
Why to go?Why backpacking in Costa Rica
Scenery
Wildlife
Costa Rica is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts due to its incredible biodiversity and conservation efforts. With over 25% of its land protected as national parks and reserves, the country offers a wide range of habitats for various species to …
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Backpackers
The backpacker scene in Costa Rica is vibrant and diverse. The country attracts a large number of backpackers from around the world due to its stunning natural beauty, adventure activities, and laid-back atmosphere. Backpackers in Costa Rica can …
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Beach life
Costa Rica is great for beach life and snorkeling due to its stunning coastline and rich marine biodiversity. The country boasts over 800 miles of coastline, featuring a variety of beaches ranging from pristine white sand to rugged volcanic black …
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People
Costa Ricans are known for their warm and welcoming nature, making visitors feel like part of the family. They are quick to offer a smile, a helping hand, and a friendly conversation. Whether it’s inviting you into their home for a meal, sharing …
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Cheap
The average cost for backpacking in Costa Rica can vary depending on the traveler’s preferences and travel style. On average, budget travelers can expect to spend around $30-$50 per day, which includes accommodation in hostels or budget hotels, …
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💡 HighlightsTop-5 things to do in Costa Rica
- Explore the Arenal Volcano: Visit the iconic Arenal Volcano, an active volcano that offers breathtaking views and opportunities for hiking, wildlife spotting, and relaxing in natural hot springs.
- Discover Monteverde Cloud Forest: Immerse yourself in the mystical beauty of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, home to diverse flora and fauna, thrilling canopy tours, and the famous hanging bridges.
- Relax on the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio: Enjoy the sun, sand, and crystal-clear waters of Manuel Antonio, a stunning national park known for its white sandy beaches, abundant wildlife, and lush rainforest.
- Experience the vibrant culture of San Jose: Explore the capital city of San Jose, where you can visit museums, art galleries, and historic landmarks, and indulge in the local cuisine and lively nightlife.
- Go wildlife spotting in Tortuguero National Park: Embark on a thrilling adventure in Tortuguero National Park, famous for its nesting sea turtles, lush canals, and rich biodiversity. Take a boat tour to spot monkeys, birds, and other wildlife.
But Costa Rica offers more...
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Costa Rica
Six month backpacking trip through Bolivia, Peru and central America: update 10/14
Costa Rica | Besides encountering quite a few Bolivians, Peruvians, Panamanians, and Costa Ricans, I occasionally run into Americans. They’re easy to spot. If someone extends their hand and shouts, “Hi, I’m Jim!!!” the very second they see you, even if they’re still 50 meters away, they’re definitely American. With an American, everything is always ...
Read more Six month backpacking trip through Bolivia, Peru and central America: update 11/14
Costa Rica | Costa Rica (and Panama) is by far the safest country in Central America, and in line with Murphy’s first law, that’s where my big backpack got stolen (from under the bus, on December 31st). I’ve been traveling for a few weeks now with just my small backpack, and it’s actually working fine, but it’s a real bummer that I lost so many belong...
Read more Traveled route: Tapantí National Park, San José, Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal, Puntarenas
🌤️ When to go?Best time to go backpacking Costa Rica
The best time to visit Costa Rica for backpacking is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to April. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions with less rainfall and more sunshine, making it easier to explore the country's natural attractions and engage in outdoor activities. However, it's worth noting that this is also the peak tourist season, so popular destinations may be more crowded and prices may be higher. If you're looking to minimize costs and avoid crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of November or May, when the weather is still relatively dry but tourist numbers are lower.
Risk level: medium (50%)Safety advice for Costa Rica
- Violent crime, including carjackings and 'express kidnappings', is increasingly common in Costa Rica. Criminals often target tourist areas, resorts, transport hubs and public transport. Drink spiking with methanol is common and has killed people. Be aware of your surroundings. Plan to arrive or leave the airport during daylight hours. Don't leave your drinks unattended, especially in stores or bars.
- Petty crime is common. Avoid carrying valuables where possible. Use established tour operators and officially registered taxis.
- Credit card fraud is a risk. Street money changers often pass fake currency. Only change money at banks or official exchanges.
- Nationwide strikes and roadblocks have occurred. Public gatherings sometimes turn violent. Don't attempt to cross roadblocks or protests. Make alternative transport plans in case of disruptions.
source: smartraveller.gov.au
Costa RicaMy tips to get you on the way!Does Costa Rica sound like your next backpacking destination? Use these steps to get you on the way.
Get inspiration 📚
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
While guidebooks used to be the backpacker’s holy grail for finding accomodation, nowadays that’s more conveniently accomplished online. However, guidebooks remain an excellent resource for familiarizing oneself with the country, gaining inspiration, and discovering itineraries. I enjoy reading them before my travels and then leaving them behind at home when I embark on my journey.
Prepare your trip ✅
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Costa Rica. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Costa Rica may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Before embarking on your journey, several essential checks are crucial: passport, visa, vaccinations and insurance. Some countries mandate that your passport remains valid for 3 to 6 months post your return. Additionally, it is important to verify the specific visa requirements for Costa Rica. These differ per country of origin. While you can handle visa arrangements independently, online visa services streamline the process as they know exactly what’s needed for each country. Costa Rica may require certain vaccinations. Make sure to timely check which ones you still need. Lastly, if you don’t have a travel insurance yet, Safety Wing is a good choice as they are tailored for backpackers.
Book your flight ✈️
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Costa Rica, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
The flight may be the most expensive part of your trip. Therefore it’s worth spending a bit of time finding the right one. Flight search engines like Skyscanner and Kayak are the best to compare all possible options. A good tip is to be flexible with your exact travel dates. Traveling one or two days earlier/later may save you some bucks. Also booking about three months in advance can help making the best deal for you (though I’m not the best one myself to follow this advice as I tend to decide last-minute). A final tip would be to check airports in neighbouring countries. Not necessarily for cost saving but it can be intriguing to journey into Costa Rica, travel overland to one of its neighbours and fly back home from there.
Book your first night(s) 🛌
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
Depending on your travel style, you can either plan a detailed day-to-day route and pre-book your accommodations, providing peace of mind, or opt to book them spontaneously, offering greater flexibility to adjust your plan. Personally, I am a big fan of the latter approach, but I always ensure to book the first night(s) in advance.
My personal packing list 🎒
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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.
Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
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.Money & Documents
Clothing
Electronics
Health
Others
Moneybelt
[Amazon]
“Best way to carry your important documents”
Quick dry pant
[Amazon]
“Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling”
Light rain jacket
[Amazon]
“Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry”
Thermo underwear
[Amazon]
“Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets”
Quick dry towel
[Amazon]
“Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling”
Power bank
[Amazon]
“Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more”
Travel adapter
[Amazon]
“Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs”
Number lock
[Amazon]
“No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories”
Packing cubes
[Amazon]
“Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest”
Travel pillow
[Amazon]
“Light and great for flights and long bus journeys”
last page update: 28 September 2024