How many beaches to visit: Three to four beach bases is the right number for a two-week trip. Each stop deserves
three nights minimum, since the first day usually goes to heat, sunburn and a slow bus. Chasing six or seven stops means more time in minivans than on sand. Pick them across different types: one surf town, one
wildlife-backed coast and one quieter, remote stretch.
Choosing the kind of beach: Surfers and social travelers should prioritize
Pacific surf towns, where hostels, board rentals and cheap tacos cluster within walking distance. Wildlife seekers should favor national-park coasts, where monkeys shake the trees and sloths hang from almond branches, but expect entry fees and tighter rules. If you want quiet, go south toward the Osa, which is rougher and costs more to reach. Skip …
read more 👉 How many beaches to visit: Three to four beach bases is the right number for a two-week trip. Each stop deserves
three nights minimum, since the first day usually goes to heat, sunburn and a slow bus. Chasing six or seven stops means more time in minivans than on sand. Pick them across different types: one surf town, one
wildlife-backed coast and one quieter, remote stretch.
Choosing the kind of beach: Surfers and social travelers should prioritize
Pacific surf towns, where hostels, board rentals and cheap tacos cluster within walking distance. Wildlife seekers should favor national-park coasts, where monkeys shake the trees and sloths hang from almond branches, but expect entry fees and tighter rules. If you want quiet, go south toward the Osa, which is rougher and costs more to reach. Skip the big resort strips in Guanacaste unless you have a bigger budget: sand is fine, but you pay more for less character. For swimming, check conditions locally. Many of the most photogenic beaches are poor for swimming.
What it costs: A realistic backpacker budget is
US$40 to 70 a day: dorm bed US$12 to 25, meals at a soda US$6 to 10, beer US$2 to 4. Park entry usually runs US$5 to 18 for foreigners, sometimes with a required card payment. Surf lessons cost US$50 to 80, board rental US$10 to 20 a day, and local guides in reserves US$30 to 60. Long-distance buses cost US$5 to 15 and shared shuttles US$40 to 70, so transport adds up. Cash in colones helps in small towns, though dollars are widely accepted at a poorer rate.
Safety and etiquette: The biggest danger is the water.
Rip currents kill more visitors than anything else here. Swim at beaches with lifeguards when possible, learn to swim parallel to shore, and never go out alone after heavy rain. The sun at 10 degrees north is brutal, so wear reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard. Theft from parked cars and unattended bags on sand is common. Never leave valuables on the beach, and do not leave anything visible in a rental car. Crocodiles live in some river mouths, so ignore signs at your peril. Respect
turtle nesting areas: no flash photography, and keep lights off at night. Topless sunbathing is not the local norm, and locals generally dress modestly in town. Rubbish goes back in your bag, since many beaches have no bins.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.