Cloud Forest, Hanging Bridges and Pura Vida
This backpacking Costa Rica travel guide gives you tips on activities to do, route suggestions, budget and safety tips to help you plan your trip to this country full of wildlife and waterfalls!
Pura Vida is what Costa Rica is all about. Connecting with nature and other people in this beautiful country full of life is purely magical. Here you can explore different types of rainforests, hike volcanos, see waterfalls and relax on the beach with experiences you will never forget!
How much time do I need?
For Costa Rica I would suggest spending two weeks. That way you will have enough time to enjoy both coasts, as well as get in on the action in Monteverde and La Fortuna. San José is only a place to fly in and out of so don’t waste your time there.
Routes
For those arriving from Nicaragua, I suggest heading to Tamarindo or Santa Teresa first to enjoy the Pacific Coast. From there you can head up to Monteverde for some action in the Cloud Forest. Continue across the lake to La Fortuna for the famous hanging bridges and waterfalls. Finish off with a visit to the Caribbean coast and the likes of Puerto Viejo. From there you’re a short drive from the Panama border!
If you arrive from Panama, just do the above route in reverse and make your way to Nicaragua afterwards if you’re continuing onwards.
If you plan on visiting only Costa Rica that means you will start and finish in San José. From there make your way to the Caribbean Coast for some relaxing. Then head to La Fortuna, then Monteverde and then finish off your trip along the Pacific Coast. Return to San José for your flight home.
Top Activities in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is filled with National Parks and stunning nature. Hike in the tropical forests, get your adrenaline pumping zip-lining or relax on the beach. Costa Rica has something for everyone! Here are some of my favourite activities and places to see in Costa Rica!
Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest
Visiting the Monteverde Cloud Forest is for me a must in Costa Rica. It is quite unique and the little town offers plenty of things to do.
Visit the famous ficus trees with roots that form small bridges and look incredibly cool! These are found just outside of the centre of the town and can be seen for free!
Also, make sure you head over to a zip-line park for a day of adrenaline. It is super fun, and they also have a big swing at the end if you’re up for it!
At night, don’t miss out on an excursion in the tropical forest to see what the nightlife is like. Frogs, tarantulas and other nocturnal creatures that hide during the day can be spotted on these tours!
Hanging Bridges in La Fortuna
In La Fortuna you will find the famous hanging bridges. These are also found elsewhere in Costa Rica, but the main park is in La Fortuna. Spend a day walking around the park and take those Instagram friendly pics!
Waterfalls
Waterfalls are everywhere in Costa Rica and can be found in all sizes and shapes. Unfortunately for budget travellers they are often found in National Parks and costs $20-25 in general. They can also be very crowded.
If you’re the adventurous type, ask your hostel for local gems and hidden waterfalls. These are smaller waterfalls but usually free and without people. In La Fortuna my hostel recommended a hike to a secret waterfall and I got to spend the afternoon all alone there in total silence. One of my favourite experiences and a very special moment!
Surf in Tamarindo and Santa Teresa
If you’re into surfing head to the Pacific coast and visit some of the famous spots like Tamarindo and Santa Teresa. These places have a great backpacking and nomad community for anyone who wants a place to chill, party and surf!
Relax by the Caribbean Coast
Head to the Caribbean side and relax on the beach in Puerto Viejo. Most of Costa Rica can be quite action-packed so enjoy some well deserved relaxation in beautiful surroundings before maybe heading over to Panama!
If you get restless head north to the Tortuguero National Park and spend some time with the turtles, sloths and monkeys in the jungle!
Budget for Costa Rica
Costa Rica is known for being one of the most expensive countries for backpackers in the Region. This means you will do well to spend less than $50 per day. This includes staying in hostels, eating local food and using local transportation.
Your budget for Costa Rica will depend on how many activities and National Parks you want to visit. There are plenty of activities and each National Park has an entrance fee, which means you can easily rack up a bigger bill than you planned for.
That being said there are plenty of free activities as well if you ask around, and in my opinion the hostels are a great source for inspiration.
Food
Food can be a big expense in Costa Rica, costing you more than $10 for a meal in many places. If you’re on a budget I recommend looking for local places called “sodas” that serve rice, beans and chicken or other meats. These can often be found for around $6-7 and are a great option to fill up!
Also empanadas and other similar snacks at bakeries for around $3-4! These are perfect for breakfast or a little snack in the middle of the day between activities.
Accommodation
Being one of the most expensive countries in Central America, I found accommodation in hostel dorms to be among the cheapest. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of expensive option and in general expect to pay between $10-20 for a bed in a dorm depending on where you are. However, you can find good options as low as $7-8 a night.
Transportation
In Costa Rica there are plenty of local buses, for long or short distances. These are pretty cheap and get you wherever you want to go. However, they are not the most punctual. I once took the bus from the border with Nicaragua to Monteverde, which meant I had to switch buses at an intersection in the middle of nowhere. Here I waited about two hours for the one and only bus up to Monteverde for the day, with locals saying it will arrive between 3PM and 5PM depending on the day. Luckily it showed up in the end!
There are also shuttle buses for travellers but they are usually more expensive but much more comfortable. For example between Monteverde and La Fortuna, this option is perfect as it includes a boat ride to save time. By booking this shuttle service through your hostel you get picked up at your hostel, taken to the boat, and then picked up on the other side to be taken to your hostel. Highly recommended!
When to go to Costa Rica
When to go to Costa Rica depends a little on where you plan to go, and what you would like to see. The rainy season, or the green season as it’s known in Costa Rica, is between May and September. During this time is when nature really comes alive and is a great option for those wanting to see wildlife and a rainforest full of life.
The dry season is generally found between December and April on the pacific side. This is the most popular time to visit which means a lot more tourists. On the Caribbean side you will find a humid and warm climate for most of the year.
Safety
Costa Rica is a fairly safe place to visit. It is the most developed country in Central America along with Panama. Following the Gringo Trail you will be far away from trouble and able to enjoy your travels. Nonetheless, always follow some general guidelines when travelling and never travel without travel insurance!
Safety Tips:
- Always have some cash at hand in case someone wants to rob you. Better to hand over a few notes than to be caught with nothing or lose your credit card.
- Always keep your valuables safely on you on night buses and never put your backpack in the overhead compartment.
- In large crowds be careful with your belongings. Things in your pocket can easily be taken, but also smaller backpacks, bum bags etc. Make sure you secure them to avoid pickpockets in these situations.
- Do not wander around alone at night in places you are not familiar with. If you have to, stick to well lit streets as much as possible. Preferable where there are more people. If you need to use your phone for maps, do it discreetly and never wave your phone or wealth around.
- Don’t wear flashy things and leave your expensive jewellery at home.
- Bring a padlock and use the lockers in hostels for all your valuables.
- Be careful with how much you drink, accepting drinks from others or the use of drugs. There are many stories out there, so try not to overdo anything unless you have people with you to take care of you.
By taking some precautions you will be fine in Costa Rica, and come back with wonderful memories of this beautiful little paradise.
Resources
So, are you ready for an adventure to Costa Rica? Here are some of the resources I personally use when I travel. Great value and support, in addition to the best deals out there!
BOOKING – The best place to book accommodation. In my experience the site with the best prices, deals and selection. Perfect for a budget traveller.
HOSTELWORLD – The best place to find hostels, and also has group chats for all your bookings and places you’re going to make it easier to meet people. Perfect for solo travellers!
SKYSCANNER – When I need to find the cheapest days and ways to fly somewhere, Skyscanner is always the first place I go.
GET YOUR GUIDE – A massive marketplace for inspiration and booking of tours and activities for each place you visit.
AIRALO – What I use to stay connected on the road. A slightly more expensive option than buying local sim cards, but nothing beats having e-sim installed and ready to go as soon as you cross the border.
Some links may be affiliate links, meaning I may earn commission from products or services I recommend. For more, see disclosure.
