Costa Rica
A nation bursting with natural beauty, Costa Rica is the premium plug for backpackers craving some serious jungle time. With lush rainforests, incredible biodiversity and some of the best hiking in Central America, this little slice of paradise is an outdoor lover's dream.
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Costa Rica Accommodation Guides
Editor's PickWhere to Stay in Costa Rica – The Best Places to Stay and Areas to Visit
Costa Rica City Guide – Places to Stay in Costa Rica 7 Best Cities to Stay in Costa Rica Backpacking Costa Rica…
Editor's PickWhere to Stay in San Jose (COOLEST Areas!)
Where to Stay in San Jose Want us to cut to the chase and just tell you where to stay in San…
Editor's Pick15 of the Best Airbnbs in Costa Rica: My Top Picks
Quick Answer: These are the Top 5 Airbnbs in Costa Rica What to Expect from Airbnbs in Costa Rica Have you polished…
Editor's PickThe 5 Best Hostels in Costa Rica
Quick answer: The Best Hostels in Costa Rica The 5 Best Hostels in Costa Rica To save you time scrolling through the…
Editor's PickThe 4 Best Treehouses in Costa Rica
Quick Answer: The Best Treehouses in Costa Rica Staying in a Treehouse in Costa Rica Treehouses are designed with outdoor enthusiasts in…
Editor's Pick20 BEST Hostels in San Jose (Insider Guide!)
Quick Answer: The Best Hostels in San Jose The 20 Best Hostels in San Jose If you’re backpacking Costa Rica, you’ll probably…
Know Before You Go
The no-BS planning guides, prep tips, and field-tested picks we use on the road.
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Hostels
The one we actually use to lock in dorm beds across Costa Rica.
Hotels
Treat yourself to your own room once in a while.
eSIM
Data the second you land – no SIM hunt at the airport.
Travel Insurance
The cover we trust on every trip – built for backpackers, actually affordable.
Tours
Even on a budget, some experiences are worth paying for.
Transport
Book your trains, planes, buses and ferries across Costa Rica.
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Costa Rica Travel FAQs
Is Costa Rica good for solo travel?
Definitely. Costa Rica is well set up for independent travellers, with plenty of hostels, tours and other backpackers to meet along the way. It's particularly easy to join group activities like hiking, surfing, rafting and wildlife tours, making it a great choice if you want a mix of independence and social travel.
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
The dry season from mid-December to late April is the most popular time to visit, particularly if you're planning plenty of outdoor activities. The green season from May to mid-December can be wetter, but you'll get lush landscapes, fewer crowds and often better value. The weather also varies considerably between the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, so your itinerary matters.
Is Costa Rica expensive for backpackers?
Costa Rica is one of the more expensive countries in Central America, but you can still travel on a budget. Staying in hostels, eating at local sodas and using public transport can keep costs down, while activities like ziplining, national parks and guided wildlife tours can quickly add up.
What wildlife can you see in Costa Rica?
A lot! Costa Rica is home to monkeys, sloths, toucans, crocodiles, sea turtles and an incredible variety of other wildlife. You can spot different species across the country, from the cloud forests around Monteverde to the rainforests of Corcovado and the beaches of Tortuguero.