Costa Rica Tours in 2024 & 2025

Visa requirements may change, for the most up-to-date information we recommend using our Entry Requirements tool. Alternatively, check the Costa Rican embassy website in your country of departure.

Proof of a yellow fever vaccination is required upon entry if you’re travelling from these countries in Africa and Latin America.

Other recommended vaccinations include diphtheria, hepatitis a, hepatitis b, rabies and tetanus. As advice can often change, you can check out our Entry Requirements tool for the most up-to-date details on vaccination requirements.

If you’re looking for the best weather, then your best bet is to visit during the dry season, which runs from mid-November to April. Temperatures hover around 28°C (82.4°F), and you can expect up to eight hours of sunshine.

May to mid-November is known as Costa Rica’s ‘green’ (or rainy) season, when you’re more likely to avoid the crowds and enjoy cheaper prices. This is also the best time to visit the country’s rainforests, and if you’re an expert surfer, then this is when you’ll be able to experience the best waves.

Costa Rica's weather is defined by the rainy and dry seasons, which run from May to November and December to April respectively. You can expect highs of 36°C (96.8°F) in April and lows of around 23°C (73.4°F) in October.

In terms of rainfall, the wettest month of the year tends to be in October with an average of 125 mm (4.92 inches) per month. The driest months are January and February, when you can expect almost no rain at all.

While tipping isn’t a necessity in Costa Rica, if you’re eating out, then restaurants will often add a 10% gratuity tip to your bill.

It should be noted that tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of your tour and an expression of satisfaction with the people assisting you on your tour. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from USD $5-10 per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Tipping your G Adventures CEO is also very much appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline, USD $5-7 per person, per day is our recommendation in the region. However, if you felt your CEO did an especially outstanding job, any additional amount is always welcome.

Costa Rica generally has pretty good internet access in towns and cities, though if you’re in more rural areas, then expect it to be fairly spotty.

While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Latin America — check with your bank prior to travelling. You should also be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies.

In more rural areas, take cash with you as ATMs aren’t widely available. Major hotels, shops and restaurants tend to accept credit or debit cards — smaller establishments don’t, so take a mixture of plastic and cash.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to www.xe.com for daily exchange rates.

Costa Rica is one of the more liberal countries in Central America, and same-sex relationships are legal and recognised as of 2015. While San José and Quepos have several LGBTQ+-friendly bars and clubs, be aware that rural areas might be more conservative.

As part of their commitment, all CEOs get LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgment, free from any discriminatory language or harassment.

While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our LGBTQ+ travel page.

The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish, and it has been since it was introduced in the 16th century by Spanish colonists. However, five indigenous languages — Cabécar, Maleku, Bribri, Guaymí and Buglere — are also spoken in various parts of the country.

In a word, yes, it's safe to drink the tap water in most of Costa Rica. However, if you're travelling to more rural areas or to some areas of the Caribbean coast, then you might wish to stick to bottled water just in case. Ask your CEO if you'd like any further info.

San José, like the majority of capital cities, can be riskier than smaller towns – particularly at night. Avoid walking through parks at night, and always take a licensed taxi if you're looking to travel after dark.

Avoid camping on the beach for obvious reasons, and be aware of rip tides and currents offshore. Seek local advice and pay heed to any warnings in place.

Hurricanes are rare here, though it should be noted that they do sometimes occur during hurricane season (June to November). There are also occasional volcanic eruptions — keep aware of local warnings in place.

G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip and guides to lead your tour. However, there are always inherent risks when travelling — you can find out more via our travel safety page.