Costa Rica Travel Guide | Surf, Sweat, Flow

There’s a reason people fall hard for Costa Rica, and keep coming back. With two coastlines, five active volcanoes, lush rainforests, and surf towns that feel like small communities, it’s a country built for movement and meaning.

Tourism in Costa Rica is thriving. The world’s travellers aren’t wrong, this is a destination that delivers.

Whether you come for the surf, the wildlife, the jungle, or the community of like-minded adventurers, you’ll leave with one phrase stuck in your head: Pura Vida — “pure life.” It’s not a slogan here; it’s how people live.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know before your trip, where to go, what to see, what to bring, and how to travel with ease (and maybe a surfboard).

Why Costa Rica

Costa Rica sits in the centre of Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south, the Caribbean Sea to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Despite being small (roughly the size of West Virginia), it packs in 5% of the world’s biodiversity.

The country has a peaceful history — no standing army since 1948 — and a strong focus on sustainability and happiness. Over 25% of Costa Rica’s land is protected national park, and it consistently ranks among the happiest countries in the world according to the World Happiness Report.

What keeps travellers hooked? The variety. You can surf in Tamarindo at sunrise, hike an active volcano by noon, soak in a hot spring by sunset, and still have time for a cold Imperial beer before bed.

Regions & Top Activities

Costa Rica is compact but packed with personality. Each region offers something different — surf towns, jungle treks, volcano climbs, and tropical calm.

North Pacific | Guanacaste Province

Home to Costa Rica’s most famous beaches and surf towns. Fly into Liberia International Airport (LIR) and you’re within an hour or two of paradise.

Tamarindo: A lively surf hub with sandy waves for beginners and nightlife that stretches late. Grab coffee at Nordico Coffee House, surf Playa Tamarindo, and end your night at Sharky’s or El Be!

Nosara: The wellness capital of the Pacific. Known for world-class yoga studios, beach breaks, and clean living. Surf Playa Guiones, join a sunset class at Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort, or grab tacos at El Chivo.

Playa Avellanas: Quieter and less developed, nicknamed “Little Hawaii” for its consistent breaks. Lunch at Lola’s (yes, there’s a pig named Lolita on the beach).

Best for: Surf, sunsets, yoga, community vibes, digital nomads, and wellness travelers.

Central Pacific | Nicoya to Manuel Antonio

This stretch blends accessibility and adventure. Drive south from San José or Liberia and you’ll hit a coastline of cliffside views, palm-fringed beaches, and jungle wildlife.

Santa Teresa: Stylish and bohemian. You’ll find boutique hotels, smoothie bars, and powerful beach breaks. Mornings start with surf and movement, afternoons fade into beach cocktails and local ceviche.

• Surf: Playa Carmen, Playa Hermosa

• Eat: Katana Asian Cuisine, The Bakery

• Vibe: Barefoot luxury meets backpacker energy.

Montezuma: A smaller, artsy beach town near the southern tip of Nicoya. Known for its waterfalls, vegan cafés, and easy hiking trails.

• Do: Montezuma Waterfall Hike, Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve

• Eat: Soda Las Palmeras for classic casado plates.

Jacó & Manuel Antonio: Closer to the capital, these are ideal for first-time visitors. Jacó has nightlife and consistent surf; Manuel Antonio has a gorgeous national park filled with monkeys and sloths.

• Eat: Graffiti Restro Café & Wine Bar in Jacó

• Do: Manuel Antonio National Park guided walk at sunrise (spot sloths, toucans, iguanas).

Best for: Easy access, first-timers, couples, and nature lovers.

The Highlands | Arenal, Monteverde & Central Valley

Trade surf for mountain mist.

Arenal Volcano: One of Costa Rica’s most iconic landmarks. Stay in La Fortuna for hot springs, waterfalls, and jungle hikes.

• Do: Hike the Arenal 1968 Trail, soak in Eco Termales Hot Springs, swim under La Fortuna Waterfall.

• Eat: Soda Viquez for local fare, Don Rufino for upscale dining.

Monteverde Cloud Forest: Cool air, hanging bridges, and coffee farms. Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve early in the morning for the best wildlife sightings.

• Do: Zipline through Selvatura Park, take a night hike for frogs and glow worms.

• Stay: Monteverde Lodge & Gardens or Selina Monteverde.

San José: Most travelers skip the capital, but it’s worth a day for art, history, and good coffee.

• Do: Explore the National Museum of Costa Rica, Barrio Escalante for dining and nightlife.

• Eat: Café Kracovia or Al Mercat for farm-to-table cuisine.

Best for: Volcano hikes, coffee lovers, families, and cool-weather escapes.

Caribbean Coast | Puerto Viejo & Cahuita

This side of Costa Rica is different — reggae beats, Afro-Caribbean influence, and a slower, sunnier rhythm.

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: Known for its colorful streets, surf breaks, and beach bars.

• Surf: Salsa Brava (experts only), Playa Cocles (all levels).

• Eat: Bread & Chocolate for breakfast, Koki Beach Restaurant for cocktails.

• Do: Rent a bike and cruise to Playa Negra, visit Jaguar Rescue Center.

Cahuita National Park: Easy hiking trails, coral reefs, and calm beaches.

• Stay: Hotel La Diosa or Aguas Claras (eco-luxury).

Best for: Culture, laid-back travelers, surf, and slow living.

Cultural Norms & Etiquette

Costa Ricans are friendly, patient, and famously polite. Their national motto, Pura Vida, means everything from “hello” to “no worries” — and it’s used constantly.

Dress & Respect:

Casual and clean goes a long way. Beachwear is fine by the sea, but cover up when entering towns, shops, or restaurants.

Useful Sayings & Gestures:

1. “Pura vida” (POO-rah VEE-dah) — All good / Life is good.

2. “Buenos días / Buenas tardes” — Good morning / afternoon.

3. “Tuanis” (TWA-nees) — Slang for “cool.”

4. “Con gusto” — “My pleasure,” said instead of “you’re welcome.”

Practical Travel Logistics

Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC), but U.S. dollars accepted almost everywhere.

Airports: Juan Santamaría International (SJO – near San José) and Daniel Oduber Quirós (LIR – Liberia).

Visa: Most travelers get a 90-day visa-free stay; check your country’s status at visitcostarica.com.

Best Time to Visit:

• Dry season (Dec–Apr): Blue skies, perfect for beach & adventure.

• Green season (May–Nov): Lush landscapes, smaller crowds, great surf.

  Transport: Rent a car (4x4 recommended outside cities). Buses are reliable; domestic flights (Sansa, Green Airways) save time between coasts.

What to Pack:

Light clothing, rain jacket, reef-safe sunscreen, bug spray, hiking shoes, reusable water bottle, dry bag for surf gear.

Health, Safety & Medical FAQs

Costa Rica is one of the safest and most stable countries in Latin America. Still, a few basics:

• Healthcare: Excellent private hospitals in San José, Tamarindo, and Liberia.

• Emergencies: Dial 911.

• Water: Tap water is safe in most areas, but use bottled in rural zones.

• Insurance: Recommended for adventure activities (surfing, ziplining, volcano hiking).

Wellness, Movement & Surf Travel

Traveling solo or with friends, Costa Rica makes it easy to reconnect with yourself, nature, and movement.

If you want to surf, sweat, and explore with a community of like-minded humans, SALTY hosts Surf, Sweat, Flow | January 3–10, 2026. A week of workouts, surf sessions, and slow mornings in the jungle — led by Erin, Nate, Josh, Martha Purdy, and Jalisa Den Hartog.

It’s not a bootcamp. It’s balance — adventure, sweat, and good energy surrounded by waves, wildlife, and warmth.

Final Checklist

✅ Passport valid 6+ months

✅ Travel insurance (with adventure coverage)

✅ USD & local colones (small bills)

✅ Reef-safe sunscreen, mosquito repellent

✅ Light layers + rain jacket

✅ Offline maps, Waze for GPS, WhatsApp for local comms

✅ A “Pura Vida” mindset — flexible, open, relaxed

Ready to dive in?

Book your flight, pack your board (or yoga mat), and discover why Costa Rica really is paradise found.