Solo travel in Costa Rica: tips for an amazing adventure

Costa Rica offers a safe and welcoming environment, making it an ideal destination for a first-time solo trip. It’s the perfect opportunity to escape to a country where nature and the kindness of the locals greet you with open arms.
If you’re wondering about potential risks before your trip, know that this country is one of the safest destinations in Latin America, though it’s still wise to learn about the dangers for tourists in Costa Rica.

And here's a bonus: this little slice of paradise is a joy to explore year-round.
Nearly a quarter of its territory is protected, offering a true immersion in untouched natural landscapes.
From beaches and volcanoes to lush rainforests, every corner of Costa Rica promises a deep dive into nature’s beauty.

The “Pura Vida” spirit, a philosophy unique to Costa Rica, celebrates simplicity and happiness in everyday life. It is reflected in the locals’ warm hospitality. I still remember the family who spontaneously invited me to share their meal when I got lost on a backroad.

Visa and entry requirements for solo travelers

Make sure your passport is valid for six months after your return—a requirement to enter Costa Rica. I also recommend making copies of important documents (passport, international driver’s license, tickets) and saving them both digitally and on paper.

No visa is required for a tourist stay. However, you must have a return or onward ticket and prove you have sufficient funds for your stay. The immigration officer will give you a form and a temporary stay permit, usually valid for 90 days.

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Recommended vaccinations

Before heading off on your Costa Rica road trip, check with your doctor to ensure your vaccinations are up to date. You should be covered for standard vaccines (diphtheria, tetanus, polio, whooping cough, hepatitis A) and consider a hepatitis B vaccine if you plan to stay for an extended period.

Yellow fever is not required unless you’ve traveled through certain parts of South America or Africa. Malaria is a low risk, but if you’re venturing into rural areas during the rainy season, discuss it with your doctor.

Travel insurance and health precautions

Notify your bank of your trip and carry some US dollars in addition to your credit cards. Lastly, share your itinerary with a trusted person.

Getting comprehensive travel insurance is essential. I always opt for coverage that includes medical expenses, medical evacuation, and personal liability. Some credit cards offer travel insurance, but check the reimbursement limits carefully.

For health precautions, I carry a medical kit with basic medications. Bring a good mosquito repellent (those mosquitoes are relentless - I got bitten through leggings!) and SPF 50 sunscreen. The sun is intense, especially near the equator, and a sunburn can quickly ruin your trip. For the first few days at the beach, wearing a t-shirt in the water helps prevent burns.

When to visit Costa Rica?

Two main seasons in Costa Rica

Dry season: December to April. Hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25°C inland to 35°C on the coasts. This tropical climate makes it the most pleasant time to visit, but it’s also peak tourist season, meaning higher prices and crowded sites.
Rainy season: May to November. Also called the green season, it has its own advantages, which I discovered during my September trip. The vegetation is lush, waterfalls are spectacular, and prices are significantly lower. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t rain all the time! Mornings are typically sunny, with showers in the afternoon, a common pattern in tropical regions.

To experience Costa Rica at its best, the ideal travel periods are November-December or April-May.

Budget for a solo trip to Costa Rica

I won’t sugarcoat it: Costa Rica is an expensive destination. Many tourists come from the U.S., so prices are often in dollars. Activities are costly, so managing your budget carefully is key.

For accommodation, hostels remain my favorite option for meeting other solo travelers. But if you prefer privacy, there are many well-kept budget hotels.

To eat well without overspending, head to “sodas”, small local eateries serving hearty, affordable traditional dishes like “casado”. They close early, so go for lunch.

Payment methods

The Costa Rican colón is the local currency, but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. Carry an emergency fund of $100-200, separate from your main cash.

Always keep some cash (colones) for small shops or areas where cards aren’t accepted. Avoid airport exchange offices, cash machines (ATMs) offer better rates.

Things to do in Costa Rica as a solo traveler

Events and festivals not to miss

Costa Rica is filled with colorful festivals throughout the year. In January, if you find yourself in the Palmares region, don't miss the Fiestas Cívicas, one of the country's largest festivals.

"Semana Santa" which usually takes place in March or April, is a very important period. I was impressed by the religious processions and celebrations in cities like San José and Cartago.

In July, I had the chance to participate in the Festival of the Virgin of the Sea in Puntarenas. This unique celebration combines maritime procession, concerts, and sporting competitions. An ideal choice if you want to experience a festival that is both spiritual and lively.

If you travel in September, you can attend the independence celebrations on the 15th of the month. Throughout the country, parades of children wearing national colors and traditional dance performances create a joyful and patriotic atmosphere.

Hiking and national parks: the must-sees

National parks are a must: you can observe animals in the wild, such as sloths, iguanas, caimans, or colorful macaws. I strongly advise taking a guide. With a well-organized tour, you'll increase your chances of seeing wildlife, as it's often well hidden in the vegetation. Incorporating these parks into your itinerary will allow you to fully enjoy the country's natural diversity.

Manuel Antonio National Park, located on the Pacific coast, was my first discovery. Despite its small size, it's teeming with impressive biodiversity. I observed capuchin monkeys, sloths, and a multitude of colorful birds.

La Fortuna Waterfall: beautiful, but be careful of the many stairs to go down... and especially to climb back up! Wear appropriate shoes, as there are quite a few rocks. And if you have time, take advantage of the opportunity to swim!

El Choyin: a magical place, perfect for relaxing. Unfortunately, it started raining during my visit, but it remains a great experience.

Arenal Volcano: still active, but without recent eruptions. The hike is superb and the view impressive. The trails wind through ancient lava flows and secondary forests, offering interesting views of the majestic volcano. The Arenal region also offers natural hot springs where I could relax after my day of hiking.

For a more intense experience, I ventured into Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula. It's one of the wildest places in the country.

Monteverde National Park, with its famous cloud forest, is another must-see. I walked across the suspended bridges that allow you to explore the forest at different levels, offering a unique perspective on this fascinating ecosystem.

Water Sports and Beaches

If you enjoy thrills, rafting on the Rio Pacuare is a magical experience: incredible landscapes, turquoise water, and guaranteed adrenaline.

Costa Rica is a paradise for water sports. On the Pacific coast, I discovered surfing in Tamarindo, ideal for beginners. After three lessons, I managed to stand up on the board!

For an unforgettable diving experience, head to Caño Island: manta rays, reef sharks, and tropical fish await.

On the Caribbean side, the atmosphere is relaxed with wild beaches. In Puerto Viejo, paddle boarding at sunrise was a peaceful and meditative moment.

My favorite beaches: Playa Conchal with its shell sand, Playa Manuel Antonio for its dreamlike setting, and Punta Uva for its tranquility.

Cultural Immersion and Local Classes

Traveling alone allowed me to fully immerse myself in Costa Rican culture. In San José, I took a traditional cooking class at a small family school. I learned to prepare "gallo pinto" (the national dish made with rice and beans) and other local specialties.

A particularly enriching experience was my participation in a Latin dance class in Puerto Viejo. For two hours, I learned the basics of salsa, merengue, and Caribbean calypso.

Safety and well-being for solo female travelers in Costa Rica

Safe areas and places to avoid

Compared to other Latin American destinations, Costa Rica enjoys enviable political and social stability. The risk level is generally low, although, as everywhere, certain precautions must be taken regarding crime.

In San José, I felt safe in tourist-friendly neighborhoods like Barrio Escalante and San Pedro, but I avoided areas such as La Carpio and Los Guido, which have a reputation for being more dangerous.

Throughout my trip, I generally felt secure, but as with anywhere, staying vigilant is essential. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in certain areas like San José or near the Panama border, where the risk level can be higher. If you’re returning late, opt for official taxis or Uber. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially on public transportation and in hostels, where petty theft is common. Lastly, always research tour agencies before booking any excursions.

I found small tourist towns like La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Puerto Viejo particularly welcoming for solo female travelers. The relaxed atmosphere and familiarity with independent travelers help minimize risks.

Coastal areas are generally safe, but I recommend staying alert in Jacó and Limón, where petty crime, especially theft, is more frequent. On the other hand, I loved the peacefulness of Samara and Santa Teresa on the Pacific coast.

In national parks, I always felt a great sense of security, but I preferred hiking with other travelers or a guide, especially in more remote areas like Corcovado.

My Golden Rule for Solo Travel Safety: Always stay aware of your surroundings. I avoid going out late at night in unfamiliar areas. I’m discreet about my travel plans when chatting with strangers and never mention that I’m traveling alone or where I’m staying. This small precaution helps me avoid unwanted attention and minimizes potential risks.

Solo travel tips for an enriching experience

Where to stay? Accommodations for solo female travelers

Hostels are a fantastic option for a solo trip: they are numerous, affordable, and great for meeting people. You’ll never really be alone!

What I love about these places is how easy it is to connect with fellow travelers. Community dinners, organized excursions, and themed nights create countless opportunities to bond. I started my trip in a hostel to build a small network before continuing my journey.

Safe and welcoming hotels & lodges

I found that small family-run hotels (15–20 rooms) often offer the best balance of security, comfort, and authenticity. The owners usually take the time to provide personalized advice and genuinely care about their guests' well-being.

Homestays for a deeper cultural experience

Staying with locals was one of my most enriching experiences in Costa Rica. Through platforms like NomadSister, I had the chance to live with Costa Rican families.

Learn Basic Spanish for a Smoother Experience

Even though many Costa Ricans speak English in tourist areas, I found that making the effort to learn a few Spanish phrases truly opens doors. Before my trip, I took an online course to learn the basics.

Local markets are also fantastic places to immerse yourself in the culture. The Mercado Central in San José or Tamarindo’s Saturday farmer’s market are vibrant spots where you can easily strike up conversations with vendors and locals.

Is it easy to get around Costa Rica?

There are several options for getting around, depending on your budget. Renting a car gives you more freedom, but it’s an expensive option.

Personally, I used local buses, and it worked out great. For instance, the route between San José and La Fortuna was super convenient and budget-friendly. I used the MiBus.cr app to book my tickets. The journey takes about four hours.

Costa Rica’s public bus network efficiently covers the country and is by far the most economical way to travel. Intercity buses are generally comfortable and punctual. Road safety is decent on these routes, but it’s best to stick with reputable bus companies.

Contrary to what you might expect, Costa Rica has a very limited railway system. It’s mainly used for suburban travel around San José and doesn’t serve tourist destinations.

Renting a car: pros and cons

I rented a 4x4 to access remote beaches and national parks. Driving requires caution: winding roads, single-lane bridges, and frequent potholes can be challenging. An offline GPS and an international driver’s permit are helpful.

Best ways to get around locally

In small tourist towns, I mostly walked. For short distances, official “red taxis” (recognizable by their red color and mandatory meter) are a safe option, especially at night.

In Puerto Viejo and Santa Teresa, I rented a bike, which was perfect for exploring at my own pace. Some guesthouses even offer bikes for free.

For more remote destinations like Tortuguero or Monteverde, shared tourist shuttles are an excellent alternative. More expensive than public buses, they provide greater comfort and often offer door-to-door service.

Ready to take the leap?

Traveling alone in Costa Rica is like jumping into a waterfall after a long hike: at first, you hesitate, but once you’re in… it’s pure magic. Between the wildlife-filled jungles, the laid-back beaches, and the heartwarming encounters, every day is a new adventure.

So, if the call of the wild (or the volcanoes) is tugging at you, don’t wait. Pack your bags, grab your passport, and dive into your own Pura Vida experience!

Did you enjoy this story?

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Bold stories, real experiences, and a backpack always ready to hit the road to South America.

Maria Orea, editor
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ADVENTURE| ROAD TRIP| TRAVEL

Maria

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06 Mars 2025

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