01 — Before you start
Costa Rica looks small on the map.But traveling takes longer than you might expect.
Costa Rica is a relatively small country, but travel times can be much longer than distances suggest. Traffic, mountain roads, rain and road conditions can completely change a trip.
Practical rule
Plan your drives around time first and distance second.
02 — Traffic
Traffic can completely change your itinerary
Traffic is especially noticeable in the Greater Metropolitan Area. If your trip starts or ends near San José, Alajuela, Heredia or Cartago, the time you travel can make a huge difference.
Greater Metropolitan Area
03 — Best times
The time you leave can completely change your trip.
Best time to leave
4:30 a.m. – 6:00 a.m.
Less traffic inside the Greater Metropolitan Area.
A better chance of completing much of the drive before afternoon rain.
Arrive at your destination earlier.
Have more daylight hours to enjoy the day.
Morning rush hour
6:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
Traffic can be heavy because of work and school commuting.
Afternoon rush hour
3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
One of the hardest periods for traveling within or leaving the Greater Metropolitan Area.
Golden Tip
If you have a long drive, leaving very early is often one of the most useful decisions. You can arrive earlier, avoid some traffic and make better use of daylight.
04 — Best days
The day of the week matters too.
More recommended
Tuesday · Wednesday · Thursday
These days generally have less traffic associated with weekend travel.
More difficult
• Friday afternoons.
• Sunday afternoons and evenings.
• Long weekends.
• National holidays.
On a Sunday returning from the beach, a trip that normally seems simple can take considerably longer because of traffic.
05 — Routes from San José
Quick travel times for some popular routes.
These are approximate times. Traffic, rain, construction and accidents can increase travel time.
Manuel Antonio
Leaving before 6:00 a.m. is usually a good strategy.
Jacó
Leaving early helps avoid some traffic on Route 27.
Guanacaste
It is one of the longer drives from San José. A stop in Liberia can be useful depending on your final destination.
La Fortuna
Leaving early can help you encounter less traffic and arrive with more time to enjoy La Fortuna.
Monteverde
It is better to make this drive during daylight because of curves, mountain roads and possible fog.
Puerto Viejo
Check weather and possible disruptions on Route 32 before leaving.
06 — Before you come
Things you should knowbefore visiting Costa Rica.
Small details that can make your trip much easier.
You can drink tap water in much of Costa Rica
Tap water is safe in much of the country. If you are staying in a rural or remote area, ask your accommodation before drinking directly from the tap.
Protect yourself from mosquitoes
Dengue is an important concern in Costa Rica. Use insect repellent and take precautions especially in warm and humid areas. There are also specific malaria recommendations for certain areas, so check current health guidance before traveling.
U.S. dollars are widely accepted
Costa Rica's official currency is the colón, but U.S. dollars are widely accepted at hotels, tours, restaurants and many tourist areas. Colones are still useful for small purchases, buses and local shops.
Rainy season can be a great time to visit
Green season does not mean rain all day. In many Pacific areas, mornings can still be enjoyable and rain is more common during the afternoon.
There are fewer tourists during several months of green season.
You may find better prices and promotions.
The landscape becomes especially green.
Some mornings begin sunny before afternoon rain.
Some whale and turtle seasons overlap with rainy months.
The Caribbean can have different weather patterns from the Pacific.
Check the bill before leaving a tip
Restaurant bills normally include a 10% service charge. If you receive exceptional service, you can leave something extra, but additional tipping is not required.
Drive defensively
Conditions can change quickly between highways, towns, mountain curves and narrow roads. Keep your distance, avoid rushing and watch for motorcycles, bicycles, pedestrians and animals.
It gets dark early in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is close to the equator, so daylight hours change relatively little throughout the year. Sunset comes early, which is important when planning hikes, beaches and road trips.
Costa Rica has no standing army
Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948. It is one of the country's best-known historical characteristics.
Keep an eye on your belongings
Petty theft can occur, especially in busy tourist areas. Avoid leaving belongings visible inside vehicles, do not leave valuables unattended at the beach and keep phones, wallets and bags secure.
07 — Seasons
When should you visit Costa Rica?
High season
December – April
Christmas, New Year and Easter Week are usually among the busiest periods.
Shoulder season
May · June · November
For many travelers, it can offer a good balance between weather, prices and crowds.
Green season
Especially September · October on the Pacific side
Advantages
✓ Fewer visitors.
✓ Possible promotions on hotels and tours.
✓ Intensely green landscapes.
Considerations
• More frequent rain on the Pacific side.
• Possible disruptions on rural roads.
• It is useful to schedule activities early.
Caribbean weather patterns differ from the Pacific, so always check the forecast for the specific region you plan to visit.
08 — Golden Tips
Golden tips for driving around Costa Rica.
Check Google Maps or Waze before leaving and verify the route again the same day.
Whenever possible, begin long drives before 6:00 a.m.
Avoid crossing San José during rush hour if your itinerary allows it.
During the rainy season, try to complete long drives before mid-afternoon.
Keep enough fuel when traveling through rural areas.
Avoid driving at night on unfamiliar mountain roads.
Do not rely only on distance when estimating how long a trip will take.
On Sundays returning from the beach, leaving early can help you avoid some traffic.
Happy Routes Costa Rica
Planning your route well is part of enjoying Costa Rica.
Leaving early, checking road conditions and allowing extra time between destinations can make a big difference.