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Things to Consider Before You Visit
- Best time to visit: December to April; dry season with sunshine
- Local currency is Costa Rican Colón (CRC); US dollars widely accepted
- Spanish is the official language; English is spoken in tourist areas
- Roads can be bumpy and narrow; consider renting a 4×4 vehicle
- Wildlife is abundant; respect nature and stay on trails
- Eco-tourism is big; bring reusable bottles and reduce plastic use
- Weather can change quickly; pack for both rain and sun
- Credit cards accepted in most areas; carry cash for local vendors
- Safety is generally good; stay alert in crowded areas
Top Attractions
- Arenal Volcano National Park; hiking and hot springs
- Monteverde Cloud Forest; zip-lining and wildlife viewing
- Tamarindo Beach; surfing and vibrant nightlife
- Tortuguero National Park; turtle nesting and jungle canals
- La Fortuna Waterfall; scenic trek and swimming
- Corcovado National Park; untouched rainforest and biodiversity
- Manuel Antonio National Park; beaches and sloths
- Osa Peninsula; off-the-beaten-path adventures
