Three weeks of Pura Vida in Costa Rica

April 5th, 2024 – April 27th, 2024

We had long waited and carefully planned our trip to Costa Rica, which lived up to our expectations. Costa Rica is a breathtaking country where one can unwind and do nothing but enjoy and relax on its beautiful beaches, or engage in exciting activities for an active holiday. Opting for the latter, we explored nearly everything available, thoroughly enjoying ourselves. We challenged ourselves, returning home with an abundance of stories and thrilling memories.

I’d say this has been our most delightful and fulfilling journey to date. We spent three incredible weeks there, free from worries. Embracing their ‘pura vida’ lifestyle, we savored life and harmony. ‘Pura vida,’ meaning pure life, is their universal expression for greetings, gratitude, and more.

Aside from the stunning scenery and unforgettable activities, the warmth of the people was particularly heartening. Everyone we encountered was exceedingly courteous and helpful, especially those in the tourism industry, who spoke English fluently. With my Spanish skills, I found joy in conversing with those less comfortable in English. They were welcoming, accommodating, yet never intrusive.

Both Tin and I agreed that, for its nature and its people, if we ever chose to live outside of Croatia, Costa Rica would be our top choice. Having traveled far and wide, no destination has left us as awestruck as Costa Rica.

General information and itinerary

In Costa Rica, Spanish is the official language, but the majority who engage with tourists speak English. While those in shops may have only basic English skills, tourist guides and hotel employees are pretty proficient. Naturally, locals appreciate and find it easier to talk with those who know Spanish.

The official currency in Costa Rica is the colón, but the US dollar is widely accepted. This means that most tours are priced in dollars, and almost every restaurant accepts payment in dollars. Moreover, card payments are accepted almost everywhere, particularly in restaurants and stores. We didn’t encounter any shops or restaurants where this wasn’t the case. Cash was only used for tours where an extra fee was mentioned for card payments. Additionally, we used cash for taxis and some street purchases.

To be precise, we brought 3000 US dollars with us and exchanged 200 dollars into colones. We spent 100 dollars in colones, and the remaining 100 dollars were spent on the final day in a store, as exchanging colones for euros or other currencies in Europe is impractical. Furthermore, we returned home with nearly 900 dollars remaining.

We estimated at home that 2000 dollars would be enough, with an additional 1000 dollars just in case. This 2000 dollars covered scuba diving and some tours arranged with the hotel (via the Booking app) that were not paid for in advance or had scheduled payments through the app.

In total, we spent 4,600€ per person, and I’ll detail the expenses later. I’ll mention now that this wasn’t a budget trip, and it’s possible to spend much less. Additionally, this total includes the cost of airline tickets as well as scuba diving three times, an activity not pursued by everyone.

Costa Rica is a stunning country, and it would be a pity to miss out on experiencing it to the fullest. We primarily made our bookings through the Viator or Get Your Guide apps. Personally, I found Viator much more preferable to Get Your Guide because it allows direct communication with the tour operator through the app. Moreover, both platforms display the operator’s details, enabling us to contact them via WhatsApp for any inquiries or updates, especially in case of delays.

Since the majority of tourists choose mobile plans with internet-only access, most communication with accommodations or operators is done via WhatsApp, which was convenient for us since it’s our primary communication tool. Both of us opted for eSIM packages, with me using the Airalo app and Tin using the Maya. I found 5GB for 30 days to be just right via Airalo, while Tin went for 1GB for 30 days, which wasn’t available through Airalo. We ended up using all our data, but luckily, we ran out at the airport on our way back home, so we didn’t run out prematurely, and it was just enough. Naturally, apps like Instagram and TikTok were used only on Wi-Fi, which worked perfectly in all locations and hotels. Additionally, in every restaurant or café, if the Wi-Fi password wasn’t displayed, it was perfectly normal to ask the waiter for it.

Our itinerary didn’t cover some popular destinations like Uvita on the Pacific side and Tortuguero on the Caribbean side. While we regretted not including Tortuguero, we were mindful of the exhausting nature of traveling extensively, often taking up half a day or more. For instance, our journey from Drake Bay to San Jose consumed an entire day, which was quite exhausting.

While some travelers opt for renting a car for convenience, we decided it was too costly and chose shared transportation instead. Although this option is cheaper than private transport, it does entail longer travel times, usually limited to once a day.

We relied on the Bookaway app for booking most of our transportation, which generally proved reliable. However, we encountered an issue with one operator, Paradise Shuttle, who canceled our ride just eight hours before departure, causing inconvenience. On the other hand, services like Interbus Costa Rica and Easy Ride operated smoothly, with good drivers and comfortable rides. Despite a minor delay with an Interbus transport from Monteverde to Manuel Antonio, prompt communication with customer service reassured us. They didn’t immediately respond to our message on WhatsApp, so we asked the hotel manager to call customer service, and they immediately confirmed that the transport was on its way and delayed. The driver’s apology upon arrival helped alleviate any concerns, ensuring a satisfactory journey overall.

Itinerary

5.4. – 7.4. San José 

7.4. – 11.4. La Fortuna

11.4. – 14.4. Tamarindo

14.4. – 17.4. Monteverde

17.4. – 21.4. Manuel Antonio

21.4. – 26.4. Drake Bay

26.4. – 27.4. San José 

Day 1 … 5.4.

  • Arrival in San José, around 8:00 PM
  • Taxi to the hotel, $40, arranged with the hotel

Day 2 … 6.4.

Day 3 … 7.4.

Day 4 … 8.4.

Day 5 … 9.4.

Day 6 … 10.4.

Day 7 … 11.4.

  • Bookaway, hotel pickup La Fortuna – Tamarindo, 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Beginner Surf Lessons, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  • Evening walk and beach dinner

Day 8 … 12.4.

Day 9 … 13.4.

  • Scuba Diving, 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Diving Nomads
  • SCUBA DIVING CANCELED – went zip-lining (Monkey Jungle) instead of diving, 11:00 AM
  • Couples massage, arranged with the hotel, 4:00 PM
  • Evening walk and beach dinner, watch fire show at the beach

Day 10 … 14.4.

  • Kayaking, GetYourGuide, 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
  • Bookaway, hotel pickup, 2:50 PM – 5:50 PM, Tamarindo – Monteverde
  • Ranario, 20$ per person, 6:30PM

Day 11 … 15.4.

Day 12 … 16.4.

Day 13 … 17.4.

  • Bookaway, hotel pickup, 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM, Monteverde – Manuel Antonio
  • Walk to the beach
  • Rainmaker Park Night Tour, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Day 14 … 18.4.

Day 15 … 19.4.

Day 16 … 20.4.

Day 17 … 21.4.

  • Bookaway, hotel pickup, 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM, Manuel Antonio – Sierpe
  • 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Sierpe – Drake Bay, ferry pickup in Las Vegas Restaurant
  • Beach and pool time in the afternoon

Day 18, 19, 20 … 22.4., 23.4., 24.4.

Day 20, night … 24.4.

Day 21 … 25.4.

  • Corcovado National Park, Sirena Trail, 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM
    • There is an option for just the Sirena Trail ($110 per person) or the San Pedrillo Trail ($95 per person). There’s also a full-day option combining both the Sirena and San Pedrillo Trails ($165 per person). Additionally, it’s possible to stay overnight in the national park ($345 per person).
  • Afternoon rest in the hotel

Day 22 … 26.4.

  • Drake Bay – Sierpe, 7:30 AM – 9:00 AM (ferry)
  • Bookaway, Sierpe – San José, 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Day 23 … 27.4.

  • Taxi to the airport, arranged with the hotel, 5:00 AM
  • San José – Montreal – London – Vienna – Zagreb

Expenses

Accommodation = 1,525.33€ (final prices, with local fees)

  • San Jose – 2 nights – 152.48€
  • La Fortuna – 4 nights – 259.36€
  • Tamarindo – 3 nights – 224.99€
  • Monteverde – 3 nights – 146.55€
  • Manuel Antonio – 4 nights – 258.40€
  • Drake Bay – 5 nights – 330.52€
  • San Jose – 1 night – 75.15€

Flight = 1,754.41€

Travel, transportation between places = 774.97€

  • San Jose airport – San Jose = 40$
    • private taxi arranged with the hotel
  • San Jose – La Fortuna = 140$
    • private taxi arranged with the Bar Crawl tour guide
    • Paradise Shuttle Costa Rica cancelled (Bookaway app, 90$)
  • La Fortuna – Tamarindo = 98$
    • Interbus shuttle (Bookaway app)
  • Tamarindo – Monteverde = 98$
    • RideCR shuttle (Bookaway app)
  • Monteverde – Manuel Antonio = 110$
    • Interbus shuttle (Bookaway app)
  • Manuel Antonio – Sierpe – Drake Bay = 130$
    • Manuel Antonio – Sierpe, Easy Ride shuttle (Bookaway app, 90$)
    • drop-off and ferry pick-up at Las Vegas Restaurant in Sierpe
    • Sierpe – Drake Bay, ferry (arranged with the hotel, 40$ payed to the captain)
  • Drake Bay – Sierpe – San Jose = 190$
    • Sierpe – Drake Bay, ferry (arranged with the hotel, 40$ payed to the captain)
    • Las Vegas Restaurant shuttle pick-up
    • Sierpe – San Jose, Easy Ride shuttle (Bookaway app, 150$)
  • San Jose – San Jose airport = 30$
    • private taxi arranged with the hotel

Restaurants and coffee shops = 482.21€

Groceries = 212.26€

Souvenirs = 355.43€

Other = photos after tours, tips, laundry, scarves for ATV, taxi to Curi Cancha = 90.1€

Tours = 3,188.29€

  • San Jose
    • Bites and Sights: Walking Food Tour in San Jose = 61.42€
    • Bar Crawl in Downtown San Jose = 60.64€
  • La Fortuna
    • North Fields Cafe: Craft Specialty Coffee and Chocolate Tour = 80.02€
    • Hanging Bridges, Arenal Volcano, Waterfall, Hot Springs Full Day = 279.16€
    • Pure Trek Canyoning and Waterfall Rappelling Tour in La Fortuna = 221.46€
    • Farm To Table Cooking Class = 76.20€
    • Wild Life Safari Float = 132.14€
  • Tamarindo
    • Beginner Surf Lessons in Tamarindo = 93.06€
    • ATV or Buggy Tour from Tamarindo = 167.50€
    • Catamaran Sunset Sailing (Blue Dolphin agency) = 166.86€
    • Couples massage = 111.37€
    • Costa Rica Monkey Jungle Zipline = 144.30€
    • Tamarindo Estuary: Howler Monkey Mangrove Kayaking Tour = 121.04€
  • Monteverde
    • Selvatura Park (Hanging Bridges, Butterfly Garden, Reptile House, Sloth Garden) = 258.79€
    • 100% Aventura Park = 102.42€ (110$ in cash)
    • Ranario = 37.24€ (40$)
    • Wildlife Tour in Curi Cancha = 94€
    • Orchid Garden = 31.58€
    • Coffee, Chocolate, Sugar Cane Tour at Don Juan = 96.78€
  • Manuel Antonio
    • Rainmaker Park Night Tour = 109.86€
    • Manuel Antonio National Park = 118.75€
    • Kids Saving The Rainforest = 195.51€ (210$ in cash)
    • Manuel Antonio: Natural Mangrove Guided Boat Tour = 130.34€
  • Drake Bay
    • Corcovado National Park, Sirena Trail = 204.79€
    • The Night Tour with Tracie The Bug Lady = 93.06€

Scuba Diving with Costa Rica Adventure Divers= 155$ per person per day (3 days, 2 dives per day) = 930$ = 865.63e

Total = 9,248.86€

=== 4,624.43€ per person

Tips and recommendations

  • Create a general travel plan and ensure you carry enough cash for activities that require cash payments only.
  • Remember to bring sunscreen and a hat to protect your skin and head from the sun. We experienced sunburn once due to a 30-minute sunscreen lapse.
  • Don’t forget to bring mosquito and horsefly repellent, particularly in areas with high humidity where they’re common.
  • Additionally, pack cream to alleviate irritation from insect bites or stings.
  • If you’re planning an active vacation, pack sufficient “sporty” clothing. Be ready for sweating, getting dirty, or drenched in waterfalls. Keep in mind that drying clothes in La Fortuna is challenging. Our clothes became smelly, and we washed them only in a Tamarindo laundry a few days later.
  • Make sure not to miss activities, especially thrilling ones such as rappelling and zip-lining, which are well-known in Costa Rica.
  • Keep in mind that Costa Rica is a safe and welcoming destination, so there’s no need to be fearful. Simply relax and enjoy your journey. The locals are hospitable and treat everyone kindly.
  • Stay hydrated as humidity levels are high and temperatures are hot in most tourist areas.
  • Note that in national parks, only reusable bottles are permitted. Plastic items like bottles and bags, and food items are prohibited, so ensure you eat before entering and prepare accordingly. Sunscreen and spare clothing are acceptable but must not be in plastic bags.
  • Daylight extends from around 6 am to 6 pm throughout the year. Prepare for waking up early as tours typically start early to maximize daylight and avoid excessive heat.
  • In Costa Rica, toilet paper must not be thrown into the toilet. The sewage system and pumps lack the capacity to effectively filter toilet paper. It’s important to be cautious, and keep in mind that there are other tourists in the hotel who might overlook this rule. Consequently, accidents can occur regardless of culpability. While we were responsible for the clogged toilet in La Fortuna, despite our carefulness, a similar incident happened in Tamarindo but it wasn’t our fault.
  • Tips are not mandatory, but there’s typically a container available for collecting them, with the staff expressing gratitude for any contributions as it serves as supplementary income for them.