Do you need a visa for Costa Rica in 2026? +
No for French, Belgian, Swiss and other EU nationals: free entry up to 90 days, simple stamp on arrival. Passport must be valid 6 months past arrival. Onward or return ticket required. No entry fee. $29 USD departure tax (usually included in flight ticket).
How many days do you need in Costa Rica? +
10 days minimum for the classic San José + Arenal + Monteverde + Manuel Antonio triangle. 14 days to add the Caribbean coast (Puerto Viejo) or Tortuguero. 3 weeks to integrate Corcovado (Osa) which alone requires 4 days. Distances look short on the map but roads are winding: plan 4-6h between two main stops.
Dry season or green season in Costa Rica? +
Dry season (December-April): blue skies, hotel prices +30-50%, crowds at Manuel Antonio and Arenal, optimal conditions for wildlife observation and photos. Green season (May-November): sunny mornings, heavy afternoon showers, greener landscapes, prices 30% lower, optimal Pacific surf. October is the only month to really avoid (constant rain except Caribbean coast). For the Caribbean coast, aim for September-October paradoxically.
Do you need a 4x4 in Costa Rica? +
Strongly recommended. Secondary roads (Monteverde, Nosara, Santa Teresa, Drake Bay, Corcovado) have dirt tracks, river crossings in the green season, and steep slopes. A 4x4 (Suzuki Jimny €50/day, Toyota RAV4 €75/day) saves a lot of stress. On the Panamericana + central Pacific coast, a regular car is fine. Plan €750 for 14 days insurance + fuel.
Is Costa Rica safe in 2026? +
The safest country in Central America, well ahead of Honduras, Nicaragua or Guatemala. Standard vigilance on pickpocketing in San José and Puerto Viejo, never leave visible items in the car. No no-go areas for tourists. Some attention spots on the Nicoya Peninsula during surf season (alcohol + vehicles). Tap water drinkable in most of the country.
How much do national parks cost? +
Between $10 and $18 per adult per park. Manuel Antonio: $18. Arenal: $15. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: $25. Corcovado: $15 + mandatory guide $70-90. Tortuguero: $15. Online booking mandatory for Manuel Antonio and Corcovado, up to 7 days in advance via the SINAC site. Plan $80-120 per person for entry fees over 14 days.
When to see turtles nesting at Tortuguero? +
Green turtles (most numerous species): July to October, peak August-September. Leatherback turtles: March to May on the southern Caribbean coast (Gandoca-Manzanillo). Olive ridley turtles: September to December on Playa Ostional (northern Pacific), with spectacular arribadas. Night tours mandatory with a guide ($15-25/person). No white light, no flash.
Is English spoken in Costa Rica? +
Yes, more than anywhere else in continental Latin America. Tourism represents 8% of GDP and most Costa Ricans dealing with travelers speak decent English (hotel reception, guides, agencies). In rural areas or sodas (local cafeterias), Spanish remains needed. A few basics are enough: pura vida, mae, gracias, por favor.
