Costa Rica Key Travel Information

Trip Overview

Is this trip right for you?

Many of the activities take place outdoors, so being comfortable with warm weather, occasional rain, insects, and more rustic conditions is important. Costa Rica is generally hot year-round, with cooler evenings in higher elevations, so light layers and a waterproof jacket are recommended.

Some areas of Costa Rica will have a better diversity of vegan options than others — you definitely won’t go hungry! This trip includes a homestay, which is a wonderful opportunity to witness everyday local life. The food and accommodations will be more basic than the rest of the trip, but the opportunity to get off the tourist track will be worth it.

How physically challenging is the trip?

This trip is minimal in physical demand, with relaxed sightseeing and walking. You don’t need to be particularly fit, just comfortable being on your feet.

Where does the trip start and end?

The trip begins and ends in San José, making travel planning simple and straightforward. You can view the full day-by-day itinerary here.

Airport transportation

What are the included hotels?

During this 10-day, 9-night trip, you’ll stay at a thoughtfully selected mix of comfort, style, and wellness-focused hotels:

Gran Hotel Costa Rica
Pachira Lodge Hotel
Juanilama Homestay
Finca Luna Nueva Hotel
Igloo Beach Hotel

Are laundry services available?

Laundry services are available at some of the hotels on the itinerary for an additional cost. Some smaller lodges and nature-based properties may offer laundry or be able to arrange local laundry service upon request. Just ask your guide or the front desk when you arrive.

What are the included transportation options?

Transportation during the trip is included and consists of private ground transfers by minivan and boat transportation for select experiences. Once the trip begins, everything is arranged to make getting around smooth and stress-free.

Included activities

This trip features a wonderful mix of activities that highlight Costa Rica’s incredible wildlife, landscapes, and local culture. If, for some reason, you don’t want to participate in an activity that’s no problem as long as we’re not traveling. Please note that refunds are not possible, and schedule changes can not be made to meet personal preferences.

You will also have time to book optional activities, and we’re happy to help with that or provide recommendations.

How many people are in the group?

This is a small-group experience with a maximum of 16 travelers, plus a guide (or guides) throughout the trip.

Trip minimum

A minimum of 6 travelers is required to run the trip at the listed price.

Payment dates and refunds

The deadline to secure your spot is January 6, 2026, but many trips sell out well in advance! The deposit is due at the time of booking to confirm your participation and is non-refundable unless the trip isn’t confirmed.

The final balance is due by January 21, 2026. If additional trip payments are made prior to the deadline (January 21, 2026), those are refundable, less processing fees. After January 21, the trip is non-refundable.

It is advised to get a travel insurance policy that includes cancellation coverage after making the deposit.

If the trip isn’t confirmed

Like most small boutique tour operators, we require a minimum number of travelers to operate our trips. While larger companies may be able to absorb losses, operating responsibly as a small business means we must ensure each trip is financially viable.

In the unlikely event that a trip is not confirmed, several options are available. If the trip is close to the minimum, we may reassess pricing and offer travelers the option to proceed at an adjusted rate. We can also explore planning a private departure for you and your travel companions. Alternatively, you may transfer your deposit to another Veggies Abroad trip, or request a full refund of your deposit if none of these options feels like the right fit for you.

Itinerary disclaimer

Please note that the itinerary is subject to change. We always stay flexible to account for weather, site closures, and the occasional unexpected surprise that’s simply part of travel. Rest assured, any adjustments are made with the best possible experience in mind.

We will also do our best to provide rough estimates on timing, but please note that due to traffic, construction, festivals, closures, etc., there might be changes, or we might not be able to give a firm answer.

Local Partners

To deliver a sustainable and authentic experience, this trip is operated by Intrepid Travel. Veggies Abroad and Intrepid co-create the itinerary, with Intrepid handling all in-destination logistics through their trusted local teams.

Essential Pre-Departure Information

Passports, visas, and entry requirements

You’ll need a valid passport to travel to Costa Rica, and it must have at least six months of validity from your date of entry. Entry requirements vary by nationality, so we recommend checking your government’s travel advisory for the most up-to-date information. You can also use Sherpa to check entrance and visa requirements.

Costa Rica does not charge an entry fee. If you exit the country by land, there is a USD $9 departure tax. Departure tax is typically included in airline tickets when flying out of Costa Rica.

Medical and health information

Can I bring all medications into the country?

If you take prescription or controlled medications, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor or your government’s travel advisory before traveling to ensure you have the proper documentation.

Vaccinations and health considerations

Packing Recommendations

Costa Rica is generally warm year-round, with the possibility of rain, especially in tropical and rainforest areas. Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal, along with a light rain jacket or waterproof layer. Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes are strongly recommended for nature walks, uneven terrain, and outdoor activities, and sandals are great for downtime. You’ll also want a day pack for essentials like water, sunscreen, insect repellent, a camera, and a light layer.

Dress is casual throughout Costa Rica. Modest clothing is appreciated in rural communities and during your homestay, but there are no strict dress requirements.

Travel adapters

Costa Rica uses Type A and B plugs, which are the same as those used in the United States and Canada. Travelers from North America typically do not need a travel adapter.

Spending money

Costa Rica can be more expensive than other Central American destinations, especially in popular tourist areas. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but cash is still useful for smaller businesses, local vendors, taxis, and some optional activities. ATMs are readily available throughout the trip if you need to withdraw more cash.

The local currency is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC), though U.S. dollars are sometimes accepted in tourist spots. Small bills are best, and taxis typically require payment in colóns.

Staying in communication

Before and during the trip, we will keep in communication via WhatsApp. If you don’t have the app downloaded and set up on your phone, please do so as soon as possible. We will utilize the group chat to share itinerary changes/updates, photos, reminders, and more.

Additional trip considerations

This itinerary covers several regions of Costa Rica, so some travel days will involve longer drive times. While distances may look short on a map, road conditions and traffic can make travel times unpredictable. We recommend allowing extra time when planning any independent activities before or after the trip.

If you’d like more time to explore San José or prefer a slower start or finish, arriving a day early or staying an extra night at the end of the trip can be a great option.

Destination Overview

Weather

Costa Rica is warm year-round, with a tropical climate that varies by region. You can expect warm temperatures during the day, with cooler evenings in higher elevations. Rain is possible at any time, especially in rainforests and coastal areas, so packing a light rain jacket or umbrella is always a good idea. Overall, the weather is well-suited for outdoor exploration and wildlife experiences.

Food: Is Costa Rica vegan-friendly?

Costa Rica is a little more vegetarian-friendly than vegan, but not impossible! Traditional Costa Rican cuisine is often simple and plant-forward, with staples like rice, beans, vegetables, fruit, and plantains. That said, some dishes may include animal-based ingredients such as dairy, eggs, or meat broths. The good news is that all meals included on this tour are 100% vegan, and we’re mindful about ensuring you’re well-fed and able to enjoy the local flavors throughout the trip.

Can you accommodate allergies?

We can do our best to accommodate allergies, but we don’t visit places that are entirely nut-free, gluten-free, etc., so cross-contamination is always a concern. Please be sure to share any allergies or special requirements during the booking process so we can have a conversation and assess if this trip is right for you.

Tap water

In larger cities/towns like San Jose or Manuel Antonio, the tap water is safe to drink. In rural areas, check with your guide before drinking tap water.

Cultural differences

Costa Rica is warm, welcoming, and laid-back, and travelers are generally met with friendliness and patience. You’ll hear the phrase “pura vida” often. It’s more than a saying; it reflects the country’s relaxed approach to life, gratitude, and connection.

Daily life tends to move at a slower pace than many travelers may be used to, especially outside major cities. Flexibility and patience go a long way, particularly when it comes to schedules, service, or travel times.

When visiting rural communities or participating in the homestay experience, dressing modestly and approaching interactions with respect and curiosity is appreciated. Costa Ricans value politeness, friendliness, and genuine interest in local life.

Traveling with an open mind and a sense of humor will help you connect more deeply with the people and places you encounter along the way.

Good to know: You will often find trash cans next to the toilet in bathrooms. Please dispose of tissue in them. Many older buildings and septic systems in Costa Rica have pipes that are too small or not designed for toilet paper, leading to frequent blockages. Exceptions exist in some newer, upscale resorts with modern plumbing, so always look for signs or ask locally.

Tipping

At the start of the trip, we will discuss starting a tipping kitty for any of our activity guides and our driver; this is generally about $20 per person.

You may consider tipping our tour leader for outstanding service. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however, as a guideline $8 – $10 per person, per day is a good standard.

Additional tipping information:

Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognize excellent service when travelling. You can add an extra tip (5-10% or more) in cash (colones preferred) directly to servers, guides, drivers, and hotel staff.

While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be.

Wifi and phone access

For the most part, you will have access to wifi throughout the trip and at hotels. It is important to have an international phone plan or pick up a local SIM card at the airport to stay connected when not on wifi. This will ensure we can still contact you no matter where you are.

Traffic & Getting Around

Travel times in Costa Rica can be slower than expected, even when distances look short on a map. Road conditions, traffic, weather, and rural routes can all impact travel time, so it’s best to build in a little extra buffer when moving between places.

Uber in Costa Rica

You can use Uber in Costa Rica, especially in larger cities like San José, Liberia, and popular tourist areas (it’s not readily available in rural areas). It’s often cheaper than taxis, but it operates in a legal gray area, meaning drivers can face issues (like fines or plate confiscation) at airports or if stopped by police. In light of this, drivers may ask you to sit in the front seat. Although it’s not fully legal, Uber is tolerated and widely used.

Airport Pickup (SJO): Walk a bit away from the terminal to the parking garage (level 3 or higher) or a nearby street/bus stop to avoid taxi conflicts; don’t say you’re waiting for an Uber if asked.

Problems While Traveling & Safety

Emergency contact information

While we always aim to provide the best possible experience, travel can sometimes come with the unexpected. If any issue arises during your trip, it’s important to speak with your group leader or local representative right away. They’re there to help resolve concerns as quickly as possible and ensure your trip stays on track.

We will also provide an emergency number before the trip departs in the event that you run into problems while traveling to Costa Rica.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is highly recommended for all of our trips, and we’re happy to provide you with a recommended company and/or quote. It’s essential to have a policy that provides cancellation, medical, and emergency repatriation coverage.

It’s also best to get the policy after making the deposit, especially if you want coverage for a pre-existing health issue or want to add cancel for any reason coverage. If you decide to forego travel insurance, you will be required to sign a travel insurance waiver that states you’re taking personal responsibility for any costs due to cancellation, trip delay, emergency medical, and repatriation should they arise.

If you need any help with a plan or have questions, please reach out.

Travel advisories

Responsible Travel

Responsible travel is at the heart of everything we do. For us, it means creating experiences that respect local communities, protect wildlife, and honor the cultural traditions of the places we visit — while giving travelers a deeper, more meaningful connection to each destination.

In Costa Rica, this means being especially mindful of wildlife welfare and environmental protection. Costa Rica is a global leader in conservation, and we support experiences that prioritize ethical, observation-only interactions with animals. We do not support activities that exploit wildlife or disrupt natural behaviors. Instead, we focus on nature-based experiences that support conservation efforts and local communities.

Responsible travel here also means respecting local ways of life, particularly in rural areas and during the homestay experience. Approaching each interaction with curiosity, humility, and respect helps foster meaningful cultural exchange and supports the communities that welcome us.

By traveling thoughtfully and intentionally, we can help ensure these destinations remain vibrant, resilient, and welcoming for generations to come — and that our journeys truly give back. Read more about our policies here.

Traveling as a Group

As we journey together, please keep in mind that you’ll be traveling with a diverse group of fellow adventurers from around the world and all walks of life. While you may find common ground on many things, differences in backgrounds, beliefs, and perspectives are natural. We kindly ask that you remain respectful, considerate, and open-minded throughout our time together.

To help ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment, we recommend being mindful of your conversations and avoiding clothing or accessories that are overtly political or could be considered offensive—whether to your fellow travelers or the communities we visit.

Be Mindful of Time

Out of respect for your fellow travelers and to keep our adventures running smoothly, we ask that you arrive on time for all scheduled activities. If you’re asked to be somewhere at a specific time, please make every effort to be punctual so the group isn’t kept waiting.

We’ve found that the most memorable and enjoyable tours are those where the group dynamic is positive and supportive—and that starts with each person doing their part. A little consideration goes a long way in making the experience amazing for everyone.

At Veggies Abroad, we’re committed to creating a safe, respectful, and positive space for everyone—both within our group and in the destinations we explore.