Costa Rica Pre-Trip Planning: Flights, Cars, eSIMs & Travel Tips for an Epic Adventure
Costa Rica is a country that’s impossible to forget. From cloud forests draped in mist to palm-lined beaches lapped by turquoise waves, every corner feels like it belongs on a postcard. It’s home to 5% of the world’s biodiversity, with nearly a quarter of its land protected as national parks. This means you can spend your mornings ziplining over rainforest canopies, afternoons spotting monkeys in mangrove swamps, and evenings watching fiery Pacific sunsets with your toes in the sand.
For me, Costa Rica isn’t just another pin on the map—it’s a dream destination that ticks all the boxes for an epic adventure. It’s got warm and welcoming locals, a stunning mix of landscapes, and a reputation for safety that’s rare in Central America. Whether you’re here for surfing, hiking, wildlife watching, or simply soaking in a hot spring after a day of exploring, Costa Rica has a way of making you feel both exhilarated and completely at peace.
This guide blends inspiration with practical tips so you can turn your Costa Rica daydreams into reality—without the stress. Let’s dive in.
Flights — How to Score the Best Deals
I always start my flight search with Google Flights to see all available routes, dates, and price trends. It’s not a booking site, but it’s the best way to figure out your options. Once I’ve found the best dates and routes, I book through one of my trusted platforms:
- Kiwi.com — Great for combining airlines and finding hidden city deals.
- Trip.com — Often beats other platforms on long-haul and multi-city tickets.
💡 Pro Tip: If you have a travel rewards credit card, check your portal for deals or transfer points to an airline partner. This can often save hundreds.
Car Rentals — Why You’ll Want High Clearance
Costa Rica’s landscapes are incredible, but its roads? Let’s just say they keep you on your toes. Many of the best beaches, waterfalls, and remote lodges are down bumpy, potholed, or unpaved routes—so I always recommend renting a high-clearance vehicle or a 4x4.
I book through Booking.com or Discovercars.com for rentals because their listings clearly show whether a car has high clearance and include free cancellation on most options.
A few essential tips:
- CDW Coverage — Some premium credit cards include Collision Damage Waiver if you decline the rental company’s insurance. Always double-check your benefits before you travel.
- Mandatory Insurance — Costa Rica requires basic coverage; add-ons like Super CDW can reduce your deductible.
- Check Before You Drive — Inspect for existing damage and make sure the fuel tank is full to avoid surprise charges.
Staying Connected — eSIMs & Local SIMs
I’m a big fan of Klook for pre-purchasing an eSIM before I even board the plane. It means I can land in San José, turn on my phone, and instantly have data for navigation, messaging, and ride-hailing.
Other options:
- Local SIMs from Kölbi, Movistar, or Claro — available at supermarkets and convenience stores.
- Many hotels, cafes, and even buses offer free Wi-Fi, but a data plan is essential if you’re venturing into rural areas.
Travel Insurance — Learn From My Ecuador Ankle Incident
I’ll be honest—travel insurance used to feel like an unnecessary expense to me. Then I twisted my ankle while hiking in Ecuador. The treatment costs weren’t astronomical, but having the right coverage meant I didn’t have to stress over unexpected bills, last-minute changes, or whether to cut my trip short.
Now I never travel without it. My go-to provider is VisitorsCoverage because they offer flexible policies that cover:
- Medical treatment for injuries and illness
- Trip cancellations or interruptions
- Lost or delayed baggage
- Emergency evacuation
The peace of mind is worth every penny—especially in a country like Costa Rica where adventure is part of the plan.
Extra Pre-Trip Tips
- Weather — December to May is the dry season and best for sun; May to November is wetter but lush and less crowded.
- Currency — Costa Rican colón (CRC). Cards widely accepted; carry some cash for small vendors.
- Safety — Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Central America, but store valuables in your hotel safe.
- Language — Spanish is the official language; learning a few basics goes a long way.
- Tipping — Restaurants add a 10% service charge, but you can tip extra for excellent service.
Ready to Plan Your Own Adventure?
We’ve made it easy by rounding up the same trusted tools we use to book flights, stays, insurance, and activities. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in Costa Rica or relaxing in a cabin, these resources have you covered.
Plan Your Trip with Our Trusted Travel Tools
✈️ Compare Flights
→ Kiwi.com
→ Trip.com
→ Traveloka
🏨 Book Budget Stays
→ Agoda
🛏️ Book Hotels & Unique Stays
🛡️ Protect Your Trip
→ Klook (Travel Insurance & eSIM)
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→ VisitorsCoverage
🚙 Find Rentals
🎟️ Explore Activities
→ Viator
→ Go City
🚐 Arrange Transfers
🗺️ Plan Your Route
Just a taste of Costa Rica’s wild beauty — until we see you in November to experience the real thing!
Disclosure
This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, we may earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Thanks for supporting the blog — it keeps the adventures coming!
