Has anyone been to Costa Rica recently? Looking for the latest intel.
Specifically interested in:
- Current price ranges
- Best areas right now
- Any safety concerns to be aware of
- Apps or platforms to use
I was there in 2024 and had a decent time. Wondering if things have changed.
Trying to decide between this and Colombia.
Cheers
Avoid San Jose? Or is it fine?
Started by PhillyFred · 23 Mar 2026 · 1817 views
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23 Mar 2026 at 02:09
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Philadelphia, PA
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23 Mar 2026 at 12:09
Adding my experience: scene has bounced back since pre-COVID. Biggest change: prices up 15-20%.
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25 Mar 2026 at 07:36
First time was overwhelming but exciting. Second time was so much more efficient. Experience makes all the difference.
Austin Alex — Austin, TX
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25 Mar 2026 at 07:36
What was your total spend roughly? Trying to budget for mine.
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25 Mar 2026 at 10:36
Agreed on all points. Make sure to book hotels in advance.
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Berlin Bound
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Location: Calgary, Canada
25 Mar 2026 at 11:09
Different experience for me. Prices were higher when I went.
Calgary Kevin — Calgary, Canada
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25 Mar 2026 at 11:36
Can confirm. Was there recently and everything checks out.
Bristol, UK | 16 countries visited
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25 Mar 2026 at 14:36
Adding my experience: scene has bounced back since pre-COVID. Biggest change: better quality.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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25 Mar 2026 at 21:36
Saving this thread. Gold mine of information.
Montreal Max — Montreal, Canada
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26 Mar 2026 at 00:36
Quick question — how was the transport?
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Nashville, TN
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26 Mar 2026 at 06:36
Word of caution — watch out for taxi scams at the airport. Other than that, great destination.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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26 Mar 2026 at 12:09
This matches my experience. Costa Rica is one of my favorites.
Buffalo Bill — Buffalo, NY
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26 Mar 2026 at 16:36
Great report, thanks for sharing. Had a similar experience there last month.
Bristol, UK | 16 countries visited
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Location: Montreal, Canada
26 Mar 2026 at 20:36
This matches my experience. Costa Rica is worth the trip.
Montreal Max — Montreal, Canada
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27 Mar 2026 at 05:36
Nice report. Heading there next month — exactly the intel I needed.
"Travel is fatal to prejudice." — Nashville, TN
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27 Mar 2026 at 15:36
Thanks for the detailed write-up. Very helpful for planning my upcoming trip.
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Location: Orlando, FL
27 Mar 2026 at 16:36
How long did it take to feel comfortable and find the good spots?
Do your research, respect the locals, stay safe. — Orlando Oscar
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27 Mar 2026 at 22:36
+1 on this. Exactly my experience too. Solid destination.
"The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page."
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Location: Sacramento, CA
28 Mar 2026 at 04:09
First time was good but could have been better. Second time was so much more efficient. Experience makes all the difference.
Sacramento Sal — Sacramento, CA
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