Costa Rica is a mesmerizing country that captivates anyone privileged enough to visit it. A journey to Costa Rica is about rediscovering a connection with the land, living in harmony with nature, and being carried away by the pure energy of a place where time seems to slow down.

With its pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and majestic volcanoes, this small slice of paradise offers a total immersion in nature. If you are seeking an authentic backpacking adventure, traveling from south to north using public transportation, then this is the guide for you.

Safety in Costa Rica and Costs

Traveling with a backpack in Costa Rica is relatively safe. The population is welcoming and hospitable, and crimes against tourists are rare. However, it is always advisable to take basic precautions, such as not displaying valuable items and being cautious in large cities and crowded areas.

As for costs, traveling with public transportation in Costa Rica is accessible, though it may be slightly more expensive compared to Asia; with the right precautions, everything is manageable. Buses are reliable and connect nearly all major destinations within the country. The cost of a ticket for long-distance travel can range from $10 to $30, while accommodations for budget travelers range from $20 to $30 a night for hostels or guesthouses.

Local meals, such as the "casado" (a typical dish with rice, beans, meat or fish, and vegetables), are affordable and delicious. Expect to spend between $15 and $20 for a hearty meal at typical restaurants.

Getting to Costa Rica is simpler than one may imagine, thanks to various travel options. If you are planning your adventure, here are the main methods to reach this splendid country.

Arriving in Costa Rica by Air

The most common way to reach Costa Rica is, of course, by air. The country has two main international airports:

- Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO): Located near San José, the capital, it is the busiest and best-connected airport. From here, it is easy to travel to any part of Costa Rica thanks to buses or domestic flights.

- Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR): Situated in Liberia, in the northwestern region of Costa Rica, near the Guanacaste province.

This airport is perfect if you plan to explore the beautiful beaches of the northern Pacific or the national parks in the area.

Both airports are well-served by direct flights from various cities in the United States, Canada, and Europe. For instance, many airlines offer direct flights from cities like Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, Madrid, and Frankfurt.

Arriving in Costa Rica by Land

If you are already traveling in Central America, you can enter Costa Rica by land from neighboring countries like Nicaragua or Panama. Here are the main entry points:

- From Panama: You can cross the border at Paso Canoas, the most used crossing located in the southern part of Costa Rica, near the city of David in Panama. Another less crowded option is the Sixaola border, further east, ideal if you are traveling to Costa Rica's Caribbean coast.

- From Nicaragua: The main border crossing is Peñas Blancas, the border we chose to leave the country, connecting the Nicaraguan city of Rivas with the northern part of Costa Rica. This crossing is particularly popular for travelers heading to or from destinations like San Juan del Sur or Ometepe in Nicaragua.

Traveling in Costa Rica after Arrival

Once you arrive in Costa Rica, you have several options for getting around the country:

- Public buses: They are affordable and cover practically every corner of Costa Rica. If you are traveling on a limited budget, buses are an excellent option for reaching major cities and popular destinations.

- Car rental: If you prefer to explore Costa Rica with more freedom, renting a car is a good choice. The main roads are in good condition, and although some more remote areas may be a bit challenging to reach, a 4x4 will solve any issues.

- Internal flights: To move quickly between different regions of the country, you can use domestic flights between San José, Liberia, and other destinations like Nosara, Tambor, or Quepos.

When to Visit Costa Rica?

If you are wondering which month to visit Costa Rica, it is essential to know that the country has two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. In these months, the days are sunny, the weather is perfect for enjoying beaches and natural parks, and conditions for trekking and outdoor adventures are ideal.

However, if you prefer to avoid tourist crowds and take advantage of lower rates, the months between May and November, during the rainy season, might be the right choice. Despite afternoon rains, nature is lush and less crowded during this period, making the trip quieter and more authentic.

Therefore, the best month to visit Costa Rica depends on the type of experience you seek: for sun and adventure, choose the dry months; for immersing yourself in lush nature and tranquility, the rainy season can be surprisingly enchanting.

Days 1-4: Puerto Jiménez and Corcovado

The journey begins in southern Costa Rica, on the Osa Peninsula, one of the most remote and wild areas of the country. Puerto Jiménez is the perfect starting point to explore the Corcovado National Park, one of the richest biological reserves in the world.

Here, you will have the opportunity to see jaguars, howler monkeys, and tapirs up close while exploring the trails of the primary rainforest. This is a place where nature reigns supreme, and the total immersion in greenery will make you feel at peace with the world.

The first few days are dedicated to exploring this extraordinary park. You can choose between day trips or more adventurous overnight stays within the park. The excursions can be intense, but the reward is priceless: hidden waterfalls, pristine rivers, and close encounters with wildlife.

Practical tip: Reaching Puerto Jiménez from San José is simple using the bus that passes on the Pan-American Highway. The journey takes about 8 hours and will allow you to catch glimpses of the country.

Days 5-7: Uvita and Marino Ballena Park

Continuing north, the next stop is Uvita, a small coastal village famous for its Marino Ballena Park, a marine reserve named after its whale tail-shaped beach and the opportunity to observe whales migrating to this area from August to November.

In Uvita, you can relax on golden sandy beaches or explore the Uvita waterfalls, perfect for a refreshing dip. The tranquil atmosphere of this village invites relaxation, ideal for those traveling at the slow pace typical of Costa Rican "pura vida" style.

Day 8-10: Manuel Antonio

Moving further north, you will arrive at Manuel Antonio, one of the most visited national parks in Costa Rica. Although small in size, Manuel Antonio is rich in biodiversity, with pristine beaches, rainforests, and trails offering breathtaking views of the ocean.

It is a must to visit Playa Espadilla, perfect for surfing and witnessing spectacular sunsets. The beaches within the park, such as Playa Manuel Antonio, offer calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The internal trails will take you through dense forests, where you can encounter capuchin monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds.

Day 11-13: Monteverde and the Cloud Forest

After exploring the coast, it's time to head inland. Take a bus to Monteverde, known for its cloud forest. The fresh, humid air, dense mists enveloping the trees, and the incessant sounds of nature make this place magical.

Excursions in this area will take you through hanging bridges and stunning trails, where you can discover the biodiversity of the rainforest. The Monteverde reserve is perfect for birdwatching, with the possibility of spotting the quetzal, one of the rarest and most beautiful birds in the world.

Day 14-16: La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano

The journey continues to La Fortuna, a town famous for the majestic Arenal Volcano. The still-active volcano is surrounded by lush forest and offers countless outdoor activities, such as trekking, bathing in hot springs, and walks among waterfalls. One of the most iconic falls is the La Fortuna Waterfall, where you can take a dip in the clear waters and admire the power of nature.

Don't miss a visit to the natural hot springs located at the base of the volcano. After days of excursions and adventure, relaxing in these warm waters surrounded by the forest will be an unforgettable experience.

Day 17-18: Tamarindo and the Pacific Coast

Wrap up your journey in the northwestern region, in the lively coastal town of Tamarindo. Famous for its surf-perfect beaches like Playa Tamarindo, this is the ideal place to end your trip to Costa Rica on the right note. Here, you can ride the waves or simply enjoy the sun on the beach.

In the evenings, sunsets on the beach are a spectacle not to be missed: the sky turns red and orange, creating a romantic and evocative atmosphere.

Tamarindo is perfect for a seaside dinner, with restaurants offering fresh fish and local dishes.

In conclusion, reaching Costa Rica is an adventure as exciting as it is simple, whether you arrive by air at its main international airports or decide to cross borders by land from neighboring countries. Once here, you can easily get around thanks to an efficient public bus network, renting a car for more freedom, or taking internal flights to optimize travel time.