Traveling to COSTA RICA in 2025? You NEED to Watch This Video!

[@TalesFromTheRoad]

Want travel consulting for you next trip to Costa Rica or anywhere else in the world? Book me here: www.tastesfromtheroad.com/about-5

[@dunnowy123]

I love the honesty in this review. People make Costa Rica seem like this paradise and a huge outlier from the rest ot Central America, but Im happy you're acknowledging that crime is still a big issue. My wife and I wanted to visit the cities, and we still may, but at least we're armed with knowledge

[@rocharocha8199]

You can visit small villages or cities like San Ramón, Grecia, Sarchi, Naranjo, Atenas, Acosta, Puriscal, Coronado. San José has scketchy parts, but it also has nice places like Nunciatura, Rhhomoser, Barrio Escalante, Santa Ana, Escazú. San José will have a new mayor after having the same mayor for 30 years. Hopefully the new mayor will do the changes that San José needs.

[@staceyrichCostaRica]

I want to thank you for seriously telling the honest information about Costa Rica. I moved here 6 months ago and cannot agree with you more. I'm starting side hustle to show people how to do Costa Rica "off the beaten path". I'm going to share your video to my first group because you touch on many of things I already thought of but with additional info I did not.

[@gatesgoza9703]

gates goza 3/3 to 3/10

[@BreakThroughTessTimmons]

Stacey do u still live there? Do u do tours to the national parks?

[@staceyrichCostaRica]

@@BreakThroughTessTimmons - yes I do still live in Costa Rica. I do not do tours to National Parks. I take people on custom tours for various places thru Costa Rica. Then while in a particular town should they want to tour a National Park I get them there and they hook up with a day tour group.

[@BreakThroughTessTimmons]

@@staceyrichCostaRica how can I connect further? I have IG etc.

[@richardwilkinson72]

My wife and I are in San Jose right now. We have been here for three weeks Came here for dental tourism we are staying in a very nice part of the city. It is called Rohrmoser. The cost of living here is pretty much equivalent to that in oor hometown of Sarasota, Florida. We spent a couple nights in a Airbnb near the City of Grecia. It was perched on a mountainside and had a spectacular view of the central valley and surrounding mountains. The city of San Jose has a lot of events going on during the Christmas week. We went to a bull fight and a carnival parade. San Jose has a very agreeable climate temperatures can get into the lower 80s during the day but as soon as the sunsets it cools off into the 60s. Rarely do you find air-conditioning here. Here is an interesting fact: the peak of Mount Arenal is lower in altitude than the city of San Jose.

[@rosaglem1905]

Just giving a shout out from this former Sarasota resident. I am in Costa Rica now.

[@mercury1979]

Just spent a week in La Fortuna. Beautiful and fun place. Definitely worth visiting, 2.5 hours from San Jose.

[@CCCC-tq8yo]

Why

[@Youthatreadwrong-w8i]

Going there in February can’t wait!

[@jc-t2968]

Great review. Very accurate. The central pacific is my favorite! Manuel Antonio is the best!

[@5USgRWFH]

At 9:58 it appears to be a glass of Cas. I fell in love with it the first time I tasted it!

[@Homer-OJ-Simpson]

I spent 16 days in costs rica including 3-4 days in San Jose. San Jose is the most boring big city I’ve been to. But at least it’s relatively safe and some neighborhoods had good restaurants but I wasn’t a fan of the local cuisine other than 2 or 3 dishes. Monte Verde (clouds Forrest) was amazing! The volcano and lake near La Fortuna was amazing and must see.

[@nickn4505]

Planning my trip with some friends soon, this video helped a lot, thank you!

[@TalesFromTheRoad]

awesome to hear!

[@CCCC-tq8yo]

Did u

[@martinmintman5279]

Doing 10 days for the 1st time in April--I appreciate your video, suggestions and cautions. I am considering renting a car so I can avoid being tethered to bus schedules, scammers, etc. and come and go as I like. I know that roads are not always reliable in the country and patience is a virtue, but wanted your opinion, as well--thanks!

[@atimko123]

If it's any help to you. I was just in Costa Rica, Dec. 2023 for 10 days. Flew to the Liberia airport, rented from Alamo. Toyota Rav4, 4wd. Under $500 for 7 days. I'm glad I got that size vehicle. I hit some big pot hole, blind corner at night, no damages!! Good luck and happy trails. Was very happy with Alamo service & airport shuttle too.

[@ruthhippolyte]

May i ask how much was the cost for 10 days at Costa Rica?

[@thetravelingtoucans]

Awesome video! We live in Costa Rica full-time and had our two daughters born there. Your information is spot on. Pura Vida! 💚

[@SuperThunder911]

Great video my brother, just got back from spending a whole month in San Jose,I did get to Tamarindo for a long weekend which was awesome,you are right on the money with your advice,keep up the great work,pura vida💪

[@marzoparvar9446]

Went there, conquered it, and out we go! Will do it again sometime soon.

[@CCCC-tq8yo]

When

[@anna_m59]

Ok guys .. I want to go in April for two weeks.. mainly beach town not crowed but accessible to the airport . I am retired and solo traveler .. any recommendation please.. love nature as well explore near by national park etc.. thanks

[@user-iu6bv8vu8o]

Glad you were honest- I’m planning a trip with my daughter & thought of staying in San Jose because it’s close to the airport & appears to be crazy getting around. As a female with my daughter safety is my main concern! I also considered staying in Limon because of the popularity- but you changed my mind- I will go to Guanacaste- and stay in a more pricey hotel- for safety purposes- I’m interested in the Blue Zones- Nicoya Peninsula-which I can cover on the North Coast…thanks much!

[@edwinleiva1177]

Saludos soy tico te recomiendo la zona del golfo de papagayo en Guanacaste tiene aeropuerto internacional y las playas están cerca a una Hora de distancia las alternativas de hotel son diversas para todos los bolsillos y la naturaleza y belleza de nuestras playas son muy variadas los esperamos Pura vida 🇨🇷

[@janetkarfonta6034]

Try Atenas, I have rented a 3 bedroom villa in gated community for one week. The price was very reasonable. It has an infinity pool and great views. It is 10 minutes from village and 30 minutes from San Jose. I am going in June next year. If your interested I can send you the name.

[@dchanging]

Useful. Got a bad mid-word jump cut at 3:53 fyi

[@ClyptonimusPrime_n64]

Hey man, thanks for the video! It was very informative and I really appreciate it! So I have been daydreaming about a trip to Costa Rica for awhile now. I am very into nature and tend to march to the beat of my own drum when visiting new places. Sort of finding my own adventure etc. So, much like you, I'm not super into all the touristy stuff. My grand idea for Costa Rica is to rent a vehicle and take a road trip to explore from the east to west coasts. I just basically want to explore and immerse myself in various cultures and the unique biodiversity. My question to you is do you think it's a good idea to do this? Is it generally safe to make a road trip like this as a tourist? If so, do you have a recommended route that I should look at? Thanks again! Subbed!

[@juliomiranda7013]

@ClyptonimusPrime_n64 I don't know if you've gone on this trip yet but if ypu haven't, considere doing that in Guatemala or Nicaragua, instead of CR.

[@gregoryjames1542]

10:44 Yeah it’s 3 hours away from Monteverde 😂

[@tutornotepad]

Since September 2023, Costa Rica gives 180 days.

[@budgetingstrategies6240]

Ty!

[@PULLINGPOKEMON]

Not to everyone. it’s based on the mood of the immigration officer. But if you live here or have a legit reason for staying for 180 days they won’t have a problem giving it to you.

[@joules_sw]

Nice Review because it's honest, saludos desde Costa Rica

[@janetkarfonta6034]

Halo there, what is your opinion of Atenas.I am going there on a solo trip next year. I have rented a villa in a gated community. This will be my first trip out of the States. One question, do you think I should rent a car, or use taxis and do a guided tour instead? I am trying to plan this all out so that I have control of the situation instead vice versa.

[@tutornotepad]

@3:32, I met the same taxi driver last November who told me the bus to la Fortuna just left, but he could drive me to the next stop where he had the bus driver wait for me. I did not fall for that scam. I arrived at 1:00 PM in La Fortuna after a 4 hour bus ride and a short stop in Quesada. If you go to Costa Rica, make sure to visit La Fortuna! You will love it there😍😍

[@Mkaela90]

I planned on going next month . Idk where to stay and what to do . lol

i'm a local, i actually wrote a comment in another video similar to this one which helped a lot of people, but in summary: Yes CR is very expensive not only because of tourism but also because of the well-off american tourists that have even more money than your average working american. No, it's not that expensive for locals, is about average pricing, even earning the legal minimum wage, a couple in the city can live a comfortable life debt-free. It is expensive if you want to make it expensive. Not even locals take the red taxis, they historically have been known for ripping you off with altered taximeters. Locals use uber for short distances and busses for long distances, a round trip to the beach from the main city takes less than $10. Indeed there is not much to do in the cities and most skip it, the only thing worth a visit there is if you are fan of architecture, specially from churches, you can find the red metallic church in Grecia or the nearly perfect neo gothic church in Coronado that looks it just came from Harry Potter. Up until the 90's CR was even safer than the US and close to Canada in terms of safety, but the country it's been receiving waves of immigrants and the south american countries now prefer to send drugs through land, so the justice system it's been overwhelmed and the laws are really soft, that leads to criminal rates and rampant foreigners doing whatever they please in the land on top of the local crackheads the country had. So in conclusion: If you think you are going to spend too much money, sit down a second and think how locals do it, don't go to downtown at night, if you are not doing drugs you should be safe from druglords, don't go around showing expensive stuff like new hair ribbons in CR or any other country, it increases the chance of getting mugged.

[@GregPurnellNow]

You showed almost no beach! in 15 minutes. Wow.

[@erichuifitness]

Glad I learned bout the downtown aspect

[@trentbildstein5610]

We just did 11 days there. Mostly Arenal area and Monte Verde and then beach just south of Tamarindo. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it as a beach vacation because it was just SO HOT and it was kind of hard to relax on the beach. But the rain forests and hikes are entirely worth the trip. We never did any city time but we constantly heard about petty crime like car break ins and pickpockets. We never ran into a problem, but clearly seems some people do. It's interesting to me because everywhere we went felt very safe, so it's a bit strange to me that this type of crime seems to persist. Everyone we met that was a local was very nice to us. I recommend it as a destination.

[@Believe_in_Karma888]

Sounds like my kind of destination. What is the weather in Monte Verde like in early June? What would you recommend if I only have 7 days to travel total from California? Thank you🙏

[@trentbildstein5610]

@@Believe_in_Karma888 Unfortunately I don't know what the weather is like during July. I know it can be quite different throughout the year.

[@thinkpositive550]

It's still rainy season in July.

[@sandrareinert-n8g]

This info is much closer to the truth about CR; although your comments are cautious, they are very good advise. Such a small country has been overwhelmed by immigrants from nearby areas. Now there is stress almost everywhere in Costa Rica. 😪

[@TobinOsusky]

Pura Vida!

[@danielmaluba7862]

While I appreciate some of the info your shared, I wish it didn't come with that annoying background musak track! Thx.

[@nikkinikki3001]

Very Detailed Video! I am planning to take a solo (female) trip soon, do you recommend doing this?

[@gissel3524]

I want to visit this year, I'm a beach bug but I don't love touristy areas. Where would you recommend to stay?

[@tonypeters3320]

Thanks for sharing your input. I just booked a flight to San Jose for next week. Now I'm afraid i might need to change my reservation 😢. Maybe i could catch a bus up north? 🤔

[@LucasPassmore]

If LIMON is not great to actually go INTO... what are the names of the areas/towns around it that are good/safer -- especially for the aforementioned food you mentioned.

[@LRM1224]

Is it advisable not to drink the tap water or be careful of how food is prepared for fear of parasites?

[@mdibello1611]

You can safely drink tap water everywhere in Costa Rica. It is potable.

[@Laverdadmata999]

Im planning on going this summer can you please recommend a good beach area that i can stay that is also family oriented but not too far from airport?

[@firespacecostarica9303]

Its not 90 but 180 days visa for Europeans, US Americans and many others

[@Normalman50]

The Visa is now 180 days, this is an older video.

[@gracielynn9623]

I am spending the month of March in Costa Rica. I think my travel experience will probably be a little bit different than most people. A friend I went to high school with moved back to Costa Rica after graduation. I won’t need to pay for a hotel as I will be staying with her for the duration of my trip. Obviously, I’m definitely bringing plenty of cash to pay for food and touristy stuff. I was thinking of transferring my USD into the Costa Rican currency. Will I be able to get away with doing that and using the Costa Rican currency while I’m there? I had US$5000 saved for the trip and when transferring that the Costa Rican currency is currently about $2.5 million, or colones. She also has her own car, so transportation probably won’t be an issue either. We plan to mostly stay in Alajuela and San Jose, she lives just north of Alajuela, but we do have some trips planned to go see some other cool stuff around the country. Anyways, if you have any tips for this sort of unique experience so I can better be prepared that would be greatly appreciated. I am a big nature person and a big hiking person… So 90% of the things I’m looking to do I’m going to involve the outdoors. It’s also nice that where my friend lives is not really an urban area. It’s a little bit north of the Alajuela/San Jose big metro area. It’s less than a 20 minute drive into those cities, but there’s reasonable nature around there too, so I’m really looking forward to it.

[@kellypeters6374]

Would you recommend trading currency in the US or CR? And would you recommend buying bug spray in the US, I’ve heard because the bugs are different in CR, our bug spray won’t work well.

[@eduardojose8172]

This is a good video, but it’s confusing to hear you say you stay away from touristy spots, yet you recommend Manuel Antonio NP?

[@ede4345]

I didn’t think San Jose was that bad when I went. Going this weekend to Liberia and people are already telling me it’s super expensive vs SJ . I rented a vehicle I hope I do ok down there . What other spots can I visit close to tamrindo?

[@anna_m59]

How was it?

[@ede4345]

@@anna_m59 I prefer to land in SJ there is much more to do in that area and it’s cheaper. Libra was too overpriced and almost missed my flight on the way back due to $hitty service at the Liberia airport. Plan to arrive 4 hours early. I arrived 2 1/2 hours early and that was cutting short .

[@joules_sw]

También sucede que la cultura indígena se mezcló con la europea. No todo lo que hacemos es por los europeos, así por ejemplo la comida, muchas palabras, los nombres de los lugares e incluso las mascaradas que vienen de la "danza de los diablitos", nuestra cultura también está repleta de cultura africana, de cultura de países vecinos de Latinoamérica e incluso también de la cultura estadounidense en tiempos recientes. Hablamos español, usamos el derecho romano, pero a la vez una vez vi a la gente hacerle una misa a un cocodrilo y devolverlo al agua jajajajaja

[@anna_m59]

Great info! Thanks 🙏

[@michaelhabada3493]

Well done.

[@carikazik7118]

Been there a dozen times and it never got above 95, never 105

[@szabolcskiss5383]

Good video.

[@zakosist]

3:19 what's the difference between uber and taxi?

[@MrWillhen]

price.. says uber are technically illegal so they will charge you crazy money in cash and leave you if you can't pay

[@Galavantin]

Price... Taxi is about twice the price

[@giochacon8354]

Costarican here, taxi is legal and Uber isn´t... Uber is cheaper and reatively safer.

[@stevensaunders6824]

price of gas is same at all stations, govt. regulated don't bother shopping prices, same price in the sticks as in town

[@dayde22]

Not much on country side, which is where I want to stay.

[@Scottydodson]

Do you think people coming for a 3 week vacation need to get cdc vaccines recommended? We really don’t want to but will, thanks

[@amaama4286]

careful of what you inject into your body

[@Jeditilt]

@TalesFromTheRoad is not into crowds, but he's a city and cultural traveler... LOL

[@MissBrightandwell]

Exactly I really disliked his video.

[@bcharles2504]

Just take an Uber. I took plenty while I was there.

[@CarolinaGirlCreationZ]

Oh no. I just booked our first trip to Costa Rica in an AirBnb near (or maybe in) San Jose yesterday. I have been over the moon excited until now when I get to the portion about gang activity. We are not interested at all in traditional/typical tourism. We want to do authentic food tours, historic tours, and maybe see some of the areas where environmental consciousness is the focus. So now I'm scared that because we want authentic experiences in our travel, and this being our first central American country, that we may be putting ourselves at risk.

[@CarolinaGirlCreationZ]

Also, do you have a list somewhere that lists the "off the beaten path" places to visit? I'd much rather do those things than the touristy stuff.

[@tonypeters3320]

Same here! I just booked our flights to San Jose 15 mins ago for Spring break next week. Did you go already? Which Carolina are you in? We're in NC!

[@MissBrightandwell]

Then don't stay in san jose...

[@CarolinaGirlCreationZ]

@@tonypeters3320 me too! NC coast here! Hate the devopment on our beaches which is one of the many reasons I'd love to see the unspoiled coasts in Costa Rica! Eco-tourism is so important to me. Would love to learn about your trip after!

[@CarolinaGirlCreationZ]

@@MissBrightandwell good chat. #fscepalm.

[@Dc-fw9ws]

I NEEED to go back asap 😩

[@giochacon8354]

5:42 meaning wearing pants... we can tell by the linen shorts and the sandals

[@someoneelse6934]

“Mis amigos” (not mi amigos)

[@HMCHUGH430]

Costa Rica not on the Equator.

[@mdibello1611]

Exactly. It is not on the Equator.

[@ThePonziScheme]

Hi Pierce, I think we met in Llubjana in 2017? I'm going to Costa Rica in May. Thanks for the video!

[@wiseknowin777]

Keep in mind that when people tell you to stay away from certain areas, it's usually a caucasian from the suburbs. Black and Brown people are already street savvy and understand the things that lurk in cities EVERYWHERE. We will absolutely go to the downtown or the inner city of Costa Rica. That's more than likely where all the fun and interesting things are.

[@TalesFromTheRoad]

I grew up in a city too my guy. Plenty of street savvy americans of all colors roaming around. The fact that you're american or that you aren't from there is the big factor.

[@roberthbriceno8300]

@@wiseknowin777 you are delusional if you thing that color is think here, any white boy will pop ya head in a minute, you know nothing about our street culture. It’s nothing like the US

[@luxboss2388]

Yeah I just got back from Medellin Colombia I felt at home I loved it 👍🏾😂

[@amaama4286]

I agree!!!!

[@tutornotepad]

@8:18 That looks like downtown San Jose except for the people wearing the masks. Hardly anyone wears those nasty things anymore. I stayed in La Fortuna for over a month and never saw someone wearing a mask. In San Jose, a few people do. I left Oaxaca Mexica in November 2023, and there a lot of people were still wearing masks. It is not mandatory, though, and most people still don't.

[@MS-bb3bj]

It is good to write down the taxi company Lic. plate number, many of them are tricky and....not all taxi drivers are costa rican but foreign , better Uber , also never give your credit card when you pay, always keep at your sight , the mexican and colombian drug cartel mess safety , make sure where you go , better get inform before you go and pay a little more for a better hotel or place , they could help you.......take a tour is safety. Best is the Nature, outdoors life where a climate is always 76 to 84 and chilly nights, food is fresh and tasty....... pro and con

[@diablo416]

Nothing special about SJ. Stay on the coast and enjoy.

[@100PaulRees]

I’ve lived on the coast for 25 years and love going to San Jose for a wake up. Good restaurants, bars, shopping, art gallery. Never been robbed or harassed.

[@sun.sh.in.e]

@@100PaulRees Thank you! I’ve already booked my Spanish immersion in SJ and I’ve been getting bummed out over the pessimism surrounding SJ.

[@100PaulRees]

@@sun.sh.in.e Just be smart like when you are travelling anywhere or in any city anywhere. Don't leave your stuff unattended, don't flash cash or jewellery, be careful going out alone at night, ask questions. HAVE FUN! Ticos are really sweet and helpful people.

[@gregoryjames1542]

I mean San Jose would be the one city to go to if you want to learn about the history of Costa Rica with its vibrant museum district and culture

[@B3LLD4]

Idk every time I’m in SJ I have a good time good people there too. Beach is cool also can’t wait to return

[@alfredhelms1748]

I disagree, I love the city’s in Costa Rica, didn’t see any danger

[@carlosagarcia9385]

When you say gangs in Costa Rica,,, People immediately think of El Salvador... And that is damaging...! Got it...?

[@ede4345]

I’ll take CR over Mexico any time .

[@ryanrussell9670]

As a nature traveler this review likely wasn't meant for me

[@swan77a]

The more I hear about Costa Rica the less I want to go there.

[@pepe4rock]

plz dear Americans get some spanish (other than hola and gracias), I think it is a sign of ignorance when you move there and only speak english Just saying that as a Swiss who was speaking (in spanish) to locals during my travelling in CR this February.

[@mdibello1611]

Well said!

[@RexPonder-y6b]

We loved it so much better than Mexico.Way less expensive.

[@Mr2ndamend]

Why do people keep saying its diverse? It's like a buzzword people can't stop saying. There is tourist and Ticos that's it.

[@jefferyrizer3041]

What kind of asinine statement is this? Costa Rica is very diverse, seven different climate zones The Central Valley is considered land of eternal spring. There are mountainous regions and beautiful beaches the northern Pacific beaches have a very dry climate the central Pacific beaches have a mixed climate and the southern beaches and region have more damp climates and are very green year-round. There are volcanoes and some rather large freshwater lakes there really is plenty to do in Costa Rica and if you have time a month as a good way to venture out and explore all of what Costa Rica has to offer.

[@ktara1033]

Costa Rica is very very expensive. Spend your money somewhere else . Not worth it. Crime also on the rise mostly drug related. I live here.

[@jasonshallcross2741]

Cloud forests are not "very unique" to Costa Rica. You can find them all over the world.

[@mdibello1611]

Not subscribing. Also, it’s NOT “pura vida mae”. It’s just “Pura Vida” Mae is the equivalent of “dude” which is very informal. You can say that to ppl you know personally, especially younger ppl. Never say that to the elderly. It can be perceived as disrespectful. If anyone asks you ¿cómo está?, you can simply say “Pura Vida” If you say “Gracias” you’ll most likely hear Pura Vida back to you, which is another way of saying “you’re welcome”. If you like culture and history you’ll love San Jose. Ticos are great ppl and very hospitable.

[@100PaulRees]

Dude, how are you a travel blogger and you don’t know to ask how much the taxi is going to cost to a place you don’t know where you’re going?! You deserved that $90.

[@TalesFromTheRoad]

The meter was fake my guy.

[@oliverbrenes2118]

This guy is only complaining coming to Costa Rica ,never come back againg you socks.

[@karinasalazar5260]

I don't like that guy!!! either

[@adrianarca7171]

🙏😎👌

[@joules_sw]

Hahaha transportation sucks in this country, we need a train that goes all across the country like we actually had in the past

[@johnnydee123]

This is some condescending bologna….

[@TalesFromTheRoad]

Thanks for watching

[@Cadimacdaddy]

Do not trust too quick ..watch your wallet. STAY OUT of Tamarindo!

[@EveSaja]

🇨🇷

[@karinasalazar5260]

I don't know where you from?? I don't like. What do you talk?!! Be little nice. We Costa Rica, okay. Because you only talk about you!!

[@danhooper1588]

Mate if you stay 10 days in a place you didnt like because you didnt do your research and you get into a random cab that you didnt order and get over charged $90 and end up some where you didnt want to be. Who are you to be giving advice? ive been travelling for 8 months would never do any of that.

[@TalesFromTheRoad]

@@danhooper1588 relax Dan….its stories.

[@danhooper1588]

@@TalesFromTheRoad fair enough man. Stay safe