Known for its active volcanos and untouched landscapes, Costa Rica is an ecotourist’s dream whether you’re travelling with family or friends. If you’re ready for relaxation in a tropical paradise, try taking a visit to the beautiful beaches along the Guanacaste coastline. 

Or, if you’re more adventurous, take a trip to the Arenal Volcano National Park to view wildlife, soak in hot springs or visit the cooled lava field. Whatever adventure you’re planning, from surfing to ziplining, we can help with the planning. 

We recommend that you visit the Costa Rica travel advice page on the Government of Canada website prior to booking your trip. While it is not required to have travel insurance to visit Costa Rica, travel insurance is highly recommended as your provincial health care plan may not include coverage when travelling internationally. Having a travel insurance plan with medical coverage (in addition to other helpful coverage) can be beneficial.

We understand that every traveller has different needs, which is why our All Inclusive Package is a great option. It provides coverage for trip cancellation and trip interruption. This package also includes emergency medical insurance, baggage insurance and 24/7 emergency travel assistance.

Be sure to review the policy wording for a full list of the terms and conditions of coverage including the covered risks and benefits of the All Inclusive Packages. Most of our insurance plan options are available online; however, additional options may be available through our World Service Centre by calling (866) 648-8422 or by contacting one of our industry partners.

Typically, a Travel Guard travel insurance plan costs between 5-7% of the total price of your trip. Other factors will come into play when pricing your plan, such as the packages you select and the number of travellers in your party. For more details on pricing, check out our article on how much travel insurance costs. 

Ready to book your travel insurance plan for your Costa Rica trip? Travel Guard’s travel insurance plans provide excellent coverage options and access to 24-hour emergency travel assistance. Compare our travel insurance plans to find the best option for your travels today.

Costa Rica is a safe country to visit, but violent crime has risen slightly in recent years. Petty theft is the most common crime visitors encounter, so be sure to exercise caution and avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewelry or designer clothing. Try to blend in with the local culture as much as you can, and if you do encounter a robber, don’t resist, as criminals may not hesitate to use violence. 

Beyond crime concerns, be careful when visiting Costa Rica’s beaches, as strong currents can create dangerous conditions. The country is also prone to natural disasters, so watch out for tropical storms and volcanic eruptions that can lead to travel disruptions. 

Visit the Government of Canada website for up-to-date information on travel advisory levels and safety information for travellers to Costa Rica. 

All Canadian travellers should enroll in the Registration of Canadians Abroad program, a free service offered to Canadian citizens travelling and living abroad. Enrolling in this program allows you to receive important information from the Government of Canada and helps them contact you in an emergency. 

The official currency of Costa Rica is the colón. Canadian citizens can exchange currency in major cities. Carrying cash will make smaller transactions, like a taxi ride, easier. Debit and credit cards are typically accepted in major cities, but make sure to let your bank know when and where you’ll be travelling.

Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica and widely spoken throughout the country. However, there are a variety of other languages spoken such Creole, English and Indigenous Chibchan dialects. English is mostly used in popular tourist destinations.

Canadians travelling to Costa Rica are required to have a valid Canadian passport that remains valid during the length of their stay. Tourist visas are not required for stays up to 90 days.

The Embassy of Canada to Costa Rica is in San José and provides services to Canadians in Costa Rica as well as Honduras and Nicaragua. For a list of up-to-date phone numbers and address, visit the Canadian Embassy government website.

Temperatures in Costa Rica are consistently warm and tropical year-round averaging between (22 and 28 C). However, the northwest is hotter in the dry season from February to May when there is less rain.

The best time of year to visit Costa Rica is during the summer to early fall, ideally from July through October. Though this is Costa Rica’s rainy season, temperatures are milder, which is ideal for doing activities on your trip. The dry season brings higher temperatures, but time allows for easy access to destinations that may otherwise be flooded. Aside from weather, there are multiple key festivals and events in Costa Rican culture that travellers may enjoy attending. Limon Carnival in mid-October is the largest carnival of the year where visitors will be able to partake in Costa Rica’s Caribbean culture, fun-loving vibe and festive people. Or if you want to escape from the winter, visit at the end of December for Fiestas Zapote, the biggest rodeo of the year that lasts for an entire two weeks.

To call from Canada to Costa Rica, dial 011 + 506 followed by the area code of the location you wish to reach. To make a call to Canada from Costa Rica, dial +1 followed by the area code and phone number.

Costa Rica uses the same electrical outlet format as Canada. Travellers shouldn’t need to bring any extra adapters to charge their devices, as the standard cords will work just fine.

Renting a car in Costa Rica is very common. Car rental companies require a valid driver’s license as well as liability insurance to rent. 

Costa Rica has a lot to offer in terms of resort vacations, scenic views and culture, and is a great travel destination for seniors.

Content provided by Travel Guard Group Canada, Inc. is not intended to be exhaustive. For more information, please call 866-648-8422 or speak with one of our Travel or Insurance Agency partners. For the most up to date safety and travel advice for any destination, please consult the Canadian Government Travel and tourism website at https://travel.gc.ca/ https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.