Some tips for solo travel in Costa Rica.
As I headed to Costa Rica alone, I couldn’t wait to see what the beautiful country had to offer.
Some beautiful nature, a social backpacker scene, and a taste of the pura vida lifestyle!
Central America isn’t an easy place to navigate alone, with strong cultures, a shortage of English spoken, and some bizarre rules, however, it is very rewarding.
This blog offers you some first hand tips for solo travel in Costa Rica, following my adventure around the country.
I found the country to be safe, and full of fun activities, however, they come at a cost, with the Central American nation now catching up with the USA in terms of prices.
Using my advice below, you will find out some tricks to save money, as you travel around the most popular spots in Costa Rica.
Let’s start with the why!
With so many awesome reasons to visit Costa Rica, it won’t take long to persuade you to get your backpack out, and head on an awesome solo adventure!
Solo on the hanging bridges high above the forest.
Why Visit Costa Rica alone?
There are many reasons why I chose Costa Rica, but the number one thing which lured me in was its vast rainforests.
With over half of the landmass of the country covered in rainforests, it is like entering another world!
It felt as though I was wandering through the jungle in Jurassic Park at times, especially after the sunset, with all of the noises of the forest’s inhabitants bringing the night to life.
Travelling solo to Costa Rica forces you out of your comfort zone, and makes you stay in the hostels, or book on the famous tours.
I knew no one when I entered the bus to the Mistico Park Hanging Bridges tour in La Fortuna, but by the end of the day, I had made many friends.
Bonding with strangers and sloths the dense forest makes for a truly unique experience.
Costa Ricans, who are known as "Ticos," are also very friendly and welcoming throughout the country, making solo travellers feel safe and connected.
This makes it one of the best places to visit for first time solo travel.
Another big draw to Costa Rica is its world class surf scene, which can be enjoyed along its Pacific or Caribbean coastline.
With many popular surf schools across the country, it is a sure way to meet some like minded travellers.
I thoroughly enjoyed a one-to-one surf lesson in Tamarindo!
Self-Discovery and Personal Growth in Costa Rica.
Travelling alone in Costa Rica allows for introspection and self-discovery.
Whether you’re meditating in a beachside yoga class or hiking to a hidden waterfall, solo travel gives you the freedom to reflect on your life and goals without distractions.
This was one of the most rewarding aspects for me, with some solitude in nature and sunshine recharging my batteries for my return home.
Enjoying time with my new friends from the tour.
Is Costa Rica safe to visit?
Costa Rica is generally considered safe for all types of travellers, with established infrastructure, knowledgeable tour guides, and highly rated accommodation options offering guests peace of mind.
The country is part of the popular Central America backpacker route, also known as the Gringo Trail, which is well-trodden path through some of the region’s best backpacker destinations
As a solo backpacker or tourist, some risks are increased, with some of the main safety concerns including:
Petty theft or common tourist scams in the capital.
I didn’t personally encounter any issues during my time in San Jose, however, a friend I met in La Fortuna had been scammed out of £500 in a common taxi scam outside of the main bus station.
Natural hazards.
The beautiful nature in Costa Rica also brings danger, especially to visitors exploring alone, with riptides, slippy rocks, and high drops all potentially facing tourists who decide head off the beaten track.
Mosquito-borne illnesses.
The rainforests provide the perfect environment for mosquitos, so many visitors get bitten, which leads to cases of diseases such as Dengue and Zika, particularly in the rainy season.
The police on patrol on Tamarindo Beach.
Tips to stay safe in Costa Rica as a solo traveller.
Do some thorough research for your accommodation options, with many hostels offering safe social spaces for international visitors. This made all the difference for my trip!
Stick to official transport options throughout the country. Using official taxis and main bus stops/stations is a safe way to avoid scams, and being overcharged.
Book on group tours for hiking or other adventurous activities, as you will be safe with others around you. I found it easy to find official tours to all of the popular spots in Costa Rica.
Always swim or surf at beaches with lifeguards and other people, and pay attention to flags or signs warning about rip currents.
Learn basic Spanish so you can communicate with locals better.
A rough part of San Jose still felt safe to me.
Having a chill in the hammock in the hostel in San Jose.
My two favourite destinations in the country.
There are some awesome places to go solo in Costa Rica, with many beautiful locations around the country, however, I found these two destinations to be the best for meeting people, and filling my travel itinerary with a mixture of free and paid activities.
La Fortuna.
I had an action packed itinerary in La Fortuna even though I was only there for 4 days.
The hostel I stayed in made my time in the small jungle town extra special, with social activities every day, including a trip over to Tenorio National Park for the Rio Celeste Waterfall Hike.
The tours in and around La Fortuna are operated on a world class level, so you are guaranteed to learn some interesting facts about the ecosystems in Costa Rica as you explore.
My tour guides were all local and exceptional in creating fun for our tour groups, which comprised visitors from all around the world.
Whether you are visiting for one day or one month, you will have an awesome time!
Walking high above the forest in La Fortuna.
Tamarindo.
My accommodation in Tamarindo didn’t have the same level of social vibes as La Fortuna, so there was more time in solitude in the coastal town.
This is the reality of solo travel in any destination, some days alone, and some with group fun.
Walking along Tamarindo Beach each morning with a coffee was the perfect way to start my day, and an ideal activity to enjoy solo.
I did have some fun on organised tours in Tamarindo, with the estuary tour, and a surfing lesson filling my days nicely, before heading to the popular bars in Tamarindo in the evening.
Tamarindo is the place to visit as a solo traveller who loves surfing, with over 10 surfing schools dotted around the town, all offering structured learning, highly social environments, and in most cases, accommodation and food for the duration of your trip.
Enjoying a local beer in Tamarindo.
Backpacking highlights of Costa Rica.
The Gringo Trail in Central America is one of the most popular backpacking routes in the world, with Costa Rica being one of the more popular countries in the route, despite its price increases in recent years.
But what does Costa Rica offer backpackers?
Two beautiful long coastlines.
You can have a completely different experience in Costa Rica depending on which route you take.
The Pacific side offers more of a surf culture, beautiful sunsets, and tends to be more developed, with international restaurants and live music in popular destinations such as Tamarindo and Manuel Antonio.
On the Caribbean side, there is a strong Afro-Caribbean influence creating a slower pace of life.
Bohemian towns such as Puerto Viejo and Cahuita are known for their reggae style music, food, and festivals.
All year round sunshine.
Whichever time of year you visit Costa Rica, you are guaranteed some sunny days.
Even during the rainy season there are long dry spells with bright sunshine, making it’s beaches very popular, along with outdoor activities in and around the forests.
The Pura Vida culture.
For backpackers exploring Costa Rica, embracing the feel good culture can enhance your experiences in the country. This way of life emphasises positivity, happiness, and a deep connection to nature and community.
In small towns like Montezuma, you will find that it has hippie style vibes, so backpacking in a slower style fits perfectly.
Adrenaline activities.
Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests and giant volcanoes, to stunning coastlines, make it ideal for long fun-filled days.
I loved hiking around Arenal Volcano Park, along with zip-lining through the canopy in Montezuma, and surfing in Tamarindo.
A beautiful sunset in Tamarindo.
Transport options when travelling alone through Costa Rica.
Different transport options in Costa Rica offer unique experiences, but it will all come down to your budget, flexibility and the duration of your trip.
As a solo traveller in Costa Rica, the most budget friendly transport option to use are the public buses.
I travelled between San Jose and La Fortuna for around £5, which is nearly ten times cheaper than the shared shuttles I used between other destinations.
The 5 hour journey time, and lack of air conditioning made it a frustrating trip though!
Shared shuttles are a quicker option, and more comfortable, but as I mentioned above, the prices reflect this.
$50 is the average cost for the majority of journeys across Costa Rica.
This is a great way to meet fellow solo backpackers though, with many of the passengers in a similar position to you.
Car rental is available in Costa Rica, but it is expensive for a solo traveller, therefore, not a very good option.
I wouldn’t want to be travelling around on some of the roads in Costa Rica alone, especially at night!
Queuing for the public bus to La Fortuna in the main bus station in San Jose.
Is Costa Rica an expensive country to travel around alone?
I found Costa Rica can be a moderately expensive destination for solo travellers compared to other countries I have visited.
I found the prices to be similar to some tourist destinations in the USA.
If you head off the beaten track, stick to eating at soda restaurants, and make the most of some free activities, your budget will go further. The beauty of nature is that it can be enjoyed for free, and although many of the national parks do charge visitors, there are some bargains to be enjoyed still.
Unfortunately visiting a destination alone does have some drawbacks, especially when it comes to sharing costs on transport, food, or accommodation.
Approximate costs during my solo trip:
Official Tours - £40 - £80 is the going rate for organised day trips throughout the country.
Food - £10 for local Soda restaurants, but closer to £25 in international restaurants in tourist zones.
. Accommodation - £15–£25 per night in hostels, and £25 - £50 for budget hotels.
Transport - £50 average on shared shuttle journeys, but as low as £5 for public bus journeys for significant distances.
I did enjoy many free activities across Costa Rica, as mentioned above, the beautiful nature in the country has created natural spots, such as El Salto Swimming Hole in La Fortuna, and the Waterfalls of Montezuma.
Train tracks in San Jose.
Things to do when travelling solo in Costa Rica.
Once you arrive in Costa Rica, you will realise that it doesn’t take long to find a fun thing to do, anytime of the day.
Here are a few ideas of activities that I thoroughly enjoyed:
Surf on the Pacific Ocean.
Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is a paradise for surfers, with spots like Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, and Nosara famous for their consistent waves, warm waters, and welcoming vibes for all skill levels.
During my first time surfing lesson in Tamarindo, my instructor ensured that we went at a manageable pace, and I managed to pop up and ride a few waves after about 30 minutes of the lesson.
Another option I could have enjoyed, was booking into a surf school, to enjoy group classes, which would have been more social, however, I was happy with one-to-one training.
Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, surfing Costa Rica’s Pacific waves is an unforgettable way to experience the country’s natural beauty and adventure.
Enjoying a surf lesson in Tamarindo.
Spot the abundance of wildlife.
Costa Rica is renowned for its biodiversity, so immersing yourself in the wild side of nature is a great way to experience it.
A visit to its national parks is a good way to enjoy a structured visit to the forests., with Manuel Antonio, Corcovado, and Monteverde Cloud Forest all offering opportunities to spot sloths, monkeys, exotic birds, and unique amphibians.
Even though I visited at the start of the rainy season, I still managed to spot lots of the local wildlife.
Howler monkeys in Montezuma.
Explore nature in fun ways.
From zip-lining through the Montezuma canopy to exploring through the Tamarindo mangroves, Costa Rica offered me countless ways to explore nature.
No Costa Rica trip is complete without visiting some of its beautiful waterfalls, and I recommend you visit La Fortuna waterfall, and Rio Celeste waterfall at Tenorio National Park, known for its surreal turquoise waters—a must-see for nature lovers and photographers alike.
I found these to be two of the best Instagram spots in Costa Rica!
Zip-lining in Montezuma.
Popular tour options for solo travellers.
I found Costa Rica to be a dream destination as a solo traveller, as it offers an abundance of tours and activities that cater to my different interests, which meant my travel itinerary was full, but varied from day to day.
These are the different types of tours that you should combine for your trip:
Rainforest & Wildlife Tours.
Costa Rica is a biodiversity hotspot, and a wildlife tour is a must-do for any visitor who enjoys nature and animals.
My favourite tour on my trip was the Mistico Hanging Bridges in La Fortuna, which was a fun way of observing life in the rainforest. Tackling the 16 bridges over many different levels of the forest gave us different perspectives, and introduced us to many species of plants and animals.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is another one of Costa Rica’s most famous and bio-diverse spots.
Night hikes are popular in Monteverde, as when the sun does down, the wildlife comes out to play.
Manuel Antonio National Park has the best infrastructure for forest exploration in my opinion, and is very family friendly.
Adventure & outdoor activities.
There is no better way of bonding with strangers than a touch of adrenaline and adventure!
Costa Rica’s mix of outdoor activities combine adrenaline with stunning landscapes, making a very attractive tour option for solo travellers.
The most popular activities are listed below, and can be found in most tourist spots:
Zip-lining.
White Water Rafting.
Canyoning & Waterfall Rappelling.
Volcano hikes.
Cave exploration.
Another day, another tour.
Cultural & historical tours.
I enjoyed two cultural tours in my visit to Costa Rica, and both were cheap and filled with other people travelling on their own.
A coffee & chocolate tour in La Fortuna.
I enjoyed learning about the process for making and exporting coffee and chocolate at a production plant on a farm in La Fortuna.
We had the opportunity to try loads of different chocolate and coffee.
San José walking tour.
On this three hour walking tour I got to learn about the country’s rich history, through visiting the National Theatre, the Gold Museum, and the local markets.
I felt that this tour of the capital of Costa Rica introduced me to the non-touristy side of Central America, with a very hispanic vibe being present in the streets of San José.
I recommend some time exploring the capital on your own, as I found some hidden spots, and beautiful street art near the centre of the city.
Enjoying a tour in San Jose as a solo traveller.
The best accommodation options for solo travellers in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is a fantastic backpacking destination for solo travellers, with a range of accommodation options that cater to different budgets and travel styles.
If you are on a longer travel itinerary, then I recommend that you try a mixture of these options, depending on how you want to travel Costa Rica:
Hostels.
Hostels are the best option for solo travellers in most destinations, if you choose a social one!
Being budget friendly and filled with like minded backpackers, means that it won’t take you long to make some international friends in your accommodation.
As Costa Rica is on the Gringo Trail, there are many hostels in each popular location, therefore, I recommend that you do some prior research, to ensure you are giving yourself the best chance as a solo traveller.
Here are some recommended hostels from my experiences:
San Jose - Costa Rica Backpackers (pool, co-working, centrally located).
La Fortuna - Argdivan Hostel (Social vibes, hostel organised tours).
Tamarindo - Mai Ke Kai Surf House (Great location near beach, surf vibes throughout).
Surf Camps.
For solo travellers interested in surfing, many surf camps across Costa Rica offer a great way to learn or improve your surfing skills while meeting like-minded travellers.
Two popular options are:
Costa Rica Surf Camp (Tamarindo).
The camp provides group surf lessons, surf tours, and plenty of social activities.
Surf Rancho (Santa Teresa).
Santa Teresa is known for its laid-back vibe, making it easy to meet other solo travellers and enjoy the surf culture.
Wellness Retreats.
Costa Rica is renowned for its wellness and yoga retreats, offering a peaceful escape for solo travellers looking to unwind and rejuvenate with nature.
Some great locations for retreats are:
Nosara.
Uvita.
Santa Teresa.
My hostel in the capital.
Solo packing list for Costa Rica.
Here are the items which I took in my backpack that made my Costa Rica solo trip more efficient and fun:
Hostel hacks.
Hostel life isn’t for everyone, but it is the best way to meet new people when solo travelling in Costa Rica.
If you do decide to stay in some hostels, don’t forget these:
Flip-flops (you don’t want to be barefoot in hostel showers).
Soap and shampoo (Not all hostels provide these).
Padlocks.
Ear Plugs and Eye mask.
Day tour necessities in Costa Rica.
There is no doubting that trekking through nature in the vast rainforests is a fun activity in Central America, however, you should be prepared for it:
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots.
Sun cream.
Cap and sunglasses.
Reusable water bottle (Costa Rica is big on eco-tourism).
Bug spray (very important).
Quick dry clothing, swimwear, and a towel (There are many natural spots to take a dip on day tours throughout the country.
Entertainment.
There is no doubt that solo travel can lead to some bored times or long journeys, if you don’t meet the right people along the way.
These definitely help to fill the time:
Phone with a power bank.
Kindle.
Adapters (Costa Rica uses the same plug types as the US).
Macbook.
A full backpack on the tour.
A welcoming community in Montezuma.
One place in Costa Rica to consider visiting as a solo-traveller, if you want to feel part of a community, is Montezuma.
The small beach town on the Nicoya Peninsula is well known for its laid-back, welcoming vibe!
I noticed many travellers from different hostels sitting by the beach for sunset, while sharing some beers.
Montezuma, where jungle meets the Pacific, has a reputation for attracting a diverse blend of artists, travellers, and digital nomads, all of which combine to create a unique vibe in the small centre of town.
I found the local bars to be a great spot to strike up a conversation with random characters.
The hostels in the area all put on group tours to Montezuma Waterfalls, canopy tours, and the local national park, which all make for beautiful spots to meet like minded visitors.
Hello, World!
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Hello, World!