Tourism makes a significant contribution to the economy of Costa Rica. Tourism is the most important source of foreign exchange in the country, contributing CRC 2.2 trillion in 2018, a rise of 5.0% since 2016. Year on year growth in international tourist arrivals has been on average 7.4% since 1990.

With its rich biodiversity and immense ecosystem, ecotourism in Costa Rica leads the ranks in this category of tourism. The country takes advantage of the growing demand for eco-tourists to visit these protected areas in exchange for profit.

Ecotourism has helped Costa Rican economic growth to chug along at a healthy 4.7% per year on average since the early 1990s. As of 1999, the tourism economy brings more foreign money into Costa Rica than bananas, pineapples and coffee exports combined.

Eco-tourism is Costa Rica’s #1 business and with good reason since Costa Rica is home to several pristine beaches, volcanoes, hot springs, caves, rainforests, mountains, waterfalls and more. Costa Rica’s impressive biodiversity is what makes it a key destination.

Costa Rica is known for its incredible national parks, where tourists can enjoy some thrilling activities like river rafting, canyoning, cave tubing, and zip lining. It’s also one of the best places for animal lovers to discover some interesting wildlife like macaws, sea turtles, and adorable sloths.

The Best of Costa Rican Cuisine: 10 Foods to Try in Costa Rica (With Recipes!)

1. GALLO PINTO. Literally meaning “painted rooster,” Gallo pinto is a favorite rice-and-beans concoction that is commonly considered the national dish of Costa Rica.
2. CASADO.
3. OLLA DE CARNE.
4. SOPA NEGRA.
5. CEVICHE.
6. CHIFRIJO.
7. PLANTAINS.
8. TAMALES.

Guaro

As Costa Rica is a tropical climate there are mosquitoes year round. However, they are more prevalent between the months of May through October. Mosquitoes are more common in beach areas. Mosquitoes are most active around dusk and dawn.

Guanábana. Locally known as guanabana, the soursop is Costa Rica’s go-to fruit for refreshing smoothies. Covered in tough, spiky skin, this big, green fruit has a sweet flavor similar to that of a pear.

Fruit and veggies are wonderfully fresh in Costa Rica, the variety and quality is awesome! Make the most of it, you’ll enjoy it! As for tap water, it is safe to drink it at most locations, specially touristy places. You can always double check by asking the locals.

Tap Water. It’s generally safe to drink tap water in Costa Rica, except in the most rural and undeveloped parts of the country. However, if you prefer to be cautious, buying bottled water is your best bet.

In Costa Rican eateries, tipping is optional, though it’s polite to offer an additional sum if you feel your server exceeded your expectations or went the extra mile to ensure you were happy with your meal.

Costa Rica’s national currency is known as the colón (plural: colones), but dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas and other places around the country.

Prices in supermarkets in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica, though on the pricier end of Central American countries, has relatively low fares from the United States thanks to service from low-cost airlines. The dollar has seen a strong exchange rate since 2010, and hotel and food expenses can be kept under $50 per day.

How Much Cash Should I Carry in Costa Rica? In general, it’s a good idea to carry between $50-$100, most of which should be composed of small and medium-sized bills (example exchange rates include $20 =10.000 colones, $10=5.000 colones, $4=2.000 colones, $2=1.000 colones.)

A single person estimated monthly costs are 644$ (399,102₡) without rent. Cost of living in Costa Rica is, on average, 31.29% lower than in United States….Cost of Living in Costa Rica.