Costa Rica has always been on my bucket list, known for its beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture. But after traveling there twice, I found that it didn’t quite live up to the hype. In this post, I’ll share what to expect when traveling to Costa Rica, including why I found it overhyped and more expensive than I imagined.
My Disappointing Dream Destination
In January 2024, I traveled to Costa Rica with my daughter, visiting La Fortuna and Grecia. I had high hopes for the trip, as it’s such a popular travel destination. However, I found myself feeling a bit disappointed with the experience. Despite this, I decided to give Costa Rica another chance and returned in February of this year. This time, I visited San Jose alone after spending some time in Antigua and Lake Atitlan, Guatemala.
I hoped my first experience was just a fluke and that the second time around would give me a more positive experience. Unfortunately, my second visit only made things more disappointing. Costa Rica, once a dream destination, turned out to be far from the amazing experience I had imagined.
Affordable Stays and Must-See Spots
When I first traveled to Costa Rica in January 2024, my daughter and I visited some interesting places. One of the highlights was the Doka Coffee Plantation, where we learned about how coffee is made and enjoyed the beautiful views.
We also visited an Animal Sanctuary and the Rescue Wildlife Center. Both were eye-opening experiences that highlighted the importance of protecting animals. Another great stop was the Arenal Volcano Waterfall, where we enjoyed the amazing views and natural beauty.
In February 2024, I returned for a second trip and stayed in San Jose for 5 days. While there, I tried zip lining and joined walking tours to see the city and learn about its culture. I stayed at some nice, affordable hostels like EcoStay, a family-owned place. The peaceful atmosphere and homemade breakfast made it a relaxing stay.
In Grecia, we stayed at La Terraza B&B, which also offered a nice breakfast, but it was a bit more expensive than the hostels in San Jose. Overall, the accommodations were the most affordable part of my Costa Rica trip.
High Costs of Traveling in Costa Rica
One thing I didn’t like about traveling in Costa Rica, at least in the places I visited, was how expensive everything was. The prices were often just as high, or even higher, than in California. For example, I bought a small bag of shredded vegetables at a grocery store for $6. In California, something like that would have cost me about half the price.
Restaurant meals were at least $15 a plate. Even at local markets, I paid almost $10 for a simple local dish called Casado. The tours were also really overpriced, with most costing at least $100–$150 per person.
To save money, I ended up doing a free walking tour and a paid for a food tour that cost $34. The Zip lining tour was $52, but it didn’t even include pick-up transportation, which seemed like a lot for what you get. One of the few affordable things in Costa Rica besides the hostels was Uber, though it’s technically illegal. I managed to split a $20 Uber ride to the San Jose airport with someone I met at the hostel, which helped keep costs down.
The city of San Jose itself wasn’t very pleasant either. It felt dirty, with piles of garbage and graffiti everywhere. There were also a lot of homeless people, which reminded me of big cities like LA. Overall, my experience was overshadowed by how expensive and unclean the place felt.
Friendly Locals and Mixed Experiences
When traveling in Costa Rica, I found that most people were friendly and welcoming. Many locals spoke English, but it also helped that I had Google Translate since my Spanish is limited. A highlight of my trip was staying at EcoStay, where the hostel owners made my stay even more enjoyable. They created a peaceful atmosphere, and their homemade breakfast was a wonderful touch.
While many people were kind, I did come across some who seemed more focused on making money from tourists. Despite this, the warm hospitality I experienced made my time in Costa Rica memorable. Overall, the locals played a big role in making my trip special, even if some moments felt more commercial than I had expected.
My Experience Traveling in Costa Rica
Traveling in Costa Rica gave me a mix of experiences. While there were some challenges, I still enjoyed the beauty of certain parts of the country and the kindness of many of its people. I didn’t visit the coast, but there’s no doubt that Costa Rica has something for everyone.
One thing I didn’t expect was how expensive Costa Rica can be, so it’s important to be prepared for the costs. Overall, Costa Rica offers a unique experience, but it might not be the perfect destination for everyone.
If you’re a budget traveler like me, be sure to check out my post on traveling on a budget for some helpful tips!
