Why Costa Rica Is One of the Easiest (and Most Rewarding) Places to Visit

Costa Rica was my first international trip — and looking back, I couldn’t have picked a better place. I’m Emily, and this is my experience visiting the country of “pura vida” (“pure life”)!

I spent about 10 days traveling through multiple regions of Costa Rica, and what surprised me most was how much we were able to experience in such a short time. My tour group and I  explored cities, stepped into centuries-old history, visited an active volcano, relaxed on the beach, and found ourselves deep in the jungle — we did all of that in one trip!

For a destination that feels so different in culture, language, and landscape, Costa Rica is incredibly easy to navigate and incredibly rewarding to experience!

Why Costa Rica Is So Easy to Visit

Costa Rica is one of the best destinations for your first international trip, especially if you want adventure without stress:

• Easy flights from the U.S. (including direct from MSP)

• English is widely spoken in tourism areas

• Friendly, welcoming locals

• Excellent tourism infrastructure

Even unexpected situations feel manageable.

At one point, I had to visit an ER during my trip. At first, I was overwhelmed by trying to navigate this while abroad. However, it was straightforward, affordable, and surprisingly easy. It felt more like walking into an office than a hospital. That experience changed my perspective on international travel forever. 

Costa Rica may feel far away, but it’s incredibly approachable. From the people and culture to the stunning scenery, we always felt part of something extraordinary and doable.

In the heart of Costa Rica is San José, a city center with tons to do for everyone.

You Won’t Get Bored in Costa Rica

This gorgeous country has something for everyone. If you crave excitement and adventure, why not climb a volcano or zipline through the jungle? Looking for historical or even archeological points of interest? Costa Rica has ruins, museums, monuments, and more. Are you just here for the food? You won’t be disappointed! 

We started in San José but found ourselves traveling throughout the country to discover can’t-miss spots only a few hours away. 

Culture That Grounds the Experience

While San José is often seen as just an arrival point, it’s actually where your experience begins to take shape. For our tour group, San José prepared us for the cultural identities that would echo throughout our trip. 

One of our first stops was the National Theatre, modeled after the Paris Opera House and making it a neo-classical European-designed building in a Latin American country. Pair that with the artwork inside, like the famous mural, “Allegory of Coffee and Bananas,” commissioned to represent Costa Rica’s identity through coffee production and banana trade.

But there’s a twist.

Our tour guide pointed out small inaccuracies in the painting, such as bananas painted sideways and coffee baskets held incorrectly. The artist had never visited Costa Rica, making the mural an idealized version of the country. The painting, housed in a European-esque building, is a perfect example of Costa Rica’s varying cultural perspectives. 

A mural inside the National Theatre depicting Costa Rica’s identity, painted by an artist who had never visited the country.

Meanwhile, at the National Museum, we saw a completely different story of Costa Rica through indigenous pottery, ancient artifacts, and Costa Rica’s iconic stone spheres (called Diquís Spheres). It grounds the country’s identity in something much deeper.

Indigenous artifacts in the National Museum provide a deeper look into Costa Rica’s history.

Costa Rica’s mysterious pre-Columbian stone spheres are one of the country’s most unique cultural artifacts.

Historic monuments throughout San José reflect Costa Rica’s national identity and independence.

Religion That Connects to Faith

Just outside of San José, Cartago offers a different perspective, one where history, nature, and faith are all deeply connected.

The Ruins of Santiago Apóstol Parish are one of the most unique sites in the country. Damaged by repeated earthquakes, the church was never fully rebuilt. Today, it stands open to the sky, surrounded by flowers and greenery growing through its stone walls, and is a symbol of the country’s resilience.

The ruins of Santiago Apóstol Parish blend history and nature in a uniquely peaceful setting.

Native plants and flowers now fill the historic ruins, creating a living garden.

Nearby, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels provides a beautiful contrast as an active, ornate, and still important pilgrimage site. Catholic traditions play a meaningful role in this region, which can be seen in the annual pilgrimage to the Basilica, known locally as La Romería. 

This is one of Costa Rica’s most important religious and cultural traditions, centered on the veneration of La Negrita, the country’s patron saint, and draws over two million people each year. Many begin walking days in advance, with the most popular route being the 13-mile trek from San José to Cartago.

This connection to religion becomes even more evident in the Church of San José de Orosi, one of the oldest continuously operating churches in Costa Rica. Inside, a statue of Jesús Nazareno is still used during Holy Week processions, proof that history here isn’t just preserved. It’s still part of daily life.

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels remains an active pilgrimage site for Catholics across the world.

The statue of Jesús Nazareno in Orosi reflects Costa Rica’s deeply rooted religious traditions.

A Landscape That’s Always Changing

Costa Rica’s landscapes are constantly evolving, and nowhere is that clearer than at Poás Volcano. Located in the forests of the Central Mountain Range in Poás Volcano National Park, this volcano is still active. With over 40 eruptions since 1828, it also boasts one of the largest craters in the world. 

Even though the crater was partially hidden by fog during my visit, I could still see steam rising from the surface and feel the scale of the environment around me.

It’s an active volcano — and every visit is different. 

That unpredictability is part of what makes Costa Rica so rewarding. No two experiences are exactly the same.

Even through the fog, steam rises from the active Poás Volcano.

Beauty in the Beach

Beaches, rainforest, wildlife — it’s everything people picture when they think of Costa Rica, and the Manuel Antonio resort district is where everything comes together. 

The coastline at Playa Espadilla Sur is especially striking, with rock formations rising out of the ocean. But what made this area unforgettable was the atmosphere.

Tropical rainstorms would roll in suddenly, pouring so hard the ground couldn’t absorb all the water, leaving the whole ground covered in multiple inches of rain. Then, the storm would disappear just as quickly as it began, leaving behind clear skies and glowing sunsets.

Another thing people think of when they think of Costa Rica is the monkeys. They’re everywhere, and they are bold. One tried to grab my camera out of my hands! Another traveler had their passport stolen (and luckily recovered) out of their zipped backpack. These animals are funny, unpredictable, and very much part of daily life.

Wildlife here is not something you observe from afar — it’s part of your experience.

Dramatic coastal rock formations at Playa Espadilla Sur in Manuel Antonio National Park.

Capuchin monkeys are curious, clever, and known for getting into everything.

The dense, layered vegetation of Costa Rica makes even a simple walk feel immersive.

Local markets near the coast offer a glimpse into everyday Costa Rican life.

Easy to Access Adventure, Impossible to Forget

Costa Rica is built for adventure — but it never feels out of reach.

Ziplining through the jungle was one of the highlights of the trip. Flying over lush green canopy felt both exhilarating and completely accessible. And getting there was its own adventure.

At one point, our van got stuck crossing a river, and one of the guides had to hang off the side of the vehicle and (literally) bounce the van to get through a high-tide river. 

That moment summed up Costa Rica perfectly: a little unpredictable, totally manageable, and always memorable.

We also spent time on a catamaran out on the Pacific. The views were incredible. But I’ll be honest, I spent most of it trying not to be seasick.

Ziplining through the rainforest canopy is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic experiences.

Getting around can be an adventure, especially during the rainy season.

Ocean excursions offer a different perspective of Costa Rica’s natural beauty.

Not every moment is glamorous, but it’s always memorable.

Simple and Fresh Food

Food in Costa Rica isn’t complicated, but it’s something you grow to love quickly.

Meals often include:

• Rice and beans

• Fresh fruit

• Plantains

• Grilled meats

And then there’s the famous Lizano sauce! We added it to everything, and by the end of the trip, I wished I could bring it home. 

The food becomes part of your routine… and something you end up craving.

Traditional meals in Costa Rica are simple, fresh, and consistently delicious.

Meals often come with an experience, like live music and local hospitality.

“Fruit salad” in Costa Rica may include ice cream—just one of many fun surprises.

A 9-Day Costa Rica Itinerary

This itinerary follows a classic (and proven) route used by some of the best travel programs — designed to give you a full experience without feeling rushed.

Day 1: Arrive in San José
Day 2: National Theatre + National Museum
Day 3: Cartago (ruins, basilica, Orosi Valley)
Day 4: Poás Volcano
Day 5: Travel to Manuel Antonio
Day 6: National Park + beach
Day 7: Ziplining adventure
Day 8: Catamaran / ocean experience
Day 9: Return to San José + departure

This framework can easily be customized with:

• All-inclusive resorts

• Private guides

• Luxury or relaxed pacing

Ready to Experience Costa Rica?

Costa Rica feels different enough to be exciting, but easy enough that anyone can do it.

Even if it’s your first international trip!

Let’s plan your Costa Rica itinerary together!

Whether you want to replicate this exact itinerary or tailor it to your travel style, Riverdale Travel lets you focus on the experience, not the logistics. Talk with our travel experts today!