HowtopaceafirsttriptoCostaRica
The country looks small on a map. The most common planning mistake is trying to see too much of it.
Costa Rica is roughly the size of a small European country, and it's tempting to assume you can cover most of it in a week or two. In practice, mountain roads, weather and the simple pleasure of being somewhere make a slower pace far more rewarding.
Why distances are deceptive
Many routes between regions cross mountains, and roads can be winding, slow and, in places, unpaved. A journey that looks short on a map can take much of a day. Domestic flights and private transfers help in some cases, but every move between bases still takes time and energy.
A sensible rhythm
- Aim for two or three nights in most places, and longer at the coast.
- On a trip of ten to twelve nights, three or four bases is usually plenty.
- Allow a rest day after a long transfer or an early wildlife start.
- Leave some afternoons unplanned. They're often the best part.
Start with what matters most
Rather than starting with a list of places, start with what you most want from the trip: wildlife, walking, the beach, food, rest. Then choose the regions that deliver it best at the time of year you're travelling. That usually produces a better route than trying to fit in every famous name.
