Money: We each ordered ~$250 of colones from our banks and brought it with us. Strangely (conveniently?) most places also accept USD. Prices in La Fortuna were slightly cheaper than American prices, but prices on the Pacific Coast were about the same as American prices. 

Getting Around: We rented a car from Adobe. I highly recommend Adobe - they were friendly, responsive, and reliable! Liability insurance is required by law in Costa Rica, meaning that regardless of your car insurance coverage in the US, you need an additional, mandatory insurance that covers damages to other people, their cars, property, etc. ADDITIONALLY: most credit card companies offer "CDW" (Collision Damage Waiver) but you have to print it out before you go. I had to call my credit card company to have them email a PDF copy that I could print. It's all very confusing but some Googling will help. This is a good resource that explains it all (and has a discount code for Adobe!). 

Costa Rica was the first foreign country I drove in. Driving around San Jose was like driving around any big city in the US and driving most other places was a little more adventurous because there were a lot of one lane roads with oncoming cars + pedestrians + scooters. But honestly I felt safer driving around there than I do driving in Arizona 🤷🏻‍♀️

Tap Water: We drank the tap water everywhere and felt totally fine! Google says there's a few places on the Caribbean side where you shouldn't drink the water but we didn't go there. 

Packing: Random, but we really wish we would've brought binoculars! 

SAN JOSE: We flew into San Jose and got in around 8PM. Based on my research, San Jose wasn't a place we wanted to spend a lot of time in (and, after seeing it and the rest of the country, I would agree). We ubered from the airport to a hostel (cost ~$5), spent one night, grabbed our rental car in the morning, and left! 

DRIVE: San Jose to Bajos del Toro - make sure you check out this blog post that describes the route you should take.

BAJOS DEL TORO: This is a spot you should prioritize! Here we saw some of the prettiest waterfalls of the trip (picss below) and the best part was that we had them nearly to ourselves. We paid $25/person but it was totally worth it. Make sure to wear your swimsuit as there are some amazing swimming spots! 

Another good webpage about visiting Bajos del Toro. 

DRIVE: Bajos del Toro to La Fortuna. Nothing notable on this drive, pretty easy! 

AirBnB we stayed in (can read my review but overall I would stay here again!)

MUST DO: 

1. LA FORTUNA WATERFALL -- Costs $20/person. Walk 500+ steps down to the waterfall and swim! We also were fortunate enough to spot a toucan here. (all pictures below

IF YOU HAVE TIME: 

1. Hot springs

2. Rope swing 

FOOD: 

1. Soda Viquez (best food we ate in Costa Rica! order a "chicken casado") 

2. Red Frog Coffee Roaster (best coffee and breakfast!) 

DRIVE: La Fortuna to Monteverde. This road is not for the faint of heart. Approximately 50% of the trip was spent on one lane gravel roads with huge potholes. Apparently that is the *correct* road (we actually thought we had taken a wrong turn). Definitely recommend a 4x4 vehicle if making this trek. 

AirBnB we stayed in (can read my review but overall I would stay here again!)

NIGHTTIME WILDLIFE TOUR: Our AirBnb host, Michael, had his own nighttime wildlife tour that we booked (link to book). I know what you're thinking...$43 to walk in the jungle at night?? But this was WORTH IT, trust me. We saw a taratula, frogs, a sloth, pit vipers, and so much more. He also let us take pictures through his telescope so we left with amazing photos! We never would have spotted this wildlife on our own. 10/10 recommend this.

FOOD & DRINK: Cafe Monteverde for sustainably grown local coffee! Makes great gifts too; Stella's

DRIVE: Monteverde to Playa Hermosa. This drive was much easier and involved some interstate/highway driving - the only we did in the country!

AirBnB we stayed in (definitely would stay here again!)

BEST BEACH: Playa Penca. Warning: They are building a massive resort right above this beach. It looks like you can't park and walk to the beach because of said construction but you definitely can. It didn't ruin our trip, but once it opens, I can't imagine the beach will be nearly as private or pristine :( Get here while you can!

 We flew out of Liberia, a smaller but nice airport (and very crowded).