Conclusion - Hits and Misses

Currency:

We would recommend withdrawing cash in Colones, as the exchange rates in stores are very poor. Paying with a credit card is not a problem at all.

Travel Time:

We didn't mind that it rained occasionally. It was very quiet everywhere and we were often the only ones on a tour. Very pleasant.

However, you should also be prepared to be alone in a hotel, which we found rather unpleasant.

Rental Car:

If you rent a car, it should definitely be a 4x4. The Suzuki Jimmy was okay, but it wasn't comfortable at all. Maybe spend a little more money here.

We were very satisfied with Adobe Rent Car.

Wi-Fi:

We had a hotspot in the car, which was more than comfortable, especially when you need the navigation. You could also take the hotspot to the room, great if the hotel only offers Wi-Fi in the lobby. However, you don't always have a good connection. Sometimes none at all.

Hotels:

3 stars were sufficient for us. The facilities vary. There was a fan everywhere, air conditioning is not necessary, but it was quite comfortable.

Monteverde:

For us, it was definitely worth a trip. This place is not suitable for a day trip because the journey there and back takes too long.

Caribbean Coast:

There's a lot of reggae here, ideal for relaxing and enjoying the Caribbean feeling. Definitely worth a visit.

Travel Duration:

We were there for 3 weeks, but in our opinion, two weeks would have been enough. Costa Rica has beautiful nature, a lot of nature, but little culture. After two weeks, you've seen enough rainforest and hopefully enough animals and birds as well.

Travel Planning:

Most of the hotels were a bit too remote for us, you only get to know the staff here. With a rental car, you're already just a couple during the trip and then a lonely hotel is not helpful.

Food:

There's Gallo Pinto everywhere, which is rice with beans. I couldn't really get excited about it. There's no really typical food in Costa Rica. However, it's always very fresh and fruit is included with every meal. Pineapples and bananas are very sweet and delicious.

I found my passion in rice with shrimp. Otherwise, there are tacos, burgers, and Gallo Pinto everywhere.

Drinks:

We chose Pilsen beer. The cocktails were often very tasty with national alcoholic beverages. Beer was only available in 0.3 liters for $2-4.