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Costa Rica is a destination where it’s easy to feel welcome right away. People are friendly, nature is always close, and the overall pace of life encourages you to slow down and enjoy the moment. Still, like any destination, a few small mistakes can affect your comfort, safety, or overall experience if you’re not prepared.
That’s why we’ve put this guide together. Instead of focusing on strict rules, we’ll walk you through practical Costa Rica–specific “don’ts” and pair each one with what to do instead. Our goal is to help you feel confident as you plan your trip, so you can spend less time worrying and more time enjoying everything the country has to offer.
10 Things You Should Avoid During Your Trip to Costa Rica
No one wants a trip to Costa Rica to include uncomfortable surprises. We all travel hoping for smooth experiences, memorable moments, and time well spent in nature. The good news is that, with a bit of awareness and planning, you can explore confidently while protecting the places you came to enjoy.
Let’s take a look at the top 10 things you should avoid when visiting Costa Rica:
1. Don’t feed or touch wildlife
In Costa Rica, feeding wildlife is illegal. While it might seem harmless, it can seriously affect animals’ health and behavior. Human food can make animals sick, and once they get used to being fed, they may stop searching for their natural diet.
Trying to get close enough to touch wildlife can also put both you and the animals at risk. Even animals that appear calm may react suddenly if they feel threatened, which can lead to bites, scratches, or falls. In some cases, animals that become too used to human contact are more likely to approach roads or populated areas, increasing the chances of accidents with vehicles or unsafe encounters with people.
What to do instead: Observe animals from a safe distance and let them behave naturally. You’ll notice more authentic interactions this way, and you’ll help protect their long-term survival.
2. Avoid leaving marked trails
While exploring national parks or natural reserves, you should never leave the marked trail. Stepping on them can put you at risk and harm the environment. Forest floors may look stable, but they can hide loose ground, insects, or plants that cause irritation. In some areas, it’s also easy to lose your sense of direction once you leave the path.
From a conservation perspective, leaving trails can damage fragile plants and disturb wildlife habitats. Many ecosystems in Costa Rica recover slowly once disrupted.
What to do instead: Stay on designated paths and follow signs or guide instructions. Trails are designed to offer the best views and wildlife opportunities while keeping visitors safe.
3. Respect the rainforest
Costa Rican rainforests are some of the most biodiverse places on Earth, and they play an important role not only for the country but for the planet as a whole. These forests help regulate climate, protect water sources, and provide a home for thousands of plant and animal species that can’t survive anywhere else.
Because of this, the rainforest is a living, sensitive environment. Loud voices, sudden movements, or chasing animals can scare wildlife away and reduce your chances of seeing them. It can also create unnecessary stress for animals that depend on quiet spaces to rest, feed, and protect their young. Even small disturbances, when repeated by many visitors over time, can change natural behavior patterns.
Respecting the rainforest also means helping preserve it for future travelers and for the communities that rely on it. Healthy forests support local livelihoods, protect biodiversity, and contribute to global efforts to care for the environment.
What to do instead: Walk slowly, lower your voice, and pause often. The more time you spend listening and observing, the more wildlife you’re likely to notice.
Learn more about the unique plants you’ll find in Costa Rica’s rainforest!
4. Be mindful of driving times
Traveling in Costa Rica often takes longer than expected. Even short distances on a map can turn into longer drives because of winding roads, mountain passes, one-lane bridges, or small towns where traffic naturally slows down. It’s common for visitors to underestimate how much time they’ll spend on the road, especially when moving between destinations like beaches, forests, or volcano areas.
Weather can also play a role. Sudden rain showers may reduce visibility, and in some regions, roads can become muddy or slippery. In rural areas, you might also share the road with cyclists, farm vehicles, or wildlife crossings, all of which encourage slower, more careful driving.
Planning a schedule that’s too tight can make the journey feel stressful instead of enjoyable. One of the best parts of traveling around Costa Rica is being able to stop at scenic viewpoints, local markets, or small towns along the way.
What to do instead: Allow extra time between destinations and plan fewer stops in one day. A relaxed pace helps you have an amazing time.
5. Double check road conditions
Road conditions in Costa Rica can change quickly, especially during the rainy season. Some routes include gravel sections, narrow bridges, steep hills, or potholes that may not be ideal for all vehicles. In more rural areas, signage can also be limited, which can make navigation less straightforward if you’re unfamiliar with the region.
If you’re hiring a rental car, it helps to understand what type of vehicle is best for your route. Some areas are easier to access with a 4×4, particularly if you plan to explore beyond main highways. It’s also smart to be prepared for situations like a flat tire, since services may not always be nearby in remote areas.
Another detail travelers sometimes overlook is speed limits. They can change frequently and are often lower than expected, especially near towns, curves, or protected areas. Taking your time helps you stay safe while also enjoying the scenery.
Driving without knowing these details can lead to delays or uncomfortable situations, especially at night or during heavy rain.
What to do instead: Research your route ahead of time, ask locals or rental agencies for advice, and consider guided transportation if you prefer a more relaxed experience. Before heading out, it’s also helpful to check the local weather, since rain can affect road visibility and conditions.
Check La Fortuna’s weather conditions here to plan your day with ease.
6. Don’t leave belongings unattended
Costa Rica is generally a safe and welcoming destination, but it’s still important to practice the same awareness you would use when traveling anywhere else. Leaving belongings unattended at the beach, in a rental car, or public transportation, can create situations that are easy to avoid with a bit of attention.
Busy places, scenic viewpoints, and popular attractions can naturally draw crowds, which makes it harder to keep track of personal items. Even something simple like stepping away for a photo can leave bags or phones vulnerable.
What to do instead: Keep valuables with you, avoid leaving items at plain sight inside vehicles, and use hotel safes when available. Carry only what you need for the day so you can move around comfortably and worry less about your belongings.
7. Ask for local advice
Conditions in Costa Rica can change quickly depending on weather, seasons, or local events. What looks like an easy trail or short drive on a map might feel very different after heavy rain or during peak travel times. This is why local knowledge makes such a difference.
Many Costa Ricans, including hotel staff, park rangers, tour guides, and even people on the street, can give you information about road conditions, wildlife activity, or the best times to visit certain areas. Their insights can help you avoid unnecessary challenges and discover experiences you might not have considered.
What to do instead: Take a few minutes to ask questions before heading out. Following local recommendations can help you adjust plans smoothly and enjoy your trip with more confidence.
8. Don’t carry all your cash at once
While many hotels and restaurants in Costa Rica accept credit and debit cards in many places, it’s still common for travelers to carry some local currency for small purchases, tips. Carrying all your cash at once, however, can create unnecessary worry if something gets misplaced.
Spreading out your money reduces the risk of losing everything at the same time and makes daily outings feel more relaxed.
What to do instead: Divide your cash between different bags or pockets, use cards when possible, and only carry what you plan to spend that day. Keeping more money in a secure place at your accommodation adds an extra layer of peace of mind.
9. Follow rules or signs
Throughout the entire country, Costa Rican authorities work to preserve the pure, natural character of its landscapes, especially in lush rainforests where ecosystems are delicate and easily affected by human activity.
These signs often indicate wildlife protection zones, trail safety guidelines, or areas that may be unstable or restricted. Ignoring these guidelines can lead to accidents or unintentionally damage fragile ecosystems. Many plants and habitats in Costa Rica take years to recover once disturbed.
What to do instead: Take a moment to read signs and follow instructions. These guidelines help preserve the natural beauty you came to enjoy while ensuring everyone can explore safely.
10. Don’t underestimate guided experiences
Guided experiences often add more value than travelers expect. Local guides are trained to notice details that visitors might overlook, such as animal behavior, hidden wildlife, or signs of changing weather conditions.
They also understand how to move through natural spaces responsibly, which increases the chances of spotting wildlife while keeping both visitors and animals safe.
What to do instead: Consider joining a guided walk or tour, especially in nature areas. Guides not only help you see more but also provide context that makes each sighting more meaningful, turning a simple walk into a richer learning experience.
Explore Costa Rica the Right Way!
When you travel through Costa Rica, small choices can make a big difference. Staying on trails, listening to guides, and observing wildlife from a distance help protect the places we all come to enjoy. It’s part of the Pura Vida (pure life) lifestyle, where slowing down and being mindful helps you connect more with nature.
At Mistico Park, we invite you to explore the rainforest in a way that feels respectful, relaxed, and rewarding. Walking our trails with local guides helps you discover more while caring for the environment around you.
Contact us at Mistico Park and start planning your visit today.
FAQs
Is Costa Rica safe for tourists?
Yes, Costa Rica is considered one of the safest countries to visit in Central America.
What are the biggest mistakes first-time visitors make?
One common mistake is underestimating travel times between destinations. Others include stepping off marked trails, feeding wildlife, or trying to fit too many activities into one day.
Are there special rules in national parks and reserves?
One common mistake is underestimating travel times between destinations. Others include stepping off marked trails, feeding wildlife, or trying to fit too many activities into one day.
