Is it safe to drink the tap water?

Yes, in most areas of Costa Rica, the tap water is safe to drink. If you are in very remote areas, ask your host.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

In tourist hubs like Monteverde and Manuel Antonio, almost everyone speaks English. Knowing 'Hola' and 'Gracias' is polite but not required.

Planning your first trip to Costa Rica

Focus your first trip on two distinct regions—the cloud forests of Monteverde and the beaches of Manuel Antonio—to avoid spending your entire vacation in a car. Use private shuttles or shared vans (Interbus/Gray Line) instead of renting a car if you aren't comfortable driving on unpaved mountain roads.

Pick a maximum of three locations. Costa Rica's roads are slower than they look on a map. A 100km drive can easily take 4 hours. Stick to one mountain destination and one coastal destination to minimize transit time.
Book your shuttle transport in advance. Don't rely on public buses if you're on a tight schedule. Book 'door-to-door' shared shuttles online at least 3 weeks before you arrive.
Fly into the right airport. Fly into SJO (San José) for the Central Valley, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio. Fly into LIR (Liberia) if you are heading specifically to the Northern Pacific coast (Guanacaste).
Secure your park entries. If you plan to visit Manuel Antonio National Park, buy your entry tickets online on the official SINAC website at least 2 weeks in advance. They sell out daily.

Is it safe to drink the tap water?: Yes, in most areas of Costa Rica, the tap water is safe to drink. If you are in very remote areas, ask your host.
Do I need to speak Spanish?: In tourist hubs like Monteverde and Manuel Antonio, almost everyone speaks English. Knowing 'Hola' and 'Gracias' is polite but not required.