Do I need to speak Spanish?

Not for tourism, but knowing basic phrases like '¿Dónde está?' and 'La cuenta, por favor' goes a long way with locals.

Is it safe to drive at night?

Avoid it. Roads lack streetlights, have potholes, and are often shared with pedestrians or animals. Plan to arrive at your destination before sunset.

Planning an Adventure Trip for Two in Costa Rica

Focus your itinerary on two distinct zones—La Fortuna for volcanoes and the coast for surf—to minimize travel time. Rent a 4x4 vehicle to maintain your own schedule and prioritize activities that require booking 48 hours in advance during the dry season.

Pick your two zones. Don't try to see the whole country in 7 days. Choose one inland adventure hub (La Fortuna/Arenal) and one coastal hub (Manuel Antonio or Santa Teresa) to avoid spending your entire trip sitting in a shuttle.
Secure a 4x4 rental. Book a mid-sized 4x4 SUV at least 3 weeks before arrival. You need the clearance for mountain roads and potential washouts, especially during the green season (May–November).
Book adventure tours in advance. High-demand activities like canyoning in Arenal or guided night walks in Monteverde fill up fast. Book these directly through official tour operator websites at least one week out.
Download offline maps. Google Maps is generally accurate, but cell service drops in the cloud forests. Download the Costa Rica region for offline use before you leave your hotel Wi-Fi.

Do I need to speak Spanish?: Not for tourism, but knowing basic phrases like '¿Dónde está?' and 'La cuenta, por favor' goes a long way with locals.
Is it safe to drive at night?: Avoid it. Roads lack streetlights, have potholes, and are often shared with pedestrians or animals. Plan to arrive at your destination before sunset.