Do’s and Don’ts of Drinking in Costa Rica for Tourists

September 24, 2025

When planning your trip, understanding the do’s and don’ts of drinking in Costa Rica can make the difference between a smooth, enjoyable night out and an unexpected complication. From sipping a cold Imperial at sunset to tasting Cacique Guaro in a lively cantina, drinking here is a cultural experience as much as it is a pastime.

Let’s dive into the essentials every traveler should know about drinking in Costa Rica.

The Legal Drinking Age in Costa Rica

The minimum legal drinking age in Costa Rica is 18 years old. Bars, restaurants, and liquor stores are required to check IDs. Carry your passport or a copy of it when going out, especially if you look close to that age.

Navigate Costa Rica's vibrant culture by understanding the minimum legal drinking age.

Do’s When Drinking in Costa Rica

Now, let’s dive into what brought us here. These are some things you may do in Costa Rica when drinking:

Respect local customs: Drinking is social and relaxed, not rushed.
Stay hydrated: Tropical heat plus alcohol means you’ll need extra water.
Try local favorites:
- Imperial – “the beer of Costa Rica.”
- Pilsen – a crisp lager, widely loved.
- Cacique Guaro – the national sugarcane spirit, often mixed in shots like the famous chiliguaro.
- Craft beers – available in San José and beach towns, from pale ales to IPAs.
Tip fairly: A 10% service charge is included, but adding more for good service is appreciated.
Use local currency: Some bars take dollars, but colones are preferred.
Secure your belongings: Leave your passport in your hotel safe and carry a copy.

Don’ts When Drinking in Costa Rica

However, not everything is permitted, so please abide by the following guidelines to keep both you and others safe when drinking in Costa Rica:

Don’t drink and drive: laws are strict, fines are high, and enforcement is real.
Don’t drink in public spaces: beaches, parks, and sidewalks are off-limits.
Don’t leave drinks unattended.
Don’t underestimate guaro or house cocktails – they can be stronger than you expect.
Don’t supply alcohol to minors – anyone under 18.
Don’t assume all bars are safe – stick with reputable venues and licensed premises.

Ensure you're 18 years old before you purchase alcohol to meet the Costa Rica drinking age.

Where to Enjoy a Drink in Costa Rica

Nights out are just one part of the fun. If you’d like to balance it with some daytime adventure, La Fortuna has the perfect combo: explore the Hanging Bridges, hike to the stunning La Fortuna Waterfall, and finish the day with a guided walk around the majestic Arenal Volcano—complete with a local lunch.

La Fortuna

La Parrilla de María Bonita: Known for its casual atmosphere and good cocktails.
La Fortuna Pub: A lively local spot for beers and music.
Lava Lounge Bar & Grill: Popular with travelers, with a mix of drinks and international food.

While the nightlife is a great way to soak up local culture, don’t miss what happens under the sun. Each of these destinations also has amazing tours worth adding to your trip. One favorite near Santa Teresa is the Montezuma Waterfall Hike—an unforgettable adventure through lush forest trails leading to three of the area’s most beautiful waterfalls.

Santa Teresa

Banana Beach Club: A beachfront favorite for cocktails at sunset.
Kika: Known for its live music nights and vibrant local scene.
Rocamar: Chill beachfront bar, ideal for a relaxed vibe.

A good drink goes perfectly with a good adventure. After visiting these bars, you can spend your days exploring more of Costa Rica—like our Caribbean Side Escape, a journey through Arenal, Tortuguero, and the southern Caribbean coast. It’s the perfect mix of rainforest, wildlife, and beach culture.

Puerto Viejo & Manzanillo (Caribbean Coast)

Salsa Brava Rasta Bar: Famous for reggae nights and beachfront atmosphere.
Johnny’s Place: One of the oldest and most popular spots for dancing and mingling.
Cool & Calm Café (Manzanillo): Great for a laid-back evening with local flavor

These venues give you a safe, authentic taste of Costa Rica’s nightlife while keeping you connected to the pura vida vibe.

Extra Tips for Drinking in Costa Rica

We already learned about the do’s and don’ts. Now, we consider it helpful to talk about some additional tips you can implement when drinking in Costa Rica.

Check alcohol sales on holidays—restrictions may apply.
Always choose official taxis or rideshares after a night out.
Ask locals for recommendations—they know the hidden gems.
Explore beyond beer and guaro—fresh tropical cocktails are worth it.

Enjoy Your Time in Costa Rica Responsibly!

Costa Rica is a country of vibrant culture and warm hospitality. Knowing the basics of drinking in Costa Rica ensures your evenings are as memorable as your adventures in the rainforest or on the beach.

For travelers who want to blend authentic nightlife with unique cultural and adventure experiences, Find My Costa Rica can design a trip where every detail is taken care of—so you can simply relax and enjoy.

Let us help you plan your Costa Rican adventure—day and night.

The rainy season is genuinely wonderful for travelers who prepare for it. Crowds are smaller, forests are greener, and waterfalls are at their most dramatic. It rains hard, but usually in defined afternoon windows — mornings are often clear.

Want the full picture? Our guide to Costa Rica’s rainy season covers what to expect region by region.

What to pack by activity

Do not repeat your master checklist here these are the additions that matter for specific trip types. Grab what applies to your itinerary and leave the rest.

Beach and water sports

Rash guard sun protection in the water is more effective than sunscreen alone
Waterproof phone case or action cam housing
Reef-safe sunscreen mandatory in marine reserves; this is not a suggestion
Water shoes for rocky beaches and shallow reef walks

Hiking and national parks

Trekking poles especially useful on steep, wet trails in Corcovado or Chirripó
Gaiters for deep mud on rainy season trails
Extra headlamp batteries early morning wildlife walks start before dawn
Microfiber towel compact and dries fast between hikes

Wildlife watching

Binoculars note that most FMCR partner guides carry loaners, so check with your guide before packing yours
Zoom lens (200mm or more) for photographing birds and monkeys at distance
Early-morning layers wildlife is most active before 8am when temperatures are still low
Silent, dark-colored clothing neon colors startle wildlife

City and culture (San José and beyond)

Money belt or anti-theft bag pickpocketing exists in busy market areas
Light cardigan or blazer for nicer restaurants
Comfortable walking shoes cobblestones in Barrio Amón are tough on sandals

Traveler enjoying a Costa Rica sunset view from a scenic overlook

What NOT to pack for Costa Rica

This is the section most travelers wish they had read first. Overpacking is the number one complaint we hear from guests on their first day. Less really is more when you are moving between regions.

Jeans: They never fully dry in the humidity. Swap them for quick-dry pants or shorts and thank yourself on day two.

High heels or dress shoes: You will not need them. Even nice restaurants in Costa Rica are casual. One pair of clean trail sandals does the job.

Too many shoes: Three pairs maximum: waterproof sandals, trail shoes, and flip flops. Shoes are heavy and take space.

Non-reef-safe sunscreen: It is prohibited in several reserves and harmful to marine ecosystems. Bring reef-safe from home. Brands like Raw Elements and Badger are good options.

A hair dryer: Almost every hotel and lodge provides one. Leave yours at home.

Valuables you cannot afford to lose: Leave the expensive jewelry and the laptop you need for work. Use your trip as a proper break.

Cotton everything:Cotton absorbs moisture and stays wet all day. Pack synthetics or merino for everything except maybe one casual outfit.

Practical tips for packing smart: documents, money, and tech

Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your trip.

Customs also requires a tiquete de salida proof of onward travel out of Costa Rica. This can be a return flight or a bus ticket to a neighboring country. Have it printed or easily accessible on your phone. See Costa Rica national park regulations via SINAC for entry requirements at protected areas.

Money

Colones (CRC) are the local currency; USD is widely accepted but change is given in colones
ATMs are available in most towns withdraw colones there rather than exchanging at the airport, where rates are poor
Visa and Mastercard accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and tour operators; carry some cash for small sodas and local markets

Health prep

Check the CDC health recommendations for Costa Rica before your trip they cover vaccines, repellent, and food safety guidance. Travel insurance is not required by law, but we strongly recommend it for anyone doing adventure activities.

Tech

Costa Rica runs on 110V/60Hz US travelers need no adapter or converter
Cell coverage is solid in tourist areas; download offline maps before heading into remote zones
WhatsApp is the primary communication tool in Costa Rica make sure it is installed and working

Tropical hot springs surrounded by rainforest in Costa Rica

Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica?

US, Canadian, and UK citizens do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica for stays up to 90 days. Your passport must be valid for the full duration of your trip. You will need to show a return or onward ticket at customs.

Is tap water safe to drink in Costa Rica?

Yes in most areas. Tap water in San José, Guanacaste, La Fortuna, and other major tourist regions is safe to drink and often tastes good. In very remote or rural communities, confirm locally before drinking. Carry a reusable bottle and refill with confidence in most places.

What is the best luggage for a Costa Rica trip?

A soft-sided rolling suitcase works well if you are staying in one or two places. If you are moving between regions beach, rainforest, and volcano a mid-size backpack (40–50L) is far more practical. It fits in small boats, shuttles, and keeps your hands free on trails. We see guests arrive with giant hard-shell suitcases and spend the trip wishing they had packed a bag.

Do I need to bring bug spray to Costa Rica?

Yes. We recommend a picaridin-based repellent like Sawyer 20% over DEET it works just as well in tropical conditions, does not damage gear or plastics, and has no harsh smell. Apply it especially at dawn and dusk during the rainy season.

Ready to plan your trip? Let Find My Costa Rica handle the details from itinerary to insider tips. Contact us!