Yes. It's completely safe to drink the tap water over the majority of the country. That includes your luxury vacation rentals in Guanacaste! Costa Rica is quite notable in Latin America as 92.5% of the population has access to drinking water.

In 2026, tap water is considered potable and safe to drink in most of Costa Rica, particularly in major cities, the Central Valley, and established tourist hubs like San José and the Guanacaste resorts. This sets it apart from many other Latin American nations. However, in rural, remote, or coastal areas (such as the Osa Peninsula or parts of the Caribbean coast), the water quality can be inconsistent due to aging infrastructure or heavy rainfall causing pipe bursts. The U.S. State Department and local health advisories suggest that while the water is generally "safe," travelers with sensitive stomachs may still prefer bottled or filtered water to avoid the minor digestive upsets caused by different mineral contents and chlorination levels. A 2026 best practice is to check with your specific hotel or rental host; most upscale establishments provide filtered water stations or clearly label their taps. In the tropics, staying hydrated is essential, but if you are venturing into "off-the-beaten-path" villages, stick to sealed bottled water or use a portable purification bottle.