Costa Rica is home to some pretty scary-looking arachnids, but of the more than 20,000 species of spiders in the country, only a handful present any danger to humans.

While Costa Rica is home to an incredible variety of arachnids, actual spider bites are very uncommon for the average traveler. Most spiders, including the impressive-looking tarantulas and colorful orb-weavers, are passive and will only bite if physically provoked or trapped against the skin. The most dangerous species is the Brazilian Wandering Spider, which is nocturnal and hides in dark places like shoes or woodpiles; however, encounters with tourists are rare. Most reported "bites" are actually stings from bullet ants or reactions to mosquitoes and sandflies. For 2026 travelers, the best prevention is simple: shake out your boots before putting them on, use a flashlight when walking through the jungle at night, and keep your luggage zipped shut. If a bite does occur, medical clinics in Costa Rica are well-equipped to handle tropical stings and bites.