Overview
Los Chiles is Costa Rica's northernmost town and the only official border crossing east of Lake Nicaragua, making it a critical transit point for travelers heading into Nicaragua's Río San Juan region. The town is surprisingly wealthy due to its strategic border location, with a rare supermarket that draws visitors from across the frontier.
Budget Travel · Day Trips · Nature · Transit Hub
Before you go
Connectivity
Hotel y Restaurante Wilson Tulipán offers free Wi-Fi, but mobile coverage and internet cafes are limited in this small border town.
Culture
Weekend mejengas (soccer matches) in the Central Plaza draw locals and offer authentic cultural immersion. Football terminology uses local Spanish.
Money
Costa Rican colón (CRC) is the local currency. Budget hostels start around ₡2,500; mid-range cabinas ₡8,000-10,000. Sodas serve meals from ₡1,200.
Shopping
Los Chiles has a rare supermarket for this border region, making it ideal for stocking up before crossing into Nicaragua where supplies are limited.
Transport
Hourly buses to Ciudad Quesada (₡2,200) and direct services to San José at 11:00 and 15:00 (₡2,100). The 13:30 boat to San Carlos, Nicaragua costs ₡5,000.
