Costa Rica Travel Guide - Travel Insights and Tips

Featuring lush rainforests, active volcanoes, hot springs, and endless stretches of pristine beaches along the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, a trip to Costa Rica offers an unparalleled experience. Traverse misty cloud forests in reserves like Monteverde, where vibrant wildlife, including sloths and tropical birds, await discovery. Delight in the flavors of locally-grown coffee and chocolate during plantation tours, or delve into the depths of adventure by exploring caves in Playa Cantanas. Be sure to sightsee iconic landmarks such as the Fortuna Waterfall. With its diverse natural landscapes and an array of activities, this compact Central American nation has rightfully claimed its place as the eco-tourism hub for tourists visiting Central America.Don’t want to miss out on the best that Costa Rica has to offer? Explore our carefully curated list of top things to do in Costa Rica, encompassing must-visit attractions and must-do activities. Moreover, we've included alternate destinations for each activity to ensure you don't miss out on any excitement.

With the greatest density of biodiversity in the world and a focus on environmental conservation, Costa Rica is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and enriching places to be. The focus this country puts on tourism further provides an unmatched landscape for travelers seeking outdoor adventures. From its dense rainforests to raging rivers and monumental volcanoes, it seems as though Costa Rica was built for adventure. There is nothing quite like Costa Rican adventure travel!Adventures in Costa Rica will take your breath away. Get the most out of your trip by considering these exciting activities while planning your adrenaline-filled Costa Rican tour. 

Located in the very heart of Costa Rica, the bustling and vibrant capital city San Jose opens up like a surprise gift if you know where to look! The warm climate, bustling activities, friendly locals, rich culture, and spectacular Victorian mansions make San Jose a popular tourist attraction to visit on a tour in Costa Rica. If you ever plan on visiting this melting pot of culture and urbanization, read our brilliant list of things to do in San Jose, listed here in no particular order.

Arenal Volcano is one of the most spectacular sights to see on a Costa Rica tour. This giant stands at an impressive 1,657 meters tall and has been one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes in the past half-century. But this doesn’t keep visitors from embarking on adventures to trek its lava-filled terrain located in La Fortuna.While it is prohibited to climb Arenal Volcano, numerous hikes in Arenal Volcano National Park allow you to walk around the base, along the old lava fields, and through the rainforest. Here we provide a breakdown of each Arenal Volcano hike to help you plan your trip to Arenal Volcano National Park. Note that distances and times are given for one-way. The best time to visit the park is between February to April, for dry weather and your best chance to utilize the trails. Rains during other times of the year can make the trails treacherous and inaccessible. For a more seasonal overview of the country, check out our travel guide on the best time to visit Costa Rica. There are several trails to hike around Arenal Volcano.

Costa Rica — the Rich Coast — is awash with phenomenal beaches, and those on the Pacific Ocean at Santa Teresa are no exception. Located at Nicoya Peninsula in the Puntarenas province, the surf here attracts board-lovers from across the globe, and its white sand beaches fringed by tropical jungle are more than just a place to catch some rays. Lacking any high-rise buildings, Santa Teresa maintains an under-the-radar feel while upholding the quintessential image of unspoiled central American beaches. Having said that, the lure of the surf means the town’s main drag in Santa Teresa has a good choice of restaurants and accommodation, which ranges from the budget to the sublime.

For years, La Fortuna in Costa Rica has been one of the top tourist destinations. It is the hub of outdoor adventuring with its impressive landscape and variety of activities. In this natural oasis, anyone can find plenty of options to satiate their need for excitement or rejuvenation. Enjoy this guide detailing our recommendations on things to do in La Fortuna. For a more general guide on the country, read through our recommendations on things to do in Costa Rica. 

The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season (verano), which stretches from December to April. This season coincides with the peak tourist season, where December is the most crowded month, followed by the school vacation season that stretches from mid-January to mid-March. The weather in Costa Rica is temperate year-round, but it is best avoided during the wet season (invierno). May to November is classified as the wet season in Costa Rica, when all six rainforests of the country face the heaviest downpours. July and August are the only wet season months that see considerable periods of sunshine and are ideal for travel if you prefer lower prices on accommodations and fewer crowds.Continue reading to find out the best time to plan a trip to Costa Rica.

The weather in Costa Rica in January is sunny with little rainfall, making it one of the best times to visit this country. You can virtually cover every part of Costa Rica during this month, including its incredible rainforest regions. The first week of January in Costa Rica is a peak tourist season, thanks to New Year’s celebrations. But prices drop somewhat after that, although they are higher than at other times of the year.Barring the fact that you might have to fork out more money, there are a lot of superb things to see and do in Costa Rica in January. Be it scuba diving in Osa’s Cano Island, surfing high waves at Playa Cocles in Puerto Viejo, or exploring the stunning Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, there is no shortage of experiences to be had on a trip to Costa Rica.

A few months into its dry season, a trip to Costa Rica in February offers plenty of sunshine. Sun lovers will find this month to be the perfect time to visit the country whose beaches and rainforests are the main draw. In addition to this, a flurry of festivals takes place across the country in February, beckoning even more travelers to visit. Discover the highlights of Costa Rica while the sun is up, especially its nature reserves that are located along the Pacific coast where the weather is at its driest.

March is the middle of the dry season in Costa Rica, which means that the country sees the mercury rise to its highest level during this time. And although the scorching sun and little rainfall leave locals and tourists scampering for places to cool off, it does not pose a challenge — Costa Rica’s long list of world-renowned beaches offer respite from the heat.A trip to Costa Rica in March is also perfect for spotting humpback whales off the country’s Pacific coast and spying on exotic animals in national parks.

A trip to Costa Rica in April is the perfect time to experience the country’s epic religious festivals and enjoy warm weather conditions along with action-packed fiestas. This month marks the end of the dry season in Costa Rica, and the central and western parts of the country receive nearly no rainfall at this time of year.A sunny climate along with clear skies mean that there is no limit to what adventurous souls can do in Costa Rica in April. Enjoy water sports in Puerto Viejo and scour the hiking trails of the Santa Elena Cloud Forest. Do not forget to unwind on enchanting Caribbean beaches and enjoy the festive Easter spirit in downtown San Jose before it is time to catch your flight back home.

May in Costa Rica is the time when nature comes to life with lush greenery. It is when animals rejoice as the rainy season kicks in. Despite the country making a gradual transition to the wet season during this time of year, you still have plenty of sunny days to explore this tropical paradise. Go whitewater rafting in the thundering San Juan River and explore the coastal areas of Guanacaste. Take part in numerous local festivities and join food fiestas in San Jose. Enjoy a trip to Costa Rica in May and indulge in a soothing getaway like no other.

From sunning yourself on the alluring Caribbean and Pacific coasts, trekking through the central American jungle in search of exotic native wildlife, or paddling some of the best whitewater in the world, there’s a Costa Rica trip for everyone. With such a long list of heavenly attractions, including national parks that take up a quarter of the country’s entire area, sapphire blue seas, gently smoking volcanoes, and tropical beaches, it’s little wonder that this area of central America was nicknamed the ‘rich coast’. Whether you’ve got just a few days or are lucky enough to have a couple of weeks, with the best Costa Rica itinerary will be sure to fit in the full gamut of experiences!

Costa Rica is a tropical paradise in Central America that offers an incredible array of experiences. By spending just 4 days in Costa Rica, you can immerse yourself in the country's natural wonders and thrilling adventures. From the beaches of Manuel Antonio to the rainforests of Monteverde and from the volcanoes of Arenal to the wildlife-rich waterways of Tortuguero, there are several sites to explore and experiences to have here. 

Five days in Costa Rica may not seem like much, but it is enough time to explore the top highlights of this small country best known for its national parks, wildlife, and beaches. For luxury travelers looking to experience the best of Central America in a few days, a 5-day trip to Costa Rica is the perfect option. This short itinerary concentrates on specific activities and destinations. For instance, they can visit Carara National Park to spot macaws and Tortuguero National Park to spot sea turtles, sightsee the landmarks in San Jose, or relax on the pristine beaches of the Caribbean and Pacific coast. 

A 6-day Costa Rica trip offers the perfect balance between exploring the country's diverse landscapes and immersing yourself in its rich culture and biodiversity. With nearly a week at your disposal, you can experience the lush rainforests of Monteverde, the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio, the steaming Arenal Volcano, and the vibrant wildlife of Tortuguero. From the Caribbean charm of Puerto Viejo to the Pacific paradise of the Nicoya Peninsula and from the cloud forests of San Gerardo de Dota to the urban pulse of San José, Costa Rica offers a wealth of experiences. 

Explore Costa Rica in just seven days and experience a veritable nature wonderland. With a quarter of its landmass protected as national parks, Costa Rica offers unspoiled wilderness for every type of traveler. Explore volcanoes like Arenal and Rincón de la Vieja, relax on pristine beaches in Tamarindo, discover the cloud forests of Monteverde, or venture into the lush jungles of Tortuguero. With just 7 days in Costa Rica, you can uncover everything, from zip-lining through rainforest canopies to observing sea turtles on Caribbean shores.

As the most developed nation in Central America, Costa Rica is safe, easy, and fun. Spend just 8 days in Costa Rica, and you will get to marvel at the magnificent La Fortuna waterfall, explore the atmospheric Monteverde Cloud Forest, and kick back on a pristine Caribbean beach. You’ll also find time to hike a muddy jungle trail or scale the steamy Arenal Volcano. Costa Rica’s pristine landscapes, abundant wildlife, and a booming eco-tourism industry draw adventure-seekers in droves. While nature is the big-ticket attraction, you’ll find luxury resorts at bustling beach meccas like Tamarindo and cosmopolitan dining in San Jose.