Don’t Worry, Be Capy: Mircea’s Costa Rica & Panama Adventure

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!

The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica may not be as well-known as the Pacific side, but it's an outdoor adventure that should not be overlooked if you seek an exotic location packed full of nature, wildlife, and white sandy beaches. Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast (the right-hand or eastern side when looking at a map) might be higher in humidity and have more rainfall, but what it loses in weather it makes up for with its diverse abundance of flora and fauna. The Caribbean coast is also much less developed than its Pacific cousin, meaning it sees fewer tourists — a plus point in our book and likely so for those seeking an adventurous trip in Costa Rica! You'll find rainforests to explore, superb surfing, snorkeling on coral reefs, reggae party towns, and some unmistakable Caribbean charm. Read on to discover just a small taste of what Costa Rica’s Caribbean vacations can offer you.

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.

Costa Rica is blessed with two beautiful coastlines, the Caribbean coast, and the Pacific coast. Although both sides have stunning spots to visit, enjoying Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is one of the best ways to spend your next Costa Rica trip. Warm sunny days on palm-lined beaches, inviting surf, and wilderness treks through the dense jungle are just some of the hallmark experiences to be had in this oasis. Whether you seek all-inclusive luxury or rustic backpacking adventures, consider these destinations, activities, and attractions for an exhilarating vacation.

There is a reason why Costa Rica welcomes over 2 million visitors each year and is a top pick from the best tropical vacation spots. The country is a playground for nature lovers and with some of the most inviting beaches in the world, travelers can easily plan a Costa Rica beach vacation. From black sand beaches and sleepy palms to roaring surf and nightlife, the best beaches in Costa Rica include diverse opportunities for enjoyment. With a seemingly endless landscape of beaches, it can be hard to choose where to travel. Here is a breakdown of the top beaches in Costa Rica in no particular order, to help you plan your Costa Rica trip. The map of Costa Rica shows the locations of the best beaches to visit in Costa Rica.

An island paradise complete with white sandy beaches, azure waters, and tall coconut trees swaying to the rhythm of the undeniable sense of luxury and tranquility, this is what lies in store to travelers visiting Tortuga Island in Costa Rica. A quick 90-minute boat ride from Puntarenas (with some of the most epic scenery along the way) is how you’ll start your Tortuga Island tour, and once you’re there, we’re pretty sure it will capture your heart and soul for good. In this guide, we’ll be giving you the lowdown on all you need to know about Tortuga Island in Costa Rica.

Rio Celeste (the Celeste River) is a 14-kilometer-long stretch of vivid turquoise water that flows through the Tenorio Volcano National Park in northwestern Costa Rica. Its ethereal light-blue hue is caused by a chemical reaction between sulfur and carbonate, which are formed in volcanic soil. The crown jewel of this scenic stretch is the 90-meter-tall waterfalls that plunge into an azure lagoon framed with luscious greenery. The best way to soak up this slice of paradise during a Costa Rica tour is via a scenic trail that runs for about 6 kilometers along the most beautiful portion of the river. The Rio Celeste waterfall hike will take you through the dense tropical vegetation, along an intriguing confluence, and over small wooden bridges. Here are some basic tips to help you plan out your Rio Celeste tour and make the most out of your visit.

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.

Regarded by many as the jewel of Central America, Costa Rica is a bucket-list destination that is guaranteed to deliver. From towering volcanoes and vast rainforests to pristine beaches with excellent surf, this relatively small country has it all. Want to dive right in, but not sure where to start? Here is our guide to the 10 best places to visit in Costa Rica.

With its pristine wilderness and excellent ecotourism system, Costa Rica is one of the best places in the world to adventure as a family. Venturing outdoors tends to inspire adults and kids alike, and in this country, cloud forests, tropical jungles, and sunny beaches won’t disappoint. Plan your next trip with our list of top destinations for a family vacation in Costa Rica.

In Costa Rica, a "walk in the park" means putting your trekking shoes on and rediscovering one of the truest paradises in existence. Visions of green will fill your senses, thanks to the lush tropical fringe that extends from both ends of the country. Comprised of more than 25% of protected natural areas, this jungle escape is home to abundant biodiversity that can only be found in Central America. A Costa Rica tour promises nothing less than a colorful experience. It is the reflection of a strong Hispanic culture paired with the land’s thriving vegetation and amazing geography. Below are seven of the best national parks in Costa Rica (in no particular order) that will surely put you in awe of nature’s fertile gifts in this part of the world.

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.