Planning a Trip to Costa Rica: Your Essential Guide to Costa Rica

When it comes to traveling sustainably, travelers often think about the obvious tropes of green travel, such as traveling in eco-friendly vehicles and avoiding the use of plastic water bottles. But there are more ways to reduce a carbon footprint and become a responsible traveler. Welcome to Costa Rica, home to the world’s most enthusiastic tree planters and one of the first countries in the world to promote responsible travel. Costa Rica knew about eco-tourism even before it was cool, so take notes! This country is serious about its efforts for sustainability. Eco-tourism in Costa Rica doesn't just mean staying in eco-lodges and taking nature walks in its conservation areas, but also supporting local farmers growing indigenous plants or whale watching through tour operators that support marine conservation. While the rest of the world looks for ways to undo the damage it has done to the environment, this Central American destination is already ten steps ahead. En route to becoming the first carbon-neutral country by 2021, this vibrant destination with a flourishing democracy utilizes eco-tourism to supercharge its economy. If you’re out to experience eco-tourism while on a trip to Costa Rica, you’re in for a treat — there are so many ways to travel sustainably in this gorgeous slice of Central American paradise! Listed here are ten of our favorites.

Costa Rica boasts diverse rainforests, dramatic volcanoes and some of the world's most beautiful beaches. With five percent of the world's biodiversity, it's no surprise this tiny country is a pioneer of eco-tourism. If you’re looking for sustainable places to stay when on a Costa Rica trip, there is a wide range of options. From working farms where you can see sustainability in practice to eco-luxe resorts where you can enjoy an indulgent break, there are lots of places where you can rest your head without harming the planet. Eco-lodges in Costa Rica can vary in terms of price and amenities. To help you choose something that suits you and your budget, here is a selection of the best sustainable stays the country has to offer.

The rain-forested canopies and the remarkable volcanic terrain of Costa Rica are amazing to behold, but these regions offer more than just paradisiacal tourist spots. From the cloud forest highlands down to the coastal towns, guests can revel in the country’s delicious cuisine that proudly displays its Caribbean and Latino roots. To satisfy your sense of taste, we bring you the best Costa Rican food you absolutely must try while on a trip to Costa Rica.

In recent years, Costa Rica has established itself as one of the world's great destinations, offering the ultimate blend of stunning scenery, rich culture, and legendary hospitality. Adventure tourists and eco-tourists alike are enthralled by this small country's range of activities, sights, and attractions, not to mention its excellent infrastructure and delicious cuisine. From the mighty Arenal volcano to the cloud forests of Monteverde and the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio, there is no shortage of action and adventure! That said, traveling to any developing country can bring its own challenges, and Costa Rica is no exception. As such, we’ve put together our very best Costa Rica travel tips to help you get to the very most out of your Costa Rica tour.

One of the Costa Rica’s best-loved protected areas is Arenal Volcano National Park. It’s home to the mighty cones of two dormant but still venting volcanoes, crystal-clear lakes, and thundering waterfalls, all amid a lush jungle. To get there, you’ll first need to make the journey from the cultural wonders of Costa Rica’s capital San Jose, to La Fortuna, the small town gateway to the Arenal Volcano National Park.

Lush rainforest, mountain streams loaded with natural geothermal springs and an active volcano, this is what travellers to Arenal Volcano National Park will be thrilled to see. Throw in some stellar wildlife from three-toed sloths to howler monkeys to hundreds of bird species and you might just think you found paradise. Arenal Volcano National Park is a special place to visit on a Costa Rica trip and this destination can make many of your adventure dreams come true. Choosing the right environment to holiday in is important and finding the perfect hotel in Arenal is easier than you thought. There are plenty of choices from hostels to luxury resorts and everything in between that can fit into any traveller’s budget. It should come as no surprise that you are thinking about where to stay in Arenal. We have pared down your selection to the six best Arenal hotels that fits every budget.

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.