Bordered by the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica spans just 170 miles (274 kilometers) coast-to-coast, yet contains six percent of the world's biodiversity. Postcard-perfect beaches; lush, protected rainforests; and a proud history of promoting conservation and eco-tourism have helped make the country a veritable paradise for active travelers and nature lovers—as well as Central America's top travel destination. Many tours begin in Costa Rica's ""Golden Triangle"" and string together the most popular destinations: Arenal Volcano National Park and nearby La Fortuna, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and Manuel Antonio National Park. In this region alone, there are enough outdoor activities to fill several vacations, ranging from ziplining through the rainforest canopy, to whitewater rafting, to rainforest safaris, and perhaps even a glimpse of the Arenal volcano in action. Many tours offer family-friendly options, and proximity to the Pacific coast makes it easy to include plenty of beach time. Off the beaten path, consider a private tour of Tortuguero National Park, a protected wilderness reserve and seasonal sea-turtle nesting ground that's home to monkeys, crocodiles, and more than 300 species of birds. If you have some time in San Jose, the capital offers a wealth of museums, including the National Museum, the Gold Museum, the Jade Museum, and the Children's Museum. Or tour the lively Central Market to shop for handicrafts. Everywhere you go, Costa Rica casts its spell—don't be surprised if you fall in love with the ""pura vida"" lifestyle and never want to leave.
The most popular time to visit Costa Rica is the dry season, December–April. It’s the best time for outdoor activities. If you can put up with a bit of rain, July and August you'll have smaller crowds and lower prices, though it’s not a good time for navigating trails in the cloud forests. Beginner surfers will find manageable waves in March and April, while expert surfers come for bigger waves in September and October.
There are many options for getting around Costa Rica. Domestic flights are the quickest option, especially to more remote areas. Buses are the cheapest and slowest. Shuttle buses to popular tourist destinations are faster and more comfortable, but also more expensive. While taxis are best for short distances, rental cars offer the most flexibility—consider a 4WD for more remote, wet areas. Hiring a car with a driver also offers flexibility, but will be pricey.
Costa Rica is becoming more popular as a tourist destination. To escape the crowds, look beyond the hot spots. Instead of Jaco or Tamarindo for surfing, try Dominical or Playa Negra, and instead of Arenal Volcano, head to Miravalles or Rincón de la Vieja volcanos. The Caribbean Coast also sees fewer visitors than the Pacific Coast, but offers pristine beaches, jungles, and incredibly rich biodiversity. The remote Osa peninsula also offers adventure without the crowds.
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Costa Rica is best known for its scenery, from sandy beaches to wide expanses of tropical cloud forests full of all sorts of wildlife—everything from colorful birds to adorable sloths. Costa Rica is also known for its excellent coffee, which gets exported all over the world.
...MoreIn order to make the most of Costa Rica, you’ll need at least 10 or so days. This will allow you to spend time visiting attractions such as Arenal Volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forest, with time to see a beach town or check out some museums in San Jose.
...MoreIf you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, don't miss the Monteverde Cloud Forest and Arenal Volcano, particularly if you’re interested in spotting wildlife. It’s also worth stopping at a coffee plantation and spending time at some of San Jose’s museums, notably the Gold Museum.
...MoreYes. There is a lot to do in Costa Rica. There are tons of great beaches, so surfing, sunbathing, and swimming are all popular activities. Hiking and wildlife-viewing opportunities also abound, and you'll want to stop at some of the protected parks that provide refuge to everything from toucans to primates.
...MoreYes. It is safe to walk around Costa Rica, at least for the most part. Visitors and locals alike should exercise caution after dark, particularly in certain areas of San Jose, but tourist areas are—by and large—very safe.
...MoreTraditional activities in Costa Rica for tourists include ziplining, surfing, and taking guided nature hikes through the rainforest. If you want to learn more about the traditions and day-to-day lives of Costa Rican people, consider joining a cooking class or attending a soccer match.
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