Costa Rica tours & holidays
Costa Rica embraces a slower pace of life
Costa Rica is calling with its mix of adventure, culture and pure tropical beauty. It’s no wonder this ‘rich coast’ lives up to its name. Wander beneath the lush jungle canopies of Monteverde, visit the colourful city of San Jose and embrace the laidback pace of life that defines Costa Rica’s ‘pura via’ lifestyle. Dive deeper than the average traveller with a local family homestay in a quiet agricultural community and share a traditional meal with the Maleku community. These are the moments that reveal the true heart of Costa Rica.
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Articles of Costa Rica
Costa Rica at a glance
CAPITAL CITY
San Jose (population approximately 340,000)
POPULATION
Approximately 5.1 million
CURRENCY
Costa Rican Colon (CRC)
LANGUAGE
Spanish
TIME ZONE
(GMT-06:00) Central America
CALLING CODE
+506
ELECTRICITY
Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type B (American 3-pin)
Learn more about Costa Rica
Best time to visit
Year-round tropical warmth means there really isn’t a bad time to visit Costa Rica. The country has two predominant seasons: wet and dry. December to April welcomes the dry season, which means hours of sunshine, warm temperatures and very little rainfall. This is a fabulous time to try your hand at a surfing lesson and jump into the waterfall pools in La Fortuna. However, this also means it’s peak tourist season, so you won’t be the only one trying to soak up the sun.
The wet season comes along from May to July and again in November, but the good news is that even during the rainiest of seasons, the rainfall tends to be limited to only a couple hours a day with mornings generally being sunny and bursts of rain hitting in the afternoon.
If you can handle some rain showers, this is actually a great time to visit because the majority of tourists are off chasing the sun somewhere else, which means you can take in the rainforest at its lushest and greenest, without the crowds.
Geography and environment
Costa Rica is a slice of paradise packed with an astonishing variety of landscapes and ecosystems. Bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, it has over 800 miles of coastline featuring everything from black volcanic sands to clear, turquoise waters.
Heading inland, Costa Rica’s terrain transforms dramatically with the rugged Talamanca Mountains stretching across the country. The rich volcanic activity has shaped lush, fertile valleys and the country is also home to tropical rainforests, cloud forests and dry forests, creating a haven for biodiversity.
The range of terrain and diverse landscapes make it an epic destination for adventure sports such as ziplining, whitewater rafting, cycling, snorkelling and hiking. It is also home to over 500,000 species of plants and animals, so those seeking to spot local wildlife will be enthralled by Costa Rica’s unique flora and fauna.
Top places to visit in Costa Rica
1. Tortuguero National Park
One of Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets, this national park is where unspoiled beauty meets true wilderness. This biodiverse haven is home to an array of wildlife – from gentle sea turtles nesting on the shores to elusive jaguars. Dive into its turquoise waters, unwind on its beaches or hop aboard a small boat to explore the park’s labyrinthine canals.
2. Manuel Antonio
A true eco-playground, this is where misty rainforests, sunny shores and adventures unfold at every turn. Spend your day wandering lush trails in search of lazy sloths then cool off on one of its delightful beaches. For sunset, Espadilla Beach offers a front-row seat to the Pacific’s golden hour. When night calls, head to nearby Quepos for good eats and lively nightlife and get ready for the next day of surfing and cooking classes with the locals.
3. Monteverde
Monteverde is a lush, mist-cloaked sanctuary that feels like stepping into an enchanted forest. This biological preserve thrives under a near-constant cloud cover, providing consistent rainfall that adds to the magic. Take a nature walk and keep your eye out for sleepy sloths, or venture across suspension bridges that let you walk through the forest canopy itself. For the fearless, Monteverde’s zip lines offer a thrilling ride above the jungle.
4. San Jose
The country’s capital is Costa Rica’s vibrant heart, where more than half the country’s population lives. Dive into history at the Gold Museum with its amazing collection of Indigenous gold art, or stroll through the Mercado Municipal de Artesanias and Central Market for unique finds. By day or night, San Jose’s blend of tradition and modernity offers endless discoveries.
5. La Fortuna
La Fortuna is the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure, nestled under the watchful gaze of the mighty Arenal volcano. Known for its mellow vibe, this town is home to bubbling hot springs and natural pools to unwind. For those looking to explore, a gentle walk to the Las Coladas lava fields offers up-close views of Arena’s rugged beauty, while a guided naturalist walk through the Cano Negro Wetlands reveals its diverse wildlife.
6. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
This laidback jungle town is where the rhythm of reggaeton meets the sound of surf. This small coastal gem has a lively main street lined with dance halls, bars and modern restaurants, all infused with the area’s easygoing vibe. Spend your days riding waves on the surf beaches or exploring nearby rainforest fruit farms. For a dose of wildlife, head to nearby Cahuita National Park, where you can spot monkeys, sloths and much more.
History and culture
Costa Rica’s story begins over 10,000 years ago with indigenous communities living off the abundant jungles and rainforests. Christopher Columbus’ arrival in 1502 led to Spanish settlement in the region, and the colonization resulted in disease and forced labour that devastated the native populations. By 1821, Costa Rica joined the movement for independence, breaking free from Spanish rule and eventually becoming fully autonomous in 1838.
The country’s economy relies on eco-tourism, and it has championed the idea that the ‘rich coast’ refers not to resources dug from the ground but to natural wonders above it.
Costa Rican culture can be summed up in two words: ‘pura vida’, or the pure life. It’s a greeting, farewell and a way to show appreciation. You’ll find that people in Costa Rica are generally in less of a hurry and are known for their conflict-averse nature. They cherish peace so deeply that Costa Rica abolished its army in 1949 and reallocated those funds for an ‘army’ of teachers.
Festivals like the Zapote, the Palmares Fiestas and the lively Limon Carnival showcase their vibrant culture, rich traditions and love of community.
Eating and drinking
Things to try in Costa Rica
Gallo pinto
Gallo pinto is the most common side dish in Costa Rica and across the Americas. It's served alongside meals morning, noon and night. It’s made of rice, beans, onions, peppers and spices, and the name translates to ‘speckled rooster’ because of the pops of colour in the rice.
Casado
If you eat at a ‘soda’ or traditional Costa Rican restaurant, chances are a casado will be on the menu. There are many variations of this tasting plate, but you’ll likely get served up some gallo pinto, fried plantains and salad with either chicken, beef or fish and freshly squeezed juice, covering all your food groups in one.
Chifrijo
Chifrijo is a common bar snack in Costa Rica. The word combines its two main ingredients – chicharrones (fried pork rinds) and frijoles (beans). The chicharrones and beans are layered together, topped with guacamole and pico de gallo, and served with fresh tortilla or plantain chips for dipping.
Ceviche
While ceviche is probably more often associated with Peru, the Tico version is a delicious variation. Made with raw fish cured in citrus juice, onions, coriander and peppers and served with tortilla chips or fried plantains, this dish is light, refreshing and a great start to a meal.
Sopa negra
Sopa negra is a Costa Rican black bean soup, often flavoured with tomatoes and spices and served with egg and coriander.
Rondon
Rondon is a seafood chowder that comes from Jamaica. Other Caribbean countries who’ve adopted the recipe have put their own spin on it with their choice of seafood – fish, crab, small lobster – as well as the coconut milk broth and spices.
Arroz con leche
Sweet tooths can rejoice with this Central and South American dessert staple of arroz con leche – a spiced, sweet rice pudding made with cinnamon, cloves and raisins. Try it as a warming snack or a special dessert.
Pejibayes
This unusual fruit comes from a type of palm known as the peach palm. After boiling for a few hours and discarding the inner seed and outer skin, the fruit is finished with a squeeze of lime or a dollop of mayonnaise to eat the local way. The taste has been likened to a mix between squash, potato and cashew.
Coffee
Costa Rica produces some of the best coffee in the world, so you’re set for your caffeine fix during your time in Costa Rica. It has both the ideal soil composition and the perfect elevation to grow the perfect coffee crop, so be sure to sample as many fresh local brews as you can.
Money matters
The official currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rica Colon (CRC).
Major credit cards are accepted by most large shops, hotels and restaurants, although smaller vendors and market stalls often only accept cash, so be sure to have a combination of both when travelling.
ATMs are easily found in large cities and airports, although are less common in rural and remote areas. When travelling out of the city, be prepared with enough cash, as ATMs are not always an option.
Costa Rica travel FAQs
Generally, travellers from most nationalities do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica. Costa Rica grants visas to most countries’ passports for a period of 90 days with a valid passport. For more information, please visit the government of Costa Rica’s website or the Essential Trip Information.
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it is important that you check for the latest information. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government’s foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our visa and entry requirements page.
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.
For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance
While tipping isn't mandatory in Costa Rica, rounding up the bill and leaving spare change at restaurants and cafes is standard practice. Many restaurants do add a service charge to the final bill which is usually a 10% gratuity; however, 500 colones (or around USD 1) of local currency is an appropriate extra amount.
What you pack for a trip to Costa Rica will depend on when and where you are travelling. We recommend packing lightweight, comfortable clothing, walking shoes for exploring and a rain jacket.
Clothing for hot and humid weather includes lightweight, breathable, quick-drying clothing, but you should also be prepared for cool nights, which means pants and clothing you can easily layer.
For more information on what to pack, visit the Essential Trip Information for your chosen trip.
Although tap water is considered safe to drink in Costa Rica's cities, it's probably a good idea to avoid drinking tap water in Costa Rica. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying small bottles of water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found as some hotels provide this, so you’re able to use a reusable bottle. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and to peel fruit and vegetables rather than eating washed or unwashed produce.
Costa Rica's cities and tourist centres have wi-fi and internet access available in hotel lobbies and internet cafes. Internet access is less available in rural and remote areas.
Mobile phone coverage is generally good in Costa Rica's cities and metropolitan areas, although limited coverage is expected in remote or mountainous areas. If you wish to use your phone while in Costa Rica, ensure you have global roaming activated with your carrier. However, be sure to check with your service provider first to find out about any fees you may incur, as sometimes this can be expensive.
Costa Rica has one state-owned phone provider – Kolbi – as well as a selection of private companies, should you wish to purchase a SIM while abroad. Depending on what connection and coverage you need during your stay in Costa Rica, a prepaid option with one of these providers may be the cheapest way to go.
Costa Rica's toilets are a mixture of flushable and squat toilets, so be prepared to encounter both. Carry your own supply of toilet paper and soap or hand sanitiser, as these aren't always provided.
Generally speaking, Costa Rica is a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers. Same-sex relationships are legal, and in 2015, Costa Rica became the first country in Central America to recognise same-sex relationships; however, recognition of same-sex marriage is currently pending government approval. In many places in Costa Rica, public displays of affection might attract unwanted attention, but there are a few places in Costa Rica with a thriving LBGTQIA+ scene. Quepos has long been known as the LGBTQIA+ capital of Costa Rica, and the actual capital, San Jose, has a good number of gay bars and clubs.
For more detailed and up-to-date advice, we recommend visiting Equaldex or ILGA before you travel.
If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group tour, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travellers who do not wish to share a room.
Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:
From Australia?
Go to: Smart Traveller
From Canada?
Go to: Canada Travel Information
From the UK?
Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice
From New Zealand?
Go to: Safe Travel
From the US?
Go to: US Department of State
The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.
Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Eden Reforestation Projects
Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe.
Find out more or make a donation
World Bicycle Relief
World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most.
Find out more or make a donation
Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. We’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.
Much of Costa Rica’s travel highlights are based around the coast and in nature, so depending on travellers’ level of mobility, this may present obstacles. Many national parks are difficult to visit for travellers using a wheelchair, as jungle paths are mostly remote and not stable. Manuel Antonio does have wider paths and more accessible routes to venture into the rainforest, and the wide boardwalks and beaches are wheelchair friendly. The capital, San Jose, is a bit tricky to get around, with rough sidewalks and a lack of ramps. There are, however, taxi companies in the capital that offer wheelchair-accessible vans.
If you do live with a visual, hearing or other impairment, let your booking agent or group leader know early on so they’re aware and suitable arrangements can be made. As a general rule, knowing some common words in the local language, carrying a written itinerary with you and taking to the streets in a group, rather than solo, can help make your travel experience the best it can be.