Costa Rica tours & vacations

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.

Learn more about the weather in Costa Rica

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.

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 labor 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.

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.  

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 color 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 of 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.

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.