Costa Rica holidays
Sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, this Central American paradise is all the rage with eco-adventurers. The best holidays to Costa Rica take advantage of its natural wonders, from lush rainforests and waterfalls to kilometres of gorgeous shoreline. Do like the locals and soak up the ‘pura vida’ (pure life). But don’t miss the coffee: Costa Rica has some of the best in the world.
Top destinations in Costa Rica
Costa Rica: fast facts
Language
Spanish
Currency
Costa Rican colón (₡)
Time zone
UTC-6 (CST)
Costa Rica holiday highlights
Ethical exploring
Costa Rica goes to great lengths to protect its wilderness — from using alternative energy to finding creative ways to live in harmony with wildlife. The country’s tourism industry embraces this philosophy. Get closer to nature via Costa Rica’s many eco lodges and farmstays. They allow you to enjoy every bit of the landscape without disturbing it.
Outdoor adventure
Thanks to its varied ecosystems, there’s no shortage of things to do in Costa Rica for thrill seekers. Visit the coast for world-class surfing and dive spots, or head to a national park for unforgettable hikes and whitewater rafting. Craving a bird’s eye view? Get high above it all on jungle zip lines that zoom through towering cloud forests.
Wildlife everywhere
You won’t leave Costa Rica without seeing animals in their natural habitat — the country is home to half a million species. Monkeys swing from the treetops. Dolphins and whales surge from the water. Sloths and tapirs roam the thick forests. And tropical birds like macaws soar through the air. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera poised for the shot of a lifetime.
Things to do in Costa Rica
Top attractions
It’s all about the national parks in Costa Rica. At Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal, hike through lush rainforest at the base of Costa Rica’s most famous volcano. Explore dense jungle trails within Parque Nacional Tortuguero, named for the sea turtles that nest on its shores. Or dive into the ocean ecosystem of Parque Nacional Isla del Coco, home to thriving coral reefs and sharks.
Beaches
The beaches in Costa Rica are some of the best in the world, with nearly 1,300 kilometres of sandy coastline to choose from. On the Pacific side, visit Santa Teresa for top-notch surfing and Samara Beach for laid-back swimming. Check out the beaches of Costa Rica’s Caribbean shore for black sands and tropical vibes. Wherever you go, you’ll find gorgeous sunsets, swaying palm trees and beach bars.
Nature
Costa Rica’s stunningly diverse landscape is its main appeal. Here, you can soak in geothermal pools, explore active volcanoes and swim beneath waterfalls. Immerse yourself in the country’s natural wonders by visiting Parque Nacional Corcovado, located on the Osa Peninsula. It’s Costa Rica’s largest nature reserve, home to a virgin rainforest and half the country’s species.
Culture and museums
The best museums in Costa Rica cluster in its busy capital, San Jose. Get an overview of Costa Rican history at the Museo Nacional de Costa Rica, housed in a historic fortress. Jade was an important part of pre-Columbian civilisation, and you can explore over 7,000 artefacts at the Museo del Jade. In the evening, take in a live performance at the ornate Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica.
Cuisine
Food here is fresh, local and hearty — perfect for long days outdoors. Restaurants in Costa Rica are likely to offer plates of beans, rice and fried plantains, along with fresh seafood dishes like ‘ceviche’ (marinated raw fish). One of the country’s most prized agricultural products is coffee. Tour a coffee farm to learn about production and to taste it at its source.
Family friendly
Head straight to the Osa Peninsula for your best shot at seeing one-of-a-kind wildlife. Task the kids with spotting all four of Costa Rica’s native monkey species. Or let them take flight with a zip line through the rainforest at Parque Nacional Corcovado. Many tour operators offer experiences that cater to all age groups.
Find the best time to visit Costa Rica
Weather in Costa Rica
May – November: The rainy season starts slowly, with late-day cloudbursts and showers. But there are still gorgeous stretches that give you a chance to visit the beach and spot wildlife, especially whales. The wet weather picks up as the season advances. You’ll enjoy travel bargains during this low season. This is also a great time to warm up in hot springs or see waterfalls at their most impressive.
December – April: Costa Rica’s popular dry season is the best time to visit for sunshine and warm beach days. These are ideal months for outdoor adventures, wildlife spotting and visiting remote regions. You can also expect bigger crowds and higher prices during the tourist rush.
Events in Costa Rica
Fiestas de Palmares (January): This two-week festival in the city of Palmares is one of the largest events in Costa Rica, drawing big crowds with rides, horse-riding events and live performances.
National Boyero Day (March): On the second Sunday in March, Costa Rica celebrates ‘boyeros’, the oxcart drivers who played a vital role in transporting goods throughout the country. Near San Jose, the city of Escazú hosts one of the biggest events, where you can see elaborately painted oxcarts parade through the streets.
Limón Carnival (October): The port city of Limón celebrates its Caribbean roots with a week-long party that includes parades, a domino tournament and the crowning of a Carnival Queen.
Know before you go
Getting around Costa Rica
Public transportation
Buses: Regional buses are an affordable way of covering distances long and short, although they can be crowded and slow. For a faster trip, check with your resort or local tourist office about the many private shuttle services that will take you directly to your destination.
Boats: A ferry or water taxi is the easiest way to reach some locales on Costa Rica’s beachy coast. Hop on a boat in the port city of Puntarenas to reach the laid-back towns and gorgeous beaches of the Nicoya Peninsula.
Domestic flights
Air travel is the quickest way to cover long distances in Costa Rica. You’ll find plenty of flights departing from San Jose to nearly all regions of the country. Be aware that these planes are usually small and have strict weight limits, so pack accordingly.
Driving
You’ll need a car to access the most remote parts of Costa Rica. If you decide to hire a car, seriously consider requesting a vehicle with four-wheel drive. Costa Rica requires third-party insurance, which is factored into the cost of your rental. And remember to drive on the right side of the road.
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