tour guide costa rica

Costa Rica Tours & Vacations

Biodiverse, brilliantly colorful and naturally breathtaking, Costa Rica embraces a slower pace of life.

An adventure hotspot for some, a cultural haven for others and a tropical paradise for most, Costa Rica definitely lives up to its translation as the ‘rich coast.’ And as you journey under lush jungle canopies and through laidback surf towns, you’ll soon be rich with  memorable experiences.  Lean into the slower pace of life as you become a pro at spotting toucans in Monteverde’s  steamy cloud forests  or listening out for the distant whoop of white-faced capuchins in Manuel Antonio. The phrase ‘hustle and bustle’ isn’t in Costa Rica’s vocabulary, as you’d expect from a country whose unofficial motto is ‘ pura vida ’ – the pure life.

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Costa Rica at a glance

Capital city.

San Jose (population approximately 340,000)

Approximately 5.1 million

(GMT-06:00) Central America

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type B (American 3-pin)

Learn more about Costa Rica

Culture and customs.

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. Like any good life motto, pura vida is better experienced than explained. It means being friendly and polite, taking it easy and being thankful for what you have. Costa Ricans' carefree way of life, coupled with living in one of Central America's most progressive and prosperous nations, makes the locals some of the happiest in the world.

You'll find that people in Costa Rica are generally in less of a hurry than most North Americans or Europeans. Following what is affectionately known as 'Tico time', people will often be fashionably late, except for things with schedules – Tico time does not apply at work, the movies or the train station.

Costa Ricans (or Ticos and Ticas) are known for their conflict-averse nature. Peace is so highly valued here that their army was abolished in 1949, with all funds reallocated to create an 'army' of teachers instead.

History and government

Ancient history.

Like most Central American countries, indigenous communities thrived for thousands of years as hunter-gatherers, and it's believed that humans have lived in Costa Rica's jungles and rainforests for as many as 10,000 years. However, with no urbanized civilization like the Aztecs or Mayas, and little to no cultural preservation during the time of Spanish colonization, not much is known about Costa Rica's true indigenous populations.

Colonization, independence, and trade

At the time of Spanish colonization, it was estimated that 400,000 people lived in what is now known as Costa Rica. Christopher Columbus arrived in the region in 1502 on his fourth voyage, leading to the settlement of the first Spanish colony in Costa Rica.

As settlements grew, indigenous populations dwindled due to disease and forced labor. After around a century, the population had fallen to 20,000, and a century later, down to 8000.

In 1821, the Americas broke free of Spanish control following the Mexican War of Independence. Costa Rica became part of the Federal Republic of Central America in 1823 before gaining complete independence in 1838

Costa Rica eventually found its feet in the global coffee trade, and by the end of the century, coffee crops accounted for nearly 90% of Costa Rica's exports and 80% of its foreign income. Not only was coffee production an indicator of wealth in Costa Rica, it was also a powerful political tool prompting the emergence of other industries, including the banana trade, which surpassed coffee exports in the early 20th century.

Costa Rica's economy relies on eco-tourism, and the country has championed the idea that the 'rich coast' refers not to resources dug from the ground but to the natural wonders above ground. The easygoing attitude of Ticos comes from a love of their country and pride that their democracy has endured in a conflict-ridden region.

Eating and drinking

Costa Rican cuisine is wholesome and fresh, with influence from  Spanish ,  South American , and  Caribbean  culinary traditions. On the Caribbean coast, you'll find dishes with Afro-Caribbean flair, usually featuring more meats, spices and coconut milk. 

Capital city, San Jose, not only has an up-and-coming food scene but has established itself as the craft beer hub of Costa Rica. Enjoy seasonal samplings on a San Jose Bites and Sites tour with Urban Adventures 

Look out for these favorite dishes and drinks across Costa Rica:

What to eat in Costa Rica

• Gallo pinto Gallo pinto, the most common side dish in Costa Rica and across the Americas is 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 a traditional Costa Rican restaurant, when traveling, chances are a casado will be on the menu. Although there are multiple variations of this tasting plate, 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 is a combination of its two main ingredients – chicharrones (fried pork rinds) and frijoles (beans). The chicharrones and beans are layered together and 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.
• Patacones Patacones are deep-fried green plantains that are ideal for a snack or as a dipping device for chifrijo, guacamole or pico de gallo.
• 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 – the same tree that heart of palm comes from. 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 a squash, potato and cashew.

What to drink in Costa Rica

• 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.
• Alcohol If you’re looking for drinks of the alcoholic variety, try guaro – a liquor made from sugar cane, best enjoyed in a guaro sour (with lime, simple syrup and soda). The craft beer scene is growing quickly here as well, so look for microbrews from a multitude of small local breweries. And if you’re wondering how to say cheers, just say ‘pura vida’ again!
• Naturales Naturales – sometimes also called refrescos or batidos – are delicious fresh fruit juices blended with either milk or water. You can find them all over the country at small kiosks or booths in a variety of flavors like mango, pineapple and guanabana.

Geography and environment

Costa Rica is known for its incredible beaches and magical rainforests. But the backbone of this coastal nation is truly stunning mountain ranges, many of which contain both active and dormant volcanoes. You’ll also find heaps of waterfalls, lakes and rivers throughout the country. For this reason, adventure sports such as zip-lining, whitewater rafting and cycling are popular in inland destinations such as La Fortuna and Montverde, and adventure-packed activities are a popular way to experience the country.

Get active on an  8 day Costa Rica: Hike, Bike & Raft trip

Costa Rica’s diverse topography is home to many microclimates, and the temperature and weather can vary dramatically depending on elevation and how close you are to the coast. Rainforests, cloud forests, jungles and mountains exist side by side. The varied land and climate foster over 5% of the world’s total biodiversity.

Witness ecological diversity firsthand on a  10 day Best of Costa Rica trip   Costa Rica is home to over 500,000 species of plants and animals. Those seeking to  spot local wildlife  will be enthralled by Costa Rica’s unique flora and fauna. And the spectacular variety of wildlife isn’t limited to the land – scuba diving is another popular activity, with Costa Rica boasting some of the most beautiful bays, beaches and reefs in the world.

Four of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica

• Tortuguero National Park One of Costa Rica’s best-kept secrets, this national park is the unspoiled paradise you’ve been searching for. Take a dip in Tortuguero’s warm turquoise waters or just relax on the idyllic shores
• Manuel Antonio A true eco-playground, you can spend a day exploring misty rainforests and searching for sloths and monkeys before cooling off on one of the delightful beaches. Head into Quepos town for some good food and fiery nightlife after the sun sets.
• Jaco Once a sleepy beach town, Jaco’s proximity to San Jose has made it a one-stop shop for those seeking big waves and even bigger parties. The gateway to national parks and  active adventures , there’s no denying Jaco’s uber-cool surf-town vibe.
• Corcovado Well off the tourist trail, Corcovado isn’t your average beach experience. Boasting a diversity of colors, landscapes and wildlife, Corcovado is perfect for those seeking beaches with character and charm. Oh, and it’s got the largest primary forest in the American Pacific, if you needed another reason to visit. 

Whether you’re buying souvenirs or groceries, your best bet in Costa Rica is to shop at local markets. Head to the Mercado Calle Nacional de Artesania y Pintura (National Craft Market) in San Jose for the best selection of handmade goods and souvenirs. Here you can stroll through dozens of stalls selling handmade hammocks and painted oxcarts as well as t-shirts and shot glasses that say ‘pura vida’. San Jose's Mercado Central is also a great place to grocery shop and pick up souvenirs, and vendors offer everything from fresh produce to coffee to leather goods.

You’ll often see carved wooden masks for sale but, while all of them are beautiful, for a truly authentic mask, you should aim to buy directly from indigenous communities who make them.

As in any destination, check that any souvenirs made from natural materials have been ethically sourced. Avoid buying products made from rainforest woods that were not sustainably harvested,  sea turtle  shells and other animal products. Before heading home, check with your local customs officials to ensure that you are able to bring certain items back into your home country. Australia and New Zealand, for example, have strict quarantine laws regarding some materials, such as food and wooden objects.

Festivals and events

Costa Ricans definitely know how to throw a party, and place a lot of importance on food, family and community. Many Costa Rican festivals celebrate the country’s farming and ranch heritage, and a lot have a Catholic element. No matter which festival you’re celebrating, you’re pretty much guaranteed a deep dive into Tico culture. Here are a few of the biggest festivals in Costa Rica:

Las Fiestas de Zapote

This festival, celebrated from Christmas until New Year’s Eve every year in the town of Zapote, is a week-long fiesta. It’s home to the biggest rodeo in Costa Rica, many carnival games, as well as rides and food stalls.

Palmares Fiestas

After the festivities of Christmas, New Year’s and the Zapote festival have wound down, it’s time for the Palmares festival. In mid-January, more than one million Ticos and tourists head to the town of Palmares for one of the largest festivals in Costa Rica. Revelers drink beer, enjoy food, listen to international acts and watch traditional bullfighting and the ‘tope’ – a horse parade through the streets.

Fiesta de los Diablitos

The ‘Festival of the Little Devils’ is celebrated twice each year (in December and February) in the indigenous communities of Boruca and Rey Curre. The festival celebrates the triumph of the original inhabitants over the Spanish conquistadors, with dancing and performances featuring costumes and painted masks.

Limon Carnival

If you’re traveling to Costa Rica in October, you’ll probably find yourself in the festive spirit as you touch down, as this is the month of Carnival. Notably, it’s when the Caribbean town of Puerto Limon celebrates this annual festival, with elaborate costumes, floats, parades and food stalls aplenty, spread across two weekends.

Public holidays that may impact travel include:

Juan Santamaria Day

Guanacaste Day

Our Lady of Los Angeles Feast Day

Independence Day

Natural Cultures Day

Please note:  Costa Rica's public holidays may vary.

Further reading

For inspiring stories to prepare you for your Costa Rica adventure, check out these books:

• Green Phoenix: Restoring the Tropical Forests of Guanacaste, Costa Rica – William Allen
• The Ticos: Culture and Social Change in Costa Rica – Mavis Hiltunen Biesanz
• Off the Map – Dorien Kelly
• The Costa Rica Reader: History, Culture, Politics  – Steven Palmer and Ivan Molina
• Mamita Yunai – Carlos Luis Fallas
• Unica Looking at the Sea – Fernando Contreras Castro
• Monkeys are made of Chocolate: Exotic and Unseen Costa Rica – Jack Ewing

Costa Rica travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?

Year-round tropical warmth means there really isn’t a bad time to visit Costa Rica. December to April are normally the driest months; however, Costa Rica’s diverse topography and blanket of rainforests suggest that you should be prepared for at least some rain any time of the year – a very small price to pay for such lush surroundings.

The good news is that even during the rainiest of seasons, the rainfall tends to be limited to a couple of hours a day – just enough time for you to enjoy a cup of Costa Rica's acclaimed coffee in one of its many cafes.

The most popular time to visit Costa Rica is between December and March – the driest and hottest months along the Pacific Coast. May to October brings the most rainfall across the country, but this is dependent on the region, as the wetter seasons are extended on the Osa Peninsula and northern sections of the Caribbean Coast.

Do you need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?

Generally, Costa Rica grants visas to most countries’ passport holders for a period of 90 days, providing travelers have a valid passport, a return or onward ticket and their trip is for leisure. Some countries’ citizens must apply for a visa before leaving their home country, but most do not.

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Check the Essential Trip Information section of your tour itinerary for more information. This is for general information only and may be subject to change. It is your responsibility to obtain relevant visa and travel information required for entry, departure and travel to each country or region you visit on your trip. You should confirm these with the relevant embassies and/or consulates. 

Last updated: 14/12/2023

Is tipping customary in Costa Rica?

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 is the internet access like in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica's cities and tourist centers have wi-fi and internet access available in hotel lobbies and internet cafes. Internet access is less available in rural and remote areas.

Can I use my cell phone while in Costa Rica?

Cell phone coverage is generally good in Costa Rica's cities and metropolitan areas, although expect limited coverage in remote or mountainous areas. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your carrier if you wish to use your phone while in Costa Rica, but, 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.

What are the toilets like in Costa Rica?

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 sanitizer, as these aren't always provided.

Can I drink the water in Costa Rica?

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.

Are credit cards widely accepted in Costa Rica?

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 traveling.

What is ATM access like in Costa Rica?

ATMs are easily found in large cities and airports, although are less common in rural and remote areas. When traveling out of the city, come prepared by having enough cash, as ATMs aren't always an option.

Is Costa Rica safe for LGBTQIA+ travelers?

Generally speaking, Costa Rica is a safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travelers. Same-sex relationships are legal and, in 2015 Costa Rica became the first country in Central America to recognize gay 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 LBGTQI 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 traveling 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 travelers who do not wish to share a room.

What is the weather like in Costa Rica?

Being in the deep center of Central America, Costa Rica gets hot and oh so humid. However, there’s a whole number of microclimates inside its borders – that’s a fancy way of saying that the terrain is pretty hilly – so depending where you are in the country, the temperature may fluctuate. Generally speaking, Costa Rica enjoys a tropical climate year-round with temperatures averaging at 64°F minimum and 81°F maximum.

Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast has tropical heat almost all year round. March is the driest and hottest month, and May to October brings the wet season to the region. The Western Central Valley, including cities like San Jose, indirectly follow the Pacific Coast’s weather trends.

The Caribbean Coast has pretty steady rainfall all year round with no distinct dry season. September to October and February to March are considered the best months to travel to this side of the country as they are drier than most, but still experience rainfall. The Eastern Central Valley usually follows a similar weather pattern.

Is Costa Rica accessible for travellers with disabilities?

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 travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward 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 travelers’ level of mobility, this may present obstacles. Many national parks are difficult to visit for travelers 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.

What to pack for a trip to Costa Rica

Packing for a trip to Costa Rica doesn't have to be difficult as long as you take into account the weather conditions you're likely to experience while you're over there. This means packing lightweight, comfortable clothing, walking shoes for exploring, appropriate sun protection items like sunscreen and hats, and a backpack so you can carry your camera and a reusable drink bottle. 

What language is spoken in Costa Rica?

Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica, however, there are five indigenous languages that are still spoken throughout the country, as well as a mixture of English, Portuguese, German, and French spoken by a percentage of the population. 

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

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.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling 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

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

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 mobilize 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

THE 10 BEST Costa Rica Private Tours & Tour Guides

Private tours in costa rica.

• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking Tours
• Ports of Call Tours
• Private Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers

• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. ATV or Buggy Private Tour from Tamarindo or Conchal

2. Volcano-Waterfall and Hot Springs Combo ( Private)

3. Deluxe Private Manuel Antonio Park Tour

4. Manuel Antonio National Park Hiking Guided Tour

5. ATV Tours Guanacaste Costa Rica

6. Rain Forest Hike: Rio Celeste Waterfall, Sloth & Butterfly Farm

7. La Leona Waterfall Tour with Lunch From Tamarindo

8. Private tour in Palo Verde with Boat ride

9. Manuel Antonio National Park full Wildlife

10. Private City tour Cartagena

11. La Paz Waterfalls

12. Manuel Antonio National Park Group Guided Tour

13. Private ATV Tour from San Jose Enjoy jungle, Beach, River Paths and Ocean Views

14. Day Trip from San Jose to Sloths & other wildlife Rescue Center

15. Arenal Volcano River Horseback Riding Tour

16. Full Day Waterfall Adventure & Whale’s Tail Nat Park

17. Private Tour Hanging Bridges, Fortuna Waterfall & Arenal Volcano

18. Chocolate Experience by Bribri Indigenous Culture

19. RIO CELESTE COMBO : River Tubing+National Park+Animal Sanctuary

20. Rio Celeste Horseback Riding Tour

21. Manuel Antonio Park Private Nature Guided Tour Experience

22. Half Day Private Hike in Rincon de la Vieja National Park

23. Half Day Guided Sunset & Snorkelling Experience Costa Rica

24. Sensoria Private Luxury Experiences

25. The King's Full-Day ATV Adventure - Rainforest Waterfalls, Villages, Rivers

26. Monkey, Crocodile, Sloths & Beach Experience

27. Monteverde Private Night Tour

28. Sloths, Monkeys and Waterfall Experience

29. SJO airport to Los Suenos Marriott

30. Guided Tour in Manuel Antonio National Park

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"From beaches to jungles to volcanoes, and all the weird and wonderful wildlife in between, I could never choose just one favourite place in Costa Rica. Relax and enjoy the pura vida, mae!"

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Visit Tortuguero National Park

A spectacular wilderness of rainforest, beaches and lagoons, Tortuguero National Park is filled with incredible wildlife. We’ll take you through the canals on a river boat to spot caimans, howler monkeys, sloths, iguanas, toucans, crocodiles and scores of bird species, plus endangered ocelots, river otters, manatees and six species of sea turtles.

View Arenal Volcano

One of the most active volcanoes in the world, rising to 1,670 metres over the lush rainforest, Arenal Volcano is a magnificent sight. Our Costa Rica vacations will take you up close to the volcano, from guided treks through old lava rocks, to ziplining on the slopes of the volcano.

Indulge in gourmet chocolate from the best cacao beans

Dive into Culture with Trafalgar, as we journey to San Isidro de Heredia, where you’ll meet master chocolatiers, Julio Fernandez and George Soriana. You’ll learn about the history and production of chocolate in their workshop, and sample some of the sweet delicacies made from the world’s best cacao beans.

Have Costa Rican lunch at a traditional working ranch

When you visit Costa Rica with Trafalgar, we’ll meet the people behind the country. Join Don Alberto and Doña Ana Quintana for a traditional Costa Rican lunch at their eco-friendly Hacienda Pozo Azul, a 2000-acre working ranch. You’ll learn about classic Costa Rican cuisine and life on a working farm.

Spot wildlife at Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Take to the sky in Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you’ll join your Local Specialist for a walk through the rainforest along the treetop Sky Walk bridges. The forest is home to a staggering abundance of wildlife, with around 2.5 percent of the world’s species, including jaguar, puma, tapri, coatis, toucans and hummingbirds.

Our top 5 things to do in Costa Rica

From hiking up volcanoes to walking through treetops, our Costa Rica guided holidays take you to the heart of the country in ways you could never imagine.

Museo de Jade

Founded in 1977 by Fidel Castro, the Museo del Jade is an archaeological museum with a massive collection of pre-Columbian items. Located in San José, you can discover the world’s largest collection of American jade, along with ceramics, stone tables and ceremonial heads.

Museum of Costa Rican Art

With more than six thousand pieces of art, the Museum of Costa Rican Art holds one of the world’s largest collections of Latin American art. You’ll find pieces from artists like José Sancho and Max Jiménez, with paintings, sculptures and pieces dating back to the early 19th century.

Museo Nacional de Costa Rica

The National Museum of Costa Rica is set in the Bellavista Fortress, built in 1917 with bullets still lodged in the exterior walls from the country’s civil war. The building became a museum in 1950, and today has an excellent collection of colonial furniture and pre-Columbian artefacts like ceramics and stone tables.

Best museums in Costa Rica

Our Costa Rica tour packages delve deeper into the history and culture of Costa Rica through their wonderful museums.

The tamale is a quintessential Costa Rican dish, made from dough filled with a mix of meat (like chicken or beef), corn flour and broth. The tamales are then wrapped in banana or plantain leaves, and although they are traditionally enjoyed at Christmas, our Local Specialists will show you where to taste tamales all year round.

Gallo Pinto

A beloved dish of rice and beans, Gallo Pinto is the pride of Costa Rica. The name translates as ‘spotted rooster’ and the local saying ‘mas tico que el gallo pinto’ means ‘more Costa Rican than spotted rooster’. It’s usually eaten at breakfast, but can be enjoyed throughout the day.

A classic staple of Costa Rican cuisine, casado is a dish of rice, black beans, salad, plantains and a tortilla, with an optional serving of meat like beef, pork, chicken or fish. The dish comes in many variations with added flavors like corn, eggs and avocado, and you can mix and match as you please.

Best food in Costa Rica

Full of fruits, vegetables, rice and beans, Costa Rican food is fresh and filling, and we’ll show you all the best places to taste the country’s most-loved dishes.

What to pack for Costa Rica

Spanish phrasebook

Learning a few Spanish phrases is highly appreciated and will make it easier to connect with the locals. The first Costa Rican saying to learn is ‘pura vida, mae!’

Waterproof coat

No matter where you go, it can rain at any time in Costa Rica. Pack a waterproof jacket and keep it in your day bag on your daily adventures.

Mosquito repellent

Costa Rica has plenty of mosquitoes, so to avoid any nasty bites from mosquitoes or other insects, bring a strong repellent with DEET (diethyltoluamide) and apply it regularly.

Adaptor plug

In Costa Rica, the standard voltage is 120 V and the power plugs and sockets are of type A and B. The standard frequency is 60 Hz.

Reef-safe sunscreen

Protect yourself from the harsh sun with SPF 30 or higher and protect the environment with reef-safe sunscreen. It’s recommended to bring your own, as sunscreen is expensive in Costa Rica.

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Centering yourself on a surfboard or yoga mat, descending into bat-filled caves or ascending misty volcanic peaks – relax and enjoy the ride of Costa Rica.

Best Time to Visit

Best places to visit, attractions, must-see attractions.

Teatro Nacional

On the southern side of the Plaza de la Cultura resides the Teatro Nacional, San José’s most revered building. Constructed in 1897, it features a columned…

La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Central Valley & Highlands

This polished storybook garden complex just east of Volcán Poás offers the most easily digestible cultural experience in the Central Valley and is the…

Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio

Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around

Featuring lush jungle, picture-perfect beaches and craggy headlands, this tiny park (1680 acres/680 hectares) absolutely brims with wildlife (and often…

Playa Negra

At the northwestern end of Cahuita, Playa Negra is a long, black-sand beach flying the bandera azul ecológica, a flag that indicates that the beach is…

Southern Caribbean

Off a dirt road marked by Punta Uva Dive Center is a quiet, idyllic cove that could double for a scene in the film The Beach. When the water is calm, it…

Parque Nacional Isla del Coco

Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa

Around 500km southwest of the Costa Rica mainland, Isla del Coco is a natural wonder that teems with wildlife, including the largest schools of hammerhead…

Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal

From 1968 until 2010, Volcán Arenal was an ever-active and awe-striking natural wonder, producing menacing ash columns, massive explosions and streams of…

Wilson Botanical Garden

The world-class Wilson Botanical Garden is internationally known for its collection of more than 2000 native Costa Rican species. Species threatened with…

Top picks from our travel experts

The 16 best things to do in costa rica.

Montezuma Waterfalls

A 40-minute river hike leads to a waterfall with a delicious swimming hole. Further along, a second set of falls offers a good 12m leap into deep water…

Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas de Guanacaste

Península de Nicoya

Las Baulas national marine park encompasses the entire beach at Playa Grande, as well as the adjacent land and 220 sq km of ocean. This is one of the…

Parque Nacional Tortuguero

Caribbean Coast

This misty, green coastal park sits on a broad floodplain parted by a jigsaw of canals. Referred to as the ‘mini-Amazon,’ Parque Nacional Tortuguero is a…

Museo del Jade

This museum houses the world’s largest collection of American jade (pronounced ‘ha-day’ in Spanish), with an ample exhibition space of five floors…

Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja

Northwestern Costa Rica

Given its proximity to Liberia, this park (about 160 sq km) feels surprisingly uncrowded and remote. Named after the steamy main attraction – the active…

Parque Nacional Volcán Tenorio

The park's heavenly blue river, waterfalls and lagoons are among the most spectacular natural phenomena in Costa Rica; as a result, the park is known to…

Playa Ventanas

Tucked behind a grove of coco palms, this crescent-shaped, black-sand-and-pebble beach has elaborate rock formations at either end, and is called …

Playa Cocolito

Here's your chance to see a waterfall crashing down a cliff, straight onto the rocks and into the ocean. El Chorro Waterfall is the pièce de résistance of…

Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Caño Negro

Arenal & Northern Lowlands

This remote, 102-sq-km refuge has long lured anglers seeking that elusive 18kg snook, and birders hoping to glimpse rare waterfowl. During the dry season…

Maquenque Eco-Lodge

Set on 80 glorious bird-filled hectares, 20 unique bungalows (including five gobsmacking tree houses) overlook a lagoon and tropical garden; additional…

Parque Nacional Carara

Central Pacific Coast

Carara is the famed home of one of Costa Rica’s most charismatic bird species, the scarlet macaw. While catching a glimpse of this tropical wonder is a…

Parque Nacional Los Quetzales

The Road to Chirripó

Spread along both banks of the Río Savegre, Parque Nacional Los Quetzales covers 50 sq km of rainforest, cloud forest and premontane forest lying along…

Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Ostional

This 85 sq km coastal refuge extends from Punta India in the north to Playa Guiones in the south, and includes the beaches of Nosara and Ostional. It was…

Pacuare Lodge

There are two ways into this dream of an ecolodge, both equally adventurous. Most arrive at its remote location on the Río Pacuare by raft, via a…

Parque Nacional Volcán Poás

Here's your chance to get frighteningly close to this extremely active volcano, which last erupted in 2017. At an elevation of 2708m, the mighty Poás is…

Reserva Biológica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde

Monteverde & Around

This beautiful cloud forest reserve came into being in 1972, when the Quaker community (which had already set aside a third of its property for…

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip.

Best Things to Do

From water sports and mountain hikes to rainforest wildlife watching and cloud-forest birding, these are the best things to do in Costa Rica.

Things to Know

On a recent trip to Costa Rica, on a hike in the remote forests of Volcán Tenorio National Park, the sky unexpectedly opened up

Transportation

If you're wondering how to navigate Costa Rica's roads, airports, and ferry terminals, here's the scoop on getting around this impressive country.

Visa Requirements

Costa Rica is a stunning country that's beloved by travelers. Here's everything you need to know about its entry requirements before you go.

Money and Costs

There are plenty of ways for cost-conscious travelers to save some colones– here are ten top tips for traveling on a small budget in Costa Rica. 

Traveling with Kids

Costa Rica is the easy way to dive into Central America with kids in tow. Here are our top family adventures, from surf beaches to volcano hikes.

Best Road Trips

Experience the best of Costa Rica with these top road-trip routes.

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In the land of the three-toed sloth, travelers can hike volcanos, surf Pacific breaks and indulge in ecotourism aplenty. Discover Costa Rica with help from a local tourHQ guide.

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Costa rica Tour Guides

Rony Castro

          I grew up on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, with bare ...

Alejandro Rodriguez

I am a certified naturalist guide for more than 20 years. The country offers more than 4% of ...

Sergio Guevara J.

I was born in the city of San Jose, Costa Rica on December 20, 1963, lived my first five years ...

Samuel Arguedas

I am a naturalist guide in the Cloud Forest, I do the most friendly nature walks, natural history ...

Carlos Eduardo Mora Cavallini

I am a Naturalist Field Guide and have worked for various commercial companies such as EF Cultural ...

Luis Manuel Murillo Rojas

Hi there, I am a nature lover and I love my country, I am a General & Naturalist Tour Guide, ...

Alvaro Sanchez Barrios

Was born in an island, get in love of Costa Rica. Studied Ecotourism at Costa Rican ...

Jorge Loria

my name is Jorge Loria Zuñiga, born in Puntarenas Costa Rica, come from a family  who my ...

Gerardo Masis

I am a passionate person about what I do, nature and this beautiful country led my journey into ...

Alejandro Cano

Alejandro Cano Ospina was born in October 28, 1965. His father is an internationally known cellist, ...

Edgar Blanco

Juan Carlos Aguirre

I am available for hire as a freelance guide to Curu Refuge, Cabo Blanco, Tambor, Montezuma, Santa ...

Santos Fuentes Herrera

With more than 12 years of experience in working in tourism industries with different jobs, I ...

Adrian Mendez

Gustavo Leon

There are 4 things that get together in my profession that made me decide to become a tour guide: ...

Odir Morales

Born in Liberia, Guanacaste, Costa Rica in 1976, I started learning English at a young age in high ...

One of Central America’s prized hot spots, Costa Rica caters to the personalities in all of us. Surfers, beach bums, adventurers, and nature lovers all find warmth in this sunny country. Beaches stretch for miles, with different shores savored for different reasons; whether it’s the highest wave, wildest party scene, best view of the jungle, or home to the local turtles, there’s a portion of Costa Rica’s coast reserved for you.  When exhilarating rafting tours and zip-lining excursions pull the adventurers away, pristine golf courses, wildlife watching, and plentiful fishing routes beckon those seeking a laid back getaway. The best part of Costa Rica is its’ ‘choose your own adventure’ approach. Everything from jungle-side eco-lodges to luxurious hotels awaits tourists, and from there guests can opt for whatever activity pleases them. As any Costa Rica tour guide can tell you, there is no short of entertainment or excitement in this beautiful country; with ever-growing rates of tourism, don’t be the last person to discover what so many before you already know about this enlivening nation. 

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Costa Rica Tour Companies

Looking for an unforgettable Costa Rica tour? Book a fully-organized trip with the best tour companies in Costa Rica and let the tour operator take care of everything for you. Check out the tour details and read 174916 reviews from our customers to help you choose the perfect tour for you.

List of Costa Rica travel companies & tour operators with 174916 reviews

Bamba Travel

• Good - 1,693 reviews for Costa Rica tours

The 8 day tour i booked (on short notice) was really great. it included many highlights regarding nature and action. the accommodations were great, tours as described, no „bad surprises“. all transfers were in time and drivers were goid obes. guides great. english good. food good. communication good. couldn’t rate any better! maybe not the cheapest travel but you pay for not even spending a minute in research or planning. it’s worth it.

I was so thrilled to find this company, which not only made my dream a reality but exceeded all my expectations. From the moment I booked the tour, the team took care of everything, from arranging transportation to booking the best hotels and activities. They even provided a local guide who was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the area, and who made the trip even more special with his insights and stories.

G Adventures

• Excellent - 19,148 reviews for Costa Rica tours

Verny, our guide, did an excellent job. Very knowledgeable about the park and the wildlife. Enthusiastic about his job.

Grand variety I saw a lot of the country in these 16 days

• Excellent - 15,425 reviews for Costa Rica tours

Costa Rica is a beautiful country and the other people who signed up for the tour were great. However, the tour guide, Laura Badilla, harassed and bullied me during the trip to the point where I left the tour halfway through. From the very beginning, she was not friendly to me, did not say hello to me, and would not answer the questions I had (before and during the trip). I tried to be polite and nice to her despite this strange behavior, but her actions only got worse as the tour went on. She started to bully me even further and talked down to me like a child for no reason - this culminated with her yelling at me in front of everyone who signed up for the tour (as well as strangers on our bus) and explicitly trying to humiliate me in front of them. Her reason for the blowup? I asked the zipline place we were at if they had an extra key for my friends and my locker, as I had given our key to her but couldn’t find her. That day, I reported her to TruTravels and Tour Radar, but they did nothing to help me. I had tried to give her space the rest of the day of her mental breakdown, hoping it would all blow over. It didn’t. She showed up to my hotel room at 8 pm that night, banging on my door and yelling for me to open it. She had my number and if she wanted to talk, she had all day to text me or ask to meet up. I was extremely frightened by her showing up banging on my door. I contacted her boss, Ron, about this, and he did nothing to help me either. At this point, I felt extremely unsafe, so I decided to leave the tour. This was quite difficult for me as I was then a solo female traveler in a new country that I had only planned on being in under a group tour. TruTravels only refunded me for that blowup day and the days I wasn’t there, which I view was the bare minimum, considering their tour guide ruined the whole trip for me and even threatened me on a trip I PAID to be on. She also illegally gave some members of our tour tattooed.

I thoroughly enjoyed my recent vacation The amazing accommodations, delectable cuisine, seamless transportation, would not have been achievable without the guidance of our exceptional tour guide, Lau. Without the support of TruTravel and Lau, the extensive exploration and diverse experiences within the ten-day duration would have been unattainable for me in Costa Rica.   Thanks to the meticulous planning and personal touch provided by TruTravel and the charismatic presence of Lau, I was able to explore diverse regions of this beautiful country and create memories that will undoubtedly last a lifetime. Lau played a pivotal role in enhancing the overall quality of the journey. She was a perfect blend of enjoyment and knowledge, demonstrating both care and entertainment throughout the trip. She had insightful recommendations for culinary delights and engaging activities.  It is a rare find to come across someone who can effortlessly blend professionalism with genuine care and charisma. This balance contributed significantly to the success of the journey. Lau was able to provide help dependent that was specifically tailored to each person within the group, going above and beyond to make sure we were all satisfied and taken care of. She was also able to provide various information on questions that were presented and we can see just how much she cared about the people she was with.   Lau’s influence transformed this vacation into a truly remarkable and unforgettable experience.

Intrepid Travel

• Excellent - 11,733 reviews for Costa Rica tours

Lots of variety - accommodations, locations, experiences. If we had gone without a group, we wouldn’t have seen half as much!

This is a great trip if you want to see a lot of places in a short time! There was a good amount of travel time but I felt it was worth it to see everything we did including Mayan ruins, sandboarding on a volcano, old colonial towns, some of the local crafts and foods, the beach, etc.

Destination Services Costa …

• Excellent - 252 reviews for Costa Rica tours

Alex was a great tour guide and we had a blast! The bus and boat that we were taken on were both comfortable and safe. The accommodations were as described. As long as it cools down enough at night, with a rainstorm for example, it’s comfortable enough to sleep without AC. The amenities on the lodge were fantastic, clean, and well maintained. The beach was stunning and the tours provided were really incredible and intimate. Highly would recommend this tour!

My wife and I booked the 10 day tour. We upgraded the rooms one level - I wanted to be sure to have air conditioning. Our hotels were great. Our transfers were all on time. There were always other people on the transfers and we often had great conversations as we traveled. The tours we booked were all interesting and informative. I highly recommend this trip.

• Excellent - 1,446 reviews for Costa Rica tours

Costa Rica was beautiful and the people were fantastic. There were some issues caused by poor organization/communication on the part of the travel planner. First, the Buena Vista del Rancon leg of the trip was very unexpected. The accommodations were spartan to say the least. it was like a rustic cabin with the following issues; no AC despite very hot and humid weather; No TV or phone with absolutely nothing to do at night; No hot water the bathroom in sink; tractor noise was ever present; there were bugs covering the sink in the morning; there were no chairs in the room except for one dressing table chair. We are campers so we are familiar with this scenario but it would have been nice to know this ahead of time. There was poor communications regarding the itinerary also.. We were given 2 itineraries that were inconsistent. These were then undone by the desk clerk who said we needed individual reservations for the activities on the itinerary and that we were not part of a group. She seemed impatient with us trying to get it straight.. Then the next day the same clerk asked why we did not show up for the group tour that was part of the itinerary that she said the previous day did not exist. This is a Rainforest adventure oriented place with a lot of uphill walking and few restaurant choices which is inappropriate for seniors. The place was beautiful, everyone but the clerk was fantastic and the activities were fun and interesting. There rain and mud every day so watch out for the rainy season, we thought we had just missed it but we did not. The second leg at the Wyndham in Tamarindo was very nice. The beach was beautiful and the hotel was nice. Be prepared for there being no AC in public areas(including the restaurant) however and again it was very hot and humid. We had to wait 3 hours for our airport transport in a sweltering lobby since checkout was 11 and the transport pick up was 2pm. The hotel in on a steep hill overlooking the city providing a great view but not walkable to the city or beach. The shuttle ran only once per hour so if you did not time your visit perfectly (hard to do with restaurant service etc.), you had to wait an hour on the curb. The airport Hampton was as expected for an airport hotel. New hotel with excellent service and a frequent "on time" shuttle to the airport.

This company did not stand up to any of the promises they had posted to get us to take this trip. We feel that we wasted a ton of money and did not get what was promised. When we contacted them for help they either did not reply or made excuses for the issues we kept running into. Like horrible hotels, jam packed excisions, bad meals, Plus the flights were a horrible schedule, flying us to hell and back to get there. And when we complained we were only told that WE (of all things) violated their policy by complaining. We would NEVER EVER recommend nor use this company again. PERIOD. They took our money and must have laughed all the way to the back.

National Geographic Journey…

• Excellent - 260 reviews for Costa Rica tours

This tour is designed for travelers who like unstructured time to plan their own adventures, especially active sports. Our previous visit to Costa Rica offered more programming that centered on nature(especially bird watching) and culture, which was more aligned with our interests.

The tour was everything we hoped for and more, Great nature, great leader & great travelling companions.

Green World Adventures

• Excellent - 150 reviews for Costa Rica tours

Great adventures, tour guides on time and friendly. Overall nice experience however had very unexpected travel days of 9 hours car-boat-car that was not communicated and took up 2 days of our trip that could have otherwise been spent on vacation. Asked tour operator during tour who communicated incorrectly so we were unable to change our itinerary to avoid another wasted day. This was disappointing. Apparently the main bridge was closed a month prior to our arrival and planned closure for another 2 months. This would have been nice to know before we sat in a very cramped van- and good thing we don’t get too car sick.

Green World was awesome!

• Excellent - 13,437 reviews for Costa Rica tours

Volcan Masaya, Granada & Leon, Suchitoto, Atitlan, Antigua

Too much time on the bus and not enough time visiting the country. Very bad lunch at the ox cart village and we had no other options. Spent a lot of time waiting around for other folks who did "extra activities." Luis was a wealth of knowledge about the country, the plant life, and wildlife. Airport transfers were spot on! No night walk in Monteverde. This should be removed from the brochure if it's not always available. Nothing on the website when we booked requiring "travel insurance" so imagine our surprise when asked for it. Update the website! Nice unexpected visit was the hot springs at our sister hotel in La Fortuna. Hotels were good but I wouldn't call then "3 star." One even had no air conditioning, not fans, and although the windows opened, there were no screens so we were visited by an array of 6- and 8-legged critters

Infinity Worldwide Vacation…

• This operator has no Costa Rica reviews

Receptivo Aborigen Tours

• Good - 95 reviews for Costa Rica tours

We had a wonderful time and our tour was more than expected. We will definitely use TourRadar again!

Beautiful country. We enjoyed being able to see things from coast-to-coast. We were picked up by large bus for the first part of the trip and then had transporation that was either shared or just for us. I generally like to know a little bit more about what to expect before taking a trip, so add this information for others. The local tourism company that we were connected with helped us schedule scuba diving when we were in Guanacaste. I recommend this trip.

Exodus Travels

• Excellent - 13,248 reviews for Costa Rica tours

Lovely vitas and fabulous guide Edudardo Lopez, but tour descriptors sometimes lacking in detail and level of strenuous activities was minimized. One accommodation was impossible to endure in Cahuita do to level of mildew and mould in rooms. Had to go to a different accommodation for those three nights -for 2 couples - at own cost ($400 US per couple). We would not unconditionally recommend Exodus Tours to anyone in future. If you need more details contact us in person via email. [email protected] Our Tour guide was instrumental in helping to find last minute accommodation for the 2 couples. His efforts were exemplary!

The travel arrangements, accommodation, and food were excellent. The driver was excellent and the guide very good. I was with a lovely group of people. Unfortunately we had torrential rain at Arenal and Monteverde which meant that we got soaking wet and didn't see a lot. The other four locations were wonderful, particularly Savegre cloud forest. I would have loved to have stayed there another night and gone straight to the airport from there. I didn't particularly enjoy the farm visit and afterwards found myself covered in flea bites! Altogether though it was a great trip with beautiful birds and wonderful scenery.

Indus Travels

• Excellent - 258 reviews for Costa Rica tours

It was a good solo travel trip. BUT plan ahead. INDUS drops you off at hotel and then you are on your own in SAN Jose. We did get a map museums were closed on MOnday. research things to do, It can be extremely helpful to start researching your destination before you travel. Find out information about the city you are traveling to along with the area you will be staying in, so you can discover which stores and restaurants will be close by, get to know your way around the neighborhood, and familiarize yourself with attractions you want to see. Your journey will go smoother if you come prepared with ideas — and it will be a fascinating experience to see them come to life! The shuttle drivers were usually on time. Sunday was a busy travel day from Manuel Antonio hotel Tabula tree back to SAN JOSE PARK INN so beware of that. bus driver was late due to traffic almost an hour.

Intrepid Premium

• Excellent - 322 reviews for Costa Rica tours

I would 100% recommend this tour - a wonderful way to explore Costa Rica. Our guide was extremely passionate and knowledgeable about the country and wildlife. The hotels all had amazing views from the balcony, there was a good mix of included and optional activities, the food was really tasty, and we had a really nice group of 8. Everything is well organised and explained clearly along the way - I'd recommend this to anyone who wants to experience the wildlife and different regions of Costa Rica - you'll learn and see a lot :)

As first time Intrepid travellers we weren’t sure how we would like the small group tour. We were so happy we decided to try it. Costa Rica is a beautiful country with unbelievable scenery and lovely people. But what really made this trip special was our tour guide. His passion and knowledge of not only the flora and fauna but the history of his country was so incredibly rich. I came away with such a great appreciation for what this small country has achieved. He made sure all of our fellow travellers felt comfortable and I think since we were all like minded we had a great time together. The excursions were fun and again educational. The accommodations were in beautiful settings. What’s not to love? Pack your bags and enjoy!

• Excellent - 1,901 reviews for Costa Rica tours

I believe that the guide makes the experience, and our guide, German Rojas, was SUPERB!!!! From his leadership, knowledge, crowd-handling abilities to his grace and humor, he is an all-around 5-star guide! Don't lose him! I loved the itinerary, especially the wildlife watching opportunities. I personally would like maybe a little less time at Arenal volcano, with more time at either Tortuguero or Manuel Antonio, but I would definitely recommend this itinerary to friends and family!

The trip to Costa Rica was a wonderful experience between the nature, the Costa Rica folks and the food.

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Costa Rica literally translates to "rich coast,” and it’s easy to see how it got its name. In addition to world-class beaches on both the Caribbean and Pacific, this peaceful paradise boasts some of the most bio-diverse ecosystems on Earth. In fact, scientists say five percent of the world's species are found here. For reference, the country is only as big as West Virginia. 

The unparalleled wildlife watching includes encounters with slumbering sloths, majestic scarlet macaws, tree frogs as pretty as they are poisonous, and endangered nesting sea turtles. With dogged determination, they survive, symbiotically, in the shadow of some of the world's most active volcanoes. 

Whether you want to hike in a cloud forest at 10,000 feet above sea level or you dream of riding horses on a white sand beach, it’s never been easier to reach the rich coast. There are nonstop flights to Costa Rica from more than a dozen U.S. cities. Come in winter; the country is one of the best places to visit in January . Or, plan a trip for the summer months when hotel rates drop as temperatures rise — treat yourself to a stay in one of Costa Rica's best hotels and resorts .

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Nayara Springs: Soak in your villa’s private plunge pool fed by mineral hot springs.  
• Zip lining: Feel the cloud forest come alive as you soar through the canopy. 
• National Parks: These 28 protected areas are Mother Nature at her finest. 
• Restaurant Silvestre: Taste an award-winning chef’s contemporary interpretation of Costa Rican cuisine.
• Limón: Experience the country’s vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture. 

W Costa Rica - Reserva Conchal 

With its audacious architecture and cheeky decor, W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal stands out on a coast filled with cookie cutter beach resorts. Rooms run the gamut from traditional queens with balconies and ocean views to treehouse suites with private plunge pools. The property has a spa, 18-hole golf course, beach club, adults' and kids' pools, and five restaurants.

Nayara Springs 

This adults-only oasis was voted one of Central America’s best resort hotels by T+L readers. “From the moment you arrive you feel pampered,” Erica Linares, a Latin America specialist at Kensington Tours told Travel & Leisure. She’s a fan of the welcome drink, Costa Rica’s answer to the Bloody Mary. Meanwhile Emmanuel Burgio , a T+L Top Travel Advisor specializing in Central America, praises the private plunge pools.

Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen

Located four miles from San José's airport, this hotel is an ideal base for exploring the capital. That said, it feels a world away from all things urban thanks to its valley views and meticulously manicured gardens and outdoor spaces, including several pools and a coffee plantation.

Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo

This family-friendly resort is one of Travel + Leisure' s top 500 hotels in the world . “It commands one of the best locations in Costa Rica and offers easy access to the country’s most beautiful beaches,” James Kaiser, author of “ Costa Rica: The Complete Guide ” told Travel & Leisure. His pro tip is to bring binoculars to spot the humpback whales migrating offshore in winter.

Lapa Rios Ecolodge & Wildlife Reserve

Also voted one of the best resorts in Central America by T+L readers, this luxurious ecolodge on the Osa Peninsula is the perfect place to immerse oneself in nature. In addition to proximity to wildlife, Burgio loves the waterfront location. “The bungalows boast terraces with ocean views and outdoor showers, and the shared outdoor pool overlooks the Pacific.” 

National Parks

Between its diverse flora, fauna, and geothermal features, Costa Rica is a nature-lover's paradise . A quarter of the country is set aside for conservation, and there are 28 National Parks to choose from. “Plus, unlike Colombia or Brazil, you can visit multiple ecosystems in one day,” said Kaiser. 

Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure

Between Costa Rica's 300 beaches there are waves for diehards, beginners, and everyone in between. One of the best places to practice is Tamarindo, where Iguana Surf's instructors are as passionate about teaching as they are pipelines. As you improve, try the Nicoya Peninsula. According to Linares, “It’s known for its powerful waves and the town of Santa Teresa has a very relaxed, bohemian atmosphere.” 

Wellness is a way of life in Costa Rica – it's home to one of the world's five blue zones – so it seems sacrilegious to not get a spa treatment while in town. Vida Mía Healing Center & Spa sits atop a "high vibrational crystal mountain" and was named "Best Spa in the Americas."

Often considered to be the birthplace of ziplining, Costa Rica offers canopy tours almost everywhere there are trees. Hanging bridges are usually an option, too. At Selvatura Park in the Monteverde cloud forest, there are nearly two miles of treetop walkways.

The Pacuare Region

If you ask Burgio, one of the most under-the-radar experiences you can have is a private hike through the Talamanca Mountains with a guide from the indigenous Cabécar community. According to Burgio the Pacuare River is also the best place in Central America for whitewater rafting. 

Restaurante Celajes (Organic)

With its insect hotel, working farm, coffee plantation, and sugar cane fields, Hotel Belmar takes farm-to-table to a whole new level. As a result, its pride and joy – Restaurant Celajes – is so well-respected diners drive from as far away as San José just for dinner.

Lidia’s Place (Caribbean) 

According to Kaiser, the country’s best food is found on the Caribbean coast where “ the vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture spices things up.” Lidia’s Place is where he goes for the best Caribbean chicken. A small, family-owned establishment, don’t be surprised if Lidia stops by to say hola. 

Sano Banano (Healthy)

Translating to healthy banana, Sano Banano serves feel-good food – breakfast, lunch and dinner – in an open-air restaurant. Enjoy seating on the back patio or front porch overlooking Montezuma's lively main street and don’t miss the artisanal chocolates for sale by the cash register.

Don Rufino (Costa Rican) 

Choose from prix-fixe menus, a la carte, or a five-course tasting tour at this Arenal landmark where Linares says the dishes are delicious and the ambiance is just as memorable. Grandma’s roasted chicken, served wrapped in banana leaves, has a cult-like following, so order it before it sells out. 

Restaurante Silvestre (Experiential) 

This San José institution is famous for its edible experiences derived from “unorthodox and avant-garde culinary techniques.” Since it’s deemed one of the best restaurants in Central America, reservations are a must. And because the chef-driven tasting menu knows no bounds, it’s not ideal for picky eaters. 

The best time to visit Costa Rica depends on your goals. If you're looking to snorkel in clear Caribbean waters, opt for the dry season which on the Caribbean side, is mid-May through mid-December. Meanwhile, in the rest of the country, the dry season is the opposite. It runs from December to May. This is when everything is open and roads are passable. If you want to take advantage of low season rates and avoid crowds, visit during the wet season (which is marketed as the green season). 

For the best cultural events , visit during January for Palmares (basically Carnival) or Easter week. As a Catholic country, many of Costa Rica's biggest holidays correspond with the Church's. Regardless of when you visit, you can always watch sea turtles nest and hatch, go zip lining (they do it rain or shine), and learn how to surf.

Related : The Ultimate Costa Rica Packing List

How to Get There 

Costa Rica has two main airports: Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) in San José and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia. SJO is your best bet if you’re visiting Manuel Antonio, Limón, Arenal, or the Osa Peninsula. It also tends to have the cheapest flights. For trips to Guanacaste and Alajuela, you’ll probably want to fly into Liberia. Both airports offer rental cars. 

Of course, it’s possible to fly into one airport and out of the other. And transferring between the two is easy thanks to public buses and shared shuttles. The trip takes approximately 3-4 hours depending on traffic. Driving to Costa Rica is not recommended as you’ll have to pass through countries with civil unrest and border crossings can be complicated.

There are seven provinces in Costa Rica, and each has its own distinct vibe. Here are three we recommend starting with. 

San José : The capital boasts the best souvenir shopping and has many cultural institutions including the Museum of Costa Rican Art, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, and the National Museum of Costa Rica. It’s also where you’ll find the country’s best culinary offerings.

Alajuela : Alajuela is popular with adrenaline junkies as it’s home to Arenal Volcano National Park where you can zipline, hot springs hop, and hike in a cloud forest all in 24 hours. The province is also where you’ll find one of the world’s largest craters in Poas Volcano National Park (reservations required). 

Limón : Limón is located on the Caribbean side and highlights include Tortuguero National Park and the Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge. This province is also where you can experience the country’s incredible Afro-Caribbean culture . Approximately eight percent of Costa Ricans are of African descent.

Trains and Buses: Costa Rica is rebuilding its train infrastructure, damaged during the 1991 earthquake. For now, buses are the best public transportation. While most are privately owned, fares are low. For example, a four-hour ride might cost $10. "Directo" buses offer nonstop service. "Colectivos” stop pretty much everywhere.

Taxis and Shuttles: Costa Rica's official taxis are red or orange (the only cabs licensed for airport pickups) and all have a yellow triangle emblem. It's also easy to pre-book private car services or shuttles online. 

Rideshare: Although it’s technically not legal, Uber has been operating in Costa Rica since 2015. However, it's limited to major cities and tourist hotspots. DiDi is also an option, but it’s also not that reliable in remote areas.

Car Rentals: Car rentals are cheap and plentiful, but keep in mind that most cars are manual, and Costa Rica’s roads don’t have the best reputation (during the wet season, many roads turn into rivers). Try to get a high-clearance SUV with AWD, and if you need extras like a roof rack for surfboards, carseat for kids, cell phone for navigation, or additional drivers, book with Vamos . It’s the only company that offers all of the above for no fee.

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17 best costa rica tours of 2024: zip lining & more.

Dive into this natural paradise on these exceptional excursions.

The 17 Best Costa Rica Tours

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While known for its vast species of wildlife, lush rainforests and gorgeous waterfalls, Costa Rica can be difficult to navigate when you're not a local due to its rough roads and dispersed attractions and activities . Opting for a guided tour may be a simpler option that yields a richer experience. To help, U.S. News compiled this list of the top tours based on traveler opinion and expert input. Whether you want to experience Costa Rica's wild side while zip lining or indulge in its famous chocolate, you'll find an excursion on this list that suits your needs.

Adventure Tours Costa Rica – Tour de la Paz

Price: From $35 per passenger to $95 per driver Duration: 3 hours

Discover Costa Rica's rainforests, waterfalls and beaches on this ATV excursion that begins and ends in Jacó . Along the way, you'll make several stops for photos and even have the chance to jump off of a waterfall. Tour-takers enjoy the knowledgeable guides and amazing scenery. They also recommend bringing plenty of water with you.

Tours operate several times each day between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. Drivers must be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver's license. No open-toed shoes are allowed. The company recommends bringing bug spray, sunscreen and a swimsuit. ATV Adventure Tours offers a wide variety of tours, including kayaking, rappelling and horseback riding.

Check prices & availability on:

El Santuario Canopy Adventure Tour

Price: From $85 Duration: 4.5 hours

Sail across a nearly mile-long zip line near Manuel Antonio National Park while enjoying breathtaking views on this trip. During the tour, you'll ride 10 zip lines in total, cross hanging bridges and walk nature trails. The excursion also includes round-trip transportation from your Manuel Antonio or Quepos hotel , lunch and all safety equipment. Travelers say they feel safe during the whole trip and that the zip lines are awesome. Many add that the included lunch is tasty.

Participants must be at least 4 years old. Those who are pregnant are not allowed to go zip lining. Tours run daily at 8 and 11 a.m., and there may also be a 2 p.m. tour available in select months.

Costa Rica Waterfall Tours – The Explorer Tour

Price: From $79 Duration: 4 hours

On the Explorer Tour, you'll be driven up a mountain in a four-wheel-drive vehicle before hiking through the company's private rainforest reserve along a river, across bridges and to natural pools and waterfalls. Along the trek, there will be opportunities to swim, sit under the rushing water and jump from the top of the falls. Tours are limited to 12 people. Patrons say this tour is a must-do. They appreciate not only swimming in the waterfalls, but also the informative guides who point out local flora and fauna. Be sure to bring water, a swimsuit and shoes that can get wet.

Tours are available daily at 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. The company also offers ocean-based excursions and explorations through Costa Rica's canyons, among other options.

Desafio Adventure Co. - Rafting Class 2-3 Balsa River

Price: Adults from $80; kids from $72 Duration: 5 hours

Participants highly recommend this waterlogged adventure, praising the guides, delicious food and the scenery. This adventure begins with pick up from your accommodations to drive you to Desafio's private put-in on the Balsa River. You'll paddle for 6 miles down the river and experience mild Class II and III rapids (which are ideal for first-timers and children). After the rapids, you'll get a buffet lunch.

Trips depart daily at 10 a.m.; participants must be at least 8 years old. Also know that sturdy, secure shoes are required (no flip-flops). The company runs a myriad of adventurous outings, including rafting in stronger rapids and canyoning.

Green Vacations Costa Rica – Nature Lover Combo 1

Price: Adults from about $172; kids from $129 Duration: 9 hours

Ideal for those looking to explore the wild side of Costa Rica, this tour lets participants experience three of the top outdoor excursions in the nation. Cross 15 hanging bridges (perfect vantage points for spotting wildlife), climb up and down a waterfall, and take a hike that offers stunning views of the Arenal Volcano . Reviewers recommend this tour and say they enjoy spotting wildlife. They advise bringing water shoes for the challenging stairs by the waterfall.

Tickets include pickup and drop off from La Fortuna, as well as admission fees and lunch. Tours run at 7 a.m. daily. Green Vacations Costa Rica offers many tours, including a river hike and a volcano hike.

Rainforest Chocolate Tour

Price: Adults from $30; kids from $21 Duration: 2 hours

Satisfy your sweet tooth and learn all about chocolate, including its history, its origins and the production process on the two-hour Rainforest Chocolate Tour. You'll also learn about the ceremonial chocolate drink of the Mayans and of course, enjoy a sample of organic chocolate. Chocolate lovers say they learn a lot about chocolate on this tour and enjoy tasting the various samples.

Tours, which take place in La Fortuna, are available at 8 and 10 a.m., as well as 1 and 3 p.m.; reservations are required. All ages are welcome.

Native's Way Costa Rica – Guachipelin Adventure Combo

Price: Adults from $109; kids from $100 Duration: 12 hours

Ideal for travelers who want to experience the adventurous pursuits Costa Rica is known for, including zip lining and river tubing, this tour is a hit with reviewers. Along with a variety of heart-pumping activities, the trip includes a buffet lunch, a volcanic mud bath and a dip in hot springs. Tour-takers say they feel safe and that guides are helpful. They also appreciate the stop at the hot springs as the tour's finale.

Tours depart daily at 9 a.m. If you want round-trip transportation from the company, your journey will be around 6:30 a.m. (to allot time for driving before the tour) and you'll pay extra. Native's Way Costa Rica operates a variety of other tours, including excursions to the Monte Verde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve , fishing, scuba diving and more.

WAVE Expeditions – White Water Rafting Class II and III

Price: Adults from $78; kids from about $70 Duration: 6 hours

Families will appreciate this rafting experience on the Balsa River that takes travelers through mild Class II and Class III rapids. Ideal for participants ages 8 and older, the trip takes travelers out on the water for about two hours. A break filled with fruit and swimming opportunities allows you to take a better look at the surrounding flora and fauna. After rafting, enjoy lunch at a country estate. Participants rave about their experienced guides and say the trip is perfect for novice rafters.

Tours are available daily at 10:30 a.m. In addition to whitewater rafting, WAVE Expeditions also offers river float trips and tours that combine a variety of activities, including horseback riding and hiking.

Pure Trek Canyoning – Canyoning Tour

Price: From $105 Duration: 4 hours

Rappel and rock climb in a waterfall canyon that's filled with wildlife on this thrilling tour near La Fortuna. Depending on the time of day, participants enjoy a traditional lunch either before or after their tour. Families say this tour is great for kids, that they feel safe and highly recommend the "monkey drop" portion (rappelling to the canyon floor).

Children must be at least 5 years old to participate. Round-trip transportation from La Fortuna hotels is included with your ticket. There is a morning tour at 7 a.m. and another tour at noon. This tour is also available as a private excursion. The company also offers whitewater trips combined with zip line tours, among other options.

Arenal Mundo Aventura – Big Ama

Price: Adults from $75; kids from $57 Duration: 3 hours

Fly high above La Fortuna Waterfall via zip line on this adrenaline-fueled excursion. You'll also sail along 12 zip lines leading you through canyons and whizzing over treetops. Participants say the views are amazing and that they feel very safe throughout.

Kids must be at least 3 feet, 10 inches tall and weigh 55 pounds to participate. Tours operate at 8 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. There is a minimum of two people required to book the tour, and transportation is included for some area locations. Arenal Mundo Aventura hosts a variety of zip lining, hiking, rappelling and bird-watching tours.

Callidryas Tours – Sloth Tour

Price: Adults from $60; kids from $30 Duration: 3 hours

Discover sloths in their natural habitat on this walking and driving excursion. A naturalist guide will lead you on a mission to find as many sloths as possible; the company even guarantees you will see wild sloths. In addition to the tour's namesake, you could also see toucans, frogs, iguanas and monkeys. Participants rave about the number of sloths spotted on the tour and praise the guides.

Transportation and snacks are included with your ticket. Tours begin at 6 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily. Callidryas Tours also operates an Arenal Volcano hike, as well as a frog-watching night walk and various other hikes.

Horse Trek Monteverde – Mountain and Farm View Costa Rica Horseback Ride

Price: From $49 Duration: 2.5 hours

During this horseback ride, you'll traverse through winding, rugged paths and along the cloud forest with fantastic views and bird sightings along the way. Those who have limited experience riding horses say they feel comfortable on this ride and praise the guide's passion for horses.

Children must be at least 6 years old to participate. The maximum weight to ride is 200 pounds. You do not need previous riding experience. Rides are available in both the morning and afternoon, with pickups from Monteverde-area accommodations at 8:30 a.m. and between 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Horse Trek Monteverde offers a variety of horseback riding tours in different settings.

Costa Rica Jade Tours – Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Group Tour

Price: Adults from $59; kids from $49 Duration: 3 hours

Discover the diverse flora and fauna of Manuel Antonio National Park, including its beaches, coral reefs and rainforest, with an in-the-know local by your side. During the trip, guides share the park's history and information about the park's inhabitants, including monkeys, sloths, iguanas, toucans and more. Reviewers say guides are incredibly knowledgeable and that they see lots of wildlife on the tour.

Tickets include round-trip transportation from Quepos City. Tours, which have a maximum of 10 participants, start at 7:30 a.m. and 12:40 p.m. Wednesday through Monday. The company also operates tours all throughout the country, including Jacó, Arenal Volcano and Guanacaste , among other locales.

Don Olivo Chocolate Tour

Price: From $30 Duration: 2 hours

Explore a cacao tree farm, sample handcrafted chocolate and hot chocolate, as well as fresh fruit grown on the farm on the Don Olivo Chocolate Tour. Participants will also learn about cacao trees, plants and seeds and how they are made into chocolate. Tourgoers find the experience interesting and say there is a lot more to see, learn and sample on the tour than just chocolate.

Tours are available daily at 8 and 10 a.m. as well as 1 and 3 p.m.; participants should reserve their spots in advance by contacting the company online.

Sunset Sails Tours

Price: From $95 Duration: 3.5 to 4 hours

Sail along the Manuel Antonio coast on this cruise past area islands and Manuel Antonio National Park, spotting dolphins, sea turtles, stingrays and (possibly) whales along the way. You'll also have the opportunity to snorkel and enjoy a gourmet meal on board. Throughout the trip, guides share information about marine life. Reviewers say that the crew is personable, the boat clean and comfortable, and the food excellent.

Tours start at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Tickets include transportation from hotels in Quepos and Manuel Antonio, snorkeling gear, a meal and snacks.

Lazy Lizard Sailing – Tropical Sunset Tour

Price: Adults from $90; kids from $70 Duration: 4 hours

Sail along the Costa Rican coast from the Guanacaste province aboard a catamaran with a stop for water activities like snorkeling, kayaking or swimming in a secluded inlet on this cruise. Afterward, enjoy a picnic-style lunch and beautiful views of the sunset. Reviewers say the food served on board the cruise is delicious, and describe the sunset as stunning.

Tours are available at 2 p.m. daily; the company also offers private catamaran tours.

Bahia Aventuras – Hiking Corcovado National Park Day Tour

Price: Adults from $150; kids from $95 Duration: 8 hours

Travelers can explore the vast biodiversity of Corcovado National Park on this tour, which features a guided nature hike about two hours long. The adventure also includes a picnic lunch at San Josecito Beach. After lunch, tourgoers will take another, albeit shorter, hike. Tours depart from Punta Uvita beach and you'll get to Corcovado National Park via boat (you could spot dolphins, whales and turtles). Participants applaud the tour for the knowledgeable guides and variety of wildlife on view. They also recommend motion sickness medication for the boat ride.

Tickets include entrance fees to the park. The tour is not recommended for children younger than 4 and people who are pregnant. Tours start at 7:30 a.m. and require a minimum of six people to embark. Bahia Aventuras offers a range of tours, including whale watching, snorkeling and sport fishing.

You may also be interested in:

• The Best Costa Rica Hotels
• The Top Costa Rica All-Inclusive Resorts
• The Best International Travel Insurance

Tags: Tours , Travel , Vacations , Costa Rica

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Costa Rica Travel Guide

From the tropical jungle to the paradise beaches, Costa Rica is wildlife heaven and a must-visit for nature lovers.

Best time to visit Costa Rica

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Costa Rica's diverse microclimates make the weather fairly unpredictable; one moment may be hot and sunny, and the next, pouring down! The driest months are between mid-December to April, and the wettest are May to November, but don't be deterred by the rainy season; nature becomes incredibly luscious, and costs will be lower.

Spot wildlife at ...

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How to rent a car in Costa Rica

Camping in costa rica.

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find Hostels via Hostelworld
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to Costa Rica via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
• Get a Visa via iVisa
• How to pack light for your trip
• How to plan your trip our tips

Why is Costa Rica worth visiting?

Costa Rica is a tropical haven of stunning natural beauty, where “Pura Vida” is not just an expression but a way of life. With its unspoiled coastlines, lush jungles, captivating history, exhilarating adventures, and an incredible abundance of wildlife, it’s a magical destination waiting to be explored! 

Is Costa Rica cheap to visit?

Due to Costa Rica’s increase in popularity in recent years, prices have been on the rise, earning the nickname ‘Switzerland of Central America’. While budget-friendly options are available, expect to spend, on average, $860 – $2650 USD per person per week.

Can I drink tap water in Costa Rica?

Tap water is typically safe to drink in most parts of Costa Rica, so bring a reusable water bottle or buy a 10-liter water bottle at the supermarket to refill throughout your trip.  

Do I need a visa for traveling in Costa Rica?

Most passport holders do not require a visa to enter Costa Rica for 90 days. However, you will need a valid passport and an onward plane ticket to prove that you will leave within this time. Check your country’s entry requirements in advance.

What language do they speak in Costa Rica?

In Costa Rica, Spanish is the language spoken throughout the country. While English is often spoken in popular tourist areas, known basic Spanish phrases will be helpful, particularly if you head off the beaten path. 

Do I need travel insurance for Costa Rica?

While exploring this paradise, travel insurance will give you peace of mind. It’ll protect you against medical emergencies, flight cancellations, and lost belongings, ensuring you can fully immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s wonders. 

Is Costa Rica safe?

Generally, Costa Rica is a very safe place to travel, with welcoming locals and the lowest violent crime rate in Central America. Petty crime does exist, so as with all destinations, stay vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings at all times. 

What power plug type does Costa Rica have?

Costa Rica uses plug types A and B, which operate on 120V. Bring an adaptor, or buy one at the airport to stay connected during your vacation in Costa Rica.

Why do people love Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is loved because of its connection with nature, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and “Pura Vida” way of life. With lush rainforests, active volcanoes, pristine beaches, and a diverse ecosystem, it really is an incredible place to explore! 

Travel to Costa Rica 

A paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, Costa Rica is a small but incredibly diverse country, where “Pura Vida” isn’t just a saying, it’s a way of life. A place where sloths slowly make their way through the lush rainforest canopies and baby turtles take their first steps in the sand; Costa Rica has it all! 

How to plan your trip to Costa Rica

Check our Costa Rica travel guides for an incredible adventure! Whether you’re camping with a 4×4 , backpacking around the country, or looking for a relaxing getaway, we’ve got you covered with all the best things to do in Costa Rica . 

Looking for more detailed day-to-day itineraries? Our Travelers Guide to Costa Rica could be perfect for you! 

As a tropical country with over 20 micro-climates, the weather in Costa Rica can change in a matter of minutes – you may go from basking in 30°C sunshine one moment to experiencing a refreshing 18°C rain shower the next. 

Dry Season (mid-December – April): The best time to visit Costa Rica is between mid-December and April, the driest and sunniest time of the year. Even though this is the dry season, as the climate in Costa Rica is tropical, you could still be in with the chance of a rain shower here and there. Although these months bring more crowds and increased prices, this is the ideal time to visit for beach lovers and beginner surfers.

Rainy Season (May – November): The months between May and November are the rainy season, with October being the wettest month to visit. Don’t let this put you off vacationing in Costa Rica; the rain showers never usually last long, nature becomes incredibly vibrant, prices are lower, and it makes for the perfect waves for intermediate surfers! 

Best time to visit Costa Rica for wildlife: Wildlife is abundant year-round thanks to Costa Rica’s conservation efforts, but if you’re keen to spot specific wildlife, there are prime seasons to keep in mind. Humpback whales can be observed from December to April on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, as well as from July to November on the Pacific side. Green nesting turtles make an appearance from July to October, and leatherback turtles emerge between February and April. The ideal bird-watching period is during October and November. 

Whatever time you choose for your Costa Rica holiday, whether you’re pursuing a particular animal, searching for the best waves, or looking for relaxing beach days, this tropical paradise has it all!

Coastlines and beaches in Costa Rica

With over 300 beaches, Costa Rica’s coastline ticks all the boxes! Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast looking to chill with iguanas, a keen surfer chasing the perfect wave, or you want to relax in unique tidal pools, Costa Rica has it all.

For one of the best places in Costa Rica for surfing, head to Santa Teresa , a charming bohemian beach town lined with palm trees. Nearby, at Playa Manzanillo, experience the wind in your hair horseriding barefoot down a deserted beach. For unspoiled beauty, Manuel Antonio offers some of the best beaches in Costa Rica , where you’ll find powdery white sand with abundant wildlife on the shores thanks to its location next to the renowned national park. 

Looking for something a little off the beaten track? Uvita is one of the best places to travel in Costa Rica. Rocas de Amancio Beach is a local hidden gem and the perfect place to watch the sunset. Or visit Marino Ballena National Park, known for its extraordinarily shaped beach resembling a whale tail.

With a choice of the Caribbean or Pacific coast, Costa Rica isn’t short of incredible beaches to visit, many of which are still relatively undiscovered. The ocean is an integral part of Costa Rican life, with a clear commitment to preserving the marine life and wildlife around it; it really is a special place.

Food, culture, and religion in Costa Rica

With a vibrant fusion of influences and ethnicities, the local population, known as “Ticas” and “Ticos”, are renowned for their warm hospitality and easy-going, “pura vida” approach to life. Art, music, and dance are expressions of their culture , noticeable through the many festivals yearly, such as Fiestas Palmares and endless colorful streets and markets. Whilst Roman Catholicism is the main religion , Costa Rica is renowned for its inclusivity, harmoniously living together, paying homage to their laid-back attitudes. 

Costa Rican cuisine is a delightful blend of flavors, using simple, mild, and fresh ingredients, steering clear of processed food. Rice and beans are a staple of most diets, with Gallo Pinto being the national dish. Fresh seafood, such as ceviche and arroz con mariscos, is always an option, thanks to Costa Rica’s extensive coastline. Because of its tropical climate, there is an abundance of fresh fruit, such as mango, papaya, and pineapple. 

Coffee also plays an integral part in the country’s economy, having some of the best flavor profiles in the world. If you’re a coffee enthusiast, don’t miss the opportunity to join a coffee tour to learn all about the production process and enjoy some tasty samples during your Costa Rica holiday . 

Why you should travel to Costa Rica

There’s nowhere quite like Costa Rica, a country full of unrivaled natural beauty and somewhere every traveler should visit at least once. From the natural hot springs in La Fortuna to the pristine beaches of Manuel Antonio and the Cloud Forest of Monteverde , Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers and adventurers. 

For environmentally-conscious travelers and animal lovers, Costa Rica is a global leader in sustainability and ecotourism, making significant efforts to protect nature and wildlife. You can visit national parks, conservation centers, and wildlife reserves; by visiting, you’re supporting the efforts to preserve this breathtaking environment. 

For adrenaline junkies, Costa Rica’s diverse terrain is a playground with no end of thrill-seeking activities, such as white water rafting, waterfall rope swings, scuba diving, and ziplining above the treetops. Or if you’re looking for the “pura vida” lifestyle, there are plenty of laid-back things to do; the options are endless!

The beauty of Costa Rica isn’t confined to its wildlife and landscapes. The warm welcome from the locals gives a feeling that can’t be described; you have to experience it for yourself. Every day is filled with beautiful moments and simple pleasures, making for an unforgettable journey. 

Safety and travel advice Costa Rica

Costa Rica is known to be one of the safest countries in Central America for tourists, with some of the friendliest locals in the world. 

Crime and Safety in Costa Rica: Like most Latin American countries, Costa Rica does have a few problems relating to drug trafficking, poverty, and pickpocketing, especially in busier areas like San José. Always stay vigilant, keep your personal belongings secure, and avoid walking alone in poorly lit or remote areas at night. 

Natural Disasters: Due to its tropical weather and microclimates, Costa Rica may experience natural disasters, with several active volcanoes and a risk of earthquakes, hurricanes, and flooding. These occurrences are rare, and the country is well-prepared, so always follow the advice of the local authorities.

Traffic and Driving: If you plan to rent a car in Costa Rica , be cautious of the roads. While nowhere near as bad as they used to be, road conditions can vary, and sometimes, a 4×4 is required to get somewhere safely. Always pay attention to signs, stay alert, and adhere to speed limits to ensure a safe experience on the road. 

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is recommended for all your travels. Purchasing insurance before your vacation in Costa Rica will provide peace of mind for your trip. 

Costa Rica Travel Guide

Last Updated: November 2, 2023

Costa Rica is one of my favorite countries in the world. It was the first country I ever traveled to — and it was the country that sparked my wanderlust.

These days, Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations in Central America . It’s popular with expats, luxury travelers, and backpackers alike. While it is on the higher end of the price spectrum for the region, it’s nevertheless a phenomenal country to visit and remains affordable.

I love the never-ending activities, gorgeous beaches, diverse wildlife, delicious food, and friendly people.

The country may be expensive by regional standards but that doesn’t make it any less amazing. The beaches are picturesque, there’s great surfing and amazing diving, and there are plenty of places to get away from the hordes of retired Americans that live here.

This guide to Costa Rica can help you have the trip of a lifetime — and save money in the process!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Costa Rica

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in costa rica.

1. Climb a volcano

Volcanoes are among the country’s top tourist attractions. There are currently 5 active ones and over 60 dormant ones. Arenal is the most popular, famous for its beautiful hikes and scenic views. Irazu is known for its astonishing green-blue lake in one of its craters, while the Poas Volcano is home to a boiling acid lake within its crater.

2. Visit Monteverde

Monteverde is one of my favorite places in Costa Rica. I always found this town to be a nice base to hike the surrounding cloud forest, take canopy tours, and visit coffee plantations. I still dream of the coffee from here — it’s like drinking liquid chocolate! Be sure to take a nocturnal rainforest tour while you’re here — they’re super fun and educational.

3. Explore Tortuguero National Park

This park on the Caribbean coast is regarded as one of the most important breeding grounds for the endangered green turtle. The park also helps protect manatees, sloths, and monkeys. If you like jungles, birds, and quiet, this is a must-see! Admission is $16.95 USD. You can visit as a guided full-day tour from San Jose for $195 USD.

4. Explore Corcovado

Established in 1975, Corcovado National Park is on the remote Osa Peninsula in the southwest. Spanning 424 square kilometers (164 square miles), it’s a rugged, quiet, off-the-beaten-path destination. Here you’ll find pristine jungles, hiking trails, and plenty of diving opportunities. There’s lots of wildlife too, including tapirs, jaguars, pumas, and the rare Harpy eagle. The peninsula is not easy to get to but it’s the highlight of the country for me.

5. Stay in Puerto Viejo

Other things to see and do in costa rica, 1. visit san josé.

Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose is in the center of the country. It’s sort of gritty and there’s not a whole lot to do (the city only requires a few days) but while you’re here, visit the Museum of Contemporary Art & Design to check out the future of Costa Rican art, as well as the magnificent Teatro Nacional to take in its décor. There are also many tour companies that offer day trips to the surrounding jungle for hiking, zip-lining, canopy tours, and more. Most start around $150 USD.

2. Zip through the rainforest canopy

The highest 10% of rainforest is where most activity takes place, filled with squawking birds, slow moving sloths, and monkeys scampering from tree to tree. For an adrenaline-pumping view of these vast, diverse ecosystems, take a zip line tour. There are dozens of companies throughout the country, though Monteverde is my favorite place to do it. Expect to pay around $75-85 USD for a multi-line tour lasting a couple of hours .

3. Explore Baru Wildlife Refuge

With over 330 hectares (815 acres) of land, 7 kilometers (4 miles) of walking trails, and 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) of fantastic beaches, this refuge is another prime example of Costa Rica’s natural beauty. Located on the coast south of Manuel Antonio , here you can go birdwatching, take canopy tours, and explore the park via guided tours to see the wildlife. Don’t miss the orchid and butterfly gardens. For something more unique, take a nighttime guided tour to see the region’s nocturnal animals. Self-guided tours cost $15 USD while guided tours start at $35 USD.

4. Go surfing in Jaco

Located on the Pacific Coast west of San Jose, Jaco was once a sleepy resort town whose main attraction was its excellent surfing. Growing tourism has transformed it into a haven of beach parties and nightclubs. Surf lessons and rentals are widely available on the beaches and sport-fishing is also popular here. For a more laid-back visit, head to the nearby Carara National Park to spot scarlet macaws, armadillos, and hundreds of species of birds (admission is $11.30 USD).

5. Learn some Spanish

Costa Rica is one of the most popular countries for learning Spanish due to the country’s easy-to-understand dialect. Programs vary in length and cost, but most offer the opportunity to do an immersive homestay with a Costa Rican family. Expect to spend around $500 USD for a basic week-long homestay language learning program.

6. See La Paz Waterfall Gardens

Located just one hour from San Jose, this makes for a popular day trip. Aside from the many stunning waterfalls throughout the lush cloud forest, here you’ll also find several beautiful gardens, an aviary, a hummingbird garden, a butterfly garden, and a reptile area. Plan to stay at least two hours to see everything. Admission is $50 USD. You can also do a full-day tour to the Waterfall Gardens that includes a visit to a coffee plantation and Poás Volcano for $159 USD.

7. Go fishing

Costa Rica is home to Marlin, Sailfish, Dorado, Snapper, Wahoo, and more. If you love to fish (or just want to give it a try), consider doing a half-day or full-day fishing excursion. A basic group excursion costs around $105 USD and usually includes food, though prices can be ten times as high for multi-day or exclusive charters. A half-day private charter is around $400-600 USD. You can usually find places that can cook your catch as well.

8. Chill out in Santa Teresa

At the bottom of the Nicoya Peninsula is the hippy backpacker town of Santa Teresa. This “town” is really nothing more than a beach with a road lined with eateries, surf shops, and hostels. Not much goes on here as everyone is up early to hit the waves. I enjoyed my time here as it’s a good place to just lay on the beach, hang out with people, and relax. It’s an easy place to fall into and spend weeks. Or, like most people who visit, months.

9. Learn to surf

Puerto Viejo , Cahuita , Manuel Antonio , Jaco, Santa Teresa, or Tamarindo all offer plenty of waves and lots of places to learn to surf. In fact, most travelers come here to surf because the waves are world renowned. If you have never learned but always wanted to try, this is the best place in the region to learn. Group lessons cost around $60 USD and private lessons are around $80-100 USD, while all-inclusive surf camps (including food, accommodation, lessons, and more) can be up to $2,500 USD. Board rentals are usually around $10 USD per day.

10. Walk through the treetops

The Rainmaker Aerial Walkway, located one hour from Jaco, was the first aerial walkway to be built in Central America. Spanning the canopy of a private rainforest, it’s still considered to be one of the top aerial walkways in the region. At the highest point on the walkway, you’ll find yourself 20 stories above the ground, giving you ample opportunities to spot all kinds of birds and monkeys. A self-guided tour is $23 USD, while guided tours start at $74 USD.

11. Wander a coffee plantation

Costa Rican coffee is famous the world over. On a coffee plantation tour you can learn about the entire bean-to-cup process and see it all up close — all while learning about the lives of the local farmers who grow it. While I personally dislike the taste of coffee, the kind I had in Monteverde tasted like chocolate and was delicious! Prices vary but expect to pay around $40-50 USD for a tour.

12. Take a chocolate-making workshop

Cacao is Costa Rica’s other famous bean (also technically a seed). Once widely exported, Costa Rican chocolate is now mostly made in small batches on local artisan farms. There are many places around the country where you can take chocolate making workshops, where you can see the entire process, sample the goods, and try your hand at grinding raw cacao. Tours generally last 2-3 hours and cost around $30-40 USD.

13. Experience the rainforest by night

A guided night walk offers the chance to spot and learn about some of the countless nocturnal animals that call the forest home, including tarantulas, armadillos, and stick bugs. It’s a cool way to see a different side of the jungle as your guide will point out animals, insects, and plants that you might not have noticed otherwise. You can take night walks at national parks and nature preserves around the country. Tours generally last around 2 hours and cost $25-35 USD.

14. Take a cooking class

One of my favorite ways to learn about a new culture is through its cuisine, and taking a cooking class is one of the best ways to do that. Taking home new recipes is also a great souvenir from your trip! In this 3-hour cooking class in La Fortuna, you’ll learn about typical Costa Rican produce and ingredients, and then prepare a few traditional dishes like picadillos (a spicy stew), tortillas, and guisados (a meat dish).

  For more information on specific destinations in the country, check out these guides:

• Arenal Travel Guide
• Manuel Antonio Travel Guide
• Monteverde Travel Guide
• Puerto Viejo Travel Guide
• San Jose Travel guide
• Tamarindo Travel Guide
• Tortuguero Travel Guide

Costa Rica Travel Costs

Hostel Costs – A bed in a hostel dorm with 4-6 beds costs between $15-25 USD per night, while dorms with 8 beds and up can be found for as cheap as $11-14 USD. Private rooms in hostels are usually $35-60 USD.

Free Wi-Fi is standard and some hostels also include free breakfast. The majority of hostels around the country also have self-catering facilities too. Many also have bars/restaurants on site. In the beach areas especially, some hostels even have pools.

Budget hotel costs – Budget hotels begin around $50 USD per night but average closer to $65-70 USD.Breakfast is often included and most have basic amenities like AC and TV. Many budget hotels even have pools, especially in beachside towns.

For Airbnb, private rooms start around $40-60 USD per night. For an entire home or apartment, expect to pay at least $75-125 USD. Prices double when not booked in advance.

For those traveling with a tent, camping is an option all around the country. Most campgrounds usually charge around $10 USD per night for a basic plot without electricity. Avoid wild camping as it is often unsafe and illegal in many areas due to the protection of natural areas.

Food – Costa Rican cuisine is centered around rice and beans, which are usually eaten for every meal. Potatoes, plantain, pork, and beef are also popular. Gallo pinto (rice and bean stir-fry) is the national dish. You’ll find it mixed with eggs for breakfast. Casado is a typical lunch dish, which consists of rice, beans, veggies, fresh salad, and your choice of meat. Generally, the food here is quite mild.

Note: While you can easily pay for tours and entrance fees in USD, in smaller establishments, such as local restaurants, you’ll need colones (CRC). Prices in this section are in CRC to reflect this.

At sodas (cheap local restaurants serving traditional cuisine), expect a filling meal of casado (rice, beans, veggies, and meat) to cost around 3,500-5,000 CRC. You can usually find empanadas and other savory snacks from traditional bakeries for around 2,000 CRC or less.

At a mid-range restaurant or in touristy areas (like right along the beach) expect to pay around around 7,000-8,500 CRC for a fish dish, 6,000-7,000 for a burger or a simple pasta dish, and 9,000-11,000 CRC for a steak dish or large pizza to share. Seafood dishes like lobster start around 12,000-17,000 CRC.

For fast food (think pizza or burgers) or a dish of fried rice at a Chinese takeout place, expect to pay around 4,500-5,000 CRC.

Domestic beer costs around 1,500-2,000 CRC, a glass of wine is 3,000 CRC, a cocktail is 3,500-5,000 CRC, and a latte/cappuccino is around 2,000 CRC. Bottled water is 1,000 CRC. Fruit smoothies, which you can get made either with water or milk, are 2,000-2,500 CRC.

If you plan on cooking for yourself, a week’s worth of groceries costs around 20,000-30,000 CRC depending on the area. This gets you basic staples like rice, beans, veggies, fruit, and some meat or fish.

Backpacking Costa Rica Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Costa Rica, my suggested budget is $50 USD per day. On this budget, you can stay in a hostel, cook most of your meals, have some cheap street food, take public transportation to get around, and enjoy mostly free activities like hiking and the beach.

On a mid-range budget of around $135 USD per day, you can stay in an Airbnb or private hostel room, eat out at local sodas, enjoy a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi, and do more paid activities like guided tours, surf lessons, and museum visits

On a “luxury” budget of $250 USD or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, rent a car to get around, drink as much as you’d like, and do as many excursions as you want, including diving and canopy tours. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in USD.

Costa Rica Travel Guide: Money Saving Tips

Costa Rica is one of the most expensive countries in Central America. Between food costs, accommodation, and activities, there’s a lot of ways to spend money. You can get by on a budget compared to other places in the world but it’s still an expensive place to visit. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to save money while you’re here:

• Travel off-season – Late April to November is considered the rainy season and prices tend to be less expensive and the region is less crowded. If you’re on a budget, visit during this time.
• Avoid tour activities – There are a lot of great (but expensive) group activities and tours in the country. Skip them and do free activities like hiking, swimming, and relaxing at the beach instead.
• Eat at the sodas – “Sodas” are small family-run restaurants that specialize in inexpensive yet filling traditional meals, usually costing around 3,500-5,000 CRC. These hole-in-the-wall restaurants offer the best value in the country.
• Go camping – Some hostels let you camp on their property if you have a tent. If not, there are plenty of campgrounds around the country where you can pitch a tent. Usually, this costs around $10 USD per night.
• Visit the Caribbean side – Visiting the cheaper Caribbean side lets you see the beautiful country without the high prices of the popular Pacific destinations.
• Avoid the tourist shuttles – While local buses are a lot slower than tourist shuttles, they are also a fraction of the price (i.e the local bus from San Jose to Monteverde is $6 USD while a shuttle is $60 USD). If you aren’t rushed for time, take the local buses.
• Pack a water bottle – While the tap water is drinkable in most of the country, there are some remote and beach destinations where it’s recommended to drink bottled water. A reusable water bottle with a filter can help you save money (and thousands of plastic bottles) by purifying the tap water for you. My preferred bottle is LifeStraw .

Where to Stay in Costa Rica

Costa Rica has lots of fun, social, and affordable hostels. Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Costa Rica:

• Arenal Backpackers Resort (Arenal)
• Selina Puerto Viejo (Puerto Viejo)
• Stray Cat Hostel (San Jose)
• Costa Rica Backpackers (San Jose)
• Pura Natura Lodge Manuel Antonio (Manuel Antonio)
• Sloth Backpackers (Monteverde)
• Pura Vida Hostel (Tamarindo)
• Aracari Garden Hostel (Tortuguero)

How to Get Around Costa Rica

Bus – The cheapest and easiest way to get around Costa Rica is by bus. Short bus trips (under 3 hours) are usually around $2-10 USD while longer trips cost $10-20 USD. The Costa Rica tourism board has a comprehensive schedule and guide to help you plan your trip.

Minibus – Private minibuses or shuttles provide an easy way to get around the country, or to and from the airport. They are all over the place and are often quicker and more direct than the public buses (but also more expensive, starting at $50-60 USD). Ask your hotel/hostel staff for the local options as they vary around the country.

Flying – Since the country is so small, air travel within Costa Rica isn’t budget-friendly or efficient. I would skip this method of travel. It won’t save you time or money.

Car Rental – Car rentals are surprisingly affordable in Costa Rica. You can rent a car for as little as $30-45 USD per day. However, the roads here are not always great and drivers can be aggressive. Make sure you have insurance if you do rent a vehicle. Most rental companies require drivers to be 25 though some will rent to drivers who are 21. For the best car rental prices in Costa Rica, use Vamos (as a Nomadic Matt reader, you’ll get 5% off by using our link).

Hitchhiking – Hitchhiking isn’t common for long-distance rides, however, it’s possible in beach destinations or in remote places with less public transport. HitchWiki is the best website for additional hitchhiking tips and info.

When to Go to Costa Rica

Overall, temperatures and weather vary per region, but most people go to Costa Rica during the dry season, which takes place from December to April. Although it’s peak season and tourism is at its highest, there’s almost non-stop sunshine, ideal for enjoying the country’s beaches and rainforests. If visiting during this time, make all your reservations in advance since things fill up fast.

The rainy season is from May to November. This is when it’s cheapest to visit Costa Rica. It doesn’t rain all the time though and temperatures are still warm. The rain tends to lighten during June and July, making the country’s rainforests burst with life.

If you’re around the Caribbean coast and the Northern Plains, you can expect year-round humidity and temperatures somewhere in the 20s-30s°C (70s-80s°F). It’s not so humid in the North Pacific, but temperatures can get even hotter in this area during the dry season.

How to Stay Safe in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the safest countries for traveling and backpacking in Central America . Most popular tourist towns are small and with little threat of violence. Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

That said, it’s always good to play it safe. Petty theft (including bag snatching) is one of the most common types of crime here. Don’t flash your valuables and make sure they are always secure while you’re out. When going out for the night, only bring the money you need. Leave the rest of your cash and cards locked up in your accommodation.

There are some common scams here, including a taxi scam where the driver tells you the meter is broken once the drive has begun. For that reason, you should stick to metered taxis or negotiate a price in advance. You can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you rent a car, don’t leave any valuables in it overnight as break-ins do occur. Be mindful of missing road signs and potholes, as well as aggressive drivers.

Costa Rica’s natural wonders can be unpredictable. If you’re hiking in the jungle, always check the weather in advance and never stray from the trail. Doing so disturbs the fragile ecosystems, and opens yourself up to the possibility of encountering poisonous snakes and spiders. When in doubt, hire a guide. If you’re not a strong swimmer, stay out of the water. The currents and waves off the coast can be very strong, so heed signs and local advice on whether it’s safe to swim in a certain area or not.

If you experience an emergency, dial 911 for assistance.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against unexpected costs due to illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Costa Rica Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Costa Rica Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Costa Rica and continue planning your trip:

The Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Costa Rica

Do You Need Travel Insurance for Costa Rica?

The Best Tour Companies in Costa Rica

The 8 Best Hostels in San José, Costa Rica

Is Costa Rica Safe to Visit?

Is Central America Safe to Visit?

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How I planned my trip to Costa Rica

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written by Ties Lagraauw

updated 28.05.2024

Some say that planning your trip is more fun than the trip itself. Although I think that's a bit of an exaggeration, I do believe that planning is fun. And essential. As a content manager for Rough Guides, I’m no stranger to the intricacies of organizing travel, but I wanted a trip that went beyond the usual tourist spots. Something that would immerse me in the vibrant culture, diverse wildlife, and stunning landscapes that Costa Rica is famous for. So here is how I planned my trip to Costa Rica (and how you can do this too).

First, I decide what I want to get out of the trip

Next, when is the best time to go, how long do i need in costa rica, i book some activities in advance, how i budget my trip, i enjoy reading about the culture, mistakes i made (and how to avoid it).

First, I decide what I want to get out of the trip. Having visited over 70 countries, I can confidently say this is one of the best tips for planning a trip to Costa Rica. It's essential to start with a clear vision of what you want from your travel experience.

I wanted a combination of adrenaline-pumping activities and serene moments in nature, and decided to skip cities. To be honest, you don't travel to Costa Rica for the cities. If you are keen to explore old Spanish cities, opt for Nicaragua instead (I loved it!). Anyway, I envisioned walking through Manuel Antonio National Park , gazing at the Arenal Volcano , surfing at pristine beaches and some relaxing in the best hot springs .

This clarity helped shape my entire itinerary and ensured my trip was aligned with my interests and desires.

Take some time to think about what excites you most about your destination. Make a list of must-see places and activities . Knowing your goals will make the planning process smoother and more enjoyable. 

My tip: Always start your travel planning with a clear vision of what you want to experience.

The weather can make or break your trip. You can travel to the most remote beaches in the world with the whitest sand you've ever seen. If it's raining cats and dogs, it's just not as good. So always check the best time to visit your destination.

The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season, which runs from December through April . There is plenty of sunshine during this period, making it ideal for exploring beaches , rainforests, and volcanoes. 

However, this is also the peak tourist season , so I had to book accommodation and activities well in advance to get the best deals. If you want to save money and don't mind a little rain, the green season from May to November is also a great option. 

The landscapes here are lush and the crowds are smaller, making for a more relaxing and secluded vacation

I visited Monteverde Cloud Forest, and as the naming suggests.. it's a bit cloudy. But also beautiful!

I would have preferred to stay here for a few months, but unfortunately, I didn't have that time. In addition, experience shows that no matter how much time you plan, it is almost always too short.

You definitely need 3 or 4 weeks in Costa Rica. Shorter than that is also possible, but then you will have to delete places from your to-do list. Fortunately, travelling around Costa Rica is easy. Pricey, but efficient. By the way, the best way to travel around Costa Rica is a rental car.

I ended up travelling in Costa Rica for about 4 weeks and was able to see most of the things I wanted to see. I allowed me to enjoy a balanced itinerary without feeling rushed.

My tip: Give yourself enough time to truly experience the destination. A well-paced trip is more enjoyable and allows you to make the most of every moment without feeling rushed.

Although I enjoy the freedom of not booking in advance, I've also learned that securing spots for popular activities ahead of time can make a huge difference. Both in hassle at the moment as in price. For example, a boat tour in Tortuguero National Park , is sold out quickly in high season.

I don’t want to miss out or waste time waiting in long lines. By booking activities in advance, I ensure I have a spot and can plan the rest of my trip around these highlights.

Booking in advance also gives me peace of mind and allows me to spread out my activities to avoid cramming too much into a single day. 

My tip: Booking ahead not only guarantees your spot but also helps you plan a well-paced and enjoyable itinerary.

Make sure to visit Cape Uvita © Shutterstock

My least favourite part of planning a trip. Especially after the trip. But very important. And especially after COVID, ticket prices, but also hotels, activities and food, have become a lot more expensive.

That is why it is extra important to know what you can spend while travelling and where. And no matter how well you budget, you often end up spending more than you plan. There's nothing wrong with that, since travelling (at least for me) is also a bit about letting go.

In any case, what you should consider is that Costa Rica is not very cheap. Expect to pay at least US$150 per day including accommodation, food and transport. If you have a rental car, it will be a little more expensive.

Of course, this depends on how you travel, with whom ( travelling with kids , for example) and what activities you undertake.

My tip: I sometimes meet travellers, staying at their hotel because they want to save money. Whatever floats your boat of course, but you don't travel to Costa Rica each year, right?

That may sound a bit boring, but I think it is important. I am surprised, and not always positively, by travelers who seem to have no idea where they have ended up. That's how they behave, anyway.

Fortunately, the cultural differences in Central America are not very great, but I did read about Pura Vida. And you should too!

“Pura Vida” - the art of slowing down, is more than just a phrase. It’s a way of life that emphasizes simplicity, happiness, and living in harmony with nature. It's what the locals do and it’s best to go with it. This sometimes means that you'll have to wait longer than you hoped or that buses don't always go on time. Just take it as it is!

My tip: Take time each day to enjoy a moment of tranquillity. Just sit down, listen to the birds or people chatting. Enjoy!

Beautiful Tulemar beach© Shutterstock

I think it's safe to say I'm an experienced traveller, but wow.. I've made some horrible planning mistakes! From overloading my itinerary to seriously misjudging the weather conditions. And from spending 28 hours in a bus instead of 8 (don't travel during Easter in the Philippines) to not having enough cash with me.

I've made a list of most common planning mistakes, so you can hopefully avoid spending 28 hours in a never-ending traffic jam!

Planning travel times

On my trip to the Philippines , I travelled from Manila to Banaue in the north. A trip that should take around 8 to 10 hours. What I didn't realize was, that I travelled on a Friday right before Easter. Apparently, all locals had a long weekend and travelled back home.

The bus ride took 28 hours! Ever since that trip, I check holidays, travel times and bus routes. I’m never spending 28 hours in a bus again!

Overloading your itinerary

I always like to see and experience as much as possible, but unfortunately that is not possible. You cannot experience an entire country in just a few weeks. As much as you would like that. 

The biggest mistake many travellers make is planning their itinerary from day to day.

The result: an itinerary that is planned minute by minute, with a maximum of 2 overnight stays in one place. Result: a beautiful trip, but very rushed and not very relaxed. And the great thing about travelling is freedom, right?

Ignoring the weather

I climbed Acatenango in Guatemala (and you should too!) and I heard many stories about the changeable weather. Although I was reasonably well-prepared for what I was doing, the weather at the top was terrible!

It was windy, it was raining and I couldn't even see (or hear) the guide, who was walking 2 meters in front of me. There I was in my sweatpants and a wind jacket that was too thin. I could have turned around and enjoyed the view at base camp, but it's not every day you're at the top of Acatenango!

Tip, if you plan to go hiking, especially volcanoes, don't choose a lot of clothes, but choose the right clothes!

Not carrying enough cash

Back to the Philippines again! I travelled to El Nido somewhere around 2010, when there was only one ATM in the area. I should've done my research, because when there's only one ATM, changes are, that one is either empty or broken. And it turned out to be.

I ended up without cash and back then (and still) the Philippines was a cash-only destination. With the help of a local, I was able to use my credit card to get cash at a gas station for a shocking fee. Unfortunately, there was little else I could do. 

If I only knew what I know now!

Ties is a true world explorer - whether it be for work or leisure! As Content Manager at RoughGuides, and the owner of Dutch travel platform Reis-Expert.nl , Ties is constantly on the move, always looking for new destinations to discover.

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Travel advice for Costa Rica

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Costa Rica

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• Costa Rica Weather in November
• How to get from San Jose to Puerto Viejo
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Trip planning could be overwhelming sometimes; there is a lot of information out there that may not be accurate or reliable. Also, it may be a little difficult to choose among the many different activities, places, experiences and services available for the curious traveler. That is the primary reason why the ICT has created a special list of top ten activities to experience in every region, with a little bit of everything for all kinds of interests.

The first step is to choose your main interest and select the places you’d like to visit. Costa Rica offers a variety of diverse locations, like: beaches and mountains, volcanoes and forests, rivers and hot springs, among many others. Second, choose the type of activities that will enhance the experience in Costa Rica. Finally, read all the information available to create an itinerary that will fulfill the expectations of even the most experienced traveler.

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Naturalist Guides in Costa Rica: When You Need Them and How to Find One

• Jenn and Matt
• Practical Travel

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In Costa Rica, you can do hundreds of different tours. Of course, some activities require an expert guide, like waterfall rappelling, zip lining, or whitewater rafting. But what about things like national park hikes and hanging bridges? Is it beneficial to have a guide for these activities? In this post, we’ll let you know what it takes to become a tour guide in Costa Rica and when it’s good idea to hire one.

Tour Guides in Costa Rica

Licensing/certification.

Before we get into the specifics of when it is helpful to hire a guide, we’ll first explain about how guides become certified in Costa Rica. It’s a longer, more involved process than many people realize.

In Costa Rica, the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (Tourism Institute, or ICT for short) certifies guides. There are different types of certifications you can apply for. These include general guide, local guide (specific to one geographic area), adventure guide, and naturalist guide.

To be a general guide, you have to meet several requirements . Most notable is that you must complete a 1,000+ hour tourism course. This ensures knowledge of Costa Rica’s geography, natural history, cultural heritage, and ancient and contemporary history. The course also covers important basics like customer service, English proficiency, and safety (CPR and high-level First Aid).

General guides also need to have their paperwork in order. They must be paying taxes and contribute to the country’s socialized health care system.

Local guides and naturalist guides have similar requirements. To have the naturalist guide designation, you first need to become a general or local guide. Then you need to take additional, specialized courses . These include biology, ornithology, herpetology, botany, and geology. Or, you can show an equivalent educational background. Time is spent both in the classroom and through field work.

Using ICT-Certified Guides

If you hire an ICT-certified guide who has gone through this fairly long process, chances are, they will be good. They will have a solid educational background, be trained in tourism, and have an eagerness to teach visitors about their country.

Guides/Companies Without Certification

ICT certification is not legally required in Costa Rica. Because of this, there are plenty of tour companies/guides operating more informally. While some do have relevant educational background, others do not. This can be a problem at busier national parks, like Manuel Antonio National Park.

This is why it is important to do some research on the guide/company you plan to hire. You can get a lot from reviews online. Checking out a tour company’s website or TripAdvisor page will provide insight into if they seem like a serious business.

If the guide is ICT certified, that is even better. Then you know that they have gone through the formal process of becoming a guide.

Here is a link to the ICT website to check if a guide is certified .

Note that just because a guide is not ICT certified doesn’t automatically mean that he or she isn’t reputable. There are other organizations that have learning programs (e.g., Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje (National Learning Institute); Instituto Costarricense de Educación Turística (Institute of Education for Tourism)). These people may still have a lot of knowledge but not gone through the formal process. Just be a little extra careful when vetting a guide that isn’t ICT certified before using one.

When to Hire a Naturalist Guide

For expertise.

Now that you know that a lot goes into becoming a guide in Costa Rica, you can appreciate more why they would be beneficial.

Not only is a good guide able to teach you about the local flora and fauna you will encounter, but they are able to spot more than you can with their trained eye. They often come with equipment as well, like binoculars or powerful scopes. These let you spot birds and animals hiding high in the treetop canopy.

Another way that guides are useful is by giving background on the place you are visiting. Since most national parks in Costa Rica don’t have much, if any, information along the trail, it can be nice to have a local expert.

For example, on a volcano hike in the Arenal area, a guide can teach you about the prior eruptions. Many guides are locals in the area where they do tours, so they would be talking about their own backyard. For Arenal Volcano, they might be able to share interesting tidbits on how nearby communities were affected by past eruptions and what has changed since then.

Guides are also really useful when you want to see a specific animal. Some people come to Costa Rica wanting to see a sloth, for example, so hiring a guide can help make sure that happens.

In Specific Areas

In some areas of Costa Rica, having a guide lead the way can be essential. Here are some specific places where we recommend hiring a guide.

In the cloud forests of Monteverde , naturalist guides can add a lot of value. Although this is a very biodiverse area with hundreds of different birds and animals living in its dense forests, spotting wildlife can be tough. Birds and animals are often hiding in the canopy, camouflaged in the foliage, or obscured by cloud cover. A guide will know where to look, and at the same time, teach you some interesting facts about the cloud forest.

Similarly, in San Gerardo de Dota , a guide is essential to spotting the bird that most people come to see, a Resplendent Quetzal. Local guides know where these illusive creatures are nesting or feeding on any given day. This almost guarantees a sighting during prime viewing season.

The tropical dry forest found in the northwestern part of the country in Guanacaste is another region where a guide can be helpful. Hikes to places like Rincon de la Vieja Volcano or Miravalles Volcano  can be much more interesting with a guide. They’ll teach you about the geology of the volcanoes and different volcanic features.

These are just a few regions where it can be especially difficult to see wildlife on your own. However, a good naturalist guide can really add value even in places where wildlife is easy to see.

A good example is Manuel Antonio National Park . Although this park has a ton of visible wildlife, we have still enjoyed doing a guided tour of this park ourselves. This is even after living in Costa Rica for many years and visiting this park many times.

On a guided tour a couple of years ago, our naturalist guide taught us some fascinating facts about hornets. These hornets were in a crazy formation on the outside of their nest, and he explained all about it. We also got to see a sleeping red-eyed tree frog! We definitely would have walked right by that frog if it hadn’t been for our guide spotting him on the underside of a broad leaf.

In one place, it is even necessary to hire a guide by law. Because Corcovado National Park is so remote, a guide is required to enter both on day visits and overnights. This is for safety reasons.

When Not to Hire a Guide

In some cases, guides are not always necessary. If you’re familiar with the area and just want to explore at your own pace, you can still enjoy a hike by yourself.

To see the most on your own, we always recommend arriving as early as possible since wildlife is most active during the morning hours. Late afternoon can be a great time too, especially for birds. Wildlife tends to become more active in the late afternoon, when it is moving around to feed before dark.

Another tip is to walk slowly and keep your eyes peeled. Howler and spider monkeys are often sleeping high up in the canopy during the daytime, so it can be easy to walk right past them. At ground level, you can often see frogs or cool bugs camouflaged in the leaves or soil if you look carefully.

Another piece of advice is to take one or two guided tours towards the beginning of your trip and do more self-guided ones later. A guide will not only share specific information about the birds, animals, and plants you’re observing, but also will help teach you how to find these things on your own. This will get you ready for the rest of your visit as you explore other parts of the country.

We hope this post gives you a better idea of what it takes to become a tour guide in Costa Rica and when having a guide can be useful. After taking many guided tours ourselves and seeing the level of knowledge that a good guide has, we certainly have an appreciation for Costa Rica’s guides.

Have a question about guided tours in Costa Rica? Ask us below.

Looking for more information to plan your trip to costa rica check out these posts :.

Bugs, Spiders, and Snakes in Costa Rica: What to Expect – Wondering about what kinds of creepy crawlies you may run into along the trail? Check out this article for what you’re likely to see as well as some uncommon critters you may want to miss.

10 Daypack Essentials for Costa Rica : Get tips on what to pack for a day hike.

Driving in Costa Rica: What to Know Before You Go – Most people find that driving wasn’t as bad as they expected. Check out our post for the local rules of the road.

Matt and Jenn, I am so pleased to see this topic. The ICT is great certification! You noted the training in CPR and high level first aid. While trying to get that perfect photo of a waterfall, I slipped and fell on rocks, banging myself up. My fault, as he had cautioned me about slippery and unstable rocks. My tour guide swung into action, triaged me, and had everything needed to clean and bandage the wounds. I was so reassured by his professionalism and darned glad I had him with me. Edgar Blanco Hernandez has numerous ICT certifications and works as a concierge tour guide. All of my guests use him and their feedback is always effusive praise for the experience!

Hi Brad, Thanks for sharing your experience with guides here. They can definitely come in handy, not just for spotting wildlife, but practical stuff like things to watch out for and help when you need it! Always nice to have someone looking out for you. Thanks again for commenting.

Thank you for this informative post. I am planning my 4th trip to Costa Rica (also from Boston area)!. I travel with a group of friends who are very involved in the country and are world travelers interested in low key naturalist trips. After traveling in the Osa, I will always be grateful for our guide through 15 miles of Corcovado. I would never have discovered the Potoo (my new favorite bird), toucans in the way high up canopies, giant Tapir turds, animal tracks, etc. Language barriers no problem. I glad he was there to save me from being stung by the lovely bullet ants. Can’t wait for my next trip. Hire a guide and tip well. They will train your eyes and ears.

Hi Elizabeth, Wow, sounds like an awesome experience in the Osa. Yes, guides can be invaluable, especially in a place like Corcovado. Glad you had a good experience and hope you have an amazing 4th trip to CR!

We are very much do-it-yourselfers and I even have and undergraduate degree in wildlife biology so hiring a guide seemed silly. However, years ago we went from Drake Bay to Sirena station and a guide came with the boat ride anyway. I was blown away by how much he saw (that I didn’t), by what he knew about every living thing, and by how he knew exactly where to find each critter. There is no way we would have seen Tapirs without him. Since then we have hired guides in Manuel Antonio and Monteverde and had the same experience- absolutely worth the money. I would add that in the popular places there are so many guides to choose from it is worth chatting some up to make sure you and they are a good fit for each other and to negotiate a bit. I would also add that in those places the guides all use Whats App to alert each other when they find something interesting so really you are hiring a whole army of guides. We only had one bad experience with a night hike but it wasn’t the guide’s fault- the stars just did not align for us to see anything.

Hi Michael. Thanks so much for this insightful comment. It really says a lot that you always get guides even with your science background. Matt has a science background as well, but feels the same way you do. We really always see more with a guide. Thanks again!

Thanks for your wonderful, informative website. We are travelling in CR now and have been quite disappointed with the quality of guides. I did look up the list on the CR website in the link you provided but there is no way of knowing which guide might be good. Do you have any other suggestions for finding good guides? So far, we have gone with what the hotels we stay at recommend. Or what is highly rated on trip advisor or Google. Thanks

Hi Dionne, Sorry you haven’t had a good experience. TripAdvisor is usually helpful for finding good guides. A reputable travel agent can help too. For example, we have guides that we work with in most major towns – we have vetted them either by going on tours with them ourselves or through feedback from clients. If you’re still here, feel free to reach out through our tour booking service page and we can try to set you up with some of the people we like.

Hi Jenn and Matt, thanks for your reply. We are back from our trip now. Had better luck in Crorcovado. But will definitely contact you if we visit CR again. Thanks for your great website! Pura vida

Hi. We are going to be in Arenal in February, and are interested in hiring a guide for a couple of days. How do I go about finding one in that area?

Hi Amy, In Costa Rica, it’s easiest to hire guides for specific tours rather than hiring a guide for a day. So we would figure out which tours you want to do, then see which companies offer them.

If you know what you’d like to book, we can help make the arrangements for you with the guides we recommend through our tour booking service . We don’t charge a fee as long as you know which specific tours you’d like to do.

Hello, thanks for the excellent information on your site. My friend and I will be visiting CR in May and are interested in hiring an ICT guide in a few places, specifically Manuel Antonio and Monteverde. I am confused about whether we must arrange to have a guide ahead of time or if we can hire a legitimate guide at the park? Any advice is appreciated. Thank you!

Hi Teresa, It’s better to arrange a guide in advance so that you get a good one. For Manuel Antonio, it’s also important to get your national park tickets in advance online since they do sell out. If you book in advance, your guide will be able to get them for you. If you’d like any help booking guides for Manuel Antonio and Monteverde, feel free to reply to this thread and we can send more information by email. We work with some excellent naturalist guides in these areas.

Hello and thanks for your response. We do have tickets already for Manuel Antonio. Please send further information on booking guides for MA and for Monteverde! Thanks so much.

Sounds good, we’ll email you now!

I would love to have a list of naturalists to hire for Manuel Antonio. Thanks so much!

Hi Kristine, We don’t have a list but do work with a local company in Manuel Antonio with excellent ICT certified naturalist guides for the national park and other nature tours. If you’d like help booking a tour, let us know and we can send you an email with more information.

Hi. Can you send me the information about the local company you work with in MA with ICT certified naturalists guides for the park and maybe assist us with booking. Thank you.

Hi Michelle, We now have some tours that you can book online through our site and one of those is a guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park through the company we use with ICT certified guides. Here is the link to our Manuel Antonio Online Tours where you can get pricing and information and book if you’re interested. Thanks!

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Guide to Visiting Playa Barrigona, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Go off the beaten path, and you might just find this gorgeous, secluded beach in Guanacaste.

*This post may contain affiliate links, as a result, we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) on any bookings/purchases you make through the links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read our full disclosure

Playa Barrigona is a stunning beach with a secluded location on the  Nicoya Peninsula , and a great side trip for those headed towards Samara or Nosara. If you know where to look, you’ll find Playa Barrigona between the two beach towns.

It’s not the easiest to get to, but if you want a view of crashing waves minus the surfers or an endless horizon without other tourists in the frame, it’s worth crossing a river and driving through dirt roads for.

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About Playa Barrigona, Costa Rica

Playa Barrigona is a beautiful beach with fine, white sand and crystal clear waters. The pristine ambiance and general lack of visitors make you think of a hidden beach untouched by tourism.

The 700m crescent-shaped shoreline is surrounded on both ends by mountains that are a lush green during the rainy season, and turn yellow during the dry season. On the cliffs, you’ll spot trees growing at odd angles (practically right-angled trees), positioned towards the coast.

Most people might skip this beach since it’s harder to get to than others, but that only means a handful make it to this perfect spot. Strong, tubular waves are ideal for advanced surfers, while palm trees provide ample shade for those who want to stay on the shore.

Some might call it “Mel Gibson’s beach,” because the actor once visited the beach and loved it so much, that he built a huge resort next to it. That gives you a good idea of how beautiful Barrigona Beach is. But don’t worry, it’s open to the public and entrance here is free.

How to Get to Playa Barrigona, Costa Rica 

From San Jose International Airport, you can take a domestic flight to Nosara Airport in Guanacaste. The flight time is just 45 minutes. From Nosara Airport, Playa Barrigona is 25km or a 40-minute drive away. 

By Car/4×4

The Playa Barrigona Access Road is an unmarked dirt road off Road 160. The road is unpaved and a bit of a challenge to pass if you’re driving a smaller vehicle. There are no direct buses to the area, and depending on weather conditions, taxis may not take you all the way.

We recommend renting a 4×4 as the route includes a shallow river crossing through Rio Buena Vista. It’s a small river and a relatively easy cross during the dry season (December to April). When it rains, these roads become a muddy mess, so passing here under bad weather conditions is discouraged.

By Horseback

If you’re staying in Samara, you can reach Playa Barrigona via horseback. There’s a guided tour that heads down to Barrigona from the beach side, passing river, jungle, and beach sceneries. There’s a  3-hour guided tour  that starts at USD $60 per person.

Parking at Playa Barrigona, Costa Rica 

There’s a free parking area close to Playa Barrigona, and usually, there are parking attendants stationed. Make sure to keep doors and windows locked, as the cars are only partially visible from the beach. Petty theft is not uncommon, so don’t leave any valuables in the vehicle.

Facilities at Playa Barrigona, Costa Rica 

We’ll give it to you straight: this secluded beach has no facilities. No hotels, restaurants, peddlers, or toilets, and very limited cell service. So, pack your beach necessities and enjoy a few hours of decompressing, disconnecting, and recharging. Did somebody say pura vida?

Things to Do at Playa Barrigona, Costa Rica 

Surfing–but only if you’re a pro.

Advanced surfers will love this beach for its strong waves, clear water, and lack of other surfers. Just don’t underestimate the waves; they tend to be much bigger than they appear, and the current much stronger. Remember that there are no rentals on this beach, so bring your own board and equipment.

Do Some Swimming and Snorkelling

The water at Playa Barrigona is a clear blue, which is great for swimming and snorkelling. Choose the calmer areas of the beach, as the current is known to be particularly strong in some parts. 

If you’re not a confident swimmer, a.k.a someone who is unfamiliar with escaping a riptide, use common sense and don’t swim too far away. There have been incidents of drowning in the past and there is no lifeguard in the premises, so be extra cautious when in the water.

Check Out the Waterfall

There’s an awesome waterfall that flows down from the mountains and onto the stunning beach. It’s a great sight to see during the rainy season between August to January. The waterfall provides a fresh water source for those at the beach.

READ NEXT:  Best Waterfalls in Costa Rica

Have a Picnic by the Beach

Pack a basket with your beach towels, snacks, drinks, and beach umbrellas. The north end of the beach is perfect for a picnic since the ground is mostly flat. The surrounding palm trees also provide nice shade.

Stay for the Sunset

Cap a relaxing beach day by waiting for the sun to set at Playa Barrigona. There’s something spectacular about Costa Rica sunsets, and anywhere on this beach is a great spot to see it.

Can you Swim at Playa Barrigona?

Yes, Playa Barrigona is a swimmable beach. But we have to warn you that the waves can be bigger than they seem. Be careful in the water, and don’t go any deeper than knee level if you’re not a strong swimmer. There are no lifeguards on this beach, and unfortunately, there have been incidents of drowning in the past caused by rip currents.

Can you Fish at Playa Barrigona? 

Yes–and you might even see locals fish at Playa Barrigona, bringing their fishing nets. Since there are no rentals available, remember to bring your own fishing equipment.

Can you Surf at Playa Barrigona? 

Yes, the big, tubular waves are a great match for advanced surfers–especially because you won’t have to share! There are fewer crowds here than in Nosara or Samara, and the waves are world-class. Fun fact: the Triple Crown Surf Competition was held at Barrigona years ago, so you know the surf is good.

Is Playa Barrigona Safe for Families? 

Yes, but with caution. Anyone can enjoy the scenery at Playa Barrigona as long as they’re careful. However, we have to emphasize that the waves are strong and rip currents are common, which is especially dangerous for young children. A better alternative for families would be Playa Samara, which has a wider cove and much calmer waters for swimming and watersports.

Where to Stay near Playa Barrigona, Costa Rica 

Nanku nimbu casa-bus.

This unique and sustainable stay is a bus-turned-casa just 1.4km from Playa Barrigona. It’s newly renovated and features a private entrance, a garden, and a sun terrace for yoga and workouts. 

The apartment is cozy, and comfortable, and sleeps up to 4 people. There are 2 double beds, a fully equipped kitchen with a microwave and fridge, and a private bathroom. Guests can also avail of the bike rental service and explore the nearby attractions.

Hacienda Barrigona

One of the most luxurious accommodations in the area, Hacienda Barrigona is surrounded by 500 acres of lush jungle and is a short walk down to Barrigona Beach. The hacienda is part of  Casa Chameleon Hotels , a luxury eco-resort with award-winning properties around Costa Rica.

There are 3 traditionally designed Costa Rican villas on the property, with 11 individual rooms altogether. These come with private bathrooms, impressive views, and varying room configurations. Rooms can be rented individually or as an entire villa estate for larger groups. 

The sprawling hacienda features central courtyards, open-air spaces, and outdoor pools for yoga, meditation, and relaxation. A quick walk can take you to Barrigona Beach, or down several of the hiking trails around the property. Hacienda Barrigona has a team of knowledgeable guides who can show guests around, and even create tailor-made experiences.

Where to Eat: Best Restaurants near Playa Barrigona, Costa Rica 

Sweeties by celia.

Something like a household name, this restaurant offers more than just sweets. They have a little bit of everything, from delicious curries, to flavourful chicken dishes, to burritos, and vegan options. For dessert, save some room for the chocolate truffle cake, lemon cake, or cheesecake.

Bohemia Café

A colourful café on Center St. is a must when you’re starting your day in Samara. They open early for breakfast–coffee, freshly baked treats, and smoothies–but their delicious and filling brunch and lunch menus also can’t be missed.

You might not expect to find an elegant Italian restaurant in a Costa Rican beach town, but Mamagui in Samara is a pleasant surprise. Almost everything is made in-house, like the bread and pizza crust. They have unique salads and authentic pasta, plus an impressive wine selection and homemade gelato to finish off the sumptuous meal.

The Bottom Line

In Costa Rica, Playa Barrigona is a spectacular local beach that puts nature front and centre. Here, it’s just sun, sand, and sea, and sometimes that’s really all you need. If you’re looking for a quiet beach to call your own for a few hours, this is a hidden gem worth going out of the way for.

Looking for a Gorgeous, Secluded Beach in Costa Rica? Playa Barrigona is a Must-Visit! Which Costa Rica Beaches Have You Gone To?

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Family Night Tour in Cahuita

Hello, I’m David, one of the founders of Tour Guide Costa Rica, also known as The Dutch Biologist from Cahuita. After studying biology in Amsterdam, I traveled to Costa Rica for three months.

I found the country so fascinating that I came back every year. I have 15 years of nature lessons in the Netherlands while leaving for three months in the winter and traveling to Costa Rica.

Afterward, I bought to have 80 acres of jungle near the village of Bananito. I live here in this beautiful country and organize tours of Cahuita and its surroundings.

Besides my passion as a tour guide, I am involved in a project that protects sea turtles. Additionally, I study the quality of drinking water in Cahuita and teach in local schools and communities.

My honor would be to introduce you to the lush nature of Costa Rica, the local Indigenous Tribe, and the Pura Vida Love of the Costa Rica landscape. Culture and people and I have many years of knowledge About Costa Rica.

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A vital component of many tours offered by Tour Guide Costa Rica is working with the local communities.

Tour Guide Costa Rica takes great pride in our commitment to collaborating with local and rural communities throughout the Province of Limón in Costa Rica. These partnerships are founded on the principles of sustainable tourism, responsible travel, and mutual benefits. Here’s how our engagement with these communities enriches our tours.

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Costa Rica Language Guide: Do You Need to Speak Spanish?

P lanning a trip and wondering about the language in Costa Rica? The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish. Having a basic understanding of the local language can greatly enhance your experience, but usually, you can get by with English.

We live in San Jose, Costa Rica, and have definitely had our share of language communication issues. I learned Spanish for several years in school and can get by alright. However, I still often feel unprepared in certain situations like communicating what I want when getting a haircut or at a doctor’s office. The struggle is real!

In this guide, you’ll learn essential Spanish phrases, when to use them, and other helpful tips for navigating conversations. Read on to become a more confident and comfortable traveler in Costa Rica!

Costa Rica Language at a Glance

• The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish
• Most people in the tourism industry speak at least some English
• Download Spanish on the Google Translate app so you can access translations even when offline
• It is helpful to know at least a few basic Spanish phrases to make your travel experience easier.

Do I Need to Speak Spanish if I Visit Costa Rica?

Most people can get by when traveling in Costa Rica on very limited Spanish, but part of that depends on the type of vacation you are planning to have.

• If you are staying only in resorts or high-end accommodations with day tours included, you will not need to speak Spanish. All hotel staff will likely speak English and tours will be in English.
• If you are traveling in tourist areas ( Manuel Antonio , Nosara , Tamarindo , Las Catalinas , Playa Flamingo, Papagayo ) you will likely be fine with not speaking much, or any, Spanish.
• If you are renting a car it is helpful to know a bit of Spanish for things like going to a gas station (read further on for basic gas station phrases).
• If you are traveling to off-the-beaten-path towns or destinations, Spanish is helpful.
• If you really want to immerse yourself in the culture, you will need to speak the main language, Spanish.
• Costa Ricans are some of the most welcoming people you will ever meet. Even if your Spanish isn’t perfect I find that they are usually very patient and just thankful for your efforts.

Basic Spanish Words / Phrases

Here are some of the words and phrases you are most likely to use in Spanish.

• Maybe – Tal vez
• Of course – Claro
• Fine – Bien 
• I need… – Necesito…
• Pura Vida! – Pura Vida is a saying that is used in almost every interaction in Costa Rica. It is the motto for life here and a big part of Costa Rican culture. Directly translated it means “pure life” but it is used in Costa Rica to basically say “everything is great.” It is used as a greeting or a goodbye.

Formalities in Spanish

• Please – Por favor
• Thank you – Gracias
• Thank you very much – Muchas gracias 
• You’re welcome – De nada / Mucho gusto
• Excuse me – Con permiso (used if you need to get by somebody)
• Excuse me – Discúlpe (when you need to get somebody’s attention)
• Pardon me – You can say “disculpe” or “perdón!” (use if you bang into somebody)
• I’m sorry – Lo siento

Language Phrases

• Do you speak English? – Habla inglés?
• I don’t speak Spanish – No hablo español
• I speak a little Spanish – Yo hablo un poco de español 
• How do you say … in Spanish? – (Como se dice … en español? 
• What does … mean in English? – Que significa … en ingles
• Do you understand? – ¿Entiende? 
• I don’t understand – No entiendo
• Speak slower please – Por favor, habla más despacio
• Can you repeat please – Podrías repetir por favor

Greetings and Goodbyes in Spanish

• Hello – Hola
• Hi – Buenas  (The direct translation is “good” but in Costa Rica “buenas” is a more relaxed way of saying hello. It is normal to say “Buenas” to people working at a shop, restaurant etc. )
• Good morning – Buenos días
• Good afternoon – Buenas tardes 
• Good evening/ night – Buenas noches 
• How are you? – Cómo estás? 
• What is your name? – Cómo se llama? 
• My name is… – Mi nombre es… 
• Nice to meet you – Mucho gusto 
• Where are you from? – De dónde eres? 
• I am from … – Yo soy de … 
• See you later – Hasta luego 
• Bye – Adiós 
• Bye – ¡Pura Vida!

Question Phrases

• Can I…? – ¿Puedo…?
• Can you…? – ¿Puede…?
• Do you have…? – ¿Tiene…?
• What? – ¿Que?
• What time is it? – Qué hora es? 
• When? – ¿Cuándo?
• How? – ¿Cómo?
• Why? – ¿Por qué?
• Where? – ¿Dónde?
• Where is…? – ¿Dónde está…?

Emergency Phrases

In case of an emergency, the number for the police is 9-1-1. Usually, it is no problem to find someone who can help you in English.

Also, keep in mind that there are no addresses in Costa Rica. You will either have to explain to the police where you are located or tell them the name of the hotel/ place you are at.

• Help! – Auxilio!
• I need help – Necesito ayuda 
• I had an accident – Tuve un accidente 
• Send the police, please- Envíe a la policía, por favor.
• I’ve been robbed – Me han robado (a)
• My passport was stolen – Me robaron el pasaporte
• I lost my passport – Perdí mi pasaporte 
• I am sick – Estoy enfermo (a)
• I don’t feel well – No me siento bien
• I need a doctor – Necesito un médico
• heatstroke – insolación
• heart attack – ataque al corazón 

Restaurant Phrases for Costa Rica

In most restaurants, you will be able to get an English menu. If they give you a menu in Spanish it is always worth at least asking if they have one in English as well.

When you finish your meal you will need to ask for the bill. They will not just come over and give it to you.

Also, on your bill, you will see a sales tax and a service tax. Service tax is usually 10%. It is always nice to give a bit of a tip on top of this, but it is not absolutely necessary.

• I have a reservation – Tengo una reservación
• A table – Una mesa
• A table for two, three, four – Una mesa para dos, tres, cuatro
• The menu please? – ¿El menú, por favor?
• Do you have an English menu? – ¿Tiene un menu en ingles?
• I would like…. – Para mi (menu item name), por favor. Or you can say…. Yo quisiera (menu item name)
• I am allergic to … – Soy alérgico a …  (I suggest carrying a card with any allergies written in Spanish so you can confirm that the waiter understands)
• An appetizer – Una entrada
• What would you like to drink? – ¿Para tomar?
• A drink – Una bebida
• Cheers! – ¡Salud! –
• Dessert – Un postre
• I am vegetarian – Soy vegetariano/a
• Very tasty – Que rico!
• To go – Para llevar
• The bill, please – La cuenta, por favor.
• Service – Servicio (This is the 10% added to the bill for tip)
• Sales tax (13%) – Impuestos ventas

Transportation Phrases for Costa Rica

There are some phrases that will be very helpful while getting around the country with ease.

Gas Station Spanish

All gas stations in Costa Rica are full-service. That means you just stay in your car while a gas station attendant takes care of everything for you.

If you need your windshield washed or tire pressure checked they can do that as well. However, it is always nice to give them a small tip (we usually give about 300 colones) if they provide these extra services for us.

• Fill it with regular (gas) please – Lleno con regular, por favor
• Could you please check the air pressure? – ¿Podría por favor verificar la presión de aire en las llantas??
• Could you clean the windshield? – ¿Podría limpiar el parabrisas?
• May I have the bathroom key? – Me podría dar las llaves del baño, por favor?

Taking the Bus

Often you will buy bus tickets ahead of time at a bus station ticketing office. However, if you are boarding a bus at a bus stop you will need to purchase your ticket on board.

Most bus drivers do not speak English so it is good to know a few basic phrases for your bus ride.

• Bus station – Estación de buses
• Bus stop – Parada de bus
• Where are you going? – ¿A dónde va?
• Do I need a ticket? – ¿Necesito un tiquete?
• One ticket to…. – Un tiquete a
• Stop here – Pare aquí

Direction Phrases

Because people from Costa Rica are generally nice people-pleasers it can be difficult to get directions from them. It is not unusual for Ticos to try and give you directions even if they have no idea where you need to go.

So, the moral of the story is that you will need to assess the situation and decide if you really trust somebody’s directions.

If you would like some tips on driving directions we have a complete guide to getting directions in Costa Rica .

• Can you help me? –  ¿Puede ayudarme?
• How do I get to …? – ¿Como llego a…?
• Where is the nearest gas station? – ¿Dónde está la gasolinera más cercana
• I am lost – Estoy perdido 
• I am going to… – Voy a…
• Is this the road to…? – ¿Esta es la calle a…?
• To the right – A la derecha
• To the left – A la izquierda
• Straight ahead – Derecho
• At the corner – En la esquina
• In one block – A una cuadra

Shopping Phrases for Costa Rica

At souvenir stands it is OK to haggle a bit for the price. However, keep in mind that Costa Ricans do not like confrontation. Don’t make them feel uncomfortable by trying to get a much lower price for something. This is not the culture for that.

In any shop, in Costa Rica I would never try to haggle on the prices.

• Open – Abierto (as in relation to store hours)
• Closed – Cerrada (as in relation to store hours)
• I’m just looking – Solo estoy mirando
• I’m looking for … – Estoy buscando … 
• What sizes do you have? – ¿Que tallas tienes?
• Small – Pequeño (a)
• Medium – mediano (a)
• Large – Grande
• Can I try it on? – ¿Me lo puedo probar?
• Do you have other colors? – ¿Tienes otro colores?
• Do you sell Kolbi cards? – ¿Vendes tarjetas Kölbi prepago?
• I would like a card for (amount) – Me vendes una tarjeta por (amount) colones

(Note: Kolbi is one of the prepaid phone companies here. Check out our guide to using your cell phone in Costa Rica for more info on how that works)

Phrases for Paying

• I would like to buy this – Lo voy a comprar
• How much does it cost? – ¿Cuánto cuesta? 
• Do you accept dollars? – ¿Aceptan dólares?
• Do you accept credit cards? – ¿Acepta tarjetas de crédito?

Hotel Phrases for Costa Rica

In most hotels, the front desk person will speak some English. If you run into a situation in which there is not an English speaking employee these are the phrases you need to know.

• What is the nightly rate? – ¿Cuánto es la tarifa por noche?
• Do you have any rooms available? – ¿Tiene habitaciones disponibles? 
• I’d like a double room – Quisiera una habitación doble 
• I’d like to stay for … nights – Me gustaría quedarme por … noches
• Is breakfast included? – ¿El desayuno está incluido?
• What time is check out? – ¿A qué hora es la salida?
• What is the WIFI password? – ¿Cuál es la clave para el WIFI?

Our Costa Rica Language Tips

• People from Costa Rica are generally some of the nicest people you will ever meet. Don’t be shy about trying to speak Spanish here.
• Almost everybody you meet will be so appreciative that you at least are making the effort. Also, they will likely recognize right away that you are not from here and will speak slowly to you or they may even switch to English.
• The Google Translate app is always great to have on your phone. It is super-advanced now and even has a feature in which you can speak into the app in English and it will translate it by voice into Spanish. This is perfect for when you need a lot of help with something and have no clue how to say what you need.
• We created this in PDF format that you can download for free. We know you won’t always have our website open. This will make it so you can easily access this list whenever you need. Just click here to grab your copy.
• Keep in mind that Costa Rican Spanish is somewhat different than Spain Spanish. Certain sayings are different and the dialect is different as well. I have no problem understanding Spain Spanish (because that is what I learned as kid) but I still struggle with Costa Rican Spanish.
• Spanish is part of the cultural heritage of Costa Rican. This is important to keep in mind as a tourist. Try to be respectful and make attempts to speak the language when you can.

How to Learn Spanish

Are you interested in learning Spanish or brushing up on your Spanish skills? I think it is such a great language to learn because it is used so prevalently throughout the world.

There are several different ways you can further your language learning.

• Download Duolingo : Duolingo has both a free and paid plan. I highly recommend this app if you are looking for the basics of the language or need a quick brush-up. This is best for beginners.
• Watch Movies in Spanish : There are a lot of movies and TV shows on streaming platforms in Spanish. If you are not completely confident in your skills you can watch them in their original language with subtitles to start. It at least gets you used to hearing the language.
• Take a Spanish Class : Since Spanish is very prevalently spoken it is often easy to find Spanish classes in most larger towns to cities.
• Take a Spanish Class in Costa Rica : You can also opt to take a Spanish class or retreat once in the country at one of the many private language schools. These classes are often available all throughout the country.

The History of Languages in Costa Rica

The Spanish language was brought to the country during the Spanish colonization of the country in the 16th century. Over the centuries, Spanish became deeply embedded in the country’s identity. It shaped Costa Rican literature, music, and daily interactions.

However, long before Spanish arrived, Costa Rica was home to various indigenous tribes, each with its own language. Today, several indigenous tribes keep their languages alive including Bribri, Cabécar, and Maleku. These languages offer a glimpse into the country’s ancient heritage and are preserved by indigenous communities primarily in rural areas.

In today’s society, it is normal for children in the Costa Rican population to learn the English language as a second language in school.

Hopefully, this guide to Costa Rica language has helped you get a better grasp on some basic Spanish for your vacation.

Let us know if you have any questions about speaking Spanish in the comment section below. While we are not Spanish experts we are happy to try and help you out.

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