Costa Rica Travel Guide
Welcome to Costa Rica, where the rainforest meets pristine beaches. From the misty cloud forests of Monteverde to the sun-drenched shores of the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, Costa Rica is a tropical paradise. There’s something here for everyone, from thrilling adventure activities to wildlife walks to world-class resorts and natural hot springs. Hike around a volcano, journey into the rainforest to spot sloths and exotic birds, and end the day with a gourmet dinner and a view of the sunset. Get ready to embrace the “Pura Vida” lifestyle.
Costa Rica Stats
Official languages: Spanish, Mekatelyu, Bribri, Patois
Population: 5 million
Capital City: San José
Currency: Costa Rican colón
Power Outlet: Type A & B
Top Experiences in Costa Rica
Spend a few days in La Fortuna. Hike the trails around Arenal Volcano, go on wildlife walks in the rainforest, photograph and swim at La Fortuna Waterfall, and unwind in the natural hot springs.
Going ziplining through the rainforest. Soar over the rainforest canopies on a ziplining excursion, also called a canopy tour. There are locations throughout Costa Rica, including Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, and La Fortuna.
Go on a guided wildlife walk. Taking a guided walk through one of Costa Rica’s national parks is the best way to spot the wildlife here. Things to see in Costa Rica include the two-toed and three-toed sloths, four species of monkeys (white-face capuchin, howler, squirrel, and spider), the Resplendent Quetzal, tree frogs, toucans, and Scarlet Macaws, just to name a few.
Visit Manuel Antonio. Manuel Antonio is a small town located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. This town the gateway into Manuel Antonio National Park, but its coastal location offers a number of adventure activities, ranging from surfing to ziplining to ATV excursions and whale watching tours. Visitors can also choose from a stunning array of beaches and resorts, perfect for soaking up the sun and indulging in some well-deserved relaxation.
Relax on the beach. With long stretches of sand lining the Pacific and Caribbean shores, Costa Rica is home to some gorgeous beaches. The beach in Manuel Antonio National Park is known as being one of the most beautiful in Costa Rica. Samara Beach and Playa Blanca in Cahuita National Park are two more beautiful spots to visit.
Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Famous for its misty skies, the Monteverde Cloud Forest is a high-altitude rainforest that supports different flora and fauna than what you will find throughout the rest of Costa Rica. Top experiences here include ziplining, walking the hanging bridges, hiking the El Tigre Waterfalls Trail, and taking guided wildlife walks.
Corcovado National Park. Trek through one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, where you can spot jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws.
Rio Celeste. Located in Tenorio Volcano National Park, this milky-blue river is a great spot to go river tubing. The waterfall is stunning and one of Costa Rica’s most iconic places to visit.
Take a coffee or chocolate tour. Visit a plantation to learn more about the coffee and chocolate-making process in Costa Rica. There are plantations throughout the country, with Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and La Fortuna being several of the most popular locations to take one of these tours.
Tortuguero National Park. Cruise through winding canals to see sea turtles, monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds.
Go surfing at Tamarindo Beach. Catch some waves, take a surf lesson, or just relax and soak in the laid-back vibes of this coastal town.
Cliff Jumping at the Nauyaca Waterfalls. Located near Manuel Antonio National Park, this set of waterfalls is popular destination for swimming, cliff jumping, and photography.
Poas Volcano. Just a short drive from San José, visitors can drive to the crater and take a short walk to peer into this active volcano.
Monteverde
10 Best Things to Do in Monteverde, Costa Rica
Ziplining, canopy tours, guided wildlife walks, and hikes to waterfalls and viewpoints top the list of things to do in Monteverde. In this guide, learn about the top experiences in Monteverde, plus the logistics of getting here, where to stay, where to eat, and how to plan your time.
We visited Costa Rica in March 2025. In the future, we will be publishing guides to La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio, plus a detailed 10 day itinerary.
Manuel Antonio
Manuel Antonio National Park: Complete Guide for First Time Visitors
Everything you need to know to plan your visit to Manuel Antonio National Park: things to do, tickets, helpful tips, and is it worth it to hire a guide?
How to Visit Nauyaca Waterfalls & Get the Hidden Cave View
The Nauyaca Waterfalls are one of Costa Rica’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Swimming, cliff jumping, and photography are the top things to do at the Nauyaca Waterfalls. Learn how to visit this spot from Manuel Antonio or Uvita.
Best Time to Visit Costa Rica
The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the country’s dry season, which runs from December to April. This period offers plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for beaches, hiking, and exploring national parks.
However, the rainy season from May to November has its own charm. The landscapes are lush and vibrant, crowds are smaller, and prices tend to be lower. Rain usually comes in afternoon showers, leaving mornings clear for adventures.
For specific experiences:
- Wildlife Watching: Visit between July and October to see sea turtles nesting, especially in Tortuguero.
- Surfing: The Pacific Coast gets great swells from May to November, while the Caribbean Coast is best from December to March.
- Festivals: December and January are packed with local celebrations, like the Festival de la Luz and Fiestas de Zapote.
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