Dry Season
From December to April, this season offers sunny days and less rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Travel guide
Kosta Rika
Costa Rica is a Central American paradise known for its stunning biodiversity, beautiful beaches, and rich culture. Beyond its capital, San José, the country offers a variety of experiences from lush rainforests to volcanic landscapes.
Henry Zbyszynski from Capitola California, USA · CC BY 2.0- Best MonthsDecember to April
- AirportsJuan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), Dan
- TransitBuses and shuttles are the main forms of public
- Power120V, 60Hz
- Tipping10% is customary
- LanguageSpanish
01
When to go
The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season from December to April, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best monthsHot monthsCooler months
Wet Season
From May to November, expect more rain, especially in the afternoons, but the landscapes are lush and vibrant.
Shoulder Season
Late November to early December and April to May are transitional months with fewer crowds and moderate weather.
02
Where to stay
Pick the neighbourhood by how you want the day to start and end, not by distance to one museum.
Cultural Hub
San José
The capital city offers a mix of culture and history, with museums and vibrant nightlife.
Busy urban environment.
Adventure
La Fortuna
Famous for Arenal Volcano and hot springs, perfect for adventure seekers.
Tourist-heavy area.
Nature
Monteverde
Known for its cloud forests and biodiversity, ideal for nature lovers.
Cool and misty climate.
Beach Life
Tamarindo
A beach town popular for surfing and vibrant nightlife.
Can be crowded during peak season.
Cultural Experience
Puerto Viejo
A laid-back Caribbean town known for its beaches and Afro-Caribbean culture.
More relaxed atmosphere.
Wildlife
Manuel Antonio
Home to a national park with stunning beaches and diverse wildlife.
Popular tourist destination.
Eco-Tourism
Osa Peninsula
Remote and biodiverse, great for eco-tourism and adventure.
Less developed infrastructure.
Wellness
Nicoya Peninsula
Known for its beautiful beaches and wellness retreats.
More tranquil than other beach areas.
03
What to eat
Everyday food, eaten the way locals do. Look for a busy place rather than a ranked list.
Gallo Pinto
A traditional breakfast dish of rice and beans, commonly found in local sodas.
→ Try it with eggs.
Casado
A typical lunch plate with rice, beans, salad, and protein, available in most eateries.
→ Varies by region.
Ceviche
Fresh fish marinated in citrus, popular along the coasts.
→ Best enjoyed at beachside shacks.
Olla de Carne
A hearty beef and vegetable stew, often served at family-run restaurants.
→ Perfect for a filling dinner.
Patacones
Fried green plantains, a common snack or side dish.
→ Great with dips.
Chifrijo
A layered dish of rice, beans, and fried pork, popular in bars.
→ Enjoy with a local beer.
04
What to see
An order that works on foot, with the trip out of the first city at the end.
Arenal Volcano
An iconic volcano offering hiking and hot springs.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
A biodiverse reserve with hanging bridges and trails.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Famous for its beaches and wildlife, including monkeys and sloths.
Tortuguero National Park
Known for its turtle nesting sites and canals.
Rincón de la Vieja National Park
Features volcanic activity, waterfalls, and hot springs.
Corcovado National Park
One of the most biodiverse places on Earth, located on the Osa Peninsula.
Poás Volcano
An active volcano with a large crater lake, accessible by road.
La Fortuna Waterfall
A stunning waterfall near Arenal, perfect for swimming.
Guanacaste National Park
Known for its dry forest and wildlife, ideal for hiking.
Cahuita National Park
Offers beautiful beaches and coral reefs for snorkeling.
San José's National Museum
Showcases Costa Rican history and culture.
Cartago's Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles
A significant pilgrimage site with beautiful architecture.
05
Getting around
Airport to city, across the city, and onward to the next region.
Air Travel
Costa Rica is served by two main international airports: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR).
SJOJuan Santamaría International Airport
LIRDaniel Oduber Quirós International Airport
Public Buses
An extensive bus network connects major cities and towns, offering an affordable way to travel.
Shuttle Services
Shared shuttles are a convenient option for tourists traveling between popular destinations.
Car Rentals
Renting a car provides flexibility to explore remote areas at your own pace.
Domestic Flights
For quicker travel between distant regions, domestic flights are available.
06
Practical notes
Plugs
Type A and B plugs are used, with a standard voltage of 120V.
Cash
The local currency is the Costa Rican colón. Credit cards are widely accepted.
Tipping
A tip of 10% is customary in restaurants.
Language
Spanish is the official language, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.
Data
A travel eSIM covers maps and tickets after landing.
Trip Duration
A stay of at least 7-10 days is recommended to explore the main attractions.