Page Menu
Smile. You’ve LANDED in Costa Rica.
One of the most sought-after destinations in Central America, Costa Rica is a verdant paradise that’s a short flight away from most US cities. Come be enchanted by the temperate climate, friendly residents, and natural wonders of Costa Rica!
CAPITAL SAN JOSE
LANGUAGE SPANISH
CURRENCY COLON
READ THE QUETZAL & THE MACAW
SIP & TASTE REFRESCO & GALLO PINTO
EXPERIENCE ZIPLINING IN MONTEVERDE
Start your journey today
Speak with one of our travel designers and let us create a tailored itinerary for you.
Destinations
Where to go in Belize
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Visit one of the most diverse reserves in Costa Rica at the Monteverde Cloud Forest. You’ll encounter many species of wildlife, including monkeys, tapirs, jaguars, and ocelots, along with a multitude of birds and butterflies–you may even see a quetzal during their mating season in April and May. And don’t miss the thousands of beautiful plant varieties, including 500 types of orchids!
Read More
Corcovado
Located on the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado was named “the most biologically intense place on earth” by National Geographic. With at least eight different biomes–including one of the last remaining lowland tropical rainforests–you can find a wealth of life in this national park. You may even come face-to-face with a three-toed sloth!
Read More
Santa Teresa
This beautiful beachside town fully embraces Costa Rica’s national slogan: “Pura Vida” – pure life! Find thrills by hiking to scenic waterfalls or catching a wave with fellow surfers, or relax with waterfront yoga and lounging on uncrowded beaches. Be sure to keep an eye out to catch one of the area’s 200 species of birds, as well!
Read More
Adventures You Can't Miss
Go Whitewater Rafting
Enjoy a thrilling day of whitewater rafting on Costa Rica’s many rivers. From gentle trips great for wildlife watching with little ones to heart-pounding tests of skill, make a whole day out of waterfront adventure!
Read More
Visit a Volcano
Costa Rica has many volcanoes throughout the country, with a 68-mile-long volcanic chain in the north. Enjoy ziplining around the trees at a volcano’s base, or relax and refresh in one of the many natural hot springs.
Read More
Go Scuba Diving
Cocos Island is one of the world’s top-ten scuba destinations. Take a diving boat out to the uninhabited island and get an up-close look at turtles, manta rays, hammerhead sharks, and more! You may even catch sight of a dolphin or sea lion as your ship sails out.
Read More
Help Baby Turtles Get to the Water
Tortuguero National Park is a haven for sea turtles. This park is dedicated to protecting the nesting beaches and cana-threaded forests that sea turtles call home, and they invite visitors to help. When baby turtles dig out of the nest and make their way to the water, you can help make sure they make it safely across the beach.
Read More
Luxury accommodations in Costa Rica
Whether you’re looking for the bustling night life of the city or a beautiful rainforest getaway, Costa Rica’s hospitality scene is ready to welcome you. Find the perfect luxury hotel to match your travels, no matter if you’re looking for an ultra-modern resort or a boutique, historic hotel.
Albums & Stories
Want a deeper look into the vibrancy and beauty of Costa Rica? Take a look at our collection of family photos, or learn more about Costa Rica with our articles and podcasts covering the history, geography, culture and more to help prepare for your trip!
FAQ
What is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is famous for its temperate climate. The country’s sunnier High Season (December-April) enjoys average temperatures ranging from the mid-70’s to the low 90’s. Evenings are usually cool and comfortable. The wetter Low Season (May-November) is also an excellent time to visit, with similar temperatures and an even greener landscape. Ocean water temperatures near shore average 74 degrees off both coasts.
May is the first month (a “shoulder month”) of the Green Season in Costa Rica. Costa Rica has only two seasons: The Dry Season (or High Season) and the wetter Green Season (or Low Season):
- Green or Low Season or Winter: May to mid-November
- Rainiest Month: October in most areas
- Dry or High Season: late November to mid-April
Costa Rica is a tropical country with complex weather patterns. During any month, you can have one day of hot sunshine followed by a day of intermittent showers (usually in the late afternoon).
The two seasons are half-year periods characterized by general trends of higher or cooler temperatures and greater or lesser rainfall. The Green Season is generally the time of year when most of the country experiences some rain. Many people actually prefer to vacation during the green season when there are fewer crowds, the climate is cooler, and the land is greener.
Green Season Advantages:
- Fewer tourists
- Greener landscape
- Lower hotel prices
- Sea turtle nesting season (Tortuguero, Osa and Nicoya)
- Sport fishing peak season (Nicoya, Osa and Quepos)
- Whale watching (Nicoya)
- Surf swells are best
- Best river rafting (e.g. Pacuare in June, July, October, November)
Dry Season Advantages:
- Easier to get around rural areas with dirt road (Tambor, Liberia, Tamarindo, Osa)
- Sunnier weather
- Better (clearer) water for scuba diving and snorkeling
What language is spoken in Costa Rica?
Spanish is the official and predominant language of Costa Rica. English is widely spoken in locations frequented by foreign visitors. Additionally, at least five native languages are spoken by Costa Rica’s indigenous populations.
What should I pack for Costa Rica?
- Passport (Put the original in the hotel safe and keep a copy with you at all times)
- Mobile phone
- US drivers’ license (as ID for purchases and for car rental)
- Health insurance card (the card or paper issued by your health insurer showing proof of insurance)
- US dollars in small denominations ($20s, $10s, $5s and $1s)
- ATMs are available and major credit cards are accepted at most restaurants and hotels. Please confirm your travel dates and destinations with your card issuers before you leave the USA.
- Airline tickets for international flights
- Insect repellant
- Sun protection (block, hat and glasses)
- Camera, batteries, and data cards
- Binoculars (optional, for wildlife viewing)
- Prescription medications
- Rain / wind jacket
- River shoes or river sandals
- Synthetic fleece pullover
- Swimwear
- Casual clothes
- Comfortable walking / hiking shoes
- Dark, long sleeved / legged clothing (Tortuguero and other turtle nesting destinations)
- Small flashlight
How safe is Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is generally quite safe; however, common sense precautions are still important. As a general rule, you should not be out in the streets alone after dark. Stay in well-lit areas. Keep money out of sight and in a money belt. Keep your travel documents in the hotel safe or concealed. Please ask your guide for additional safety advice.
Keep in mind that pedestrians do not have the right of way in Costa Rica. Use caution when crossing roads and do not assume that vehicles will stop for you.
Want to know which options are right for your Costa Rica vacation? Speak with one of our Costa Rica experts today, at 801.582.2100.
