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Costa Rica✨ 10 best things to do in Costa Rica

Things to do in Costa Rica

1. Hike near Arenal VolcanoWalk old lava trails beneath the perfect cone of Arenal, then soak in steaming hot springs.
2. Cross Monteverde's hanging bridgesStroll through misty cloud forest canopy looking out for quetzals and hummingbirds.
3. Spot sloths in Manuel AntonioCombine beaches and wildlife in a compact park where monkeys and sloths are common.
4. Watch turtles nest in TortugueroJoin a guided night tour to see sea turtles laying eggs on the Caribbean sand.
5. Learn to surfCatch your first wave at Tamarindo, Santa Teresa or Nosara on the Pacific coast.
6. Zipline through the canopyFly over forested valleys on one of the many ziplines that Costa Rica helped make famous.
7. Explore CorcovadoTrek through one of the most biodiverse places on earth with a guide, spotting tapirs and scarlet macaws.
8. Swim at Río CelesteHike to a waterfall with impossibly sky-blue water in Tenorio Volcano National Park.
9. Raft the Pacuare RiverRide whitewater rapids through a jungle canyon on one of the world's most scenic rafting runs.
10. Eat at a sodaFill up on gallo pinto and a casado at a family-run café for a true taste of local life.

Costa Rica🗺️ Where to visit in Costa Rica

Where to go in Costa Rica

• 📍
  ArenalNorth · volcano & hot springsA dramatic volcano, a lake, waterfalls and thermal pools, plus plenty of adventure activities.
• 
  MonteverdeCentral highlands · cloud forestCool, misty reserves full of orchids, birds and hanging bridges.
• 📍
  Manuel AntonioCentral Pacific · national parkGorgeous beaches framed by rainforest and easy wildlife viewing.
• 📍
  TortugueroCaribbean · canalsA roadless village reached by boat, famous for turtle nesting and jungle waterways.
• 
  Corcovado National ParkOsa Peninsula · rainforestWild, remote rainforest considered a crown jewel of biodiversity.
• 📍
  Puerto ViejoSouth Caribbean · beach townLaid-back Afro-Caribbean culture, reggae, cycling and lovely beaches.
• 📍
  Santa TeresaNicoya Peninsula · surfA bohemian surf town with consistent waves, yoga and stunning sunsets.
• 📍
  Río CelesteNorth · waterfallA turquoise river and waterfall coloured by a natural mineral reaction.

Costa Rica🌦️ Weather & best time to visit Costa Rica

Best time to visit Costa Rica

Costa Rica is tropical with dry and wet seasons that vary by coast. The Pacific side follows a clear dry season from December to April, while the Caribbean is wetter year-round but often drier when the Pacific is rainy.

Typical daytime highs and rain in San José (approximate averages).

Costa Rica🎉 Festivals & events in Costa Rica

• January
  Fiestas de PalmaresA huge country fair with bullfighting in the local style, concerts, parades and carnival rides.
• March
  Día de los BoyerosBrightly painted oxcarts parade through Escazú in honour of rural traditions.
• 25 July
  Annexation of Guanacaste DayFolk dances, music and rodeos celebrate Guanacaste's joining Costa Rica in 1824.
• October
  Limón CarnivalColourful Caribbean parades, calypso music and food fill the streets of Limón.
• December
  Festival de la LuzSan José's festival of lights with illuminated floats and fireworks.

Costa Rica🧭 Costa Rica itinerary ideas

How many days in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica🎒 Backpacking Costa Rica – tips & hacks

Backpacker budget: about $50–80 a day

• Costa Rica is pricier than its neighbours, so stay in hostels in places like Puerto Viejo, La Fortuna and Santa Teresa that have kitchens.
• Public buses are cheap and reach almost every town; they are far cheaper than tourist shuttles.
• Eat at local sodas where a casado plate offers a filling meal at a fraction of tourist-restaurant prices.
• Many beaches and some trails are free, and you can often spot wildlife outside paid parks.
• Travel in the green season for lower prices and fewer crowds.

Costa Rica🛡️ Safety & money in Costa Rica

Emergency: 911 police, fire & ambulance

Costa Rica🛬 Getting to Costa Rica

Juan Santamaría International Airport near San José and Guanacaste Airport in Liberia handle most international flights. Land borders connect to Nicaragua at Peñas Blancas and to Panama at Paso Canoas and Sixaola.

✈️ Cheap flights to Costa Rica: airports, flight times & best time to fly →

Costa Rica💡 Did you know? 5 facts about Costa Rica

• Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948 and has no standing military.
• The country holds around five percent of the world's biodiversity despite its small size.
• Most of its electricity comes from renewable sources such as hydro, geothermal and wind.
• The Diquís stone spheres are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The traditional painted oxcart is a national symbol and UNESCO-recognised cultural heritage.

Costa Rica❓ Costa Rica travel FAQ

Costa Rica travel questions