Lush rainforests, pristine beaches and a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability make Costa Rica one of Latin America’s most captivating destinations. One of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, it is home to smouldering volcanoes, protected national parks and a rich blend of indigenous traditions.
Underpinning everyday life is the philosophy of ‘Pura Vida’ – a simple phrase that perfectly captures the warmth, optimism and easy-going spirit of Costa Rican culture. This Costa Rica travel guide explores everything you need to know when visiting best time to travel to Costa Rica. With Distant Journeys, expertly curated tours make it easy to experience the country’s most memorable sights in comfort and confidence.
Where Is Costa Rica on the world map?
Costa Rica is located in Central America, forming a natural bridge between North and South America. It is bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, with coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. This unique position gives the country an extraordinary geographical diversity, from palm-fringed beaches and coral reefs to mist-shrouded cloud forests and volcanic highlands, all within a relatively compact area that makes travelling around the country straightforward, while also shaped by its tropical Costa Rican climate and protected conservation areas.
Central America’s Biodiversity Haven
Although modest in size, Costa Rica is a global leader in biodiversity. Covering around just 0.003% of the world’s landmass, it is home to an estimated 5% of the planet’s plant and animal species. Across many of Costa Rica’s travel destinations, landscapes shift dramatically from dense rainforests and coastal mangroves to volcanic mountain ranges and golden beaches, creating a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and anyone drawn to nature at its most spectacular.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica?
Understanding Costa Rican weather by month helps travellers decide the best time to visit. The dry season runs from November to April and is widely considered the best time of year to visit Costa Rica, particularly for sunshine, wildlife viewing and relaxed beach stays. During these months, daytime temperatures typically range between 28–32°C, with clear skies and lower humidity creating ideal conditions for sightseeing and outdoor adventures.
Early mornings and evenings are noticeably cooler, making them especially well-suited to guided walks and night excursions, when wildlife is often most active.
Best Time of Year to Visit Costa Rica for Wildlife or Beaches
For wildlife enthusiasts, the best time to go to Costa Rica is between November and April. During this period, clearer conditions make it easier to see monkeys, sloths, toucans and a wide variety of tropical birdlife across national parks and forest reserves.
If beach time is a priority, the best time to go to Costa Rica is also between December and March, when the Pacific coast enjoys dry, sunny weather and calm sea conditions. These months are ideal for relaxing on golden sands, swimming and enjoying coastal scenery at its most inviting.
Entry Requirements & Travel Information
Understanding Costa Rican entry requirements is an important part of planning your trip. UK passport holders do not require a visa for visits of up to 90 days, provided their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their intended return date. Travellers must also be able to show proof of onward or return travel on arrival.
In some cases, visitors may be asked to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. As entry regulations can change, it is strongly recommended to check the latest Costa Rica travel advice on the UK government’s gov.uk website before departure, ensuring you are fully prepared and able to travel with confidence.
Costa Rica Currency & Travel Costs
The official Costa Rica currency is the Costa Rican colón (CRC), although US dollars are widely accepted in many hotels, tour services and restaurants, particularly in popular tourist areas. ATMs are readily available in cities and larger towns, and card payments are commonly used, but it’s advisable to carry some local cash when visiting smaller communities or local markets, where the colón is often preferred. For more information and advice on tipping, please see our Costa Rica FAQs.
Many travellers ask, is Costa Rica expensive? While costs can be higher than in some neighbouring Central American countries, this reflects Costa Rica’s strong emphasis on sustainability, conservation and high-quality infrastructure.
Costa Rica Time Difference from the UK
The Costa Rica time zone follows Central Standard Time (GMT-6) and the time difference between Costa Rica and the UK is six hours behind in winter and seven hours behind in summer.
Costa Rica’s Most Beautiful Places to Visit
From misty cloud forests and volcanic landscapes to wildlife-rich waterways and palm-fringed coastlines, Costa Rica’s compact size makes it easy to explore a remarkable range of scenery in one trip. Many of the best places to visit in Costa Rica are well connected by road allowing travellers to experience several iconic Costa Rica travel destinations without feeling rushed.
Arenal Volcano National Park
Famed for its near-perfect conical volcano, Arenal is one of the country’s most dramatic natural landmarks. Forest trails weave through lush rainforest, while geothermal hot springs offer a relaxing contrast to active days spent hiking or exploring canopy walkways suspended high above the jungle floor. La Fortuna, the gateway town, is an ideal base, with good infrastructure and easy access to guided excursions.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
High in the Tilarán Mountains, Monteverde is a cool, misty sanctuary where low-hanging cloud drifts through ancient forest. Hanging bridges and elevated walkways reveal hummingbirds, orchids and a wealth of wildlife hidden within the canopy. Due to its winding mountain roads and higher altitude, travelling with a guide is often the most comfortable way to reach this unforgettable reserve.
Manuel Antonio National Park
One of the most celebrated Costa Rican tourist locations, Manuel Antonio uniquely combines dense rainforest trails with some of the best beaches in Costa Rica. White sands curve along turquoise waters, while monkeys and sloths are frequently spotted overhead. Visiting early in the morning offers the most peaceful experience and the best chance to see wildlife.
Tortuguero National Park
Accessible only by boat or small aircraft, Tortuguero feels wonderfully remote. A maze of jungle canals replaces roads, and boat safaris glide quietly past crocodiles, monkeys and vibrant birdlife. The park is best known for its nesting turtles, which arrive seasonally to lay their eggs along the beaches, making it one of Costa Rica’s most important conservation areas. Here also offers the opportunity to experience the waterways of Tortuguero National Park by boat with an expert guide, spotting colourful birds, monkeys, insects and sloths along the way.
Travelling with Distant Journeys allows you to experience these highlights seamlessly, combining expert local insight with carefully planned journeys between regions. Our thoughtfully curated itinerary on The Very Best of Costa Rica brings together the country’s most memorable landscapes, ensuring a comfortable and enriching way to discover its extraordinary diversity.
What to Do in Costa Rica - Nature & Adventure
Costa Rica offers a rewarding blend of immersive nature and gentle adventure, making it easy to tailor each journey to your interests. From guided walks through protected landscapes to moments of relaxation in remarkable natural settings, the range of things to do is as diverse as the country itself. With Distant Journeys, carefully curated experiences and expert local guides ensure you enjoy the best things to do in Costa Rica.
The country's wildlife attracts visitors from all over the world. Wildlife is most active during the cooler hours of the day, so some excursions take place early in the morning or after sunset. To maximise opportunities for wildlife viewing at its most natural and engaging, our itineraries often include dawn starts, guided night walks and time spent exploring on foot through national parks and forested areas.
Unmissable Experiences in Costa Rica
Exploring Costa Rica’s rainforests and volcanic regions with knowledgeable local guides brings its extraordinary ecosystems vividly to life, offering insight into the plants, wildlife and conservation efforts that define the country. Near Arenal, naturally heated hot springs provide the perfect way to relax, surrounded by lush greenery and the distant silhouette of the volcano.
Cultural experiences are equally rewarding. A visit to Hacienda Doka, home to the country’s oldest coffee mill, reveals the story behind one of Costa Rica’s most important exports, with a guided plantation tour and tasting offering a deeper appreciation of the coffee-making process. Wildlife encounters are a highlight throughout the journey, with opportunities to spot colourful macaws, tree frogs and howler monkeys during guided excursions through national parks and forest reserves.
Costa Rican Food and Cuisine
Local cuisine is built around simple, wholesome ingredients such as rice, beans, tropical fruit and freshly caught fish. From hearty home-style dishes served in family-run ‘sodas’ to coastal specialities and expertly brewed local coffee, Costa Rican cooking offers an authentic taste of the country’s culture, shaped by indigenous heritage, Spanish influence and a strong emphasis on freshness and sustainability.
Traditional Dishes to Try
Rice and beans are a favourite in many local dishes including gallo pinto, where they are cooked with herbs and onions, and casado, a well-balanced meal that all includes grilled meat or fish, fried plantains and a fresh salad.
Along the coast, ceviche is a popular choice, made with freshly caught fish. Sopa negra, a traditional black bean soup often topped with a boiled egg, offers a hearty taste of everyday Costa Rican cooking, while patacones – crispy, twice-fried plantains – are widely enjoyed as snacks or side dishes.
No introduction to Costa Rican cuisine would be complete without mentioning coffee. Grown in the country’s fertile highlands, Costa Rica’s coffee is renowned worldwide for its quality, with plantation visits and tastings offering a deeper insight into this important part of the nation’s culinary heritage.
Fascinating Facts About Costa Rica
- Often cited among the most interesting Costa Rica facts, the nation has had no standing army since 1948, choosing instead to invest in education, healthcare and conservation.
- More than 25% of Costa Rica’s land is protected as national parks or reserves, safeguarding its remarkable biodiversity. The country is also a global leader in sustainability, generating over 95% of its electricity from renewable sources.
- Nature lovers will be impressed to learn that Costa Rica is home to around 800 species of birds, while the phrase Pura Vida – meaning ‘pure life’ – is used both as a friendly greeting and a philosophy that reflects the country’s positive, relaxed outlook on life.
Essential Travel Tips for Visiting Costa Rica
Costa Rica is known for its warm welcome and relaxed pace of life, making it an easy and rewarding destination to explore. As with any international journey, understanding a few local customs helps ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience for both visitors and the communities they meet along the way.
Local Etiquette & Safety
Costa Ricans, often known as Ticos, are friendly, polite and community-minded, with courtesy and respect forming an important part of daily life. Simple gestures such as greeting people warmly and showing patience are always appreciated. Visitors are encouraged to care for the environment by avoiding littering, respecting wildlife and following guidance in protected areas, reflecting the country’s strong commitment to conservation.
Costa Rica is widely regarded as one of the safest countries in Latin America, and travel is generally straightforward. As with anywhere, standard precautions are advised, such as keeping valuables secure and following local advice, allowing you to explore with confidence and peace of mind.
Experience Costa Rica with Distant Journeys
From tropical rainforests and wildlife-rich national parks to sun-drenched beaches and a culture shaped by sustainability and Pura Vida, Costa Rica offers a truly enriching travel experience. Exploring with Distant Journeys allows you to enjoy the country’s highlights with ease, combining expert local insight, carefully planned itineraries and the comfort of guided travel.
