Costa Rica Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

Costa Rica punches well above its weight. A small country squeezed between the Pacific and the Caribbean, it contains 5% of the world's biodiversity, some of the most dramatic volcanic landscapes on the planet, and beaches that regularly top global rankings. Add to that a genuine eco-tourism ethos and one of the happiest populations in the world, and you have a destination that is hard to leave.

When to Go

The dry season (December to April) is the most popular time to visit, with blue skies and little rain. The green season (May to November) brings lush landscapes and fewer tourists — wildlife spotting is excellent, and prices drop significantly. The Caribbean coast has its own microclimate and is often best visited between September and October.

The Rainforest — Where Wildlife Rules

Costa Rica's rainforests are the heartbeat of the country. The Osa Peninsula, home to Corcovado National Park, is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth — jaguars, tapirs, scarlet macaws, and four species of sea turtle all call it home. The Cloud Forest Reserve in Monteverde is a magical, misty world of hanging bridges and rare quetzal sightings.

Volcanoes — Raw Power Up Close

Arenal is Costa Rica's most iconic volcano — a near-perfect cone that dominates the skyline around La Fortuna. Soak in natural hot springs with views of the steaming summit, hike through lava fields, and explore the surrounding rainforest by zip line or hanging bridge. Pocós Volcano, near San José, has one of the world's few active cold-water geysers and is easily visited as a day trip.

The Beaches — Pacific & Caribbean

The Pacific coast offers sweeping surf beaches — Santa Teresa and Nosara are world-famous for waves — alongside calmer bays perfect for snorkelling and sunbathing. The Caribbean coast is rawer and less developed, with a distinctly different culture, reggae rhythms, and colourful Afro-Caribbean cuisine. Tortuguero, accessible only by boat or plane, is one of the world's most important sea turtle nesting sites.

Wildlife — Extraordinary at Every Turn

Costa Rica is one of the world's great wildlife destinations. Sloths hang from trees in Manuel Antonio National Park. Howler monkeys wake you up at dawn. Resplendent quetzals, toucans, and poison dart frogs are common sightings in the right habitats. With a good guide, even a few days in the right area can yield more wildlife encounters than a week on safari elsewhere.

Practical Tips

The currency is the colón, though US dollars are widely accepted. Renting a 4WD is the best way to explore independently — many roads, especially in the Osa Peninsula, are unpaved and can be challenging. Internal flights save significant time. Spanish is the official language; English is spoken in most tourist areas. Tipping (10%) is standard in restaurants.

How Long Do You Need?

Two weeks is ideal — enough for the rainforest, a volcano, and both coasts. One week works well as a focused trip centred on one or two regions. Three weeks lets you slow down and go deeper.

Ready to discover Costa Rica's pure life? At Anneli Destinations, we create tailor-made itineraries that put you in the right place at the right time. Get in touch and let's start planning.