Costa Rica travel guide
Costa Rica packs volcanoes, cloud forests, wildlife-filled national parks and two coastlines into a small country. Many first trips combine Arenal, Monteverde and a Pacific beach.
Best time to visit Costa Rica
December to April is the dry season on the Pacific side and the busiest time of year.
May to November is the green season, with afternoon rain and fewer visitors. The Caribbean coast follows a different pattern and is often drier in September and October.
Getting to Costa Rica
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) near San José serves the centre and south. Guanacaste Airport (LIR) in Liberia is closer to the northern Pacific beaches.
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Getting around
Rental car
A car gives the most freedom; some rural roads are unpaved and steep, so a 4x4 helps, especially in the green season.
Shuttles
Shared tourist shuttles link the main destinations, such as San José, La Fortuna, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio, door to door.
Domestic flights
Small planes connect San José with beaches and remote areas such as Tortuguero and the Osa Peninsula.
Top things to do in Costa Rica
1. Arenal Volcano and hot springs
Hike lava trails around Arenal and relax in the hot springs near La Fortuna.
See tickets & tours on Klook ›2. Monteverde Cloud Forest
Hanging bridges and guided night walks in a misty high-altitude forest.
See tickets & tours on Klook ›3. Manuel Antonio National Park
Rainforest trails that end at white-sand beaches, with sloths and monkeys often seen with a guide.
See tickets & tours on Klook ›4. Tortuguero
Canals reached by boat on the Caribbean coast, famous for turtle nesting in season.
See tickets & tours on Klook ›Practical tips
- A guide with a telescope makes spotting wildlife in national parks much easier.
- Some parks, including Manuel Antonio, require tickets booked online in advance; check the official SINAC site.
- Pack rain gear in the green season and insect repellent year-round.
Costa Rica travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
December to April for dry weather on the Pacific side. The green season (May to November) is wetter but quieter and lush.
Do you need a 4x4 in Costa Rica?
Not for main highways, but it helps on unpaved roads to places like Monteverde and remote beaches, especially in the rainy season.
How many days do you need in Costa Rica?
Seven to ten days covers Arenal, Monteverde and one beach area. Two weeks lets you add the Caribbean coast or the Osa Peninsula.