Costa Rica – Destination Guide

Costa Rica is a tropical paradise bursting with natural beauty, wildlife, and pura vida vibes. Known for its lush rainforests, active volcanoes, and pristine beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, this Central American gem offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. With friendly locals, rich biodiversity, and a strong commitment to sustainability, Costa Rica is an ideal destination for nature lovers, wellness seekers, and thrill chasers alike.

🏞️ Regions to Explore

🌳 Central Valley

Home to the capital, San José, this highland region offers cooler temperatures, cultural attractions, coffee plantations, and easy access to volcanoes like Poás and Irazú.

🌋 Arenal & Northern Lowlands

Famous for Arenal Volcano and hot springs, this area is a hub for adventure activities such as zip-lining, hiking, and wildlife watching.

🌿 Monteverde Cloud Forest

An eco-lover’s dream, Monteverde is known for its misty cloud forests, hanging bridges, and incredible biodiversity.

🌊 Pacific Coast (Guanacaste & Nicoya Peninsula)

Golden beaches, surf towns, and laid-back vibes define this sun-drenched coastline. Perfect for beach bums and yogis alike.

🌴 Caribbean Coast (Puerto Viejo & Tortuguero)

A mix of Afro-Caribbean culture, lush jungle, and tranquil beaches. Great for spotting sloths, sea turtles, and enjoying reggae beats.

✨ Highlights

🌋 Arenal Hot Springs

Soak in natural hot springs surrounded by lush rainforest and volcanic views. A perfect blend of relaxation and scenery.

🌫️ Monteverde Cloud Forest

Walk among the clouds in this enchanting forest, home to rare birds, orchids, and mystical hanging bridges.

🏄 Surfing in Nosara

Catch your first wave or refine your surf skills at one of Costa Rica’s most laid-back surf towns.

🐒 Manuel Antonio National Park

Discover sloths, monkeys, and toucans in this compact but wildlife-rich national park with both forest and beaches.

🐢 Sea Turtle Nesting in Tortuguero

Visit during nesting season to witness sea turtles laying eggs on remote Caribbean beaches.

🌿 Corcovado National Park

Explore untouched rainforest, spot rare species, and experience one of the world’s most biologically intense places.

🏖️ Beaches on Both Coasts

From black sand beaches on the Pacific to white-sand gems on the Caribbean, there’s a perfect beach for everyone.

🌆 San José Culture

Explore Costa Rica’s capital with museums, markets, street art, and vibrant nightlife.

🧗‍♀️ Activities

🧘 Yoga & Wellness

Find your zen with yoga classes and wellness retreats in peaceful jungle lodges and beachside resorts.

🛶 Kayaking & Paddleboarding

Glide through mangroves and estuaries on guided kayak or SUP tours, ideal for spotting birds and reptiles.

🌿 Nature Walks

Join expert guides for hikes in national parks and private reserves, learning about Costa Rica’s unique flora and fauna.

🐒 Wildlife Tours

Embark on safaris to see sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and tropical birds in their natural habitats.

🌊 Snorkeling & Diving

Dive into crystal-clear waters to explore coral reefs at Cahuita or the remote Isla del Caño.

🚵 Hiking & Biking

Trek volcanic trails or bike through mountainous landscapes with stunning views and natural beauty.

☕ Coffee Farm Tours

Visit local farms to learn about Costa Rica’s world-famous coffee production and enjoy tastings.

🍫 Chocolate Workshops

Discover the history and process of chocolate-making from bean to bar, often led by local artisans or indigenous communities.

🧗 Adventure Sports

Get your adrenaline fix with zip-lining, canyoning, bungee jumping, and white-water rafting through lush terrain.

🛬 Arrival Airports & Transportation

Major international airports include:

• Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) near San José
• Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia

Domestic flights, private transfers, and shuttles make travel between regions relatively easy. Roads vary in quality, so 4WD rentals are recommended for more remote areas.

📌 Practical Info

• Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC), USD widely accepted
• Language: Spanish (English spoken in tourist areas)
• Tipping: 10% service included in restaurants; additional tips appreciated
• Power: Type A/B plugs, 120V (same as US/Canada)
• Cash vs Card: Credit cards accepted in most areas; carry some cash for local vendors or remote spots
• SIM/eSIM: Available at the airport or convenience stores. Using an eSIM is our recommended choice while travelling anywhere in the world, and our recommended provider is Holafly. For more information on eSIMs, check out this blog.

🛂 Visa/Entry

Tourists from many countries can visit Costa Rica visa-free for up to 90 days. Confirm current entry requirements at https://migracion.go.cr.

🍽️ Food & Cuisine

Costa Rican cuisine is fresh, simple, and hearty, often focused on rice, beans, and tropical produce. Must-try dishes include:

• Gallo Pinto: Traditional breakfast of rice and beans with eggs
• Casado: A typical plate with rice, beans, plantains, salad, and a protein
• Ceviche: Fresh fish marinated in citrus with herbs and onions
• Chifrijo: A bowl of fried pork, beans, rice, and salsa
• Patacones: Twice-fried green plantains served with dips
• Arroz con pollo: Flavorful rice cooked with chicken and vegetables
• Fresh fruit smoothies: Made from local tropical fruits like mango, papaya, and pineapple

🎒 Packing List (Seasonal)

• Dry Season (Dec–Apr): Light clothing, sunscreen, swimsuit, sandals, sunhat
• Green Season (May–Nov): Rain jacket, quick-dry clothes, hiking shoes, umbrella
• Year-round essentials: Insect repellent, reusable water bottle, binoculars for wildlife viewing, layered outfits for mountain areas

Why Visit?

Costa Rica is the perfect mix of wild beauty and warm hospitality. Whether you’re soaking in a volcano-side hot spring, ziplining through the canopy, or meditating to jungle sounds, the country invites you to embrace adventure, wellness, and the pura vida way of life. Come explore, unwind, and discover the magic that keeps travelers coming back again and again.