At 170 miles (274 kilometers) coast to coast, tiny Costa RIca somehow contains 6% of the world's biodiversity—and countless things to do. It’s ecotourism that reigns supreme, and most travelers fill their days venturing through the country’s national parks, flitting among active volcanoes, whitewater rafting mighty rivers, gallivanting on rainforest safaris, and, of course, sun-soaking on the beach. However long you have in Costa Rica, make it longer, or prepare for a thousand reasons to return to the land of “Pura Vida.”
The most popular time to visit Costa Rica is the dry season, December–April. It’s the best time for outdoor activities. If you can put up with a bit of rain, in July and August you'll have smaller crowds and lower prices, though it’s not a good time for navigating trails in the cloud forests. Beginner surfers will find manageable waves in March and April, while expert surfers come for bigger waves in September and October.
There are many options for getting around Costa Rica. Domestic flights are the quickest option, especially to more remote areas. Buses are the cheapest and slowest. Shuttle buses to popular tourist destinations are faster and more comfortable, but also more expensive. While taxis are best for short distances, rental cars offer the most flexibility—consider a 4WD for more remote, wet areas. Hiring a car with a driver also offers flexibility, but will be pricey.
Costa Rica is becoming more and more popular as a tourist destination. To escape the crowds, look beyond the hot spots. Instead of Jaco or Tamarindo for surfing, try Dominical or Playa Negra, and instead of Arenal Volcano National Park, head to Miravalles or Rincón de la Vieja volcanos. The Caribbean coast also sees fewer visitors than the Pacific Coast, but offers pristine beaches, jungles, and incredibly rich biodiversity. The remote Osa peninsula also offers plenty of things to do in Costa Rica minus the crowds.
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Costa Rica is best known for its scenery, from sandy beaches to wide expanses of tropical cloud forests full of all sorts of wildlife—everything from colorful birds to adorable sloths. Costa Rica is also known for its excellent coffee, which gets exported all over the world.
...MoreIn order to experience all the country has to offer, you’ll need at least 10 or so days to tackle the most popular things to do in Costa Rica. This will allow you to spend time visiting attractions such as Arenal Volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forest, with time to see a beach town or check out some museums in San Jose.
...MoreIf you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, don't miss the Monteverde Cloud Forest and Arenal Volcano, particularly if you’re interested in spotting wildlife. It’s also worth stopping at a coffee plantation and spending time at some of San Jose’s museums, notably the Gold Museum.
...MoreYes. There are countless things to do in Costa Rica, including tons of great beaches, surfing, sunbathing, and swimming. Hiking and wildlife-viewing opportunities also abound, and you'll want to stop at some of the protected parks that provide refuge to everything from toucans to primates.
...MoreYes. It is safe to walk around Costa Rica, at least for the most part. Visitors and locals alike should exercise caution after dark, particularly in certain areas of San Jose, but tourist areas are—by and large—very safe.
...MoreTraditional activities in Costa Rica for tourists include ziplining, surfing, and taking guided nature hikes through the rainforest. If you want to learn more about the traditions and day-to-day lives of Costa Rican people, consider joining a cooking class or attending a soccer match.
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