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North America / Central America

Costa Rica

Rainforest zip-lines, volcanoes, and pura vida beaches. As part of Central America in North America, Costa Rica suits travelers drawn to big cities and nature. Use this guide to plan where to go, when to visit, and how to structure your days.

Costa Rica

Start exploring.

Best time to visit: Dec – Apr

Arenal

Arenal is a favorite stop for travelers exploring Costa Rica, with plenty to see on foot or by local transit.

Monteverde

Plan at least a full day in Monteverde to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio pairs well with nearby highlights on a Central America route through Costa Rica.

Tortuguero

Plan at least a full day in Tortuguero to enjoy its main sights, local food, and surrounding scenery.

What it is known for
facts
  • Monteverde cloud-forest canopy zip-lines
  • Arenal Volcano hot springs and lava views
  • Sloths, toucans, and quetzals in national parks
  • Pura vida surf breaks on Pacific and Caribbean coasts
  • Gallo pinto rice-and-beans breakfast nationwide
key City
name
San José
label
Capital
why
Most itineraries start at the central valley hub before branching to volcanoes, cloud forests, and both coasts within a few hours' drive.
Places to visit
  • area
    Arenal
    attractions
    • name
      Arenal Volcano
      duration
      3-6 hours
      book Ahead
      Check permit rules; popular trails may need booking 1-4 weeks ahead.
    • name
      La Fortuna Waterfall
      duration
      3-6 hours
      book Ahead
      Check permit rules; popular trails may need booking 1-4 weeks ahead.
    • name
      Tabacón Hot Springs
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Arenal Hanging Bridges
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Monteverde
    attractions
    • name
      Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
      duration
      4-8 hours
      book Ahead
      Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Selvatura Park
      duration
      4-8 hours
      book Ahead
      Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Santa Elena Cloud Forest
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Monteverde Cheese Factory
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
  • area
    Manuel Antonio
    attractions
    • name
      Manuel Antonio National Park
      duration
      4-8 hours
      book Ahead
      Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Playa Espadilla
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.
    • name
      Cathedral Point
      duration
      45 minutes to 1.5 hours
      book Ahead
      Usually walk-in; modest dress required. Donations welcome at active worship sites.
    • name
      Damás Island Mangroves
      duration
      Half day to full day
      book Ahead
      Book ferries or boat tours 3-7 days ahead in peak season.
  • area
    Tortuguero
    attractions
    • name
      Tortuguero National Park
      duration
      4-8 hours
      book Ahead
      Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.
    • name
      Tortuguero Canals
      duration
      1-2 hours
      book Ahead
      Check official hours; book 1-2 weeks ahead if timed entry applies in peak season.
    • name
      Turtle Nesting Beach
      duration
      2-4 hours
      book Ahead
      No ticket required; arrive early in peak season for parking and space.
    • name
      Cahuita National Park
      duration
      4-8 hours
      book Ahead
      Book park permits or safari slots 1-7 days ahead in peak season.
Itineraries
  • title
    Costa Rica Highlights Express
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Arenal
    • Monteverde
    • Manuel Antonio
    highlights
    • Full day discovering Arenal
    • Full day discovering Monteverde
    • Full day discovering Manuel Antonio
    best For
    Weekend warriors and short trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Arenal
      description
      Land in Arenal, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Costa Rica trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Monteverde
      description
      Dedicate the day to Monteverde: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Manuel Antonio and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Manuel Antonio visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Classic Costa Rica
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Arenal
    • Monteverde
    • Manuel Antonio
    • Tortuguero
    highlights
    • Cover Arenal and Monteverde
    • Explore Manuel Antonio
    • Explore Tortuguero
    best For
    Outdoor lovers and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Arenal
      description
      Land in Arenal, check into your stay, and take an easy orientation walk. Try a well-rated local restaurant to start your Costa Rica trip.
    • day
      2
      title
      Explore Monteverde
      description
      Dedicate the day to Monteverde: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      3
      title
      Explore Manuel Antonio
      description
      Dedicate the day to Manuel Antonio: main landmarks, neighborhoods, and a signature local experience before continuing your route.
    • day
      4
      title
      Tortuguero and farewell
      description
      Spend your final day in Tortuguero visiting any missed sights, picking up souvenirs, and preparing for departure.
  • title
    Costa Rica Beaches & Coast
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Arenal
    • Monteverde
    • Manuel Antonio
    highlights
    • Coastal day in Arenal
    • Coastal day in Monteverde
    • Coastal day in Manuel Antonio
    best For
    Sun seekers, swimmers, and coastal road trips
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Arenal
      description
      Check in near the shore and take a relaxed walk along the waterfront. Swim or sunbathe if conditions allow, then settle into a seaside dinner in Arenal.
    • day
      2
      title
      Monteverde coast
      description
      Spend the day on Monteverde's shoreline: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Selvatura Park, Santa Elena Cloud Forest, with time for cafés, boat trips, or sunset views.
    • day
      3
      title
      Manuel Antonio and farewell
      description
      Enjoy a final beach morning in Manuel Antonio, visiting Manuel Antonio National Park, Playa Espadilla, Cathedral Point before you depart Costa Rica.
  • title
    Costa Rica Countryside
    duration
    5 days
    locations
    • Monteverde
    • Manuel Antonio
    • Tortuguero
    highlights
    • Rural stop: Monteverde
    • Rural stop: Manuel Antonio
    • Rural stop: Tortuguero
    best For
    Nature lovers, hikers, and slow travel
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Arrive in Monteverde
      description
      Reach Monteverde, drop bags at a rural stay, and take a short walk through nearby villages or trails to get oriented.
    • day
      2
      title
      Manuel Antonio countryside
      description
      Explore Manuel Antonio at an easy pace: Manuel Antonio National Park, Playa Espadilla, Cathedral Point with a focus on open landscapes away from the crowds.
    • day
      3
      title
      Tortuguero and farewell
      description
      Wrap up with a slow morning in Tortuguero, stopping at Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero Canals, Turtle Nesting Beach before heading home.
  • title
    Costa Rica Monuments & Hot Spots
    duration
    7 days
    locations
    • Manuel Antonio
    • Arenal
    • Monteverde
    • Tortuguero
    highlights
    • Must-see: Manuel Antonio National Park
    • Must-see: Playa Espadilla
    • Must-see: Arenal Volcano
    • Must-see: La Fortuna Waterfall
    best For
    Sightseeing, history buffs, and first-time landmark hunters
    days
    • day
      1
      title
      Icons of Manuel Antonio
      description
      Start in Manuel Antonio with Manuel Antonio National Park, Playa Espadilla, Cathedral Point, buying timed tickets ahead when possible and finishing with a walk through the historic center.
    • day
      2
      title
      Arenal monuments
      description
      Focus on Arenal's tourist favorites: Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna Waterfall, Tabacón Hot Springs with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      3
      title
      Monteverde monuments
      description
      Focus on Monteverde's tourist favorites: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Selvatura Park, Santa Elena Cloud Forest with breaks for local food between sights.
    • day
      4
      title
      Tortuguero landmarks and farewell
      description
      Catch any remaining must-sees in Tortuguero, including Tortuguero National Park, Tortuguero Canals, Turtle Nesting Beach, before your departure.
When to go & typical weather
summary
December through April is dry season (verano) on the Pacific coast and central highlands, perfect for Arenal volcano, Monteverde cloud forest, and Guanacaste beaches. Caribbean coast and Tortuguero turtle nesting have different rhythms; green season May-Nov brings afternoon showers but lush landscapes.
typical Weather
San Jose highlands Dec-Apr: highs 24-28°C (75-82°F), lows 16-18°C (61-64°F), 20-40 mm rain. Pacific coast: highs 30-32°C (86-90°F), dry. Monteverde: 18-24°C (64-75°F), misty. Caribbean Limon: rain year-round, drier Feb-Mar and Sep-Oct.
details
  • Dec-Jan and Easter week peak; reserve Manuel Antonio and Arenal lodges.
  • May-Nov green season: morning sun, afternoon rain, 30-50% lower rates.
  • Turtle nesting Tortuguero Jul-Oct and Mar-Aug on different coasts.
  • Shoulder Nov and Apr balance weather and crowds.
most Affordable
period
May – Nov
summary
Green season delivers Costa Rica's steepest lodge and eco-resort discounts when afternoon rains reduce crowds but wildlife viewing remains excellent. September and October offer deepest cuts before dry-season return.
details
  • Arenal and Monteverde lodges discount 30-50% in green season.
  • Manuel Antonio hotels cut rates sharply Sep-Oct.
  • Rental cars and domestic shuttles cheaper with lower demand.
  • Pacific coast surf lodges offer wet-season promotions.
most Expensive
period
Dec – Apr
summary
Dry-season verano peak fills Costa Rica eco-lodges when North American winter escape travelers pay premium rates for Arenal, Monteverde, and Guanacaste beaches. Christmas, New Year, and Easter week see highest pricing.
details
  • Arenal volcano view lodges sell out at peak Dec-Jan rates.
  • Guanacaste beach resorts premium in dry season.
  • Easter Holy Week spikes domestic and international demand.
  • Monteverde cloud forest tours charge peak in dry months.
Airports & arrivals
summary
San José area airports and Liberia serve the central valley and Guanacaste coast.
airports
  • name
    Juan Santamaría International Airport
    code
    SJO
    location
    Alajuela, serving San José
    distance From Center
    20 km (12 mi) northwest of central San José
    transfer Note
    Shared shuttles and taxis reach San José and beaches
  • name
    Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport
    code
    LIR
    location
    Liberia
    distance From Center
    12 km (7 mi) west of Liberia
    transfer Note
    Gateway for Guanacaste Pacific resorts
Getting around
overview
Costa Ricans travel by intercity buses and local routes; no passenger rail network.
trains
    ferries
      subways
        public Transit
        • name
          TRACOPA
          kind
          public
          description
          Intercity coaches linking San José with coast and regions.
          ticketing
          Buy at San José terminals.
        • name
          MEPE Bus
          kind
          public
          description
          Caribbean coast and regional routes.
          ticketing
          Buy at terminal counters.
        • name
          San José Bus
          kind
          public
          description
          Urban and suburban routes in the capital.
          ticketing
          Pay cash when boarding.
        ride Share
        • name
          Uber
          kind
          rideshare
          description
          Ride-hailing in San José.
          ticketing
          Book via Uber app.
        Currency
        code
        CRC
        name
        Costa Rican colón
        symbol
        ₡
        note
        Carry some costa rican colón in cash for taxis and markets; card acceptance is strongest in major cities and tourist areas.

        Convert your travel budget ↗

        Visas & official entry links
        Local customs
        summary
        Costa Rica runs on pura vida calm, eco-tourism ethics, and respect for parks and wildlife. Ticos value politeness and indirect refusal. Beach towns are relaxed; San José is more formal in business settings.
        customs
        • Usted form is polite with strangers and elders.
        • Saying pura vida works as hello, thanks, and goodbye.
        • National parks require official guides in some zones.
        dos
        • Use reef-safe sunscreen and stay on marked jungle trails.
        • Tip guides and drivers in dollars or colones when service excels.
        • Lock rental cars and never leave bags visible; petty theft happens.
        • Carry rain gear in cloud forest regions year-round.
        • Learn básico Spanish; English varies outside tourist towns.
        donts
        • Do not touch wildlife, including sloths and monkeys on roadsides.
        • Do not feed animals in Manuel Antonio and other parks.
        • Do not remove plants, seeds, or shells from protected areas.
        • Do not assume US health insurance covers private clinics.
        • Do not swim outside flagged areas on Pacific rip-current beaches.
        Useful travel phrases
        language
        Spanish
        phrases
        • english
          Please
          local
          Por favor
          pronunciation
          por fah-BOR
        • english
          Thank you
          local
          Gracias
          pronunciation
          GRAH-syahs
        • english
          Yes
          local
          Sí
          pronunciation
          see
        • english
          No
          local
          No
          pronunciation
          noh
        • english
          How much?
          local
          ¿Cuánto cuesta?
          pronunciation
          KWAHN-toh KWES-ta
        • english
          Where is the nearest restaurant or bar?
          local
          ¿Dónde está el restaurante o bar más cercano?
          pronunciation
          DOHN-deh es-TAH el res-tow-RAHN-teh oh bar mahs ther-KAH-no
        • english
          Where is the airport?
          local
          ¿Dónde está el aeropuerto?
          pronunciation
          DOHN-deh es-TAH eh-ay-ro-PWER-toh
        • english
          I need help
          local
          Necesito ayuda
          pronunciation
          neh-seh-SEE-toh ah-YOO-dah
        • english
          I need a hospital
          local
          Necesito un hospital
          pronunciation
          neh-seh-SEE-toh oon o-spee-TAHL
        • english
          Call the police
          local
          Llame a la policía
          pronunciation
          yah-MAH a la po-lee-SEE-ah
        Longer stays
        visa Summary
        U.S. citizens may enter Costa Rica visa-free for up to 180 days for tourism, subject to proof of onward travel and funds. Temporary residence categories include pensionado and rentista programs for retirees and passive income holders, plus work permits tied to employers. Costa Rica revises financial minimums and digital nomad permits periodically, so verify with Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería.

        Practical tips.

        • Rent a 4x4 if you plan to reach Monteverde, Osa Peninsula, or other unpaved routes during rainy season.
        • Pay park entrance fees in colones or dollars at official kiosks and keep receipts for ranger checks on trails.
        • Book Manuel Antonio and Arenal lodges early for Christmas and Easter weeks when domestic tourism surges.
        More travel tips ↗

        Locate Costa Rica.

        Location map of Costa Rica

        Before you go.

        Check current entry requirements and travel conditions with official sources before booking. Read the current U.S. State Department advisory for Costa Rica ↗