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Costa Rica
North America
Visit Costa Rica
Costa Rica, a verdant jewel nestled between Nicaragua and Panama, is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. This small Central American nation is renowned for its diverse landscapes, which range from lush rainforests and imposing volcanoes to stunning beaches along both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The commitment of Costa Rica to conservation is evident, with over a quarter of its land protected as national parks or wildlife reserves, making it an ideal destination for eco-tourism.
One of the most captivating aspects of Costa Rica is its biodiversity. The country is home to an astonishing array of wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, toucans, and the elusive jaguar. The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve offers a misty, ethereal experience with its dense fog and towering trees, providing a habitat for more than 2,500 plant species, 100 species of mammals, and 400 bird species. Here, visitors can walk along suspension bridges high above the forest floor, offering a unique perspective and the chance to spot some of the area's diverse fauna. Similarly, the Tortuguero National Park, accessible only by plane or boat, offers an incredible opportunity to observe nesting sea turtles, a variety of monkeys, and countless bird species.
For those drawn to sun and surf, Costa Rica's beaches are unparalleled. The Pacific coast is famed for its dramatic cliffs and renowned surf spots, such as Jacó and Tamarindo. Meanwhile, the Caribbean side boasts laid-back vibes and pristine sands, perfect for snorkeling and diving, particularly around Cahuita and the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. Beyond the natural attractions, Costa Rica offers a vibrant cultural scene, with the capital city of San José hosting numerous museums, galleries, and theaters. The Ticos, as the locals are affectionately known, are warm and welcoming, often going out of their way to ensure visitors feel at home.
Whether it's zip-lining through the canopy of the rainforest, relaxing in hot springs beneath a volcano, or enjoying the local cuisine, Costa Rica offers a plethora of experiences that cater to all tastes and ages. The nation's dedication to sustainability also means that visitors can enjoy all these wonders knowing they are contributing to the preservation of one of the planet's most precious environments. With its combination of natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and friendly culture, Costa Rica is a destination that truly offers something for everyone.
Costa Rica Monthly Weather Conditions
LOW
TEMP
HIGH
TEMP
DAYS OF PRECIP.
January
68°F
70°F
22
February
68°F
84°F
12
March
68°F
82°F
22
April
68°F
82°F
22
May
68°F
82°F
22
June
68°F
84°F
22
July
68°F
82°F
22
August
70°F
86°F
22
September
68°F
86°F
22
October
68°F
77°F
22
November
68°F
75°F
13
December
68°F
75°F
22
Need to Know Before You Go To Costa Rica
Nickname:
Ticos
Primary Language:
Spanish
Time Zone:
America/Costa_Rica
Current Time:
Electric Plug Type:
Type A and Type B
Annual Visitors:
Over 3 million.
Primary Export:
Bananas
Busiest Travel Months:
December, January, February
Quietest Travel Months:
October, September, May
Find your Next Adventure in Costa Rica
Explore Costa Rica
Iconic Landmarks
Arenal Volcano
Located in the province of Alajuela, Arenal is one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica and a major tourist attraction. The surrounding Arenal Volcano National Park offers hot springs, hiking trails, and a diverse array of wildlife.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
This renowned cloud forest is known for its incredible biodiversity, including hundreds of species of birds and a vast array of plant species. The misty landscape, hanging bridges, and canopy tours make it a magical place to visit.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Situated on the Pacific coast, this small national park is famous for its beautiful beaches, lush rainforest, and abundant wildlife, including sloths, monkeys, and various bird species. It's also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
Tortuguero National Park
Known as the "Costa Rican Amazon," this park is accessible only by boat or plane. It's famous for its canals that wind through rainforests and mangroves, and it's one of the best places in the world to see nesting sea turtles.
Poás Volcano
Featuring one of the largest active craters in the world, Poás Volcano is a spectacular sight. The national park around the volcano offers trails and the unique opportunity to look into an active volcanic crater.
Corcovado National Park
Located on the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado is often cited as one of the most biodiverse places on earth. This remote park offers rugged wilderness and is an excellent spot for eco-tourists and those looking to experience wildlife and pristine rainforests.
Cultural Experiences
Visit the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum (Museo del Oro Precolombino) in San José
Located in the capital city, this museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient cultures of Costa Rica before Spanish colonization. It houses an impressive collection of gold artifacts that reflect the workmanship, social structures, and beliefs of the pre-Columbian peoples.
Explore the Indigenous Reserves
Costa Rica is home to several indigenous groups, each with their own unique culture and traditions. Visiting these communities, such as the Bribri in Talamanca or the Boruca in the south, provides insight into their way of life, crafts, and traditions. Participating in a guided tour can help ensure that your visit is respectful and beneficial to the community.
Experience the Fiestas Patronales
These local festivals are held in honor of a town’s patron saint and feature a mix of religious ceremonies, traditional dances, music, and bullfights (which are non-lethal). They are a vibrant part of Costa Rican culture and offer a great way to experience local food, music, and customs.
Learn about Coffee and Chocolate Production
Coffee and chocolate play significant roles in Costa Rican culture and economy. Tours of coffee plantations and chocolate farms are not only educational but also sensory experiences. You can learn about the traditional methods of growing, harvesting, and processing, as well as taste the fresh products.
Attend a Traditional Dance Performance or Music Concert
Costa Rican traditional dances, such as the Punto Guanacasteco, are lively and colorful. Attending a performance can be a delightful way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Similarly, music is a vital part of Costa Rican life, with genres ranging from folk to classical and popular modern music.
Visit the National Theatre of Costa Rica (Teatro Nacional Costa Rica) in San José
Opened in 1897, this is a stunning historical building and a major cultural landmark. It hosts various performances throughout the year, including plays, operas, and concerts. Even if you don’t catch a show, the architecture and interior decorations are worth a visit.
Outdoor Adventures
Ziplining in Monteverde Cloud Forest
Monteverde is famous for its cloud forests, which offer a unique ecosystem that is home to thousands of species of plants, birds, and animals. Ziplining through the canopy gives you a thrilling perspective on this lush, green world from above.
White Water Rafting on the Pacuare River
The Pacuare River is known worldwide for its clear waters and exhilarating rapids. It cuts through deep canyons and past indigenous reserves, providing a mix of thrilling rapids and opportunities to see wildlife and pristine rainforest.
Surfing in Tamarindo
Tamarindo, located on the Pacific coast, is one of Costa Rica’s top surf spots, suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers. The town also offers a lively beach culture and is a great place to relax after a day in the waves.
Hiking in Corcovado National Park
Often referred to as one of the most biodiverse places on earth, Corcovado offers rugged wilderness and a chance to see an incredible array of wildlife, including jaguars, tapirs, and all four Costa Rican monkey species. Hiking here can be a challenging and rewarding experience.
Snorkeling and Diving in Cahuita National Park
Located on the Caribbean coast, Cahuita National Park offers some of the best snorkeling and diving in Costa Rica. The coral reefs here are teeming with marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and various types of coral.
Horseback Riding in Arenal Volcano National Park
Explore the area around one of Costa Rica’s most iconic landmarks, the Arenal Volcano. Horseback riding tours offer a leisurely way to enjoy the stunning views of the volcano and the surrounding lush landscape, including waterfalls and hot springs.
Off the Beaten Path
Drake Bay and Corcovado National Park
Located on the Osa Peninsula, Drake Bay is a remote paradise that serves as a gateway to Corcovado National Park, often cited as one of the most biodiverse places on earth. This area is less frequented by tourists due to its more remote location. Visitors can enjoy guided hikes through the dense rainforest, where they might spot tapirs, scarlet macaws, and even elusive jaguars.
Cabo Matapalo
Also on the Osa Peninsula, Cabo Matapalo is known for its rugged beauty and excellent surfing spots. It's a quieter alternative to the more crowded surf towns. The area is also great for wildlife enthusiasts, with opportunities to see howler monkeys, toucans, and other wildlife right from your eco-lodge or while hiking local trails.
San Gerardo de Dota
Nestled in the Talamanca Mountains, San Gerardo de Dota is a haven for bird watchers, most notably as one of the best places to spot the resplendent quetzal. The area is also known for its pristine cloud forests and cooler climate, offering a different environment compared to the tropical coasts.
Santa Teresa
On the Nicoya Peninsula, Santa Teresa is a small beach town that has a laid-back vibe with less commercial development compared to other beach areas in Costa Rica. It's popular among surfers and yogis, with plenty of boutique accommodations and organic eateries. The nearby Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve offers excellent hiking.
Río Celeste
Located in Tenorio Volcano National Park, Río Celeste is famous for its strikingly blue water, a phenomenon caused by the chemical mix of sulfur and calcium carbonate. The hike to the river is a beautiful journey through less-traveled rainforest paths, leading to a stunning waterfall and tranquil river pools.
Barra Honda National Park
Unlike Costa Rica’s more famous rainforest and coastal parks, Barra Honda features an extensive system of limestone caves, each filled with a variety of unique rock formations and ancient marine fossils. Speleology enthusiasts and adventurers can explore these caves, some of which are only accessible with the help of experienced guides.
Costa Rica Fun Facts
Costa Rica is a vibrant country known for its diverse ecosystems and forward-thinking environmental policies. Here are the top 10 fun facts about this fascinating country:
- Biodiversity Haven
Despite covering only 0.03% of the Earth's surface, Costa Rica is home to 5% of the world's biodiversity. This includes over 500,000 species, making it one of the most biologically dense countries in the world.
- No Standing Army
Since 1948, Costa Rica has had no standing army. It was abolished after the civil war in the same year, and the country has since invested heavily in education and healthcare.
- Renewable Energy Leader
Costa Rica is a global leader in renewable energy. For several years, it has generated more than 98% of its electricity from renewable sources such as hydroelectric, wind, geothermal, and solar power.
- Blue Zone
Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula is known as a Blue Zone, where people live significantly longer lives than the world average. The local lifestyle, diet, and strong community bonds are believed to contribute to their longevity.
- Pura Vida
The phrase "Pura Vida" (pure life) is a ubiquitous term in Costa Rica. It reflects the local way of life and is used to say hello, goodbye, or to express that everything is going well.
- Hummingbird Capital
Costa Rica is home to more than 50 species of hummingbirds, making it a prime destination for bird watchers and nature lovers.
- Conservation Efforts
Over 25% of Costa Rica’s land is protected as national parks or reserves, showcasing the country's commitment to preserving its abundant natural resources and wildlife.
- Unique Wildlife
The country is home to some unique species such as the resplendent quetzal, the sloth, and the red-eyed tree frog, which have become symbols of Costa Rican wildlife.
- Volcanic Landscapes
Costa Rica sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire and has over 200 identifiable volcanic formations dating back over 65 million years. Today, about 100 of these show signs of volcanic activity, and seven are active.
- Coffee Excellence
Costa Rican coffee is known worldwide for its high quality. The ideal climatic and soil conditions in regions like Tarrazú, Central Valley, and Monteverde contribute to the rich flavor profiles of the coffee produced here.
Featured Picture Gallery
Tamarindo is Known for It's Beautiful Beaches and Strong Surf
Tamarindo Wildlife Rescue Protects Many Animals Such As Howler Monkeys
Experience the Gorgeous Tamarindo Sunsets
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