When to go to Costa Rica?
→ The detailed month-by-month page, with real weather records
Best time: December to April (dry season)
At a glance
Why go to Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has turned nature into a way of life. Here a sloth stretches in slow motion in the canopy, a toucan crosses the sky and brightly coloured frogs punctuate the rainforest. The country protects a huge share of its territory as national parks, and you feel it on every trail.
This is the undisputed kingdom of ecotourism and gentle adventure. You zip down a zip line above Monteverde, watch turtles nesting at night in Tortuguero and bathe in hot springs heated by Arenal volcano. Every day blends wonder with a measured dose of adrenaline.
And floating over it all is pura vida, the easy-going philosophy the Ticos love to repeat. You slow down, savour, fall asleep to the sound of the jungle and wake up with the birds. Costa Rica is a place to live slowly, and that is all its charm.
Map of Costa Rica: what is where?
The map shows the 6 places covered in this guide, to picture the distances and plan your route.
- San José
- Arenal Volcano (La Fortuna)
- Monteverde
- Manuel Antonio National Park
- Tortuguero
- Corcovado National Park
How much does a trip to Costa Rica cost?
Costa Rica is pricier than its neighbours, the cost of its stability and well-organised tourism. Three profiles to help you plan.
| Style | Per day | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Backpacker | €50-80/day | Cabinas, public buses, local sodas and parks on your own. |
| Comfort | €90-160/day | Charming lodges, hire car, guided excursions and hot springs. |
| Premium | €220+/day | Exceptional eco-lodges, domestic flights, private guides and spa. |
The US dollar is widely accepted, but keep some colones for small shops and sodas.
Is Costa Rica safe?
Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Central America, but caution still applies. Thefts from hire cars and on beaches do happen, so leave nothing in view and lock everything. On the Pacific coasts, beware of rip currents, which can be violent. In the forest, follow guides and marked trails, as nature here remains wild.
What to see and do in Costa Rica
- Arenal volcano
- Manuel Antonio National Park
- the Monteverde cloud forest
- the Pacific beaches
- Tortuguero
Arenal Volcano
This almost perfect cone dominates the La Fortuna area. All around, the rainforest hides hiking trails, hanging bridges and waterfalls. At the end of the day, you unwind in natural hot springs heated by the volcano. The wildlife is astonishingly rich, from coatis to howler monkeys.
Manuel Antonio National Park
This small park on the Pacific pairs dreamy beaches with a forest teeming with life. You meet sloths, capuchin monkeys and iguanas along shady trails. White-sand coves invite a swim after the walk. Arrive early, as visitor numbers are capped to protect the site.
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Perched in the clouds, this primary forest is bathed in permanent mist. Hanging bridges and zip lines offer a spectacular immersion in the canopy. The luckiest spot the rare resplendent quetzal. The cool, damp climate contrasts with the heat of the coasts.
The Pacific beaches
The Guanacaste coast and the Nicoya Peninsula line up superb beaches. Santa Teresa and Nosara draw surfers and yoga lovers in a laid-back atmosphere. Sunsets over the ocean here are legendary. You will find wild spots as well as lively little villages.
Tortuguero
Reachable only by boat or plane, this maze of canals feels like a miniature Amazon. You glide along in search of caimans, monkeys and birds on the banks. At night, depending on the season, green turtles come ashore on the beaches to lay their eggs. The atmosphere is as humid as it is unforgettable.
Corcovado National Park
On the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado is considered one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Tapirs, scarlet macaws, elusive jaguars and spider monkeys inhabit this wild forest. Access is only with a guide, for demanding hikes. This is Costa Rica at its rawest and most unspoilt.
How many days, and which itinerary?
Two weeks let you combine Arenal, Monteverde, a stretch of Pacific coast and Tortuguero at a comfortable pace.
🗺️ Day-by-day itinerary · 📓 Free printable Costa Rica guide (PDF)
Nature loop (10 days)
Arenal and its hot springs, Monteverde and its cloud forest, then downtime on the Pacific beaches at Manuel Antonio. The great balanced classic.
Two oceans (2 weeks)
Tortuguero and its canals on the Caribbean side, up to Arenal and Monteverde, then down to the Pacific coast to finish at Manuel Antonio.
Wild adventure (12 days)
Arenal, Monteverde, then south to the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park for an intense nature immersion.
Getting there and getting around
Car hire, ideally a 4x4, offers the most freedom on roads that can be rough.
Shared tourist shuttles link the main sights door to door.
Domestic flights in small planes save time to Tortuguero or the Osa Peninsula.
Public buses are cheap and serve the whole country, but call for patience.
Where to stay in Costa Rica?
Cabinas and family-run hostels between €25 and €45 a night, simple and welcoming.
Charming lodges in the heart of nature at around €80 to €140, often with jungle views.
Upmarket eco-lodges deep in the forest for a memorable experience.
Our places to stay, stop by stop, at three budgets →
What to eat in Costa Rica?
Gallo pinto, stir-fried rice and beans, the national dish served from breakfast onwards.
Casado, a full plate of rice, beans, plantain, salad and meat or fish.
Ceviche of fresh fish, marinated in lime and coriander.
Patacones, crisp fried slices of plantain.
Entry requirements
No visa for stays of up to 180 days with a passport, for EU, UK, US, Canadian and Australian citizens. An officer sets the number of days on entry, so check the stamp, and you may be asked to show an onward ticket.
Rules change: check your own government's travel advice before you go.
Cities and regions to discover
Region🇨🇷 Arenal Volcano
City🇨🇷 Monteverde
Frequently asked questions about Costa Rica
What is the best season?
December to April, the dry season, is ideal for exploring parks and beaches with little rain.
Do you need a car to get around?
It is ideal for freedom, with a 4x4 recommended; otherwise tourist shuttles do the job well.
Will you really see sloths?
Yes, with a little patience and a guide, sightings are common at Arenal or Manuel Antonio.
What does pura vida mean?
It is the Ticos' motto, meaning hello, thank you and the easy-going way of life unique to the country, all at once.
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