Costa Rica Holidays

What can you find in Costa Rica that you won’t find elsewhere?

Costa Rica is the teacher’s pet of the ecotourism class, and this small Central American nation regularly gets straight A’s on issues green. A cast of thousands of eco-lodges and projects fly the green flag and a staggering 25 per cent of the country is set aside in no less than 30 national parks – the highest percentage of any nation on the planet. Call us cynical, but while some destinations pedal repackaged product as eco-friendly in order to the move with the times, Costa Rica has been walking the walk for years. Responsible tourism is embedded as the fundamental principle of the country’s tourism mantra – even the tourist board’s occasional strapline is ‘No Artificial Ingredients’.

Impressive, we see you nod, but only to be expected from a country that abolished its own armed forces in 1948 preferring (in the aftermath of a bloody civil war) to spend millions on improving the day-to-day lot of its citizens rather than rearming to the teeth in the face of an improbable invasion from their pacifist Panamanian neighbours.

In fact, the only cross-border incursions in recent years have been those by hordes of Hawaiian-shirt-wearing American tourists. That in turn may mean the cuisine on offer rarely soars to heights much beyond super-sized burgers and shakes (although there are exceptions), but gringos from America demand – and receive – a level of service that Europeans holidaying in their own continent can often only dream of. That Ticos (as Costa Ricans refer to themselves) make such naturally warm hosts only makes the experience of a luxury holiday here all the more pleasurable.

Who is Costa Rica best for?

Eco-conscious travellers will be delighted by Costa Rica’s endless opportunities to get up close and personal with nature and wildlife in the country’s national parks. The Tortuguero National Park acts as the perfect homage to Mother Nature with tropical forest dripping in foliage, and its beaches providing safe haven for endangered sea turtles who nest on the protected Caribbean coast. Then there’s the remarkable Rincon de la Vieja, a sky-scraping volcano home to steaming natural hot springs. Further south, Playa Nosara stuns with miles of unspoiled white sand while Costa Rica’s most photogenic, conical volcano, Arenal, never ceases to amaze. Depending on how adventurous you’re feeling, you can discover all this in a variety of different ways; be that on foot, in a 4x4, a canoe or even on a surfboard. Costa Rica holidays can also include a dose of culture, with a stay in San José, its lively capital. Visit the Museo de Oro (Museum of Gold), the Museo de Jade (Museum of Jade) and the Museo Nacional de Costa Rica (National Museum of Costa Rica) alongside a local guide for an insight into the country’s past. Sample the freshest fruit and veg at Feria Verde, the city’s best farmers market, held every Saturday morning, and try some of the world’s best coffee from the Central Valley at a coffee shop in Barrio Escalante.

What are the best ways to discover Costa Rica?

For shorter Costa Rica holidays, you could spend a week barefoot on an isolated beach based out of a remote lodge, or if you want to splash out, then perhaps consider a lavish resort in a palm-fringed ocean-front paradise setting. Looking for an eco-friendly escape? Our travel experts can create a tailor-made luxury holiday using only sustainable hotels, whether it’s a volcano-side hotel fashioned out of recycled material or a romantic hideaway run solely on solar power. In this country-sized adventure playground children can run riot in endless nature, spotting exotic animals such as green turtles, blue whales and coatis as well as surfing gentle waves. As mentioned, this is a pocket rocket of a country, and for all but the most backpacker-budgeted travellers, access to the furthest-flung corners is by light aircraft, which offers a wonderful perspective on the varying and distinct ecosystems that make this such a fascinating destination. The wetlands of Tortuguero and the Caribbean Coast give way to the jungle, interspersed with the massive banana plantations that provide so much of the country’s income. Next come the volcanoes and cloud forests of the interior and Central Valley, and then it’s down to the tropical rainforest reserves and surf beaches of the Nicoya and Osa Peninsulas of the Pacific coastline, all within an hour’s flight.

A special experience to do in Costa Rica

For a different perspective during Costa Rica holidays, why not charter a traditional sailing boat and cruise around the rich Costa Rican coast? Cast off and watch exuberantly-coloured birds flit in and out of the jungle canopy and look out for manta rays gliding through the ocean. Pause to dip into gin-clear water and enjoy lunch in a secluded and sunny cove. In Arenal, take a night walk along the hanging bridges which snake their way through the forest canopy, to witness the region’s extraordinarily rich ecosystem. Following your excursion, you can ease aching legs by bathing in the hot springs with views of Arenal Volcano. Combine Costa Rica with other countries in Central America for the ultimate nature and wildlife-focused holiday or solo travel adventure.

Best Time to Visit Costa Rica

Located within the intertropical zone, Costa Rica enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The dry season runs from December to April, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C and although the climate is warm, this is considered the best time to visit Costa Rica. The wet season takes place between April and November (also known as the ‘green season’), although the months of December and January can also be rainy (despite technically being in the dry season). The climate can also vary depending on the region and altitude, for example the Guanacaste Province experiences a longer dry season, while the Central Valley (where its capital, San José, is located) sees cooler year-round temperatures. Visit our guide on the best time to visit Costa Rica for more information.

FAQs

Culture

What is Costa Rica known for?

Costa Rica is best known for its sheer natural beauty and ecological diversity. To get a sense of its scale, woven into the fabric of the country’s natural world you’ll find:

- Over 300 beaches
- 500,000 animal species
- 5% of the world’s biodiversity
- A catalogue of national parks which cover 25% of the land area
- Six active volcanoes

Costa Rica is only a small country, with a land area of approximately 19,730 square miles, making it comparable to Denmark. However, squeezed into its relatively compact borders are some of the most extraordinary natural spaces in the world. Must-visit sites include Monteverde Cloud Forest, where you can hike, birdwatch and simply soak up the sounds of the animal kingdom in utterly magnificent surroundings. Or, for a beach day like no other, venture to Manuel Antonio National Park on the west coast where you’ll find some of the most spectacular white-sand beaches on the planet.

What food and drink should I try in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica has a wonderfully diverse culinary scene which should certainly be explored during your stay. Comfort food is often on the menu in this part of the world – expect to find plenty of rice-based and fried dishes. Gallo pinto is the country’s national dish and is a staple for locals and tourists alike; beans and rice are mixed with a healthy helping of vegetables and seasoning, with each restaurant (sodas) putting their own twist on the classic recipe.

In keeping with the country’s commitment to sustainability, lots of the ingredients that comprise some of the most popular dishes are produced within its borders. Fresh fruits grown in Costa Rica are particularly delicious; be sure to sample the mangoes, pineapples, passion fruits and some of the many more exotic fruits that are grown across the country.

The most famous traditional Costa Rican drink is guaro, a spirit made from fermented sugarcane that resembles the taste of vodka. The country is also synonymous with coffee and Arabica beans in particular – there are lots of local varieties of the classic beverage to try.

Planning your trip

What is the best way to get around Costa Rica?

Most visitors find that using the country’s bus network is the most convenient way to get around, though timetables can be unreliable. If you aren’t on a tight schedule, the public buses offer an affordable and practical way to explore different towns and villages, with most routes starting from the capital. There’s also a network of shuttle buses that connect the most popular tourist destinations. These will be more comfortable and often quicker than the public buses but will cost a little more. You do, of course, have the option to rent your own vehicle for added flexibility. If you’re planning on visiting more rural areas, it’s recommended to hire a four-wheel drive vehicle, especially during the rainy season when road conditions can be more precarious. Even with pleasant weather conditions, it’s worth noting that road conditions may be worse than you’re used to and poor visibility – especially at night – can make driving here more dangerous.

For more information, read our guide on transport in Costa Rica.

What’s the weather like in Costa Rica?

Weather patterns in this part of the world show tropical characteristics, defined by high temperatures and heavy rainfall. There are distinct wet and dry seasons in lots of regions. In most parts, the dry season runs from December to April, and the lack of rainfall and high temperatures seen at this time of year are conducive to tourism. These characteristics are particularly pronounced on the western Pacific coast.

The wet season runs throughout the rest of the year – between May and November – with the heaviest rainfall typically occurring in September and October. Even during this season, you’ll typically wake up to bright and sunny conditions across the country, with the rain usually falling in sharp afternoon bursts. The natural world blooms at this time of year, so if your itinerary features outdoor exploration, you shouldn’t rule out visiting during the wet season.

It’s also worth noting that most of the Caribbean coast sees rainfall throughout the year, with the driest months actually being the wettest in the rest of the country (September and October).

Where is Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is a Central American country that’s sandwiched between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. Its east coast is on the Caribbean Sea, while the Pacific Ocean lies to the west.

Local information

What is the capital of Costa Rica?

San José is the capital of Costa Rica and is the country’s largest city.

What languages are spoken in Costa Rica?

Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica and is the first language of around 90% of the population.

What's the time zone in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica observes Central Standard Time throughout the year, which is six hours behind GMT.

Travel information

What currency does Costa Rica use?

The country’s currency is the Costa Rican colón. The newest banknotes in circulation celebrate the country’s extraordinary wildlife – you’ll find monkeys on the ¢5,000 and a hummingbird on the ¢20,000 notes. U.S. dollars are also widely accepted.

How long does it take to fly to Costa Rica from the UK?

A direct flight from London to San José will take around 11 hours. The capital is home to the country’s biggest international airport, Juan Santamaría International Airport, and most flights from the UK will arrive here.

Do I need a visa for Costa Rica?

British citizens do not need a visa to visit Costa Rica, and you’re permitted to stay as a visitor for up to 90 days under a tourist visa waiver. However, if you plan to work or stay for a longer period, then you will need to obtain the relevant visa for your circumstances. Immigration authorities are strict about visitors who overstay, with fines of $100 per month and restrictions on return applied under local law in the event of this.