Travel guide to Costa Rica

Monday, August 21, 2023

Home to a fascinating history and the famous ‘pura vida’ attitude, it’s hard not to fall in love with Costa Ricainfo-icon. If you’re considering visiting this unique country, keep reading for everything you need to know.

Where is Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is located in Central America, bordering Nicaragua to the north and Panamainfo-icon to the south. It has coasts on the Pacific Ocean to the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east.

Why visit Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is one of the world's tourist hotspots, with more than 2.3 million tourists visiting in 2022 alone. There are so many reasons why people visit Costa Rica, including:

  • World-class dining
  • Happy and welcoming people
  • Warm temperatures year-round
  • Stunning beaches on two coasts
  • Beautiful national parks with diverse wildlife

What are the most popular locations in Cost Rica?

Costa Rica has countless fascinating and beautiful locations for you to explore. Here are just a few to help inspire your travel list:

  • Puerto Viejo – This seaside town on the Caribbean coast offers picturesque beaches, great surfing, and lively parties.
  • Cahuita – Situated right next to Cahuita national park, this tiny town is the perfect place for hiking, animal spotting, and relaxation.
  • Tortuguero – This massive area contains jungle, rivers and shoreline, not to mention the huge number of turtles it gets its name from.
  • Corcovado – Located on the remote Osa Peninsula in the southwest, this off-the-beaten-path national park is home to deserted beaches, starlight camping and plenty of wildlife.
  • Arenal – One of Costa Rica’s many volcanoes, its surrounding area offers waterfalls, lakes, caves and many other adventures just waiting to happen.

If you’re worried about seeing enough of the country's many amazing sights, consider making the most of your trip with a guided Costa Rica tour.

What’s the best time to visit Costa Rica?

The best time to visit Costa Rica depends on where in the country you’re planning on going.

On the Pacific Coast, the weather is driest and sunniest between December and April. Yet on the Caribbean coast, the best time is between March and September.

The green seasons are also good times to visit, taking place from May to June and again in November. This is when the seasons are in transition and the national parks are quieter, allowing you to enjoy this special paradise in greater privacy.

How can you get around Costa Rica?

Getting around Costa Rica is easy, thanks to its many means of transportation. The public bus system is well-run and affordable, making it easy for you to access even the most remote areas with ease. It’s also easy to get a taxi if you’d prefer. For long journeys, it might be easier to take a domestic flight. This isn’t terribly expensive, as the two main domestic airlines offer decent prices.

If you’re interested in gorgeous weather, charming people, jungles, volcanoes, beaches, and wildlife, Costa Rica has it all and more. Don’t overlook this unique country when planning your next holiday. It’s one of the best destinations you’ll ever visit.