Costa Rica Travel Guide FAQ

Q: How many days do you need in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica travel guide rule number one – don’t rush it. A week gives you just enough time to hike around Arenal, wander Monteverde’s misty trails, and spend a couple of days on the coast. But things take longer than they look on the map – roads are winding, and you’ll want to stop often. In 10 days , you can explore more remote corners, such as the Tortuguero canals or the wild trails of the Osa Peninsula. Two weeks ? Even better. That's when the country really comes into its own – Caribbean rhythms, the gentle waves of the Pacific Ocean, dense jungles, and lazy days in a hammock – all in one trip. Pack light, plan everything roughly, and leave room for surprises.

Question 1

When is the best time to visit Costa Rica

Accepted Answer

Costa Rica is a year-round destination, but the dry season from December to April is the most popular. The green season from May to November offers fewer crowds and lush landscapes, which are ideal for wildlife and rafting. July and August offer a break in the rains. Our Costa Rica travel guide explains the seasonal pros and cons, and our experts can help plan the perfect trip at any time of year.

Find out more about the best time to visit Costa Rica.

Question 2

Where to go in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

All regions of Costa Rica offer a richness of natural attractions, from the jungle-cloaked Osa Peninsula, to the turtle-nesting beaches of Parque Nacional Tortuguero. Lesser-trodden sites for wildlife wonders can be found at Parque Nacional Los Quetzales, while the Nicoya Peninsula is a remote spot to kayak in the company of monkeys and sloths - Costa Rica travel at its most immersive.

San José and Valle Central

Costa Rica’s capital San José has a good arts scene and the surrounding Valle Central is home to the steaming Volcán Poás and the lunar-like Volcán Irazú.

Volcán Arenal and Zona Norte

The plains of the Zona Norte feature iconic Volcán Arenal, while the Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Caño Negro (near the Nicaraguan border) is a haven for birds and basking caiman.

Osa Peninsula and Zona Sur

Off-the-beaten-path travellers should head to Cerro Chirripó, which looms above the plains of Zona Sur. Parque Nacional Corcovado is arguably the best hiking destination in Costa Rica.

Guanacaste province

The province of Guanacaste boasts some of Costa Rica’s best (and most popular) beaches. Try Sámara and Nosara on the Nicoya Peninsula for stunning scenery without the crowds.

Limón province

Limón province is home to descendants of Afro-Caribbeans who came to Costa Rica in the late nineteenth-century. It’s best known for the sea turtles that nest on Parque Nacional Tortuguero’s beaches.

Monteverde and Manuel Antonio

Near the Pacific coast, Monteverde presents one of Americas’ last remaining high-altitude cloudforests. Further south is Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio.

Question 3

What are the top things to do in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Here’s a run-down of famous landmarks and attractions in Costa Rica everyone should see in a lifetime - top choices you’ll definitely want to consider when planning to travel to Costa Rica.

Volcán Arenal - enjoy an array of activities around Arenal volcano, from soaking in hot springs, to forest zipwiring.
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio - untouched beaches and lush tropical forests full of sloths and monkeys.
Monteverde cloud forest - walk a suspended bridge to experience a bird’s-eye view of the forest.
Parque Nacional Rincón de la Vieja - experience sulphurous smoke clouds and steaming mud pots en route to an epic waterfall.
Parque Nacional Tortuguero - thousands of turtles (including giant leatherbacks) come ashore to lay their eggs here each year. An unforgettable experience.

Discover more great places to see in our ultimate list of things not to miss in Costa Rica.

Birdwatching

When you visit Costa Rica, birdwatching should be near the top of your must-do list, even if you’ve never done it before. With almost 900 species - a higher number than all of North America - it really is a bird-watcher’s paradise, with an abundance of hummingbirds, toucans, kingfishers and trogons. The iconic resplendent quetzal can be found in the higher elevations of Monteverde and the Cordillera de Talamanca. Most hotels and all eco ldoges will be able to hook you up with a Costa Rica travel guide with avian expertise. Catching sight of this shimmering beauty is a true a Costa Rica travel highlight.

Hiking

From multi-day hikes through remote rainforest to rambles around national park trails, Costa Rica offers heavenly hiking experiences. Some of the finest hikes include Cerro Chirripó for incredible views, Sendero Laguna Meándrica for birdwatching, Sendero Los Patos–Sirena for wildlife and Sendero Las Pailas for scenery.

Kayaking

Over 20 rivers in Costa Rica offer good kayaking opportunities, especially the Sarapiquí, Reventazón, Pacuare and Corobicí, and the wildlife-rich mangroves of Isla Damas and Bahía Drake. La Virgen in the Zona Norte is a good base for customized kayaking tours, with specialist operators or lodges renting boats, equipment and guides. Be warned, though, sea-kayaking is for experienced kayakers, and only ever with a guide - both coasts have treacherous currents.

Surfing

Both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts offer good surfing. You can surf all year round on the Pacific: running north to south the best beaches in Costa Rica for surfing are Naranjo, Tamarindo, Boca de Barranca, Jacó, Hermosa, Quepos, Dominical and, near the Panama border, Pavones. On the Caribbean coast, the finest year-round beaches are at Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and Punta Uva.

Diving and snorkelling

Though diving is less of a big deal in Costa Rica than in Belize or Honduras’ Bay Islands, there are a few worthwhile dive sites around the country. The best, however, lie some 535km off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast in the waters around Parque Nacional Isla del Coco. To see an abundance of concentrated underwater life, try the small reef near Manzanillo on the Caribbean coast.

Question 4

How to get to Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Costa Rica is served by two international airports. Juan Santamaría (SJO), just outside San José, receives the majority of flights, though Daniel Oduber Quiros (LIR), near Liberia, handles an increasing range from the US, Canada and the UK. If you’re already in the region, Costa Rican airlines Sansa and Nature Air run regular flights between San José and Nicaragua and Panama.

Question 5

How to get around Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Travelling in Costa Rica is relatively straightforward and, if you’re wondering how to travel around Costa Rica on a budget, the bus is an excellent, inexpensive way to get around - even in remote areas. Car rental in Costa Rica is more common than in the rest of Central America, but it can be a pretty a hair-raising experience, with precipitous drops in the highlands and potholed roads just about everywhere else.

Learn more about transport and how to get around Costa Rica.

Question 6

Is Costa Rica safe for travel?

Accepted Answer

Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Latin America. Pickpockets and luggage theft are the greatest problems, particularly in San José and other larger cities, so be vigilant in bus terminals and markets. Car-related crime, especially involving rental vehicles, is on the rise, so always park securely.

For up to date information about safety and travel requirements for Costa Rica, check government guidelines. UK nationals should heed Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice, while travellers from the US should check governmental travel advisory guidelines for Costa Rica.

Don’t drive at speed - there are sharp curves and pot holes aplenty, plus you never know when a dog, cow, goat, iguana, or armadillo might be crossing the road.
Avoid buying anything made from coral, tortoise shells, and furs such as ocelot or jaguar.
If you have qualms about buying goods made from tropical hardwoods, steer clear of mahogany, laurel, purple heart and almond (which is illegal anyway).
Don’t take a dip in a river - you never know when a crocodile or caiman might appear.
Don’t mess with wildlife or their habitats when you visit Costa Rica. Whether you’re watching turtles on a beach, or spotting birds in a forest, remember you’re a guest in their home.

Question 7

How many days do you need in Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Costa Rica travel guide rule number one – don’t rush it. A week gives you just enough time to hike around Arenal, wander Monteverde’s misty trails, and spend a couple of days on the coast. But things take longer than they look on the map – roads are winding, and you’ll want to stop often.

In 10 days, you can explore more remote corners, such as the Tortuguero canals or the wild trails of the Osa Peninsula. Two weeks? Even better. That's when the country really comes into its own – Caribbean rhythms, the gentle waves of the Pacific Ocean, dense jungles, and lazy days in a hammock – all in one trip.

Pack light, plan everything roughly, and leave room for surprises.

Question 8

What is a typical Costa Rica itinerary?

Accepted Answer

A classic Costa Rica itinerary hits the big three – volcano, cloud forest, and beach. You’ll likely start in San José, then head north to Arenal for hot springs and lava-strewn hikes. From there, cross to Monteverde – it’s cooler, mistier, and packed with wildlife. Cap it off with a few days on the coast. Manuel Antonio is easy and full of monkeys, though if you want fewer crowds, look at Nosara or Uvita.

Got more time? Add Tortuguero for canal rides and nesting turtles, or go all in on the Osa Peninsula – remote, raw, and teeming with wildlife.

The rhythm is simple – a few days inland, a few on the coast – with plenty of gallo pinto and roadside fruit stands in between. A well-paced Costa Rica travel guide should feel like that: varied, wild, and never boring.

Question 9

What should I pack for Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

Pack light – and pack for variety. You’ll likely bounce between hot beaches, cool mountains, and sudden downpours. Quick-dry clothes are your best friend. Bring:

Lightweight layers – It gets chilly in Monteverde and the Central Highlands.
Rain gear – A decent waterproof jacket is essential, even in the dry season.
Trail shoes or sturdy sandals – For jungle hikes and muddy paths.
Swimwear – You’ll need it often, from surf towns to hot springs.
Insect repellent and sunscreen – You’ll use both daily.
Dry bag – Handy for boat trips or surprise rainstorms.
Flashlight or headlamp – Power cuts happen, and trails get dark fast.

Question 10

Do I need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?

Accepted Answer

For most visitors – including those from the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand – the answer’s no. You can stay in Costa Rica for up to 90 days without a visa. Just make sure your passport’s valid for at least six months and that you have proof of onward travel (like a return ticket or bus out of the country).

If you’re coming from a country outside that list, check the official entry requirements before you fly. Rules can change, and overstaying your welcome isn’t taken lightly.

Experience Costa Rica, your way.

Why tailor-made trips work well in Costa Rica

How it Works

Best Costa Rica trips to plan right now

Plan your trip with local Costa Rica experts

Finding the right local expert is simple with Rough Guides

Powered by Rough Guides,
40+ years in the travel business

Trusted Expertise

Secure Payments

24/7 Support

Start planning your Costa Rica trip

How many days do you need in Costa Rica?

Where to go in Costa Rica on your trip

Plan your Costa Rica trip by interest