Costa Rica

Plan your trip to Costa Rica

Costa Rica packs volcanoes, cloud forests, rainforests, and two coastlines into a country smaller than West Virginia, making it one of the most biodiverse and accessible destinations in Central America. It's ideal for wildlife viewing, surfing, and adventure activities, with a well-developed ecotourism infrastructure. Most first-time visitors combine one volcano or cloud forest area with a beach.

Getting there & around

Most international flights land at Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) near San José; Liberia's Daniel Oduber (LIR) is convenient for Guanacaste's beaches. There are no passenger trains for tourists, so renting a 4x4 is the most flexible option, though roads can be rough and mountainous. Shared shuttles (like Interbus) and domestic flights on Sansa connect major tourist hubs efficiently.

How long to stay

Plan on 8-12 days to comfortably combine a rainforest or volcano region, a cloud forest, and a beach without spending all your time driving. A week is workable if you focus on just two areas.

When to go

The dry season (December to April) offers the most reliable sunshine and is peak season, especially for Pacific beaches and wildlife. The green season (May to November) brings afternoon rains, lower prices, and lush scenery; September and October are the wettest on the Caribbean is drier then.

Suggested itinerary

1. Arrival in San José & Central Valley — Land at SJO and settle into San José or nearby Alajuela. Visit the Central Market or a coffee plantation to ease into the trip.
2. Arenal Volcano (Alajuela) — Drive to La Fortuna and take in views of the Arenal Volcano. Soak in natural hot springs and hike the lava trails or visit La Fortuna Waterfall.
3. Monteverde Cloud Forest (Puntarenas) — Transfer around Lake Arenal to Monteverde. Walk the hanging bridges and zip-line through the misty cloud forest canopy.
4. Manuel Antonio (Puntarenas) — Head to the Pacific coast at Manuel Antonio. Explore the national park's beaches and spot sloths, monkeys, and iguanas.
5. Beach day & return — Relax on the coast or take a mangrove kayak tour before driving back toward San José for departure.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Costa Rica?

Most travelers find 8-12 days ideal to combine a volcano or cloud forest region with a beach. A minimum of one week is recommended to avoid spending all your time in transit.

Is Costa Rica safe for tourists?

Costa Rica is one of the safer countries in Central America, but petty theft, especially from parked cars and beaches, is common. Avoid leaving valuables unattended and use licensed taxis or ride apps in San José.

Do you need a car in Costa Rica?

A rental car (ideally 4x4) gives the most flexibility for reaching remote areas, but it isn't essential. Shared shuttles, private transfers, and domestic flights connect all major tourist destinations.

What is the best month to visit Costa Rica?

February and March offer the driest, sunniest weather nationwide and are peak season. For fewer crowds and lower prices, visit in the green season months of May, June, or November.

Is San José worth visiting?

San José has limited tourist attractions and most visitors use it only as an arrival or departure point. It's worth a night for the National Museum, Jade Museum, or Central Market, but it's not a highlight of most trips.