Costa Rica travel guide — the best time to visit the country and other recommendations

The most popular time to visit Costa Rica

The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, during the country's dry season. This period is Costa Rica's time to shine — days are sunny, skies are blue, and rain is a rare sight. It's the perfect weather for relaxing at the beach, hitting the national parks, and snapping Instagram-worthy photos.

Unsurprisingly, Costa Rica's dry season is the busiest time of year, especially in January and February, when the holiday crowds linger. The rush typically kicks off in December, reaching a peak around Christmas and New Year's. By April, the crowds ease up as the weather transitions into the rainy, or green, season. But as people say, there’s no such thing as bad weather, only a poor choice of clothes. If you need help packing for all seasons in Costa Rica, check out the ultimate Costa Rica packing guide.

If you're a bargain hunter or someone who loves the landscape after a rain shower, the green season, from May to November, might call to you instead. Late spring and early summer also see a more balanced visitor count. So if you're all about a quieter, more budget-friendly adventure (and don't mind a little rain), September and October could be the best time to visit Costa Rica!

What to do in Costa Rica?

Whether you're a beach bum, thrill-seeker, wildlife enthusiast, or all of the above, Costa Rica's got activities that'll make you feel like you've stumbled into the ultimate outdoor adventure playground.

Go ziplining and explore the canopy

Costa Rica's cloud forests and rainforests are best experienced from above, and there's no shortage of ziplining tours to give you that exhilarating aerial view. As one of the country's top ziplining spots, Monteverde Cloud Forest offers some awe-inspiring views over the cloud-kissed treetops. La Fortuna and the Arenal region are known for their extensive canopy tours, but the Arenal area has ziplining experiences that let you soar past waterfalls, volcanoes, and rainforests.

Relax on Costa Rica's beautiful beaches

Costa Rica's beaches cater to every type of traveler, from surfing enthusiasts to those looking to bask in the sun.

Costa Rica's beaches offer something for every type of traveler, from surfing enthusiasts to those simply seeking relaxation under the sun. On the Nicoya Peninsula, Tamarindo is a surfing hotspot with a laid-back vibe, great for beginners and seasoned surfers alike. Santa Teresa, another gem on Nicoya Peninsula, is famous for its stunning sunsets and beachside yoga retreats.

On the Caribbean coast, Puerto Viejo offers a more relaxed atmosphere. With its reggae spirit and warm, inviting waters, it's a great spot for those looking for a quieter beach experience and fantastic snorkeling opportunities.

Take a coffee plantation tour

Costa Rica's coffee plantations are a must-see pilgrimage destination for every coffee lover. These tours take you through the coffee-making process, from bean to brew. You can enjoy in-depth tours and tastings at the Doka Coffee Estate near San José, learning about Costa Rica's rich coffee heritage while sipping on some of the finest blends. For a unique experience, the Monteverde Coffee Tours offer high-altitude coffee that's considered some of the best in the country, with many tours pairing the tasting with local treats like chocolate or sugar cane for a truly authentic experience.

See the stunning waterfalls

Costa Rica's tropical climate is home to some truly stunning waterfalls, making them the perfect spot for an afternoon adventure. The La Fortuna Waterfall, located near Arenal, is a must-see, offering a short hike leading to a spectacular 230-foot cascade surrounded by thick jungle. The Llanos de Cortez Waterfall in the Guanacaste region is perfect for a quieter experience. It features a serene swimming hole at its base, ideal for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy some peaceful time in nature.

Wildlife vacation in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a dream come true for wildlife lovers, offering everything from monkey-filled jungles to rainforests that echo the calls of tropical birds. With more than 500,000 species calling this country home, Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth and offers plenty of spots where you can get up close and personal with its exotic inhabitants.

Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park

The Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park would win if Costa Rica had a "wildest corner" award. This area alone hosts 2.5% of the world's biodiversity, including jaguars, pumas, scarlet macaws, and tapirs — elusive and rare animals in other parts of the world. It's the ultimate wildlife haven, especially for big animal sightings. Visit it during the dry season (December to April) for better hiking conditions, but the green season (May to November) is excellent for spotting animals.

Tortuguero National Park (The Caribbean Coast)

Known as the "Land of Turtles," Tortuguero is a nesting hotspot for green sea turtles, especially from July to October. You can explore the park by boat along winding canals, spotting caimans, manatees, and river otters. It's a unique chance to witness turtle nesting, rich wetlands, and canals teeming with life.

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

Monteverde's misty cloud forest is an ecosystem like no other. It's constantly covered in a soft fog that nurtures greenery and rare wildlife. It's also one of the few places to spot the resplendent quetzal, a strikingly colorful bird considered sacred by the ancient Maya. Visit Monteverde from March to April to experience Costa Rica's mystical cloud forest and unique, delicate ecosystem.

Marino Ballena National Park (Uvita)

Marino Ballena National Park is your go-to if your wildlife vacation dreams include marine life. This park is among the best places to witness humpback whales migrating in Costa Rica. It's also one of the best spots in Costa Rica to spot dolphins, and the best time to visit is from August to October.

Cahuita National Park (Caribbean Coast)

Cahuita National Park combines wildlife with beautiful coastal scenery. You'll find white sand beaches and jungle trails where sloths, raccoons, and capuchin monkeys play near the shoreline. Plus, the park's coral reefs make it an excellent snorkeling spot. Visit it from February to April for clearer weather and snorkeling conditions.

Costa Rican events to keep an eye on

Costa Rica isn't just about stunning landscapes and wildlife — the country also boasts a lively calendar of events that showcase its rich culture, vibrant traditions, and festive spirit. Whether you're visiting during the bustling dry season or the green months, something exciting is always happening.

Palmares Fiestas

If you're in Costa Rica in January, you'll want to check out the Palmares Fiestas, one of the country's largest and most popular festivals. This two-week fiesta starts on the second Thursday of the year and is the perfect place to experience Costa Rican culture at its liveliest. Expect exciting parades, bullfights, music concerts, and a carnival-like atmosphere. It's a non-stop party perfect for anyone interested in local traditions.

Santa Cruz Fiesta

Over in the Guanacaste region, every year on May 3, Santa Cruz Fiesta celebrates Costa Rica's rural cowboy heritage. Think rodeos, folk dancing, and horse parades that feel like stepping into a scene from the past. This festival is full of charm, offering a great mix of tradition and celebration, with plenty of opportunities to try local foods and experience Costa Rican folklore.

Juan Santamaría Day

Celebrated on April 11, Juan Santamaría Day commemorates Costa Rica's national hero, Juan Santamaría, who played a pivotal role in the victory over American invader William Walker in 1856. Expect to see parades, reenactments, and celebrations that honor this critical moment in Costa Rican history, especially in Alajuela, the hometown of Santamaría.

Día de los Boyeros (Oxcart Driver’s Day)

This colorful celebration in San Antonio de Escazú honors the traditional oxcart drivers who once were central to Costa Rica's agricultural development. The event features parades of elaborately painted oxcarts, folk dances, traditional music, and many local foods. It's a lively and visually stunning festival which happens on the second Sunday of March.

Limon Carnival

Head to the Caribbean coast for the Limon Carnival, a celebration inspired by Afro-Caribbean culture. This festival takes place in early October every year and brings the streets of Limon to life with reggae music, dancing, and vibrant parades. Expect a ton of color, music, and energy as locals joyfully celebrate their Afro-Costa Rican heritage.

Accommodation in Costa Rica

When it comes to finding the perfect place to stay, Costa Rica has options for every type of traveler — from luxury resorts with ocean views to eco-friendly lodges nestled in lush jungles. Here's a roundup of some of the best hotels in Costa Rica, approved by fellow travelers on TripAdvisor:

• Nayara Gardens, Arenal. Located in the heart of the Arenal Volcano region, Nayara Gardens combines natural beauty with world-class service. It's known for its gorgeous bungalow suites, immersive rainforest views, and exceptional spa treatments. Guests can unwind in private hot springs surrounded by vibrant tropical flora.

• The Springs Resort and Spa, Arenal. Just outside La Fortuna, this resort is a haven for those who want luxurious amenities paired with incredible nature views. The Springs Resort features multiple hot springs, pools, and an on-site wildlife sanctuary. Perfect for adventure and relaxation alike, guests here can indulge in spa treatments, wildlife tours, and ziplining.

• Pacuare Lodge, Turrialba. Accessible only by river raft or 4x4, Pacuare Lodge is an adventure lover's dream. Set deep in the rainforest alongside the Pacuare River, this ecolodge combines luxury with minimal environmental impact. Guests can zipline, hike to hidden waterfalls, and unwind in beautiful, candlelit suites built sustainably to complement the surrounding jungle.

• Lapa Rios Lodge, Osa Peninsula. Located on the biodiverse Osa Peninsula, Lapa Rios is a renowned ecolodge surrounded by primary rainforest. As a National Geographic Unique Lodge, it focuses on conservation, community engagement, and sustainable tourism. Guests can explore rainforest trails, spot exotic wildlife, and enjoy ocean views, all while staying in open-air bungalows designed to blend with nature.

• Kura Boutique Hotel, Uvita. Set high above Uvita's rainforest canopy, Kura Boutique Hotel is an adults-only retreat famous for its breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the Whale's Tail sandbar formation. With an infinity pool, contemporary suites, and a focus on personalized service, Kura is ideal for couples seeking privacy, romance, and a touch of adventure in paradise.

Book early, especially during Costa Rica's peak season, as these top-rated accommodations are highly popular!

Is traveling to Costa Rica expensive?

Traveling to Costa Rica can be as affordable or expensive as you make it. Budget travelers can find hostels or ecolodges for $20-40 per night and dine at local sodas (small restaurants) that offer traditional meals for $5-10. Public buses are an inexpensive way to get around, and free activities like hiking and enjoying the beaches make it possible to experience Costa Rica on a budget.

However, if you prefer luxury resorts, guided tours, or activities like ziplining and white-water rafting, expect to spend more. High-end accommodations can cost $300 or more per night, and activities like wildlife tours or volcano hikes can range from $50-150. Overall, Costa Rica offers options for all budgets, so your expenses largely depend on how you choose to experience the country.

Internet connection in Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers good internet connectivity, especially in major tourist areas, cities, and popular destinations like San José, Arenal, and the Pacific Coast. Wi-Fi is widely available at most hotels, cafés, and restaurants, though speeds can vary depending on location, especially in more rural or remote areas.

If you want to stay connected on the move and avoid searching for public Wi-Fi hotspots, consider downloading an eSIM app.

Unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIMs allow you to easily connect to the internet without needing a physical card. It's a seamless, convenient way to stay connected, especially when traveling — download an eSIM app, activate a mobile data plan, and you're good to go.

With the Saily eSIM app, you can download and activate a Costa Rican eSIM plan before or during your trip. This ensures smooth and reliable internet access without the hassle of finding a local provider. Staying connected in Costa Rica has never been easier!