Costa Rica holidays
Costa Rica holidays at a glance
Our Costa Rica holidays pack an extraordinary range of landscapes into a country smaller than Scotland. In a single trip you can:
- Walk through a cloud forest
- Stand beneath an active volcano
- Spot sloths and monkeys in the rainforest
- End on a Pacific or Caribbean beach
A range of volcanoes runs down the middle of the country, dividing the two coasts, with coffee plantations on the sunny slopes and quetzals and toucans in the forests between.
On the Pacific coast, the jungle runs right down to the shore, alive with the calls of monkeys and parrots in national parks like Corcovado and Manuel Antonio.
Over on the Caribbean side, dark-sand beaches and palm-fringed coves give way to Tortuguero, where sea turtles nest between July and October.
In the highlands, the cloud forests of Monteverde draw birdwatchers hoping to spot the resplendent quetzal, while Arenal and Poás stand over the landscape to the north.
Costa Rica is so laid-back that it has kept no army since 1948, putting the money into schools and national parks instead.
Much of the country is protected, roads are scenic and light aircraft link the remote corners.
You’ll hear the phrase pura vida, or pure life, constantly. More than a greeting, it sums up the easy-going, good-natured spirit of the place better than any guidebook can.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday to Costa Rica
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
If you can stretch to two weeks, do. The extra days let you slow down in Monteverde and reach the Osa Peninsula, which is Costa Rica at its wildest.
When to visit Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s climate varies by region, so there’s no single best time to visit. Much depends on where you’re headed and what you want to see, but each season has its own appeal.
In terms of climate, Mid-December to mid-April is considered the ideal season to visit Costa Rica. Across most of the country, this is the dry season with the least rainfall and warm temperatures reaching highs of 30-32°C.
The only exception is the Caribbean coast, where temperatures are hotter and you’ll find rain all year round, though March is the driest month. Monteverde and the cloud forest also see some precipitation throughout the year, with February – April being the best bird-watching period. Temperatures in the highlands are at their most pleasant (15-20°C) and it can even get chilly at night.
As in much of Central America, this is the wet season with increased rainfall in many areas. Costa Rica is spared the hurricanes that can hit its more northerly neighbours, and visiting the country during this off-season brings numerous benefits. Whether it be quieter beaches, empty national parks or nesting Green sea turtles (June – October in Tortuguero) Costa Rica remains a year-round destination whatever the season.
Places to visit in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is compact enough to combine several distinct ecosystems in one trip, from the volcanic highlands to both coastlines. Regions are linked by short drives and the odd light aircraft hop. Here’s where we recommend spending your time.
Arenal and the north
One of Costa Rica’s most iconic regions, where a perfectly conical volcano rises above rainforest, wildlife-rich reserves, hot springs and adventure-filled landscapes. From Arenal Volcano to cloud forest, hanging bridges and rushing rivers, this is Costa Rica at its most classic – and Arenal Volcano holidays remain some of the country’s most memorable.
Caribbean coast
Volcanic-sand beaches, dense tropical rainforest, banana plantations and wildlife-filled waterways create a completely different atmosphere from the country’s Pacific shores on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast. From the canals of Tortuguero National Park to laid-back Caribbean beach communities, this stretch of Caribbean Coast Costa Rica offers exceptional wildlife encounters and rich Afro-Caribbean culture.
Monteverde and the cloud forest
Monteverde holidays offer the chance to explore one of Costa Rica’s richest cloud forests, where mist drifts through moss-covered trees and orchids thrive amongst abundant wildlife. Famous for its atmospheric scenery and spring-like climate, Monteverde is also one of the best places in Central America to spot the resplendent quetzal.
Top Things to do in Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers some of the most varied things to do in Latin America, from canopy walks and white-water rafting to wildlife spotting and slow days on the sand. Here’s what we recommend.
Visit the famous national parks and lesser-known private nature reserves of Costa Rica.
Visit the La Paz Waterfall Gardens and the impressive crater lake at the top of Poas volcano, stopping at a coffee farm along the way.
Climb through primary forest to reach the lake at the summit of Cerro Chato volcano before heading down to the waterfall of La Fortuna.
Accommodation in Costa Rica
We hand-pick every property for character and location. Around Arenal, lodges look out to the volcano, some with plunge pools over the forest. Monteverde’s are smaller and more rustic, tucked into the trees. On the Pacific coast you’ll find surf hotels on Nicoya and remote lodges on the Osa, while the off-grid Pacuare Lodge, reached by raft along the river, is one of our most requested stays.
Beautiful accommodation in an ideally-located lodge overlooking Arenal volcano.
Luxurious, multi-award-winning resort with a relaxed and rustic air, outstanding views of Arenal volcano and extensive grounds sheltering secluded, unashamedly romantic cottages.
This working farm in northern Costa Rica dates from the late 19th century with ranch-style accommodation and a range of outdoor pursuits.
A former Journey Latin America tour leader, Sally spent 7 years working, travelling and living throughout Latin America before returning to the UK to help people arrange their own adventures to this wonderful destination.
Holidays to Costa Rica
From expertly designed Private Journeys to trail-blazing Escorted Group Tours, Family Holidays and Luxury Tours, browse our range of carefully crafted holidays to Costa Rica. Use the options below to filter trips by region, holiday style and duration.
Group Costa Rica Tours
Our group tours follow expertly designed, well-planned routes with an experienced local guide throughout. Prefer to keep it to your own party? Book the same trips privately for four or more.
Alción: Central America Discovery
Places visited: Panama City · Boquete and the Chiriquí Highlands · Caribbean coast · Monteverde and the cloud forest · Ometepe Island · Granada · Leon · Gulf of Fonseca and Eastern El Salvador · Suchitoto · Copan · Antigua and the highlands
22 days from £4,174
Tanager: Flora and Fauna of Costa Rica
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Caribbean coast · Monteverde and the cloud forest
12 days from £3,443
Tailor-Made Costa Rica Tours
Prefer to travel on your own terms? We’ll build a trip around your dates, your pace and the things you most want to see – whether that’s a first run at Machu Picchu, a family adventure mixing history and wildlife, or a food-focused journey through Lima and the Sacred Valley. Our Travel Experts can help shape it with you.
Costa Rica Wildlife Discovery
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Caribbean coast · Arenal and the north · Osa Peninsula
13 days from £4,565
Explore and Relax in Costa Rica: Volcanoes to the beach
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Arenal and the north · Monteverde and the cloud forest · Nicoya Peninsula
11 days from £4,100
Luxury adventures in Costa Rica
Places visited: San Jose, central highlands and central valleys · Arenal and the north
8 days from £3,850
FAQs about visiting Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations, and there’s plenty to think about before you go. Here, our specialists share their best advice.
- When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
Despite its small size, Costa Rica has a number of distinct microclimates. The best time for wildlife lovers to visit Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast may be from July-August to watch nesting turtles. However, the wettest months are September to October. The rest of the country experiences a dry season Dec-April, when there is plenty of sun and temperatures are high, and a rainy season from May-Nov. However, this is variation between regions: for example, the rainy season often starts a month earlier in the south Pacific, while the northern areas, including the Guanacaste coast, are not as affected by the seasons and are generally much drier. The highlands and cloud forests have warm temperatures during the day but the high altitude means evenings are much cooler.
For more detailed information on the best time to visit Costa Rica, go to our When To Go section.
- What is the official language of Costa Rica?
The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish.
- What is the national currency of Costa Rica?
Colón is the national currency of Costa Rica. Notes can be withdrawn from the many ATMs using a UK credit or debit card. There is at least one in most main towns. You may have to authorise your bank first, and withdrawals may be limited to amounts lower than in the UK. US dollars cash can be exchanged in banks too. US dollars themselves are widely accepted.
- What is the time difference between Costa Rica and the UK?
The time difference between the UK and Cosa Rica is GMT -5 hours.
- Do I need a visa to travel to Costa Rica?
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application. - What vaccinations are recommended for visiting Costa Rica?
Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.
- What places combine well with Costa Rica?
- How do I get to Costa Rica?
To get to Costa Rica there are flights from London to San José via US and European hubs.
- What are the cultural and sport events in Costa Rica?
Some of the cultural events that take place in Costa Rica include:
International Arts Festival in San José in March with music, dance, and film art exhibitions. Monteverde Music Festival takes place in Monteverde between Jan – Feb.
Ready to start planning?
Tell us where you want to go, and we’ll take it from there. No obligation, no sales pitch – just a conversation with someone who knows the region inside out.
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