Costa Rica

From golden beaches to lush jungles and ancient volcanoes, Costa Rica celebrates the natural world unlike anywhere else on the planet. Surf the Central Pacific’s raucous waves, catch the party vibe in hot spots like Jacó, wander the dense jungle in the Península de Osa, visit the Península de Nicoya for some relaxation, or head to the Caribbean coast for one of the country’s best destinations, Parque Nacional Tortuguero. Lively capital San José has some of the best museums in the country, while La Fortuna offers wonderful natural springs. In short, Costa Rica has it all, so go explore. Not sure where to start? Plan your trip to Costa Rica with our travel inspiration and tips covering top attractions, best things to do, when to visit, road trips and more expert advice.
Ecotermales Hot Springs at Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna, Costa Rica. April 2026. .

David Cabrera for Lonely Planet

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8 Days in Costa Rica: Wild Whitewater and Rugged Rainforests
8 days / 7 nights

8 Days in Costa Rica: Wild Whitewater and Rugged Rainforests

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8 Days in Costa Rica: Wild Whitewater and Rugged Rainforests

8 days / 7 nights

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  1. 1 Whitewater rafting down the rushing Pacuare River on an exciting and exhilarating guided tour
  2. 2 Searching for elusive and colorful quetzal birds during a San Gerardo de Dota birdwatching hike
  3. 3 Visiting the archaeological ruins of Guayabo National Park to uncover the secrets of the past
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  • 12 Days in Costa Rica: Rainforests, Volcanoes and Coastal Thrills
    Costa Rica

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    12 Days in Costa Rica: Rainforests, Volcanoes and Coastal Thrills

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Top places to visit in Costa Rica

Discover the best attractions in Costa Rica from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

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Costa Rica travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Things to Do

From water sports and mountain hikes to rainforest zip lines and cloud-forest birding, these are the best things to do in Costa Rica.

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Best Time to Visit

Costa Rica has an enviable wealth of attractions, but the best time to visit depends on what you want to do when you get there.

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Things to Know

Plan your visit to Costa Rica with these essential travel tips on bookings, etiquette and safety.

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Transportation

Find out the best way to get from A to B in Costa Rica, whether your budget and schedule stretches to bus, boat, rental car or airplane.

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Best Road Trips

From the relaxed vibe of the country's beach towns to its wildlife-filled forests, Costa Rica is an epic destination for road-tripping. Here are five we love.

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Traveling with Kids

Costa Rica is the easy way to dive into Central America with kids in tow. Here are our top family adventures, from surf beaches to volcano hikes.

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Best Places to Visit

Costa Rica is one of the world's most incredible (and well-protected) destinations. These are the 8 best places to visit when you get there.

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Accessibility

For travelers with disabilities, Costa Rica (and all of its adventure) is surprisingly accessible.

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Get Connected

Stay fully connected on your next trip to Costa Rica with this guide to local wi-fi networks, roaming charges, eSIMs and data.

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