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Costa Rica

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Stock Photo of Beautiful Hispanic female surfer in Costa Rica at sunrise

Raymond Forbes Photography / Stocksy United

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Overview

Centering yourself on a surfboard or yoga mat, descending into bat-filled caves or ascending misty volcanic peaks – relax and enjoy the ride of Costa Rica.

Attractions

Must-see attractions

  • SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA-MARCH 3, 2015:  The National Theater in Costa Rica first opened to the public in 1897.  It remains a top tourist destination today.; Shutterstock ID 265490903; Your name (First / Last): Lauren Gillmore; GL account no.: 56530; Netsuite department name: Online-Design; Full Product or Project name including edition: 65050/ Online Design /LaurenGillmore/POI

    Teatro Nacional

    San José

    On the southern side of the Plaza de la Cultura resides the Teatro Nacional, San José’s most revered building. Constructed in 1897, it features a columned…

  • Iguana in Manuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica

    Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio

    Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around

    Featuring lush jungle, picture-perfect beaches and craggy headlands, this tiny park (1680 acres/680 hectares) absolutely brims with wildlife (and often…

  • Sunset on beach with Ocean, Costa Rica

    Playa Negra

    Cahuita

    At the northwestern end of Cahuita, Playa Negra is a long, black-sand beach flying the bandera azul ecológica, a flag that indicates that the beach is…

  • Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal

    Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal

    Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal

    From 1968 until 2010, Volcán Arenal was an ever-active and awe-striking natural wonder, producing menacing ash columns, massive explosions and streams of…

  • Costa Rica, Las Cruces, Wilson Botanical Garden, bromeliad bud, close-up

    Wilson Botanical Garden

    Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa

    The world-class Wilson Botanical Garden is internationally known for its collection of more than 2000 native Costa Rican species. Species threatened with…

  • 500px Photo ID: 76842259 - Museo Del Jade, San Jose, Costa Rica

    Museo del Jade

    San José

    This museum houses the world’s largest collection of American jade (pronounced ‘ha-day’ in Spanish), with an ample exhibition space of five floors…

  • A drone shot of the National park Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
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    Punta Catedral

    Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around

    Geography fun fact: this isthmus, which is the centerpiece of the park, is called a tombolo and was formed by the accumulation of sand between the…

  • Frog Pendant. Costa Rica, Chiriqul. 11th-16th century. Cast Gold. Frogs are frequently depicted in the gold work of Costa Rica and Panama,. (Photo by Universal History Archive/UIG/Getty Images)

    Museo de Oro Precolombino y Numismática

    San José

    This three-in-one museum houses an extensive collection of Costa Rica's most priceless pieces of pre-Columbian gold and other artifacts, including…

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Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Best Things to Do

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

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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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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

Adrenaline-pumping activities, pristine beaches, dense rainforests, Costa Rica has it all. Here's what you need to know before you go.

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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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Visa Requirements

Costa Rica is a stunning country that's beloved by travelers. Here's everything you need to know about its entry requirements before you go.

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Money and Costs

There are plenty of ways for cost-conscious travelers to save some colones. Here are 10 top tips for traveling on a small budget in Costa Rica. 

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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 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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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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