Costa Rica
Raymond Forbes Photography / Stocksy United
Overview
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.
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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
Before you set out for Costa Rica’s exciting activities, pristine beaches, untamed forests and showstopping wildlife, consider these 13 essential tips.
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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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