Expéditions Lointaines
Costa Rica Travel Guide
What decides a first trip to Costa Rica: which coast the season suits, how much ground is realistic in a week or two, where the wildlife actually is, and three journeys we run here.
Common basilisk, Costa Rica © Tristan Quevilly
This is the Costa Rica guide we would hand a traveller before they book anything.
It covers what decides a first trip — which coast the season suits, how far you can realistically move in ten days, where the wildlife actually is — and it ends with three journeys we run here. It is not a list of beaches; it is the order we would put them in, and the reasons behind it.
Costa Rica is small on the map and slow on the road. Most first trips have to choose between the Caribbean lowlands, the volcanic north with its cloud forest, and the Pacific coast, and that choice shapes the itinerary more than any wish list does. This is written on that basis rather than as an argument for seeing everything.
Chapter 1
Costa Rica at a glance
The fixed things first: what the country calls itself, the currency, the time zone, and the emergency numbers worth writing down before you leave the airport. None of it is glamorous, and all of it is easier to look up now than on arrival.
Country facts
- Official Name: Republic of Costa Rica
- Continent: North America (Central America)
- Time zone(s): UTC−06:00 (Costa Rica Standard Time)
- Capital City: San José
- Population: Approximately 5.2 million (2023 estimate)
- Official Language(s): Spanish
- Government Type: Unitary presidential constitutional republic
- Primary Economy Sectors: Tourism, agriculture (bananas, coffee, pineapples), technology, and ecotourism
- Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
- Voltage and Plug Type(s): 120V, Type A and B plugs
- International Calling Code: +506
- Main International Airport(s): Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO, San José), Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR, Liberia)
Chapter 2
Before you go
Nine practical things that decide how smoothly a first trip runs, from the shape of the seasons to what the border will ask of you. Read this before you fix dates rather than after, because two of these — the rain and the roads — change the route more than any wish list does.
Climate and when to go
Costa Rica’s weather varies with elevation and coast. The Pacific side has a more distinct dry season, generally from December to March, and a wetter period from May to October, with transition months. The Caribbean does not have a well-defined dry season; its coastal areas usually have relatively drier periods in February–March and September–October.
These are broad patterns, not forecasts. Bring a rain layer in any season and allow for cooler conditions in the highlands. See the Costa Rican tourism authority’s climate guide for regional details.
Visa and entry
Entry requirements depend on your nationality and travel history. Carry a valid passport and check the current visa, passport-validity and onward-travel requirements for your circumstances before departure. The immigration officer determines the permitted stay on arrival; some nationalities may be eligible for up to 180 days, while others have different limits.
Health entry requirements can depend on countries visited or transited. Check the Costa Rican tourism authority’s current entry guidance and the relevant consulate before travelling.
L'argent
Costa Rica’s currency is the colón. Cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants and larger businesses, but carry some local cash for smaller purchases and places where card payments are unavailable. US dollars may be accepted in some tourist areas; check the exchange rate and currency of any quoted price.
Use ATMs with care, check your bank’s fees and confirm taxes or other charges before paying. Exchange rates and prices change, so check current figures before travel.
Sécurité
Take care of valuables, particularly on buses, at beaches and around parked vehicles; do not leave luggage in a car. Avoid isolated or poorly lit places at night, and use official or pre-arranged transport. Road conditions and travel times can change with heavy rain and landslides.
Check current local advice, weather and access conditions for your route, and choose travel insurance that covers your planned activities. The UK travel advice provides a useful starting point.
Santé
Consult a travel health professional before your trip about vaccinations, medicines and precautions appropriate to your route and health. Mosquito-borne illnesses occur in Costa Rica; malaria prevention advice varies by area. Bring insect repellent and discuss your itinerary with a clinician.
Yellow fever vaccination can be an entry requirement after travel through certain countries; check the current rules for your itinerary. Arrange travel insurance appropriate to your activities and check its medical and evacuation coverage. See the CDC’s Costa Rica traveller guidance and official entry requirements for current details.
Se déplacer
Road journeys can take longer than distances suggest, particularly in mountainous areas or heavy rain. Plan sensible transfer times and check road and weather conditions before setting out. Options include private transfers, shared shuttles, buses, rental cars and domestic flights; availability varies by route.
Some places also involve boat transfers. Confirm schedules, luggage limits and connections when planning your itinerary. If driving, check rental and insurance terms and use current local road advice.
Ce qu'il faut emporter
Clothing
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for Costa Rica’s tropical climate. Opt for moisture-wicking fabrics to stay comfortable in high humidity. Include swimwear for beach trips and hot springs. For the highlands or cooler evenings, bring a light jacket or sweater. During the wet season, a compact rain jacket or poncho is essential. Modest attire is recommended for visiting churches or religious sites.
- Lightweight, quick-dry shirts and pants
- Swimwear (at least two sets)
- Light jacket or fleece for highlands
- Rain gear (wet season)
- Modest clothing for religious sites
Footwear
Comfortable and sturdy footwear is key for exploring Costa Rica’s diverse terrain. Hiking boots are ideal for rainforest trails, while water shoes or sandals are great for beach outings. Pack a pair of casual shoes for city walks or dinners.
- Sturdy hiking boots or trail shoes
- Waterproof sandals or water shoes
- Comfortable walking shoes for cities
Toiletries & Medications
Bring travel-sized toiletries, including biodegradable sunscreen and insect repellent with DEET. A basic first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic, and motion sickness pills is useful. Don’t forget prescription medications and copies of prescriptions.
- Biodegradable sunscreen (reef-safe)
- Insect repellent (DEET recommended)
- Basic first-aid kit
- Prescription medications
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes
Électronique
Costa Rica uses Type A and B plugs (120V). Bring a universal adapter if needed. A power bank is handy for long excursions. A waterproof camera or phone case is great for capturing waterfalls and beach moments.
- Universal adapter (Type A/B)
- Power bank
- Waterproof camera or phone case
Documents et argent
Carry your passport, travel insurance details, and copies of important documents. Credit cards are widely accepted, but keep some local currency (Colónes) for small vendors. A waterproof document holder can protect items during rainy adventures.
- Passport and copies
- Détails de l'assurance voyage
- Credit cards and local currency
- Waterproof document holder
Miscellaneous/Useful Items
A reusable water bottle with a filter is eco-friendly and practical. A small backpack is ideal for day trips. Don’t forget sun protection like a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. A Spanish phrasebook can enhance your travel experience.
- Reusable water bottle with filter
- Small daypack
- Chapeau et lunettes de soleil
- Spanish phrasebook or app
Practical Packing Tips
Pack light to accommodate small planes or buses. Roll clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles. Check baggage restrictions for domestic flights. Use packing cubes to stay organized. Leave room for souvenirs like coffee or handmade crafts.
- Roll clothes to save space
- Use packing cubes
- Check baggage restrictions
- Leave room for souvenirs
Where to sleep
Accommodation ranges from simple family-run guesthouses and forest lodges to boutique hotels and coastal resorts. Location matters: a lodge close to a reserve may reduce daily driving, while a more remote property can involve longer transfers.
Prices and availability vary by season, location and room type. Check the full quoted price, cancellation terms, access and the facilities that matter to you before booking.
Culture
- Traditions & Customs: Costa Ricans, or “Ticos,” are known for their warm hospitality and the phrase “pura vida,” which embodies their laid-back, optimistic lifestyle. Family gatherings are central, often featuring shared meals and storytelling. Respect for elders and a strong sense of community are deeply ingrained.
- Arts & Literature: Costa Rican art blends indigenous, colonial, and modern influences, with vibrant murals and woodcarvings (like the iconic oxcarts of Sarchí) as standout forms. Literary figures like Carmen Lyra, author of “Cuentos de mi tía Panchita,” have shaped national identity through folklore-inspired works.
- Music & Dance: Traditional music features marimba rhythms and folk dances like the “punto guanacasteco,” a lively couple’s dance from Guanacaste. Modern genres like salsa and cumbia dominate urban nightlife, with live music venues thriving in San José.
- Food & Cuisine: Gallo pinto (rice and beans) is the national breakfast staple, often served with eggs, plantains, and sour cream. Casados—hearty lunch plates with meat, rice, beans, and salad—showcase local produce. Coffee culture is sacred, with small farms offering tastings.
- Languages & Dialects: Spanish is the official language, spoken with a distinctive Tico accent (e.g., using “vos” instead of “tú”). Indigenous languages like Bribri and Maleku are preserved in少数 communities, though rarely heard in cities.
- Religion & Spirituality: Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion, influencing festivals and daily life, but evangelical Protestantism is growing. Indigenous spiritual practices, like Bribri shamanism, persist in rural areas, blending nature worship with Catholicism.
- Festivals & Holidays: Fiestas Patronales (town patron saint festivals) feature bullfights, parades, and street food. Independence Day (September 15) includes lantern processions and patriotic music. The Día de los Muertos (November 2) is marked quietly with cemetery visits.
- Social Norms & Etiquette: Greetings are warm, with handshakes or cheek kisses among friends. Punctuality is flexible (“Tico time”). Tipping 10% is customary in restaurants. Gifts like coffee or chocolates are appreciated when invited to a home.
- Family & Community Structure: Extended families often live nearby, with Sunday gatherings being sacred. Neighbors collaborate in “turnos” (community work days) for local projects. Godparents (compadres) play a key role in child-rearing.
- Clothing & Attire: Traditional dress includes women’s colorful, ruffled “güipiles” (blouses) and men’s white cotton shirts with red scarves, worn during festivals. Modern attire is casual, but beachwear is reserved for the coast—dressing modestly in towns is expected.
Chapter 3
Où aller
Costa Rica splits into six regions and the coast changes character between them, so where you sleep decides what you photograph. These are the bases we actually use, roughly one per region, in an order that makes a route work rather than the order a map suggests.
Chapter 4
Don't miss
A short list rather than a long one, spread from the Osa Peninsula to the Caribbean instead of stacked around San José. These are the parks, volcanoes and wetlands we go back to ourselves, and the ones worth building a day around.
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Corcovado National Park
Corcovado National Park is a pristine wilderness located on the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica. This remote and biologically diverse park is often referred to as "the most biologically intense place on Earth." It boasts an incredible array of plant and animal species, including jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws. The park offers rugged hiking trails, secluded beaches, and breathtaking waterfalls, providing an unparalleled experience of untouched nature.
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Manuel Antonio Beach
Manuel Antonio Beach is a beautiful coastal destination located in the Puntarenas province of Costa Rica. It is part of Manuel Antonio National Park and offers a stunning combination of white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and lush rainforests. The beach is surrounded by diverse wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, and colorful tropical birds.
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Carara National Park
Carara National Park is a biologically diverse park located in the Central Pacific region of Costa Rica. It is known for its unique location at the transition between the dry forests of the north and the wet rainforests of the south. Carara National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including scarlet macaws, monkeys, and crocodiles. Visitors can explore the park's trails, go birdwatching, and witness the stunning biodiversity of the area.
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Réserve de la forêt nuageuse de Monteverde
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a breathtaking destination known for its mystical cloud forests, diverse ecosystems, and abundant biodiversity. The reserve is home to thousands of species, including the resplendent quetzal and the golden toad, which is unfortunately now extinct. Visitors can explore the reserve through a network of well-maintained trails and hanging bridges, providing unique perspectives of the forest canopy and its inhabitants.
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La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna Waterfall is a majestic waterfall located near the town of La Fortuna in Costa Rica. It is a powerful cascade that plunges into a pristine pool surrounded by lush greenery and towering cliffs. The waterfall is a sight to behold, offering a stunning display of nature's power and scenic beauty. Visitors can hike down to the waterfall, swim in the refreshing waters, and appreciate the awe-inspiring natural surroundings.
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Tenorio Volcano National Park
Tenorio Volcano National Park is a natural wonder located in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. The park is home to the famous Rio Celeste, a stunning turquoise river renowned for its enchanting color. Visitors can hike through the park's lush rainforests, following trails that lead to magnificent waterfalls and hot springs. The park's unique geological features and the vibrant blue hue of the river make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and photographers.
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Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero National Park is a unique protected area located on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. This park is famous for its abundant turtle nesting grounds, particularly for green sea turtles. It is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including monkeys, caimans, and various bird species. The park's intricate network of canals and waterways adds to its charm and provides opportunities for boat tours and wildlife sightings.
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Cahuita National Park
Cahuita National Park is a picturesque coastal park located in the Limón province of Costa Rica. The park encompasses both land and sea, featuring pristine white-sand beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant coral reefs. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling or scuba diving to explore the park's underwater wonders, spot colorful fish and coral, or simply relax on the beach while surrounded by tropical beauty.
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Palo Verde National Park
Palo Verde National Park is a wetland wonderland located in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. The park encompasses one of the most important and diverse ecosystems in Central America, with its extensive wetlands, marshes, and dry forests. It serves as a critical habitat for numerous bird species, including migratory birds. Visitors can explore the park through boat tours, observing the abundant wildlife and enjoying the scenic beauty of the wetland landscapes.
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Santa Rosa National Park
Santa Rosa National Park is a historic and natural treasure located in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. It was the first national park established in the country and encompasses a unique combination of dry tropical forests, pristine beaches, and historical sites. The park played a significant role in the Battle of Santa Rosa, a key event in Costa Rica's history. Visitors can explore the park's trails, enjoy the beaches, and visit the historical landmarks, including the Santa Rosa Hacienda.
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Irazu Volcano National Park
Irazu Volcano National Park is a captivating destination located in the Cartago province of Costa Rica. It is home to the active Irazu Volcano, which reaches an elevation of 3,432 meters (11,260 feet). The park offers a unique experience of being above the clouds, with panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Visitors can hike through the volcanic terrain, explore the craters, and marvel at the otherworldly landscapes created by volcanic activity.
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Los Quetzales National Park
Los Quetzales National Park is a tropical paradise located in the Talamanca Range of Costa Rica. It is known for its lush cloud forests, abundant wildlife, and as a prime birdwatching destination. The park is home to the resplendent quetzal, a striking bird with vibrant plumage. Visitors can explore the park's trails, spot a variety of bird species, and immerse themselves in the breathtaking natural landscapes.
Chapter 5
Birds you can photograph
Costa Rica fits an unusual number of birds into a small country, and a first trip only needs a handful of them done well. These are the species that reward patience with a proper frame, from the quetzal in the highlands to the macaws on the Pacific.
Chapter 6
Suggested itineraries
Three ways we actually travel here, day by day: a thirteen-day route from the cloud forest down to the Caribbean lowlands, a twenty-day circuit that takes in the Osa and the highlands, and a twenty-two-day self-drive journey for the traveller who wants the volcanoes and the back roads as well.
Costa Rica Birding: Cloud Forest to Caribbean Lowlands
13 days
- Days 1-3San José and Savegre Valley Cloud Forest | The tour begins at a garden hotel in San José, climbs the Talamanca cordillera over Cerro de la Muerte, and bases in the Savegre Valley for montane cloud-forest birding.
- Days 4-5Turrialba and Rancho Naturalista Mid-Montane Forest | The route drops toward Turrialba and Rancho Naturalista, where veranda birding and reserve trails focus on mid-elevation Caribbean-side species.
- Days 6-8Sarapiquí Lowlands and La Selva | The journey continues via Guayabo National Monument to the Sarapiquí lowlands, with birding around Selva Verde Lodge and La Selva research-forest trails before the bus returns to San José.
- Days 9-13Pacific Coast Extension and Gulf of Nicoya | The optional extension reaches the Central Pacific lowlands, with birding near Tárcoles and in the dry forest, mangrove, and wetlands of La Ensenada before returning to San José for departure.
Costa Rica Complete Birding Circuit: Carara, Osa & Savegre
20 days
- Day 1Arrival and Pacific Lowlands | The circuit opens in Alajuela before the first early departure toward Costa Rica's Pacific dry forest.
- Day 2Pacific Dry Forest and Cerro Lodge | Dry forest, coastal lowlands, feeders, canopy scanning and evening owling shape the first full field day.
- Day 3Carara National Park | Carara's contrasting trails bring together northern and southern Pacific forest communities.
- Days 4-5Osa Peninsula and Corcovado | A long coastal transfer reaches the Osa Peninsula, where river bridges, lodge grounds and primary forest open a new lowland section.
- Day 6Southwestern Forests and Talamanca Highlands | Grassland-to-rainforest transition and the far southwest's specialty birds lead into the highlands.
- Days 7-8Talamanca Highlands | The route climbs from southern wetlands to La Georgina, high-elevation scrub and San Gerardo de Dota feeders.
- Day 9Caribbean Foothills and Quelitales | Community-run foothill forest and hummingbird-rich gardens set up the Caribbean lowland section.
- Day 10Quelitales and Sarapiquí | Cloud-forest birding gives way to flowering beds, roadside specialties, Great Green Macaw country and a conditional Sunbittern check.
Costa Rica Off the Beaten Track: Wildlife, Cloud Forest and Volcanoes
22 days
- Day 1Arrival in San José | A private transfer from Juan Santamaría International Airport to a hotel in the centre of San José, with a briefing on the self-drive circuit ahead. The rental car is collected at the hotel the next morning.
- Days 2-4Caribbean Lowlands: Sarapiquí and Tortuguero | The first days cross the northern Caribbean slope — the rivers and rainforest around Sarapiquí, then two nights in Tortuguero, reached only by boat through the canals of the national park.
- Days 5-6Boca Tapada and the San Carlos River | Boca Tapada sits on the San Carlos river close to the Nicaraguan border, with forest trails, a lodge lake and boat or kayak outings into one of the country's quietest lowland corners.
- Days 7-10Arenal and the Tenorio Volcano | Four nights between two volcanic landscapes: the trails, hanging bridges and hot springs below Arenal, then the sky-blue water of the Río Celeste in Tenorio Volcano National Park.
- Days 11-14Monteverde Cloud Forest and the Pacific Coast | The road climbs to the cloud forests of Santa Elena and Monteverde, then drops to the central and southern Pacific for the crocodiles of the Río Tárcoles, Marino Ballena and the reefs of Isla del Caño.
- Days 15-17Talamanca Highlands and Irazú | Over the Cerro de la Muerte pass to San Gerardo de Dota for quetzal cloud forest, then north to the craters of Irazú and the archaeological terraces of Guayabo.
- Days 18-20The Southern Caribbean Coast | The last full days run along the Caribbean shore at Puerto Viejo and Cahuita, with reef snorkelling, indigenous reserve visits and the Jaguar Rescue Center.
- Days 21-22Return to San José | A final Caribbean morning, the drive back to the capital and the return of the rental car before the outbound flight.
Chapter 7
Practical questions
The questions that come up on every Costa Rica enquiry, answered plainly — including the ones about cost, timing, and whether you need a car.
Costa Rica’s climate varies by region and altitude. The Pacific has a more distinct dry season, generally from December to March, while Caribbean coastal areas usually have relatively drier periods in February–March and September–October. These are broad patterns, so your interests, route and tolerance for rain matter when choosing dates.
That depends on the regions you choose and how often you want to change accommodation. We can help you weigh the number of stops against the time available.
The price depends on the itinerary, duration, accommodation, transport, activities and number of travellers. The proposal should specify what is included and excluded.
Not necessarily. We typically use private drivers on our tours, so you can enjoy the journey without having to navigate unfamiliar roads. For a slower trip or if you value more independence, we may suggest renting a vehicle instead. Depending on the itinerary, this can also be a more affordable option. We’ll discuss the alternatives with you when planning your route.
Let us know what you hope to see and how much time you would like to spend observing or photographing. Sightings can never be guaranteed.
No. Photography can be a central part of the trip or simply something you enjoy along the way.
If you are weighing up a trip to Costa Rica — which coast, how long, whether the green season works for what you want to photograph — reply to the email this came in and tell me where you are in the thinking. I answer those myself.
Travel Costa Rica with us
Small-group journeys, personally guided, with time to look properly.
