Costa Rica
Around a quarter of Costa Rica is protected, and its wildlife is unusually easy to see: sloths and capuchins in Manuel Antonio, nesting turtles at Tortuguero, quetzals in Monteverde's cloud forest. Arenal's volcano rises over hot springs, and both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts have surf beaches. Domestic flights save hours on the winding roads between regions.
Overview
Costa Rica is smaller than Scotland yet spans Caribbean lowlands, a spine of volcanoes and a long Pacific coastline, with around a quarter of its land in national parks and reserves. A classic two-week first trip loops from San José to Arenal and La Fortuna, across to Monteverde's cloud forest, then down to the Pacific at Manuel Antonio or out to the surf towns of the Nicoya Peninsula. With longer, add Tortuguero's canals on the Caribbean side, the reggae-tinged coast around Puerto Viejo, or the Osa Peninsula, where Corcovado protects some of the country's richest rainforest.
Costa Rica is one of the most expensive countries in Central America: prices are often quoted in US dollars, and park fees, guided tours and lodges add up quickly. In return, infrastructure is good, guides are well trained and most things run smoothly. Distances look short on the map, but mountain roads make journeys slow, so most people base themselves in three or four places. The December to April dry season brings peak prices and crowds, especially at Christmas and Easter; the green season's afternoon downpours mean lower rates and lusher forest. Families, wildlife-watchers, surfers and first-timers in Latin America all find it easy going.
Map of Costa Rica
Top 5 highlights
- 1Nature
Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna
Arenal's near-perfect cone, quiet since 2010 after four decades of eruptions, looms over La Fortuna. Hike across old lava flows in the national park, then soak in the thermal rivers and spa pools along the road west of town.
- 2Nature
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Mist-soaked reserves straddling the Continental Divide shelter resplendent quetzals, dozens of hummingbird species and hundreds of orchids. Walk the trails at dawn with a guide, or see the canopy from hanging bridges and ziplines.
- 3Wildlife
Manuel Antonio National Park
Small but crowded with life: sloths, white-faced capuchins and squirrel monkeys move through forest that runs down to white-sand coves. Tickets are sold online only, and the park closes on Tuesdays.
- 4Wildlife
Tortuguero National Park
Reached only by boat or light aircraft, this canal-laced Caribbean park is a major nesting beach for green turtles, watched on guided night walks from July to October. Early canoe trips find caimans, monkeys and herons.
- 5Wildlife
Corcovado National Park
On the remote Osa Peninsula, Corcovado protects lowland rainforest where tapirs, scarlet macaws and all four of Costa Rica's monkey species live. Entry requires a licensed guide; most visitors stay in Drake Bay or Puerto Jiménez.
Biggest cities
San José
Most visitors pass straight through, but a day covers the Gold Museum beneath Plaza de la Cultura, the Jade Museum, the gilded National Theatre and lunch at a soda in the Mercado Central.
Alajuela
Minutes from Juan Santamaría airport, Alajuela makes an easy first or last night, with a mango-shaded central park and quick access to Poás Volcano and the coffee farms on its slopes.
Cartago
The colonial capital until 1823 has the Basílica de los Ángeles, the country's most important pilgrimage church, the ruins of an earthquake-wrecked parish church, and the road up Irazú Volcano.
Alajuela and Cartago lie within the Central Valley's wider Greater Metropolitan Area but are distinct cities with their own centres. San José's figure covers its metropolitan cantons; the other two are canton populations (2022 estimates).
When to go to Costa Rica
Best time: Dec–Apr.
Average climate in San José
Festivals & events
- JanFiestas de Palmares
Two weeks of concerts, fairground rides, a horseback tope parade and Costa Rican-style bullfighting, in which amateurs dodge the bull and none is killed, in a small town north-west of San José.
- MarDía del Boyero
On the second Sunday of March, San Antonio de Escazú honours oxcart drivers with a parade of brightly painted carts, a tradition recognised by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage.
- AugRomería a la Virgen de los Ángeles
In the days before 2 August, hundreds of thousands of pilgrims walk from across the country, many through the night, to Cartago's basilica to honour La Negrita, Costa Rica's patron saint.
How much does Costa Rica cost?
Estimates per person per day, excluding flights. Prices vary by season and city.
Food to try
Gallo pinto
Rice and black beans fried together with onion, sweet pepper, coriander and a splash of Salsa Lizano, eaten for breakfast with eggs, fried plantain and sour cream.
Casado
The everyday lunch plate at any soda: rice, beans, salad, fried sweet plantain and a choice of chicken, fish, beef or pork, at a fair price.
Rondón
A Caribbean-coast stew of seafood and root vegetables simmered in coconut milk; the name comes from 'run down', a legacy of the Jamaican families who settled around Limón.
Getting around
Public buses are cheap and reach almost everywhere, though journeys between regions often mean changing in San José. Shared tourist shuttles such as Interbus link the main hubs door to door. Sansa flies small planes to Tortuguero, Drake Bay, Puerto Jiménez and Liberia, saving hours. Car hire suits independent itineraries; choose a 4x4 for Monteverde and the Osa, and navigate with Waze. Uber operates around the Central Valley.
Practical information
- Plugs & voltage
- AB120V — bring a UK-to-A/B adapter
- Emergency numbers
- Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police)
Source: FCDO “Getting help”
- Dialling code
- +506
- Time zone
- UTC-6 (standard time)
- Tap water
- Generally safe to drink
- Driving
- On the right
- Tipping
- Restaurant bills include a 10% service charge by law, so extra tipping is optional. Tip guides, drivers and hotel staff a few dollars for good service.
- Etiquette
- Ticos value politeness and avoid confrontation, so stay calm if things run late. 'Pura vida' works as greeting, thanks and goodbye; cover up away from the beach and never feed wildlife.
- Main airports
- Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), San José; Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR), Liberia
Visas & entry for Costa Rica
Shown for a British passport.
No visa needed
You can visit Costa Rica without a visa for up to 180 days under a tourist visa waiver. The exact period is at the discretion of the immigration officer on arrival.
For more information on requirements or if you plan to work, or stay for a longer period, check with the Costa Rican Embassy in the UK.
From the UK government's FCDO entry requirements for British passport holders — read the full page for passport validity, permits and exceptions.
Health & vaccinations
- Recommended for most travellers
- Hepatitis ATetanus
- Sometimes advised — depends on your trip, activities and health
- ChikungunyaDengueRabiesTyphoid
- Yellow fever certificate
- A yellow fever certificate is only required if you arrive from (or transit through) a country with yellow fever risk — not if you fly direct from the UK.
- Malaria
- Low risk of malaria
- There is a low risk of malaria in Limon Province (but not in the city of Limon (Puerto Limon): awareness of risk and bite avoidance recommended.
Source: TravelHealthPro (National Travel Health Network and Centre), checked 21 October 2026. This is a summary, not medical advice.
Public holidays in Costa Rica
The next 12 months. Banks, offices and some sights may close, and transport and hotels get busy around these dates.
| Fri 25 Dec 2026 | Christmas Day |
| Fri 1 Jan 2027 | New Year's Day |
| Thu 25 Mar 2027 | Maundy Thursday |
| Fri 26 Mar 2027 | Good Friday |
| Sun 11 Apr 2027 | Juan Santamaría Day |
| Sat 1 May 2027 | International Labour Day |
| Sun 25 Jul 2027 | Annexation of the Party of Nicoya to Costa Rica |
| Sun 15 Aug 2027 | Mother's Day |
| Wed 15 Sep 2027 | Independence Day |
National holidays only. Dates based on lunar calendars can move by a day or two depending on official announcements.
Useful phrases in Spanish
| English | Spanish | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Hola | OH-la |
| Thank you | Gracias | GRAH-see-as |
| Please | Por favor | por fa-VOR |
| Excuse me | Disculpe | dees-KOOL-peh |
| How much is this? | ¿Cuánto cuesta? | KWAN-toh KWES-ta |
Know before you go
- Online car-hire quotes often exclude Costa Rica's mandatory third-party liability insurance, which can add substantially to the price at the desk; check exactly what is included before booking.
- Prices are often quoted in US dollars and dollars are widely accepted, but change comes back in colones at poor rates; pay by card where you can and decline conversion into pounds.
- Start days early: wildlife is most active around dawn, park trails are quieter, and in the green season the rain usually arrives in the early afternoon.
Costa Rica travel FAQs
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
The best time to visit Costa Rica is generally Dec–Apr. Peak months are January, February, March, April and December. Average highs in San José range from 24°C to 27°C across the year.
How much does a trip to Costa Rica cost per day?
Roughly £50 a day on a tight budget, £120 mid-range and £260+ for comfortable travel, per person including accommodation, food and local transport. Flights are extra.
What currency is used in Costa Rica?
Costa Rican colón (CRC).
What plug type does Costa Rica use?
Type A and B sockets at 120V. UK visitors need a travel adapter — UK Type G plugs will not fit.
Which side of the road do they drive on in Costa Rica?
Traffic drives on the right in Costa Rica, unlike the UK.
Is tap water safe to drink in Costa Rica?
Generally safe to drink.
Do I need a visa for Costa Rica?
For British passport holders, the FCDO says: You can visit Costa Rica without a visa for up to 180 days under a tourist visa waiver. Entry rules change, so check the official FCDO entry requirements for Costa Rica before you travel: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/costa-rica/entry-requirements
What vaccinations do I need for Costa Rica?
TravelHealthPro recommends Hepatitis A and Tetanus for most travellers, with Chikungunya, Dengue, Rabies and Typhoid sometimes advised depending on your trip. Make sure routine UK vaccinations are up to date and see a travel health professional 6–8 weeks before you go.
