Visit Costa Rica: The ‘Pura Vida’ paradise
Located between the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica is renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity, protected national parks and diverse landscapes. Home to around 5% of the world’s biodiversity despite covering less than 0.05% of the Earth’s landmass, the country has become a global leader in conservation and sustainable tourism.
From tropical rainforests and mist-shrouded cloud forests to volcanoes, Pacific beaches and Caribbean coastlines, Costa Rica holidays offer a rewarding blend of wildlife, nature and adventure. Explore the waterways of Tortuguero National Park, relax in the shadow of Arenal Volcano or discover the country’s spectacular coastlines and rich ecosystems.
Whether you are seeking wildlife encounters, outdoor adventure or time to unwind in nature, Costa Rica delivers an unforgettable travel experience shaped by the country’s welcoming spirit of Pura Vida.
Holidays tailored to your requirements
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Costa Rican colón
Tortuguero National Park
Destinations and Attractions in Costa Rica
- Arenal - Home to the iconic Arenal Volcano, this region blends adventure with relaxation. Explore forest trails, unwind in natural hot springs and enjoy activities such as zip-lining and guided wildlife walks.
- Caribbean Coast - Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast offers a more laid-back atmosphere, shaped by Afro-Caribbean culture, palm-fringed beaches and rich biodiversity. It is ideal for spotting sloths, snorkelling coral reefs and enjoying a slower pace of travel.
- Guanacaste - Known for its golden beaches and warm, dry climate, Guanacaste is perfect for beach stays and water-based activities. With access to national parks, coastal towns and surf spots, it suits both relaxation and exploration.
- Manuel Antonio - This popular region combines white-sand beaches with rainforest landscapes. Manuel Antonio National Park is a highlight, offering close encounters with monkeys, sloths and tropical birdlife.
- Monteverde - Set high in the cloud forest, Monteverde is known for its cool climate, misty landscapes and unique ecosystems. Walk along hanging bridges, explore nature reserves and discover an incredible variety of flora and fauna.
- Osa Peninsula - One of Costa Rica’s most remote regions, the Osa Peninsula is a destination for those seeking a deeper connection with nature. It provides access to Corcovado National Park and offers some of the country’s most rewarding wildlife experiences.
- Tortuguero - Accessible only by boat or small aircraft, Tortuguero is a network of jungle waterways and wetlands. Known for its sea turtle nesting season, it offers peaceful boat safaris through dense rainforest and abundant wildlife.
Costa Rica holidays like no other
It’s easy to see why Costa Rica is often considered one of the happiest places on Earth. Whether kayaking through Tortuguero National Park, spotting wildlife in Corcovado National Park, relaxing in natural hot springs beneath Arenal Volcano or unwinding on the golden beaches of Guanacaste and Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica offers a rewarding blend of adventure, wildlife and relaxation.
Rich in biodiversity and recognised for its commitment to sustainable tourism, Costa Rica is one of Central America’s most rewarding destinations. From lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes to pristine coastlines and extraordinary wildlife, conservation and natural beauty remain at the heart of every journey.
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Costa Rica FAQs
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season, from December to April, when conditions are ideal for wildlife viewing, outdoor activities and relaxing on the country’s Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
The green season, from May to November, brings more frequent rainfall but also lush landscapes, fewer visitors and excellent opportunities for wildlife encounters. It can be a particularly rewarding time to experience Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity and natural beauty.
What language is spoken in Costa Rica?
Spanish is the official language of Costa Rica. While English is widely spoken in many tourist areas, learning a few basic Spanish phrases can help you connect with local people and enhance your travel experience.
Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica from the UK?
Visitors from the UK and many other countries do not require a visa to enter Costa Rica for tourism purposes. With a valid passport and proof of onward travel, you can typically stay for up to 180 days.
What currency is used in Costa Rica?
The official currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colón (CRC). However, US dollars are widely accepted in many hotels, restaurants and tourist areas, and credit cards are commonly used throughout the country.
Do I need vaccinations to visit Costa Rica from the UK?
No vaccinations are required for UK travellers visiting Costa Rica. However, a yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required if you are arriving from, or have recently travelled through, a country considered to be at risk of yellow fever transmission.
What should I pack for visiting Costa Rica?
What you pack for Costa Rica will depend on the regions you visit and the activities you have planned. Lightweight, breathable clothing is ideal for the country’s warm tropical climate, while a light waterproof jacket and extra layers can be useful in cooler cloud forest areas and during the green season.
If you plan to explore national parks, rainforest trails or wildlife reserves, sturdy and comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended. Don’t forget essentials such as sun protection, insect repellent and a reusable water bottle.
Does Costa Rica have a rainy season?
Costa Rica’s green season generally runs from May to November, bringing more frequent rainfall and lush, vibrant landscapes. Rainfall patterns vary across the country, with some regions experiencing drier conditions at different times of year.
What is the time difference between Costa Rica and the UK?
Costa Rica operates on Central Standard Time (CST), which is GMT-6, throughout the year. The country does not observe daylight saving time, so the time difference with the UK varies depending on the season.
How do you travel around Costa Rica?
The best way to explore Costa Rica is by private transfer or hire car, offering the flexibility to travel between regions at your own pace. This allows you to combine destinations such as rainforests, volcanoes and coastlines while making the most of your time in the country.
Is Costa Rica good for wildlife holidays?
Yes, Costa Rica is one of Latin America’s leading wildlife destinations, with an impressive network of national parks and nature reserves. Visitors have opportunities to spot sloths, monkeys, toucans, sea turtles and a remarkable variety of other species in their natural habitats.
What is the weather like in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica enjoys a tropical climate throughout the year. The dry season typically runs from December to April and is ideal for outdoor activities and beach stays, while the green season from May to November brings more frequent rainfall, lush landscapes and excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities.
Can you combine Costa Rica with other destinations?
Yes, Costa Rica combines well with nearby destinations as part of a wider Central America holiday. It also works perfectly as a multi-centre destination within the country, combining rainforest lodges, volcanoes and beach stays for a more varied and immersive travel experience.
Is Costa Rica good for adventure holidays?
Yes, Costa Rica is one of Latin America’s leading adventure destinations, offering activities such as zip-lining through rainforest canopies, white-water rafting, hiking, surfing and wildlife-focused excursions across a variety of landscapes.
Why book a Costa Rica holiday with Latin Routes?
At Latin Routes, we create tailor-made Costa Rica holidays with expert planning, carefully selected accommodation and seamless travel arrangements. From wildlife-rich rainforests and volcanic landscapes to coastal retreats and adventure experiences, every itinerary is designed around your interests and travel style.
Is Costa Rica good for families?
Yes, Costa Rica is an excellent destination for family holidays, offering a safe and welcoming environment alongside a wide range of experiences for all ages. From wildlife spotting and rainforest adventures to beach time and outdoor activities, it provides an enjoyable balance of exploration, relaxation and discovery.
Our Costa Rica Family Adventure holiday has been carefully designed to include comfortable accommodation, engaging excursions and seamless private transfers, making travel easy and enjoyable for families. From zip-lining through the rainforest to spotting sloths in the wild, each day brings new experiences and opportunities to connect with nature.
For a first-hand perspective, read Latin Routes founder Jessica Dennison’s family adventure story in our Inspiration section here, where she shares highlights, practical tips and insights from travelling through Costa Rica with children.
Can Costa Rica holidays be tailor-made?
Yes, at Latin Routes every Costa Rica holiday is tailor-made around your interests, whether you are seeking wildlife encounters, beach stays, adventure activities, luxury accommodation or family-friendly experiences. Many itineraries combine destinations such as Arenal, Monteverde, Tortuguero and Manuel Antonio, creating a well-balanced journey that showcases the country’s diverse landscapes, wildlife and culture.
What are the must-visit regions in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica’s most rewarding regions each offer a different perspective on the country’s landscapes, wildlife and outdoor experiences. Arenal is known for its volcanic scenery, rainforest trails and natural hot springs, while the Monteverde Cloud Forest is ideal for wildlife encounters and nature-focused travel.
Tortuguero, on the Caribbean Coast, offers jungle waterways rich in biodiversity, while Manuel Antonio combines rainforest wildlife with beautiful Pacific beaches. For a more remote experience, the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park are among the most biologically diverse regions in Central America, offering exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing and exploration.
On the Pacific coast, Guanacaste is known for its golden beaches, surf culture and relaxed atmosphere. Many tailor-made Costa Rica holidays combine several of these regions, creating a varied and well-balanced journey through one of Central America’s most diverse destinations.
What Makes a Latin Routes Holiday Truly Unforgettable?
Every journey we plan is truly individual – created just for you, by our expert team. Whether you’re dreaming of wildlife, culture, food or landscapes, 5* luxury or off-grid adventure, we’ll design a Latin American holiday that’s truly unforgettable for all the right reasons.
We’re recognised by both the industry and our clients for our outstanding personalised service.
We design every trip around you: your interests, your must-sees, your perfect holiday.
Every recommendation is shaped by real experience, true passion and specialist care.
Consistently rated ‘Excellent’ by our clients for our expert planning and personalised attention.
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