Visit Costa Rica: The ‘Pura Vida’ paradise
Located between the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica is renowned for its remarkable biodiversity, protected national parks and diverse landscapes. From tropical rainforests and cloud forests to volcanoes, Pacific beaches and Caribbean coastlines, Costa Rica holidays offer a rewarding blend of wildlife, nature and adventure. Whether exploring the waterways of Tortuguero National Park, relaxing around Arenal Volcano or discovering the country's beautiful coastlines, Costa Rica delivers an unforgettable travel experience shaped by the spirit of Pura Vida.
Holidays tailored to your requirements
Our holidays are ATOL Protected
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.
Holidays in Costa Rica 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, soaking in hot springs beneath Arenal Volcano or unwinding on the golden beaches of Guanacaste and Playa Tamarindo, Costa Rica holidays combine adventure, nature and relaxation in a way few destinations can match. Rich in biodiversity and committed to sustainable tourism, Costa Rica offers one of Central America’s most rewarding and well-balanced travel experiences.
We are your Costa Rica Holiday Specialists
If you’re ready to start planning your holiday to Costa Rica, speak to one of our dedicated Costa Rica Travel Specialists today.
Places to visit in Costa Rica
Costa Rica adventure holiday packages and tours with a difference
Speak to a dedicated Costa Rica Travel Specialist today
Costa Rica FAQs
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
What language is spoken in Costa Rica?
The official language of Costa Rica is Spanish, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica from the UK?
No, you can visit Costa Rica for up to 180 days with a valid passport.
What currency is used in Costa Rica?
The main currency used is the Costa Rican colón, but US dollars are widely accepted especially in tourist areas.
Do I need vaccinations to visit Costa Rica from the UK?
No vaccinations are required to visit Costa Rica from the UK, only from countries listed as a transmission risk for yellow fever in which case a yellow fever vaccination would be needed.
What should I pack for visiting Costa Rica?
What to pack depends heavily on the activities you are planning to do when visiting Costa Rica. In general, the weather is very warm, but slightly cooler in the cloud forest, so take cool, breathable and comfortable clothes, and perhaps some layers. There are many fascinating wildlife adventures to go on so sturdy, comfortable walking boots are recommended.
Does Costa Rica have a rainy season?
Costa Rica has a rainy season between May to December, ending earlier for some regions.
What is the time difference between Costa Rica and the UK?
The time zone in Costa Rica is GMT-6 year-round since they do not change their clocks for daylight saving time.
How do you travel around Costa Rica?
The best way to travel is by private transfer or car hire, allowing flexibility to explore different regions comfortably.
Is Costa Rica good for wildlife holidays?
Yes, Costa Rica is one of the best destinations in Latin America for wildlife, with national parks and reserves home to sloths, monkeys, toucans, turtles and more.
What is the weather like in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has a tropical climate with a dry season from December to April and a green season from May to November, when landscapes are lush and vibrant.
Can you combine Costa Rica with other destinations?
Is Costa Rica good for adventure holidays?
Costa Rica is known for adventure travel, offering activities such as zip-lining, rafting, hiking and surfing across diverse landscapes.
Why book a Costa Rica holiday with Latin Routes?
Is Costa Rica good for families?
Yes, Costa Rica is an excellent destination for family holidays, offering a safe, welcoming environment and a wide range of experiences for all ages. From wildlife spotting and rainforest adventures to beach time and outdoor activities, it provides the perfect balance of fun and education.
Our Costa Rica Family Adventure holiday is carefully designed to include comfortable lodges, engaging excursions and seamless private transfers, making travel easy and enjoyable. From zip-lining through the forest to spotting sloths in the wild, every day brings something new.
For a first-hand perspective, take inspiration from Latin Routes founder Jessica Dennison’s family adventure story in our Inspiration features here, where she shares her experience exploring Costa Rica with children, offering practical tips and highlights to help plan your own trip.
Can Costa Rica holidays be tailor-made?
Yes. At Latin Routes, every Costa Rica holiday is tailor-made around your interests, whether focused on wildlife, beaches, adventure, luxury lodges or family travel. Many itineraries combine destinations such as Arenal, Monteverde, Tortuguero and Manuel Antonio to create a balanced journey across the country.
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 volcano scenery, rainforest trails and thermal hot springs, while Monteverde’s cloud forests are ideal for wildlife encounters and nature-focused travel. Tortuguero on the Caribbean Coast offers jungle waterways rich in biodiversity, and Manuel Antonio combines rainforest wildlife with Pacific beaches. For more remote rainforest experiences, the Osa Peninsula and Corcovado National Park are among the most biologically diverse regions in Central America, while Guanacaste is well known for its beaches, surf and relaxed coastal atmosphere. Many tailor-made Costa Rica holidays combine several of these regions to create a varied and well-balanced journey.
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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