What is the best time to visit Costa Rica?

The best months to visit Costa Rica are Dec, Jan, Feb. During these months you can expect the most favourable weather and fewer weather-related disruptions.

How much does a trip to Costa Rica cost per day?

Daily budget in Costa Rica ranges from $60 (budget/backpacker) to $130 (mid-range) and $380+ (luxury). Costs cover accommodation, food, local transport, and activities.

Is Costa Rica safe for tourists?

Costa Rica is very safe and highly recommended for solo travellers and families. Safety rating: 4/5. Always check your government's current travel advisory before visiting.

What are the top things to do in Costa Rica?

The top experiences in Costa Rica include: Arenal Volcano Hot Springs, Monteverde Cloud Forest, Manuel Antonio Wildlife Walk. Costa Rica in Costa Rica offers a mix of culture, nature, food, and adventure for every type of traveller.

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Explore Costa Rica

Costa Rica · Americas

Costa Rica

Pura vida - volcanoes, cloud forest, sloths, and world-class surf

from $60/day Very safenatureadventure

Quick Facts

Capital

San José

Population

5.2 million

Best airport

Juan Santamaría (SJO)

Forest cover

52% of land area (up from 21% in 1986)

Avg temp (coast)

28–32°C / 82–90°F

Safety

Very safe

Vibes

natureadventurewildlifesurfwellnessromance

Best Time to Visit

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Best months This month

Daily Budget

Backpacker

$60

per day

Mid-range

$130

per day

Luxury

$380

per day

Top Experiences

🌋

Arenal Volcano Hot Springs

Soak in volcanic thermal pools with active Arenal cone glowing in the distance at night

$20–60 resort

🌿

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Walk suspension bridges through mist-shrouded canopy with resplendent quetzals and howler monkeys

$30

🦥

Manuel Antonio Wildlife Walk

White-faced capuchins, sloths, and scarlet macaws share a beach with tourists in this tiny national park

$20

Must-Try Food

Gallo Pinto

Fried rice and black beans mixed with Salsa Lizano - the Costa Rican breakfast eaten every single day

Casado

The daily set lunch: rice, beans, plantain, salad, and protein - always filling, always cheap

Ceviche Tico

Costa Rican-style: fish in lime with fresh cilantro and served with plantain chips

Getting Around

🚐

Shared shuttle$20–50

Tourist shuttles connect all major destinations - book through any hostel

🚌

Public bus (Tica Bus)$2–10

Cheap but slow - the authentic local way, minimal luggage space

🚙

Rental car (4WD)$50–80/day

Essential for flexibility - many nature parks have rough dirt roads

✈️

Domestic flight$60–120

Sansa Airlines flies to beach destinations in 30 minutes vs 4-hour drives

Cultural Tips

'Pura Vida' means pure life - it's used as hello, goodbye, you're welcome, no problem, and everything good

Costa Ricans (Ticos) are exceptionally non-confrontational - everything is 'tranquilo'

The dry season (Dec–Apr) is peak; expect higher prices and packed national parks

Always buy travel insurance - medical evacuation from jungle can cost $10,000+

Wildlife handling is illegal and harmful - observe from a distance, never touch

Colones are the currency but USD is accepted almost everywhere at tourist prices

Hidden Gems

Corcovado National Park - the Osa Peninsula's remote jungle, called the world's most biodiverse place by National Geographic

Rincón de la Vieja - active volcano with bubbling mud pools, waterfall hikes, and zip-lines near the Nicaragua border

Cahuita - laid-back Afro-Caribbean town with a coral reef 100 meters from the beach

Going beyond the trip?

Explore the Costa Rica country profile

Cost of living, visas, healthcare, taxes, expat life and everything you'd need to actually move and stay long-term.

Open country profile More guides