Costa Rica
While Spain named it "Rich Coast" for the gold they found, tiny Costa Rica has become a tourist treasure, especially for the outdoor enthusiast, offering both beautiful resorts and adventure travel opportunities. Go whitewater rafting, trek through the rainforest, climb a volcano, snorkel or fish. Then there are the beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean, separated by just 75 miles of narrow peninsula.
Tours & Packages
- Destinations: Costa Rica
- including closed packages
Trip Reviews & Photos
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Highlights
- Arenal Volcano National Park
Explore the rich biodiversity of Arenal Volcano National Park. Consisting of rainforests, a lake, hot springs, and of course, 2 volcanoes, the park offers plenty to do and see! As a protected area, the land is well-maintained to ensure the conservation of its ecosystem. Get an up-close view of the park’s 2 volcanoes, Arenal and Chato. Arenal is the country’s most active volcano, with small eruptions occurring multiple times a day. On the other hand, Chato has been dormant for more than 3,000 years. The park has a gorgeous setting, with lush rainforests amid the serene Lake Arenal.- Coffee Plantations
If you’re a coffee lover, than a trip to one of Costa Rica’s coffee plantations is a must! Originally, growing coffee beans was seen as a way to boost the local economy, but the country has since become one of the best coffee producers in the world. All coffee is made from Arábica beans. Fertile soil, high altitude, and lots of rain enhance the beans’ flavor. It’s no wonder why the Arábica bean is known as the “golden bean.” Take a tour and learn the history and production techniques used to curate this delicious coffee. You can find coffee plantations throughout the country, but many are in the Central Valley.- Playa Panama
Located in Guanacaste province, Playa Panama is one of the most attractive beaches in the area. The waters are crystal blue, surrounding pristine beaches that are perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring the dry tropical forests. These forests are home to over 300 species of bird, 100 reptiles and amphibians, and more than 140 species of mammals, including pumas, white-faced monkeys, peccary, tapirs, and so much more! Playa Panama offers travelers a tranquil atmosphere without the crowds of a downtown area, and is perfect for solo travelers as well as groups.- San Jose
Costa Rica’s capital city is rather small compared to those of other countries. This compact space has all the elements of a traditional capital city – museums, national parks, a bustling business district. But contrary to its capital counterparts, breathtaking natural beauty awaits just outside its perimeter. The La Paz Waterfall Gardens are the perfect stop before heading into or out of the city. Here, you will find magnificent waterfalls surrounded by fascinating flora and fauna. Once in the city, immerse yourself in local lifestyle by listening to street performers, browsing the stalls of merchants selling artisan crafts, and learning about history and culture with a visit to a museum, like the Jade Museum. Relax like a local with Costa Rica’s national drink, Guaro.- Outdoor Adventures
Thanks to its warm weather, lush landscape, and incredible wildlife, there is no shortage of adventure in Costa Rica! From leisure activities such as bird-watching or relaxing in a hot spring, to adrenaline-inducing activities such as walking high in the sky on an aerial bridge or white water rafting through fierce rapids, any adventurer will fall in love with the outdoor lifestyle that awaits you. Check out our Costa Rica tour to get ideas for your trip!
Fast Facts
Already booked on one of our packages to Costa Rica? See everything you need to know before you go.
| Overview | Capital: San José |
| Entry requirements | U.S. citizens must have a passport which is valid for at least 90 days after your return date, though we strongly recommend at least six months. U.S. passport holders do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica for stays up to 90 days. See the U.S. Dept. of State website for more information. If you do not hold a U.S. passport, please see the entry requirements. Costa Rica requires proof of yellow fever vaccination upon entry for passengers arriving from Yellow Fever Endemic Countries, such as Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador & Colombia. If your flight makes a stop in one of these countries, you may be asked to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival in Costa Rica. Find a local vaccination center. More information about passport, visa & entry requirements. |
| Health Precautions & Vaccinations | Costa Rica requires proof of yellow fever vaccination upon entry for passengers arriving from Yellow Fever Endemic Countries, such as Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador & Colombia. If your flight makes a stop in one of these countries, you may be asked to provide proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival in Costa Rica. Find a local vaccination center. According to the Center for Disease Control, there are no other required vaccinations for travel to Costa Rica, but immunization against typhoid and hepatitis is recommended. Also ask your doctor about malaria suppressants if you will be visiting the Pacific southwest region or the Caribbean shoreline. Be sure to take insect repellent and suncreen! |
| Weather | Costa Rica is a year-round destination. Temperatures in San Jose and the Central Highlands are mild and springlike. The mountains can be cool at night. Coastal areas tend to be hot and steamy, but hot and dry in the Pacific northwest. December through May is Costa Rica's relatively dry period. June through October tends to be wetter, but as a result the vegetation looks even more verdant during this time. |
| Tipping | Most restaurants include the 13% restaurant tax and the 10% service charge. Check the bottom of the menu or ask your server if the charge is included. Add a small tip on top of the 10% service charge if you feel the service was excellent. |
| Money & Credit Cards | U.S. credit/debit cards are widely accepted throughout Costa Rica and typically offer the best exchange rate. Always notify your bank prior to departure to avoid any problems using your credit or debit card abroad. |
| Shopping | Shop for pottery, traditional miniature painted oxcarts, jewelry made of semiprecious stones, hand-painted feathers, wood carvings, leather goods, and other high quality handicrafts. Tasty local treats such as coffee, rum, coffee liqueur, macadamia nuts and hearts of palm, also make great souvenirs. |
| Electricity & Power Adapters | Voltage: 110-120 volts. Plugs A & B. You will probably need a voltage converter and plug adapter in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit. Learn more about electrical standards around the world. |
| Cell Phones & Internet | Want to take your cell phone, tablet or laptop, but not sure how to get cell service or wifi? See our blog posts on using your cell phone abroad and the top 5 ways to get Internet abroad. |