How to Travel Responsibly in Costa Rica
How to travel responsibly in Costa Rica: A complete guide covering conservation, sustainable resource use, respecting local communities, protected wilderness areas, and practical tips…
Read More »Costa Rica Travel Guide
Plan your Costa Rica trip with confidence: where to land, which regions to combine, how long the drives really take and what to expect on the road.
Choose your destination in Costa Rica
Planning your trip around Costa Rica
Guides that cover the whole country, not a single city.
Costa Rica Things to Do Through Three Different Gateways
Looking for the best things to do in Costa Rica? From the sunny beaches near Liberia to the diverse landscapes around San José and…
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Visit Costa Rica: Culture, Nature, and the “Pura Vida” Way of Life
Visit Costa Rica with a context-first guide to the "Pura Vida" way of life. How geography shapes travel times, how culture shapes expectations, and…
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7 Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica
Discover the best places to visit in Costa Rica, from iconic volcanoes to laid-back beach towns, and see how renting a car lets you…
Read More »Costa Rica travel frequently asked questions
Which airport should I fly into: San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR)?
Fly into Liberia (LIR) if your trip focuses on Guanacaste’s beaches and the north Pacific. Choose San José (SJO) for the Central Valley, the Caribbean side, Arenal or the Central Pacific around Jacó. Many travelers land in one and leave from the other.
Do I need a car to travel around Costa Rica?
Not strictly, but a car makes it far easier to combine beaches, volcanoes and national parks on your own schedule. Distances look short on the map, yet mountain roads add time, so plan fewer stops per day.
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
The dry season runs roughly from December to April and is the busiest time on the Pacific side. May to November is the green season: fewer crowds, lower prices and afternoon showers.
Is Costa Rica expensive to visit?
Costs are higher than in most of Central America, especially in popular beach areas. Booking accommodation and your rental car early, and travelling in the green season, keeps the budget under control.