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Introducing Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a nature lover's dream travel destination. Hike to hidden waterfalls, fly through the rainforest on a zip line, raft amazing white-water, or catch a wave on one of the many epic surf breaks.

When is the best time to visit?
Due to Costa Rica's location in Central America, near to the equator, it enjoys just two seasons annually as opposed to four. The dry season lasts from mid-November through April, and the rainy season lasts from May to mid-November. The latter is also referred to as the "green" season due to the brilliant vegetation that thrives during this period.  

Travelers often opt to visit during the dry season. Peak crowds hit in December, with folks continuing to come during January and February and (for many North Americans) during spring break. However, there are advantages to visiting Costa Rica in the "green" season, from less crowds to lower prices.  Read our travel guide for visiting Costa Rica in the "green" season to find out more.

Still not sure when to go, read our guide on the best times to visit Costa Rica.

Where to go in Costa Rica?
The people of Costa Rica are happy to welcome travelers and teach them about adventure and the pure life, or 'Pura Vida'. This country relies on the eco and adventure tourism that put it on the map, read about the main regions of the country to decide where you want to visit. Visit a baby sloth rescue, get to know Manuel Antonio National Park, see Arenal Volcano, and explore the Osa Peninsula Rainforest.

How many days do I need?
Costa Rica is a small country (size of West Virginia), with many sights situated fairly close together.  With great roads (mostly), throughout the country, makes it easy to get around. In one week, you can explore a number of sights and get a great sense of the country if you are ready to be on the go. With 2 weeks, you have a bit more time to relax in each destination or explore more of the country.  Still not sure how many days you need, read our guide to help you decide.

Getting around Costa Rica
Shuttles or private transfers are great options to get around in Costa Rica. Driving is not always straightforward, but still a great choice if you feel comfortable driving on curvy or unpaved roads.  For longer transfers, Costa Rica has a network of domestic airports that connect the main locations in the country. Read more

Looking for inspiration? See our top Costa Rica itineraries

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days

Costa Rica Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by Costa Rica trips other travelers loved
Storm clouds over Arenal volcano
Map of Best of Costa Rica in 7 Days: Explore Jungles, Volcanoes and Beaches
Best of Costa Rica in 7 Days: Explore Jungles, Volcanoes and Beaches

With a mix of rugged jungles, active volcanoes and world-class beaches, Costa Rica offers some of the best natural sights and experiences in the world, all conveniently packed into one country. Almost a quarter of the land is preserved within national parks, allowing a wide range of animals and plants to flourish, making Costa Rica an ideal destination for ecotourism. With this itinerary, you'll discover the best attractions Costa Rica has to offer in just a week.

Monteverde Cloud Forest
Map of Classic Costa Rica: 7-Day Self-Drive Tour
Classic Costa Rica: 7-Day Self-Drive Tour

Taking a road trip through Costa Rica gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore where you want. You'll pass through stunning natural scenery — from lush cloud forests to picturesque beaches — in seven days of scenic driving. This tour can be extended or shortened depending on how much time you have.

Beautiful Rio Celeste in Tenorio National Park
Map of Best of Costa Rica - 14 Days
Best of Costa Rica - 14 Days

This two-week itinerary includes many of Costa Rica's greatest hits. You'll venture into the country's most beautiful national parks and enjoy zip-lining adventures, nature hikes, beach excursions, and more. All the while you'll spot exotic animals as you traverse some of the most virgin rainforest landscapes in Central America.

Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano.
Map of Best of Costa Rica: Arenal, Monteverde & Manuel Antonio - 8 Days
Best of Costa Rica: Arenal, Monteverde & Manuel Antonio - 8 Days

This 8-day trip is ideal for travelers looking to experience Costa Rica's highlights. Go for a dip in Arenal's hot springs and spot monkeys and other wildlife on hikes around the famous volcano. Continue to Monteverde, where you'll discover the remarkable flora and fauna of the cloud forest. Finally, spend a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches.

The scenic Pacific Coast of Costa Rica
Map of Costa Rica Essentials: Self-Drive Tour - 14 Days
Costa Rica Essentials: Self-Drive Tour - 14 Days

In this two-week tour, you can experience Costa Rica's main attractions as well as its lesser-known marvels. Drive along coasts, rainforest roads, and hills to discover the natural sights that make Costa Rica the most visited country in Central America.

Arenal Volcano
Map of Family-Friendly Arenal and Manuel Antonio National Park- 9 Days
Family-Friendly Arenal and Manuel Antonio National Park- 9 Days

Fun for the whole family, this itinerary covers two of Costa Rica's most famous areas. Arenal and Manuel Antonio are some of the best representations of Costa Rica; Arenal area features one of the most famous volcanos in the country, surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, while Manuel Antonio National Park is renown for its white sandy beaches and vast diversity of tropical plants and wildlife.

Make the Most of Your Time in Costa Rica

Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Read this first to maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Relax on your Costa Rica Vacation
How Many Days to Spend in Costa Rica

You can have a great adventure in Costa Rica in as short as a long weekend. With only a few days to spare, you'll have enough time to hike through a rainforest, see an active...

Costa Rica Travel Essentials

All you need to know to get started planning the perfect trip
Best Time of Year to Visit Costa Rica
Best Time of Year to Visit Costa Rica

For access to all the country has to offer, visit during the dry season that runs from December through April—winter is the most popular time, with great weather and sizable...

Manzanillo
Essential Costa Rica: 4 Regions to Visit

Costa Rica is proof that big things can come in small packages. Although this Central American gem is barely the size of West Virginia, it’s the most biodiverse country on the...

Visit Costa Rica on your next kimkim trip
How kimkim Trips Work in Costa Rica

Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Here's a quick introduction to kimkim, how our trips work, and what makes us unique. We'll go over how our itineraries are customized to your...

A road to Arenal Volcano
Driving in Costa Rica: Road Trip FAQ

Costa Rica has a way of igniting the adventurous spirit within. This is, after all, one of the world's most biodiverse countries loaded with rainforests, wildlife species,...

Costa Rica Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
Explore Monteverde
Where to Eat in Monteverde, Costa Rica

Monteverde is known for its stunning cloud forest, but there's also plenty of incredible dining options to fill you up after those long sky walks and zip-line adventures . The...

Costa Rica Travel Guides

Detailed travel guides for the main regions of the country
Manzanillo
Essential Costa Rica: 4 Regions to Visit

Costa Rica is proof that big things can come in small packages. Although this Central American gem is barely the size of West Virginia, it’s the most biodiverse country on the...

Costa Rica Hotel Advice

Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
Arenal/La Fortuna
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
4.8
(65)
· Comfort
Sleep in the jungle at Arenal Manoa, which has sprawling grounds complete with dense vegetation, three eateries, a swimming pool, a spa, and several hot springs pools. Its 82 colonial-inspired bungalows each house two units, and each room has a private terrace hidden by tropical plants. Stroll...
Monteverde
Koora Hotel at Monteverde
5.0
(14)
· Comfort
Sleep among the cloud forest at Koora Hotel, as each bungalow sits on a hill surrounded by trees with vistas out to the coast. The property is expanding, adding new cabins and other perks with its renovations. For now, perks include meals at the restaurant with its circular terrace, outdoor...
Agua Ardiente Pool Bar, Courtesy of Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Arenal/La Fortuna
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
4.9
(21)
· Luxury
You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of the jungle at Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa, a luxury resort in La Fortuna. All 42 rooms feature natural tones, wooden accents, and views of the rainforest. Your room rate includes access to the thermal pools (a quick shuttle ride away) with a small area...

Best Experiences in Costa Rica

Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
Arenal/La Fortuna
Whitewater Rafting on the Balsa River
4.9
(16)
5 hours
·
Small group
Embark on an adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting adventure down the Río Balsa. You'll transfer from La Fortuna to the put-in spot on the river, where your guide will give you safety instructions and outfit you with a helmet and life vest. Then, push off into the current and start paddling...
Arenal Hanging Bridges
Arenal/La Fortuna
Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
4.9
(17)
4 hours
·
Small group
Explore the thrilling Arenal Hanging Bridges on this popular excursion. The trail system, located inside a rainforest reserve, features suspension bridges that take you high above the treetops before treating you to a once-in-a-lifetime view of Arenal Volcano. Venturing along these spectacular...
An adrenaline rush | Photo taken by seng K
Monteverde
Treetopia: Tram, Zip Lines & Hanging Bridges
4.8
(21)
5 hours
·
Small group
Venture into the cloud forest for an outdoor adventure that involves hiking, zip lining, and more. Start by boarding the open-air Sky Tram gondola at Treetopia Park Monteverde, an aerial amusement park set in the cloud forest. Take in the surrounding scenery as you ride up to the starting point...

Our Latest Costa Rica Content

Enjoy romantic beach evenings on a weeklong honeymoon in Costa Rica
1 Week in Costa Rica - 5 Honeymoon Itinerary Ideas

During a one-week honeymoon adventure in Costa Rica, you can experience pristine rainforest, secluded beaches, and volcanic landscapes. For a mix of all three, opt for a fast-paced trip featuring Tamarindo, Rincón de la Vieja, and Monteverde. Or, slow the pace but increase activities during stays in La Fortuna and Puerto Viejo de Talamanca. Wildlife-loving couples will find Drake Bay and Manuel Antonio the perfect fit, while those seeking a remote getaway embark on a road trip through Costa Rica's interior.

 Spot rare birds while on romantic cloud forest hikes in Costa Rica
Map of Romantic Costa Rica Road Trip: Mountains, Cloud Forests & Beaches - 10 Days
Romantic Costa Rica Road Trip: Mountains, Cloud Forests & Beaches - 10 Days

Perfect for active couples, this 10-day self-drive adventure in paradise gives you a glimpse of Costa Rica's lesser-explored gems. After a city tour of San José, drive deep into the Central Valley for mountain biking adventures, then head toward the Pacific, stopping for tours of coffee farms and birding in cloud forests. Everything culminates at the coast, where you'll go whale watching and enjoy relaxing beach time, gourmet culinary experiences, and catamaran adventures in Manuel Antonio National Park.

Amid the adventure and hiking you'll find time for idyllic beach moments on your romantic getaway
Map of Romantic Escape to Central & Caribbean Costa Rica - 10 Days
Romantic Escape to Central & Caribbean Costa Rica - 10 Days

With four biosphere reserves, nature-loving couples couldn't pick a better spot for the perfect vacation than Costa Rica. This 10-day romantic adventure begins in the capital of San José's coolest neighborhoods, followed by rip-roaring fun on the Río Pacuare, one of the nation's best rivers for whitewater rafting. Then, you're off to golden Caribbean beaches on the north coast and Puerto Viejo, where you'll embark on rainforest hikes, go kayaking, meet local Indigenous cultures, and more.

Costa Rica Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 10 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 5-Days in Costa Rica : 5 Unique Trip Itineraries
5-Days in Costa Rica : 5 Unique Trip Itineraries
View article
Map 2 Weeks in Costa Rica: 5 Unique Itineraries
2 Weeks in Costa Rica: 5 Unique Itineraries
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Costa Rica
Travel specialist Randall Jiménez
active 2 days ago

Randall Jiménez

Phrases like “The trip was wonderful beyond my dreams”, “I came back home being a different person…I have grown physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually”, “A job well done my friend”,...

read more...
Travel specialist Olman Romero
active 20 mins ago

Olman Romero

I was born in Turrialba, it is a region famous for hosting the Guayabo Archeological Monument, which is the oldest and most important pre-hispanic archeological site in the country. Turrialba is...

read more...
Travel specialist Bryan Leon
active 13 hours ago

Bryan Leon

Growing up in a coffee plantation area near San Jose, Costa Rica's vibrant capital, I was fortunate to have parents who instilled in me a deep love and appreciation for nature. As a certified...

read more...
Travel specialist Charlotte Törnqvist
active 2 days ago

Charlotte Törnqvist

I was born and raised in northern Sweden. At the age of 18, I had the privilege of doing a high school exchange year in Costa Rica. I fell in love with the country, the people, and well, my...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for Costa Rica

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Our Costa Rican adventure
Costa Rica | May 26 - Jun 2, 2024

Howard
Howard L.
Denver, CO | Reviewed on Jun 03, 2024
Huge thank you to Gustavo for planning a fantastic trip to CR. The hotels and activities were just top notch. I also must recognize RideCR for getting to all locations safely and promptly. We met other visitors from the US that also worked with KimKim Team and we agreed that you did a great job. We are recommending you to our friends. Read more

Huge thank you to Gustavo for planning a fantastic trip to CR. The hotels and activities were just top notch. I also must recognize RideCR for getting to all locations safely and promptly.

We met other visitors from the US that also worked with KimKim Team and we agreed that you did a great job. We are recommending you to our friends.

Hotel Reviews
Capitán Suizo Beachfront Boutique Hotel
Tamarindo

Perfect location being further from town but walkable to everything. Grounds are beautiful with monkeys and iguanas present.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Koora Hotel at Monteverde
Monteverde

We stayed 3 nights and ate most meals at hotel. The food was truly superb and we wanted to try everything offered. We stayed in the Cloudforest Bungalow and it felt like we were in the middle of the trees. The staff would great us by name and quickly knew what our favorite items were.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
The restaurant staff was amazing. There were several but Allison and Eric were a few standouts.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
Fortuna

Beautiful grounds, great breakfasts, and meals by the pool and springs.

Authenticity & Character
Location
View of Arenal Volcano
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private Surf Lessons at Tamarindo Beach
Private Surf Lessons at Tamarindo Beach
Tamarindo

We had Keki and Moses ans instructors and they did their job to perfection. We both were surfing within 30 minutes. Iguana Surf is a must do.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
 El Tigre Waterfalls Exploration
El Tigre Waterfalls Exploration
Monteverde

We were hesitant at first since we had seen a waterfall in La Fortuna. However this is a must do hike. It is very strenuous and we welcomed the provided walking stick. Very much enjoyed the horseback ride back up.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal Hanging Bridges & La Fortuna Waterfall Guided Hikes
Arenal Hanging Bridges & La Fortuna Waterfall Guided Hikes
Arenal/La Fortuna

Our naturalist guide Maloney made the experience. She pointed out toucans, monkeys, frogs, and other animals. So informative.

Quality of Experience
Food
Very nice touch to have fresh fruit after our hike.
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Treetopia Zip Lines
Treetopia Zip Lines
Monteverde

We highly recommend this zip line tour. Staff was superb and the views are exhilarating.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Gustavo Camperos

Everything went fine with the exception of ...
Costa Rica | May 7 - May 24, 2024

Antonio
Antonio B.
Portugal | Reviewed on May 29, 2024
Everything went fine with the exception of hotel El Faro in Manuel António which was very bad and is not a 4 stars hotel whatsoever. Even the guy on the reception was very antipathetic (despite many others being friendly)! My recommendation is straight forward: dont sell this hotel!| Read more

Everything went fine with the exception of hotel El Faro in Manuel António which was very bad and is not a 4 stars hotel whatsoever. Even the guy on the reception was very antipathetic (despite many others being friendly)! My recommendation is straight forward: dont sell this hotel!|

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Cipreses
Monteverde
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
San Bosco Inn
Fortuna
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Azania Bungalows
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Laguna Lodge
Tortuguero
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sleep Inn Hotel Paseo Las Damas
San José
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
El Faro Beach Hotel
Manuel Antonio

The Hotel has a nice view. Most of the staff is helpful but one guy on the reception was very unfriendly. This hotel is not 4 stars whatsoever. Kimkim should not sell this hotel which is very bad, really bad.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Because of one guy on the reception I have to rate the staff as very bad.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nothing, no improvment is possible in containers!
Local specialist: Randall Jiménez
Randall
Randall Jiménez
Local specialist in San José, Costa Rica | Replied on May 30, 2024

Hi Antonio,

Thank you for sharing your feedback and photos from your recent trip to Hotel El Faro. I value your information as it gives me a firsthand look at the hotel's current condition. Given the rapidly changing nature of hotels in Costa Rica, your feedback is invaluable in helping me make informed decisions about future stays.

On the other hand, it is great to read you enjoyed the rest of the trip completely.

All the best,
Randall

Costa Rica Family Vacation
Costa Rica | May 18 - May 25, 2024

Kevin
Kevin N.
Fruit Cove, FL | Reviewed on May 27, 2024
We had a fantastic time in Costa Rica and this is the second consecutive international trip we have used KimKim to make the arrangements. It saves considerable time doing research and hoping you are choosing the right hotels and experiences. Websites for vendors can be highly deceptive and using someone like KimKim who knows the country and various locations, resorts/hotels and excursion experiences is incredibly helpful. And never having to worry about transportation between locations,... Read more

We had a fantastic time in Costa Rica and this is the second consecutive international trip we have used KimKim to make the arrangements. It saves considerable time doing research and hoping you are choosing the right hotels and experiences. Websites for vendors can be highly deceptive and using someone like KimKim who knows the country and various locations, resorts/hotels and excursion experiences is incredibly helpful. And never having to worry about transportation between locations, airport, etc. is a huge relief when traveling in a foreign country. I would highly recommend KimKim.

Hotel Reviews
Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort
Tamarindo

Excellent location with plenty of dining options on the premises and close to other shops and restaurants. The facilities were great and staff was very friendly. Highly recommend the hotel.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Arenal Springs Resort & Spa
Fortuna

This hotel was beautiful, the grounds were amazing and close to La Fortuna and the Arenal volcano. The villas were great and the staff was extremely friendly. We saw several other hotels in the area but I doubt any were nicer than Arenal Springs Resort.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Tamarindo Horseback Riding to Conchal Beach
Tamarindo Horseback Riding to Conchal Beach
Costa Rica

A very fun morning ride on some beautiful beaches of Costa Rica. Very enjoyable.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Snorkeling to Catalina Islands
Snorkeling to Catalina Islands
Costa Rica

This snorkeling trip was one of the weaker ones we have been on. The company used caters principally to divers so a lot of time was spent dropping them off and picking them up. Our snorkel guides were very nice, no issues at all but the underwater snorkeling wasn't that great. And it took quite a while to get to the boat since you have about a 30 minute drive from Tamarindo Beach with the traffic, then stop at the dive shop to get fins, then shuttle to the beach where you have to go in groups out to the boat on small tender barge since the dive boat is not in a marina. And then all in reverse at the end. And no cocktails and limited snacks at the end. All of our other snorkeling trips have been on better boats and for snorkelers with nice amenities.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Zip Lining - Hanging Bridges & Aerial Tram
Zip Lining - Hanging Bridges & Aerial Tram
Arenal/La Fortuna

Very cool experience. The views from the gondola, zip lines and walking bridges were amazing. Our guide for the bridge and country tour was incredibly knowledgeable about both wildlife and the fauna and made it an enjoyable experience.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Guided Hike in Arenal Volcano Park 1968
Guided Hike in Arenal Volcano Park 1968
Arenal/La Fortuna

The walk through the park was fine, nothing super special but a relaxing couple of hour nature walk.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Olman Romero
Olman
Olman Romero
Local specialist in San Jose, Costa Rica | Replied on May 28, 2024

Hello Kevin,

Thanks for your good review!
I am so glad to know you had a fantastic trip to my country.

I look forward to your new adventure!

Best,
Olman