Costa Rica Travel Guide
Few countries pack this much variety into such a small footprint: volcanoes, cloud forests, rainforest wildlife, Pacific beaches, and natural hot springs, all within a few hours of each other.
We spent two weeks in Costa Rica at the end of February, experiencing sunny skies, almost no rain, and a trip that kept getting better from start to finish. We drove the classic loop from Manuel Antonio on the Pacific coast up through the cloud forests of Monteverde and into La Fortuna in the north, wrapping up with a stop at Poas Volcano just outside San José. By the time we left, La Fortuna had become our favorite destination in the country. The combination of Arenal Volcano, rainforest wildlife walks, the waterfall, and the hot springs is genuinely hard to beat.
Our Costa Rica coverage focuses on the same triangle: Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and La Fortuna, where most first-time visitors spend their time and where we think the best experiences are concentrated. Use the destination guides below to plan each stop, and our 10-day Costa Rica itinerary to tie it all together.
Costa Rica Stats
Official languages: Spanish, Mekatelyu, Bribri, Patois
Population: 5 million
Capital City: San José
Currency: Costa Rican colón
Power Outlet: Type A & B
Top Experiences in Costa Rica
Spend a few days in La Fortuna. Hike the trails around Arenal Volcano, go on wildlife walks in the rainforest, photograph and swim at La Fortuna Waterfall, and unwind in the natural hot springs.
Going ziplining through the rainforest. Soar over the rainforest canopies on a ziplining excursion, also called a canopy tour. There are locations throughout Costa Rica, including Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, and La Fortuna.
Go on a guided wildlife walk. Taking a guided walk through one of Costa Rica’s national parks is the best way to spot the wildlife here. Things to see in Costa Rica include the two-toed and three-toed sloths, four species of monkeys (white-face capuchin, howler, squirrel, and spider), the Resplendent Quetzal, tree frogs, toucans, and Scarlet Macaws, just to name a few.
Visit Manuel Antonio. Manuel Antonio is a small town located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. This town the gateway into Manuel Antonio National Park, but its coastal location offers a number of adventure activities, ranging from surfing to ziplining to ATV excursions and whale watching tours. Visitors can also choose from a stunning array of beaches and resorts, perfect for soaking up the sun and indulging in some well-deserved relaxation.
Relax on the beach. With long stretches of sand lining the Pacific and Caribbean shores, Costa Rica is home to some gorgeous beaches. The beach in Manuel Antonio National Park is known as being one of the most beautiful in Costa Rica. Samara Beach and Playa Blanca in Cahuita National Park are two more beautiful spots to visit.
Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Famous for its misty skies, the Monteverde Cloud Forest is a high-altitude rainforest that supports different flora and fauna than what you will find throughout the rest of Costa Rica. Top experiences here include ziplining, walking the hanging bridges, hiking the El Tigre Waterfalls Trail, and taking guided wildlife walks.
Corcovado National Park. Trek through one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, where you can spot jaguars, tapirs, and scarlet macaws.
Rio Celeste. Located in Tenorio Volcano National Park, this milky-blue river is a great spot to go river tubing. The waterfall is stunning and one of Costa Rica’s most iconic places to visit.
Take a coffee or chocolate tour. Visit a plantation to learn more about the coffee and chocolate-making process in Costa Rica. There are plantations throughout the country, with Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and La Fortuna being several of the most popular locations to take one of these tours.
Tortuguero National Park. Cruise through winding canals to see sea turtles, monkeys, sloths, and exotic birds.
Go surfing at Tamarindo Beach. Catch some waves, take a surf lesson, or just relax and soak in the laid-back vibes of this coastal town.
Cliff Jumping at the Nauyaca Waterfalls. Located near Manuel Antonio National Park, this set of waterfalls is popular destination for swimming, cliff jumping, and photography.
Poas Volcano. Just a short drive from San José, visitors can drive to the crater and take a short walk to peer into this active volcano.
Costa Rica Itinerary
10-Day Costa Rica Itinerary: Manuel Antonio, Monteverde & Arenal
We spent two weeks in Costa Rica and this is almost exactly how we did it: a loop from San Jose through Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and La Fortuna. Our favorite trip in Central America.
La Fortuna
16 Best Things to Do in La Fortuna, Costa Rica
Lush rainforests, soothing hot springs, lava fields, and hanging bridges combine perfectly to create one of Costa Rica’s most thrilling destinations. In this guide, we cover the best things to do in La Fortuna, plus what you need to know to plan your time here.
Monteverde
Best Things to Do in Monteverde: Cloud Forests, Ziplining & Waterfalls
Ziplining, canopy tours, guided wildlife walks, and hikes to waterfalls and viewpoints top the list of things to do in Monteverde. In this guide, learn about the top experiences in Monteverde, plus the logistics of getting here, where to stay, where to eat, and how to plan your time.
Manuel Antonio
18 Best Things to Do in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Manuel Antonio was our first stop on a two-week Costa Rica road trip, and it set the tone for everything that followed. We heard a toucan before we even left the hotel property, that distinctive, almost cartoon-like call coming from somewhere in the trees above us. By the time we spotted it from our room […]
Manuel Antonio National Park: Complete Guide for First Time Visitors
Manuel Antonio National Park was the first stop on our two-week Costa Rica road trip and it set the bar high. In a single morning, we spotted sloths, white-faced capuchin monkeys, squirrel monkeys, iguanas, and a rainbow of birds, all with the help of a guide whose scope turned a tangle of branches into a […]
How to Visit Nauyaca Waterfalls & Get the Hidden Cave View
We were standing inside a cave, looking out through a curtain of mist at the upper tier of the Nauyaca Waterfalls, when I realized we’d made the right call on the entrance. From where we stood, the full height of the falls was laid out in front of us, something you simply cannot see from […]
Packing List
Costa Rica Packing List: What We Used & What to Skip
From reef-safe sunscreen to insulated water bottles to the safest insect repellents, this is everything you need to pack for your trip to Costa Rica.
Travel Tips
First Trip to Costa Rica: 18 Things to Know Before You Go
This guide focuses quite a bit on how to rent a car, and if you even need one, plus tipping, best time to visit, eSIMs, safety, scams, and money saving tips.
Best Time to Visit Costa Rica
The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the country’s dry season, which runs from December to April. This period offers plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for beaches, hiking, and exploring national parks.
However, the rainy season from May to November has its own charm. The landscapes are lush and vibrant, crowds are smaller, and prices tend to be lower. Rain usually comes in afternoon showers, leaving mornings clear for adventures.
For specific experiences:
- Wildlife Watching: Visit between July and October to see sea turtles nesting, especially in Tortuguero.
- Surfing: The Pacific Coast gets great swells from May to November, while the Caribbean Coast is best from December to March.
- Festivals: December and January are packed with local celebrations, like the Festival de la Luz and Fiestas de Zapote.
Frequently Asked Questions About Costa Rica
How many days do you need in Costa Rica?
Ten to fourteen days is the sweet spot for a first trip. Ten days is enough to cover Manuel Antonio, Monteverde, and La Fortuna at a reasonable pace. With fourteen days, you can slow down, add a side trip, or work in more time at whichever destination you love most. For us, that was La Fortuna.
What is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
The dry season runs from November through April and is the best time to visit. Expect sunny skies, manageable crowds, and accessible roads. We visited at the end of February and had nearly perfect weather the entire trip. The rainy season (May through November) brings daily rain, more mosquitoes, and occasionally impassable roads, though it also means lower prices and fewer tourists.
Do you need a car in Costa Rica?
A rental car gives you the most flexibility, especially for reaching trailheads and getting between destinations on your own schedule. That said, it’s entirely possible to do the Manuel Antonio–Monteverde–La Fortuna loop without one, using shuttle services and tour transportation. We rented a car and were glad we did.
What are the best destinations in Costa Rica for first-time visitors?
For a first trip, the Manuel Antonio–Monteverde–La Fortuna triangle covers the highlights: Pacific beaches, cloud forest wildlife, and volcano country. Most first-timers do these three in a loop starting and ending at San José. Our 10-day itinerary is built around exactly that route.
What language is spoken in Costa Rica?
Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and tour companies, so you can get by without Spanish, though learning a few basic phrases is always appreciated.
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