Rainforests, volcanoes and two coasts of wildlife.
Costa Rica is a small Central American country with rainforests, volcanoes and beaches on two coasts. It suits nature lovers, families and adventure travellers. It is known for wildlife such as sloths and toucans, the Arenal Volcano and cloud forests of Monteverde. A large share of the land is protected.
Tap a card or a pin. Add a place to a day of your trip, or look for tours.
Arenal is a cone-shaped volcano surrounded by rainforest. Hot springs and hanging bridges are nearby.
Monteverde is a misty cloud forest with rich birdlife. Hanging bridges let you walk in the canopy.
Manuel Antonio combines rainforest and beaches with monkeys and sloths. Visitor numbers are capped.
Tortuguero is a network of canals reached only by boat or plane. Sea turtles nest on its beaches seasonally.
Corcovado on the Osa Peninsula is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. Guides are required.
A tall waterfall drops into a pool near La Fortuna. Steps lead down through forest.
Rio Celeste is a river with bright blue water in Tenorio Volcano National Park. A trail leads to a waterfall.
Puerto Viejo is a laid-back Caribbean town with reggae culture. Cahuita National Park is nearby.
Cahuita has a coastal trail and coral reef. Entrance at the town end is by donation.
Guanacaste has dry forest and beaches for surfing. Tamarindo and Nosara are popular.
This volcanic park has mud pots, fumaroles and waterfalls. It is in the Guanacaste conservation area.
Poás has a huge crater with an acid lake. Access depends on volcanic activity.
Marino Ballena is a marine park with a whale-tail shaped sandbar. Humpback whales visit seasonally.
Santa Teresa is a surf and yoga town on the Nicoya Peninsula. Sunsets are a nightly event.
San José has the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum and the National Theatre. It is a short stop for most visitors.
Everything above is open to read. A Hodolog account lets you build the trip around it: pick cities, add places to days, see the weather for your dates.
Each city with a guide opens its own page: map, where to stay, what to eat.
Capital and gateway.
gateway · Open the city guideArenal base.
nature, adventure · Guide comingCloud forest.
nature · Guide comingManuel Antonio base.
beaches, wildlife · Guide comingCaribbean vibes.
beaches · Guide comingSurf beaches.
beaches · Guide comingBeaches and a popular wildlife park.
beaches, wildlife · Guide comingRemote canal town for turtles and boat safaris.
wildlife, boats · Guide comingSouthern Pacific base for whales and waterfalls.
marine, beaches, relaxing · Guide comingVolcanoes and hot springs.
Arenal, Rio Celeste
Beaches and parks.
Manuel Antonio, Uvita
Canals and reggae towns.
Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo, Cahuita
Dry forest and surf.
Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, Rincón de la Vieja
Remote jungle.
Corcovado, Drake Bay
Highland area with the capital, coffee farms and volcanoes.
San Jose, Poas, Irazu
Choose how long you have, then add the whole route to a trip as places and nights.
Best: December to April. The dry season brings sun on the Pacific side.
The Caribbean coast is often drier in September and October, while the rest of the country is in its rainy green season from May to November.
January. Busy season. Higher prices, bigger crowds.
80°F daily high, 73°F average, 1.5 in
Average of past years from NASA POWER, worked out at each city's position. A place far from these cities can be quite different.
US State Department Level 2 (exercise increased caution) due to crime; petty theft is common and violent crime also affects tourists.
Shuttles and buses link towns, but roads are slow; many visitors rent a car.
Prices are high for the region.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Members see the rules for their own passport here.
Passport and visa rules change often and without notice. Always check the official pages before you book and again before you travel.
| Entry | Check current visa and entry rules on the Costa Rican Embassy in the UK (costaricanembassy.uk) or the embassy in your country, and your own government's travel advice, before you book, as rules change. |
| Plugs | Type A, B; 120 V, 60 Hz |
| Tap water | varies |
| Tipping | A 10 percent service charge is included in restaurants. |
| Payments | Cards are accepted in tourist areas; US dollars widely used. |
| Emergency | 911 general |
| Etiquette | Ticos value politeness; pura vida is a common greeting. Do not feed wildlife. |
| Driving | On the right |
| Between cities | Shared shuttles and public buses link tourist towns; small planes save time. Many visitors rent a 4WD. |
| Main airports | SJO, LIR |
| Ride apps | Uber, DiDi |
Costa Rica was a modest Spanish colony and became independent in 1821. Coffee and bananas drove its economy in the 19th and 20th centuries. It abolished its army in 1948 and has a long democratic tradition. Ecotourism is now one of its main industries.
Researched 2026-10-13. Check official sources and recent changes before you go.