Costa Rica, known as the country of "pura vida" (pure life), is covered in rainforests, national parks, and volcanoes with coastlines on the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean. This Central American country is filled with great adventure, beautiful beaches, and plentiful wildlife.

Best Attractions to Visit in Costa Rica

National Parks

Costa Rica has 29 national parks spread throughout the country, accounting for 25% of the territory. Of the 29 national parks, Manuel Antonio National Park is the most visited park and is rich in biodiversity with a perfect blend of beach and rainforest. Corcovado National Park is known for its large size, lowland tropical forest, and wildlife.

Volcanoes

Costa Rica is a volcano-rich country, home to over 120 volcanic sites. While most of these volcanoes are dormant and now are national parks, a handful of them are still active to this day. The Turrialba Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica but was dormant for over 100 years until 2010 when it started to show activity again.

Stunning Beaches

Known for its beautiful beaches, Costa Rica has an estimated 600 beaches between the two coastlines. If travelers are up for a light 30-minute hike, they will be rewarded with the beautiful white sand of Manuel Antonio Beach. This beach offers adventure with the rainforest along the beach, and the coral seascape is perfect for snorkeling.

Lush Rainforests

Six different types of rainforests make up approximately 50% of Costa Rica’s land, which highlights the country’s biodiversity. Some of these rainforests can get up to 200 inches of rain each year, providing the perfect ecosystem for over 100 different species of trees. Costa Rica’s rainforests range in rainfall, elevation, and species of all types.

Wildlife

Ocean to tree top, Costa Rica has very diverse wildlife that attracts tourists from all over the world. The country is known for having the longest whale watching season, featuring the humpback whale, as well as the recurring sea turtle nesting season. Flying through the skies are the vibrant scarlet macaw and six species of toucans, which all range in color. Costa Rica is also home to four monkey species, two types of sloth species, and six species of wildcats.

Adventure

When visiting Costa Rica, you are surrounded by adventure opportunities at every corner. From the rainforests to the volcanoes, there are many trails for those who enjoy hiking. The country is well known for its zip lining throughout the rainforests. With two great coasts to choose from (Caribbean and Pacific), surfing is a popular activity, as well as white water rafting in Rio Pacuare.

When to Visit Costa Rica

The most popular time to visit Costa Rica is December through April. These months are considered the dryer months of the year and will have more sunshine. It is also recommended to visit May through June, when the country tends to be the greenest while still getting plentiful sunshine. When traveling during off-season, the national parks tend to be quieter with fewer tourists.

Travel Essentials for Costa Rica

• Waterproof gear: Since Costa Rica is made up of many rainforests that get hundreds of inches of rain each year, it is best to be prepared with waterproof walking shoes, pants, and jackets if you plan to hike.
• Bathing suit: A bathing suit is a necessity to enjoy the many beautiful beaches.
• Water bottle: Be sure to stay hydrated when exploring this hot and humid country.
• Sunscreen and bug repellent: Protect your skin from the sun and the various types of bugs flying around the country.
• Lightweight clothing: With temperatures reaching 95°F (35°C) with high humidity, it is best to pack lightweight clothing and sandals.

Things to Know Before Visiting

• Tap water is safe: The tap water is safe to drink throughout the country, but it is recommended to bring a filtered water bottle for those with a sensitive stomach. The water is clean but is considered to be hard water.
• Bug repellent is a necessity: Mosquitoes are year-round pests in Costa Rica and are much worse in the rainfall seasons. Mosquitos are more likely to carry dengue fever than Malaria and Zika.
• U.S. dollars are accepted: Costa Rica readily accepts the U.S. dollar, and in some areas, they even quote their prices in USD. There is no need to stress over exchanging currency.
• It gets dark early: In Costa Rica, the sun rises around 6 AM and sets around 6 PM every day, only varying about 15 minutes throughout the year. Plan your trip accordingly, and make note that most companies are closed near or shortly after nightfall.
• Costa Rica is generally safe: Even though it is a generally safe country, petty crime does take place. Be cautious of your surroundings and those around you.
• Travel medical insurance is recommended: While travel medical insurance isn't required to enter Costa Rica, it's highly recommended. The U.S. Department of State strongly encourages travelers to carry travel medical insurance that includes emergency evacuation coverage, as hospitals and doctors often require up-front cash payment, and health care in rural areas may be below U.S. standards.

Costa Rica’s beautiful landscape and welcoming weather make it a perfect destination for family vacations, couples retreats, solo travel, and any trip in between.