UPCOMING TRIPS
DESTINATIONSAboutTravel Categories
AmbassadorsTrip PrepCost CalculatorReviewsContact
Costa Rica contains 5% of the world's biodiversity in 0.03% of its land mass. That density of life is visible everywhere — in the howler monkeys that wake you at dawn, the toucans that seem impossibly colorful, the sea turtles that nest on both coasts. Add active volcanoes, cloud forests, and a national philosophy of "Pura Vida" (pure life), and you have a country that makes you feel alive.
Best Time to Visit
DecJanFebMarApr
Average High Temperature (°C)
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Average Rainfall (mm)
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Cost & Safety
Cost of Living IndexModerate
BudgetExpensive
Safety RatingSafe
Quick Facts
CurrencyCosta Rican Colón (USD widely accepted)
LanguageSpanish (English common in tourist areas)
Time ZoneCST (UTC-6)
Visa & Entry
US/EU citizens: no visa needed for stays up to 90 days.
Full visa & vaccination details →Local Customs & Etiquette
•
"Pura Vida" is greeting, farewell, and philosophy — use it freely
•
Ticos (locals) are famously friendly and unhurried
•
Tipping 10% at restaurants is appreciated
•
Biodegradable sunscreen is required at many national parks
Insider Tips from WorldAdventure Guides
01
Arenal is spectacular but Rincón de la Vieja has fewer tourists and equally stunning volcanic terrain
02
Manuel Antonio is the best park for families — guaranteed wildlife sightings
03
Book the Monteverde hanging bridges walk at dawn for the best bird sightings
04
Carry colones for small purchases — USD exchange rates at shops are terrible
Expeditions in Costa Rica