Costa Rica travel guides
In-depth, no-fluff guides — wildlife, parks, volcanoes, surf, rafting, hot springs, planning, seasonal weather and side-by-side comparisons
Wildlife (8)
Bird watching by region in Costa Rica
Costa Rica's best birding regions: Caño Negro, Carara, San Gerardo de Dota, Sarapiquí, Monteverde, and the Osa Peninsula. 900+ species, practical guide.
Butterflies and frogs in Costa Rica: where to see them
Best places to see butterflies and frogs in Costa Rica: La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Monteverde butterfly farm, Selvatura frog exhibit, and wild encounters.
Costa Rica wildlife overview: why this tiny country holds so much life
Costa Rica holds 6% of the world's biodiversity in just 0.03% of Earth's surface. Discover the animals, parks, and microclimates that make this possible.
Monkey species of Costa Rica: the complete guide
Costa Rica has four monkey species: howler, spider, capuchin, and squirrel. Learn where to find each one, from Manuel Antonio to Corcovado.
Nocturnal wildlife guide for Costa Rica
What to see on a Costa Rica night tour: tree frogs, kinkajous, two-toed sloths, owls, and vipers. Best spots in Monteverde, Arenal, and the Caribbean coast.
Quetzal watching guide for Costa Rica
See the resplendent quetzal in Costa Rica: best season (Apr–Jun), top spots San Gerardo de Dota and Monteverde, guided tour tips and what to expect.
Where to see sloths in Costa Rica
Find sloths reliably at Manuel Antonio NP, Cahuita, Sloth Sanctuary Limón, and Toucan Rescue Ranch near San José. Tips, prices, and ethical advice.
Wildlife photography tips for Costa Rica
Practical guide to wildlife photography in Costa Rica: camera gear for rainforest and cloud forest, ethical conduct, best spots, and lighting tips by ecosystem.
National parks (14)
Arenal Volcano National Park: what you can actually do and see in 2026
Can you climb Arenal Volcano? What trails are open? Best viewpoints, hanging bridges, night tours, and how to combine the park with La Fortuna's hot springs.
Cahuita National Park: reef snorkelling, sloths, and Caribbean shoreline
Complete guide to Cahuita NP: two entrance points, donation vs paid entry, reef snorkelling conditions, wildlife on the coastal trail, and best time to visit.
Carara National Park: scarlet macaws, crocodiles, and the best wildlife day trip from San José
Why Carara NP is the top wildlife day trip from San José: scarlet macaw roosts, Tárcoles crocodiles, trail guide, entry fees, and realistic expectations.
Chirripó National Park: hiking Costa Rica's highest peak
Climbing Cerro Chirripó: fitness required, SINAC permit process, Crestones Base Lodge, gear list, weather, and costs for Costa Rica's highest summit.
Corcovado National Park: the complete guide to visiting the Osa Peninsula
Everything about visiting Corcovado NP: mandatory guide rules, Sirena Station access, Drake Bay vs Puerto Jiménez, costs, and best months to go.
Irazú Volcano National Park: craters, dual-coast views, and the Orosi Valley circuit
Plan your Irazú Volcano visit: best arrival time for clear crater views, entry fees, Orosi Valley circuit, and day trips from San José and Cartago.
Manuel Antonio National Park: the complete visitor guide
Everything you need to visit Manuel Antonio NP: entry fees, quotas, certified guides, wildlife, trails, and how to avoid tourist traps at the gate.
Marino Ballena National Park: humpback whales, the whale tail, and Uvita's marine wonder
Complete guide to Marino Ballena NP near Uvita: two humpback whale seasons, the whale tail sandbar, entry fees, snorkelling, dolphins, and best time to visit.
Palo Verde National Park: Costa Rica's best wetland birding in the dry season
Peak season at Palo Verde is December to March: waterbird density, boat tours on the Río Tempisque, pottery in Guatil, entry fees, and how to get there.
Poás Volcano National Park: crater reservations, La Paz Waterfall, and visitor tips
How to book Poás Volcano NP reservations through SINAC, what to expect at the crater, best combined day trips with La Paz Waterfall Gardens and coffee farms.
Rincón de la Vieja National Park: volcanic hot springs, wildlife, and Las Pailas trail
Complete guide to Rincón de la Vieja NP: Las Pailas trail, volcanic mud pools, wildlife, entry fees, best seasons, and what you can do at Hacienda Guachipelín.
Santa Rosa National Park: dry forest, history, surf, and Guanacaste's wild north
Santa Rosa NP guide: La Casona historical site, Witch's Rock surf, dry forest wildlife, entry fees, and how to access Costa Rica's oldest national park.
Tenorio Volcano National Park and Río Celeste: the blue river explained
Why is Río Celeste blue? How to hike to the waterfall and Los Teñideros. Entry fees, trail conditions, best time, and tours from La Fortuna and Guanacaste.
Tortuguero National Park: sea turtles, canals, and Caribbean jungle
Plan your Tortuguero visit: turtle nesting seasons, canal wildlife, how to get there, where to stay, and when to go for green sea turtles.
Volcanoes (6)
Arenal vs Poás vs Irazú: which volcano is right for you?
Arenal, Poás, and Irazú compared head-to-head. Find out which Costa Rica volcano suits your schedule, fitness level, and travel style.
Best volcanoes in Costa Rica to visit
Costa Rica has six visitable volcanoes. Compare Arenal, Poás, Irazú, Tenorio, Rincón de la Vieja and Turrialba to plan your trip.
Hiking Cerro Chirripó: permits, trail, and what to expect
Complete guide to hiking Cerro Chirripó (3,820 m): SINAC permit process, Crestones Base Lodge, trail conditions, and physical preparation.
How to see Arenal Volcano: what's still possible in 2026
Arenal hasn't had major eruptions since 2010. Here's what you can realistically see, the best viewpoints, night tours, and honest expectations.
Understanding Costa Rica's volcanic activity
Why Costa Rica has so many volcanoes, how OVSICORI monitors them, which are active, and what volcanic activity means for your visit.
Volcano photography tips for Costa Rica
Get the best volcano shots in Costa Rica. Dawn timing, ideal viewpoints, gear recommendations, and ethical tips for Arenal, Poás, and Irazú.
Beaches (12)
Best Caribbean beaches in Costa Rica
Punta Uva, Manzanillo, Cahuita, Playa Negra — the honest guide to Costa Rica's Caribbean coast beaches and when to go.
Best family beaches in Costa Rica
The safest swim beaches for families: Conchal, Sámara, Playa Hermosa Guanacaste, and Manuel Antonio main beach ranked and compared.
Best luxury beach resorts in Costa Rica
Andaz Papagayo, Four Seasons, Nantipa, Nayara Tented Camp — the honest guide to Costa Rica's top luxury beach hotels and who each suits.
Best Pacific beaches in Costa Rica
From Conchal's crushed shells to Manuel Antonio's wildlife-backed coves, find the right Pacific beach for your trip.
Best snorkel beaches in Costa Rica
Manzanillo, Cahuita, and Punta Uva are Costa Rica's top shore-snorkel beaches. Here's what to expect and how to plan your visit.
Best surf beaches in Costa Rica by level
Tamarindo for beginners, Nosara and Santa Teresa for intermediate, Pavones for advanced — the honest surf beach breakdown by level.
Caribbean vs Pacific beaches Costa Rica: which coast for your trip?
Pacific = sunsets + variety + resorts. Caribbean = reggae + reefs + authenticity. Choose the right Costa Rica coast for your travel style.
Costa Rica beach safety: riptides, flags, and drowning prevention
Over 80% of drownings in Costa Rica are tourists. Learn the flag system, how to spot riptides, and which beaches to avoid for safe swimming.
Guanacaste beach guide: orientation and comparison
Coco and Hermosa for resorts, Conchal and Flamingo for white sand, Tamarindo for surf, Nosara for yoga — the complete Guanacaste coast breakdown.
Hidden beaches in Costa Rica off the radar
Playa Cativo, Punta Banco, Junquillal, Carrillo, Playa Mantas — the quiet Costa Rica beaches that do not appear in mass-market guides.
Nicoya Peninsula beaches: Nosara, Santa Teresa, and Sámara compared
Nosara for yoga, Santa Teresa for surf lifestyle, Sámara for families — choose the right Nicoya Peninsula beach for your trip.
How to read Costa Rica tide tables and surf conditions
IMN tide service, Tide-X apps, surf school briefings — how to read Costa Rica tide tables and plan beach activities around swell and tidal cycles.
Cloud forests (5)
Children's Eternal Rainforest: the world's biggest kid-funded reserve
The Children's Eternal Rainforest protects 22,000 ha near Monteverde. Learn its origin story, what lives there, and how to visit or support it.
Cloud forest vs rainforest: what's the actual difference?
Cloud forest vs rainforest: altitude, mist source, temperature, and biodiversity differ significantly. Understand both ecosystems before you visit.
Curi-Cancha Reserve: the quieter side of Monteverde
Curi-Cancha Reserve in Monteverde: smaller crowds, reliable quetzal sightings, primary and secondary forest. Full guide with pricing and tips.
Monteverde vs Santa Elena reserve: which to visit?
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve vs Santa Elena Reserve compared: trails, wildlife, cost, crowds, and which suits your trip in 2026.
San Gerardo de Dota: quetzals and cloud forest in the Talamanca
San Gerardo de Dota is Costa Rica's top destination for resplendent quetzals. Raging Savegre River, cold Talamanca cloud forest, and real solitude.
Adventure (8)
ATV tours in Costa Rica: the best regions and what to expect
Compare ATV tours across Costa Rica's best regions: Guanacaste dry forest, Uvita coast, La Fortuna jungle. Real prices, top operators, honest advice.
Bungee jumping in Costa Rica: the only real option explained
Costa Rica has one bungee jump operator: Costa Rica Extreme, on a bridge near Naranjo in Alajuela. Full guide to prices, safety, and what to expect.
Canyoning in Arenal: the complete guide to waterfall rappelling
Lost Canyon Adventures, Pure Trek, Gravity Falls — compare the top Arenal canyoning operators, prices, and what to expect on the ropes.
Caves in Costa Rica: Barra Honda, Venado, and where to spelunk
Explore Costa Rica's main cave systems: Barra Honda NP in Guanacaste and Venado Caves near Arenal. What to expect, tour logistics, and safety tips.
Adventure tour pricing in Costa Rica: what you should actually pay
Real 2026 prices for Costa Rica adventure tours: canyoning $110-135, ATV $95-165, ziplines $60-110, rafting $90-140. No inflated tour-desk rates.
Extreme adventure routes in Costa Rica: the 7-10 day adrenaline circuit
Combine Pacuare River rafting, Arenal canyoning, and a Corcovado trek in a 7-10 day circuit — the best multi-day adventure trip in Central America.
Paragliding in Costa Rica: where to fly and what it really costs
Where to paraglide in Costa Rica: Caldera Pacific coast, Dominical, and Turrialba. Best season Dec-Apr, prices $100-180, honest operator advice.
Zipline vs canyoning vs hanging bridges: which to choose in Costa Rica
Thrill-seeker, nature lover, or casual explorer? Compare ziplines, canyoning, and hanging bridges across Arenal and Monteverde to find your match.
Surfing (10)
Best beginner surf spots in Costa Rica: honest picks by level
Tamarindo, Sámara, Jacó, and Playa Hermosa Pacific are Costa Rica's top beginner surf beaches. Honest comparison including crowds, waves, and school quality.
Dominical and the southern Pacific surf coast explained
Dominical vs Uvita for surf: Dominical is heavy and advanced-only, Uvita offers gentler breaks. Full guide to southern Pacific coast surfing in Costa Rica.
Jacó surf guide: the closest real surf town to San José
Jacó is Costa Rica's most accessible surf hub from San José: reliable beach break, dozens of schools, and a lively party scene. Full honest guide.
Nosara surf guide: Guiones, the yoga coast, and what to expect
Playa Guiones delivers year-round consistent surf in a laid-back setting. Our Nosara surf guide covers breaks, seasons, schools, and honest crowd intel.
Pavones: chasing the world's longest left-hand wave
Pavones in southern Costa Rica hosts one of the planet's longest left-hand point breaks. Advanced surfers only — here's everything you need to know.
Santa Teresa surf guide: crowds, power, and the scene
Santa Teresa's 5km of beach holds powerful waves and a lively surf scene. Honest guide to breaks, seasons, crowds, schools, and where to stay.
Surf camps in Costa Rica: how to choose and what to expect
Best surf camps in Costa Rica by region — Drift Bay, Surf Synergy, Iguana, and more. What's included, real prices, and how to pick the right fit.
Surf seasons by region: when and where to surf in Costa Rica
Pacific south swells peak April–October; Caribbean fires December–February (Salsa Brava). Full regional surf season breakdown for every Costa Rica coast.
Tamarindo surf guide: learn, ride, repeat
Everything surfers need for Tamarindo: best breaks, surf schools, seasons, where to stay and honest tips on what to skip.
Witch's Rock and Ollie's Point: the Santa Rosa boat-access breaks
Witch's Rock and Ollie's Point require a boat from Playas del Coco through Santa Rosa National Park. Advanced surfers only — here's everything you need.
Whitewater rafting (6)
Multi-day Pacuare River expeditions: lodges, logistics, and what to expect
Sleep inside the Pacuare canyon — accessible only by raft. Compare Pacuare Lodge and Río Pacuare Lodge for the ultimate 2-day expedition in Costa Rica.
Pacuare River rafting: the complete guide to Costa Rica's best whitewater
The Pacuare is one of the top 10 rivers worldwide. Class III-IV rapids, jungle canyon, no roads for 28 km. Compare operators, prices, and season tips.
Rafting class comparison: the International Whitewater Scale explained for Costa Rica
What do Class II, III, and IV mean in real terms? The International Whitewater Scale explained with Costa Rica rivers as examples. Know before you book.
Reventazón River rafting: what remains after the dam
The Reventazón lost its upper Class IV-V sections to a dam in 2016. What remains downstream is still good Class III rafting. Honest guide to current conditions.
Sarapiquí River rafting: the complete guide for all skill levels
Sarapiquí rafting runs Class II-III intro trips and Class III-IV Jungle Run. Compare operators, prices $85-110, and best season from Arenal or San José.
Savegre River rafting: scenic Class II-III near Manuel Antonio
Half-day Class II-III rafting on the Savegre River from Quepos. Pristine Pacific slope jungle, wildlife-rich banks, easy access from Manuel Antonio.
Ziplines (5)
Arenal ziplines: best canopy tours near La Fortuna
Compare the best zipline tours near Arenal Volcano: Sky Adventures, Ecoglide, Místico combo, prices $60-110, cable specs, lake views, and booking tips.
Diamante Eco Adventure Park: complete visitor guide
Full guide to Diamante Eco Adventure Park: Superman zip, wildlife sanctuary, cultural farm, ATV. Day pass prices $50-165, what's included, booking tips.
Monteverde ziplines: the definitive guide
Everything you need to zipline in Monteverde: cable lengths, operators, prices $60-110, age limits, and honest tips for booking the best canopy tour.
Selvatura Park Monteverde: hanging bridges, butterflies, and canopy
Complete guide to Selvatura Park near Monteverde: 8 suspension bridges, butterfly garden, sloth habitat, zipline circuit. Tickets $40-105, what to see, tips.
Zip line safety and pricing in Costa Rica: the honest guide
Are Costa Rica ziplines safe? ICT certification, double anchors, weight limits, what to ask before booking, and honest pricing from $60-165. Expert breakdown.
Hot springs (5)
Arenal hot springs overview: all six resorts compared
Complete Arenal hot springs guide: Tabacón, Baldí, Eco Termales, Paradise, Springs Resort, Titoku — prices, pools, atmosphere, plus the free Río Chollín option.
Free hot springs near Arenal: the Río Chollín guide
Free hot springs near La Fortuna: Río Chollín thermal river, safety caveats, flash flood risks, what to bring. Free but not risk-free — read this first.
Hot springs day pass guide: prices, what's included, and how to book
Complete guide to Costa Rica hot springs day passes: price ranges $40-110, what's included, lunch policies, booking windows, and which resorts offer best value.
Rincón de la Vieja thermal spas: volcanic mud and sulfur pools guide
Guide to Rincón de la Vieja thermal spas: Hacienda Guachipelín volcanic mud, sulfur pools, steam sauna. Prices $80-120, what to expect, dry forest setting.
Tabacón vs Baldí vs Eco Termales: which Arenal hot spring is right for you?
Honest comparison of Tabacón ($110), Baldí ($65), and Eco Termales ($55) at Arenal. Pools, food, crowds, kids, best times. Which hot spring is worth it?
Snorkeling and diving (7)
Bat Islands bull shark diving: the definitive guide
Dive with bull sharks at Costa Rica's Bat Islands (Isla Murciélagos). Certifications, best season Jun-Sep, operators, and what to realistically expect.
Cahuita reef snorkeling: what to expect in 2026
Honest guide to snorkeling Cahuita National Park's coral reef: bleaching status, best operators, real prices $55-85, and what marine life to expect.
Caño Island snorkeling: the complete guide
Plan your Caño Island snorkel trip: departure points, marine life, best months, tour options from Drake Bay and Uvita, and real prices.
Catalinas Islands diving: complete guide
Everything you need to dive Las Catalinas Islands in Costa Rica: marine life, best season, certifications, operators and real prices.
Cocos Island liveaboards: everything you need to know
Plan a Cocos Island liveaboard dive trip: how to get there, cost ($4-6k), top operators, best season, and what sharks and rays you'll encounter.
Costa Rica marine life guide: every species worth knowing
Complete guide to Costa Rica's marine life: humpback whales, manta rays, sea turtles, hammerheads, sailfish and what time of year to see each species.
Snorkel or scuba dive in Costa Rica: which is right for you?
Compare Costa Rica's best snorkeling and diving sites. Caño Island and Cahuita for snorkel; Catalinas, Cocos, and Bat Islands for divers.
Wellness and yoga (5)
Costa Rica's best eco-luxury wellness lodges
Top eco-luxury wellness lodges in Costa Rica: Pacuare Lodge, Lapa Rios, Nayara Springs, Nicuesa, Origins. Real prices, what's included, and how to choose.
Nosara yoga retreats: complete guide for 2026
Everything about Nosara yoga retreats: top studios, retreat centers, daily schedules, prices $150-400/night, best season, and how to choose the right program.
Santa Teresa wellness: the complete guide for 2026
Santa Teresa Costa Rica wellness guide: daily yoga classes, Pranamar and Florblanca retreats, sound healing, surf therapy, and real prices.
Best Arenal spa resorts: the honest comparison
Compare Arenal's top spa resorts: Tabacón Grand Spa, Nayara Springs, The Springs Resort. Real prices, what's included, and which is best for you.
Yoga teacher training in Costa Rica: 200 and 500-hour guide
Guide to 200-hour and 500-hour YTT programs in Costa Rica: Bodhi Tree Nosara, Blue Osa, Pranamar, Anamaya. Real prices $2,500-5,000 and program comparison.
Wildlife watching (6)
Bird watching itineraries in Costa Rica: Carara to Monteverde
Best birding circuit: Carara → Sarapiquí → San Gerardo de Dota → Monteverde. Covers 600+ species. Quetzals, macaws, toucans — where, when, and who to hire.
Ostional arribada: witnessing mass Olive Ridley nesting
Thousands of Olive Ridley turtles nest simultaneously at Ostional Aug–Dec on the waning moon. How to visit responsibly, when to go, and what to expect.
Playa Grande leatherback turtles: Las Baulas National Park guide
See the world's largest turtle at Playa Grande in Las Baulas National Park, Oct–Feb. Season dates, how tours work, where to stay near Tamarindo, ethical rules.
Tortuguero turtle nesting guide: seasons, ethics, and logistics
Green turtles Jul–Oct, hawksbills year-round, leatherbacks Mar–Jul. Complete guide to Tortuguero's turtle nesting season, tours, and ethical viewing.
Uvita whale watching season: complete guide to Marino Ballena
Two humpback seasons at Marino Ballena NP — Aug–Oct and Dec–Apr. Exact dates, what to bring, best operators, ethical rules, and where to base yourself.
Wildlife watching ethics in Costa Rica: the honest guide
No flash, no feeding, certified guides only. Costa Rica's ICT standards explained — how to spot operators that violate them and be a respectful visitor.
Food and coffee (6)
Chocolate and cacao tours in Costa Rica: the best experiences
Best chocolate tour: La Iguana (Manuel Antonio area), North Fields (La Fortuna), Bribrí indigenous (Caribbean). Honest guide to cacao tours by region and price.
Coffee tours comparison: Doka vs Britt vs Hacienda Alsacia
Doka = oldest historic ($60), Britt = polished gift-shop heavy ($45), Hacienda Alsacia = Starbucks farm ($30). Honest comparison of Costa Rica's coffee tours.
Costa Rican cuisine by region: how food changes coast to coast
Caribbean coconut+jerk, Guanacaste maize-heavy, Pacific seafood-rich, Central Valley meat-and-rice — region-by-region Costa Rica food guide.
Costa Rican cuisine: what to eat, where to eat it
Gallo pinto, casado, ceviche, plantain, palmito heart — fresh, simple, Caribbean and Spanish roots. Honest guide to eating well in Costa Rica at every budget.
Gallo pinto and traditional Costa Rican dishes: where to eat them
Where to try gallo pinto: any soda, best at Soda La Casita (San José) or Doña Alcira (Cahuita). Essential traditional dishes, prices, and honest tips.
Sodas and local restaurants: how to eat like a Tico
A soda is a family-run kitchen serving casado for $5–8, found in every town. How to spot a real soda, what to order, and where to find the best ones.
Family (6)
Costa Rica activities for teenagers: adrenaline, surf, and wildlife
What teenagers can actually do in Costa Rica: ziplines, surf school, ATV tours, Class II-III rafting, snorkeling, night tours, and more. Real ages and prices.
Costa Rica activities for young children (under 7)
Best Costa Rica activities for children under 7: sloth sanctuaries, butterfly farms, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, gentle beaches, and kid-friendly wildlife.
Best family eco-lodges in Costa Rica
Top family eco-lodges in Costa Rica: Selva Verde Lodge, Hotel Si Como No, Nayara Resort, Lapa Rios, and more — with real prices and what kids will love.
Family-friendly itinerary guide for Costa Rica
Plan the perfect Costa Rica family trip: Arenal volcanos, Manuel Antonio sloths, ziplines and calm beaches in 7–10 days with real logistics.
Family travel tips for Costa Rica: practical guide for parents
Practical Costa Rica family travel tips: reef-safe sunscreen rules, mosquito repellent, extra travel time, health precautions, packing essentials for kids.
Kid-safe beaches in Costa Rica: the calmest options for families
The calmest, safest swim beaches for families with children in Costa Rica: Conchal, Sámara, Hermosa Guanacaste, and Manuel Antonio main beach.
Getting around (7)
Airport to destination transfers in Costa Rica
SJO and LIR airport transfers: private $50–150, shared shuttles $35–60, taxis licensed only. Complete guide to reaching your destination from day one.
Driving in Costa Rica: everything you need to know
Complete guide to driving in Costa Rica: Waze setup, road numbers, river crossings, night driving rules, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.
Ferry routes in Costa Rica: Puntarenas, Nicoya, and beyond
Puntarenas to Paquera ferry: 1h 20min crossing, 4–6 daily sailings, Naviera Tambor schedules, costs, and tips for the Nicoya Peninsula crossing.
Internal flights in Costa Rica: Sansa and Aerobell explained
Sansa and Aerobell fly to Drake Bay, Tortuguero, Quepos, and more. Fares run $90–180 per leg. Here's how to choose, book, and pack.
Rent a car in Costa Rica or not? Honest decision guide
Should you rent a car in Costa Rica? Honest breakdown of costs, road conditions, scams, and when shuttles or private transfers make more sense.
Road conditions in Costa Rica by region and season
Which Costa Rica roads are worst and when? Monteverde gravel, Drake Bay crossings, Osa Peninsula, Caribbean coast — detailed seasonal condition guide.
Shuttle services in Costa Rica: the complete operator guide
Interbus, GrayLine, and Caribe Shuttle compared: routes, prices, booking tips, and when shuttles beat renting a car or flying.
Trip planning (8)
ATM and cash tips for Costa Rica
ATM fees in Costa Rica, which banks work best with foreign cards, and how to avoid losing money at the airport exchange counter. Practical 2026 guide.
eSIM and internet access in Costa Rica
Best eSIM options for Costa Rica in 2026. Airalo, Holafly, and local Kolbi compared. Coverage maps, dead zones, and Wi-Fi tips included.
Money and currency in Costa Rica
Colón or USD in Costa Rica? Both work, but knowing when and where saves money. ATM fees, card tips, and cash strategy for every budget.
Packing list for Costa Rica: what to actually bring
What to pack for Costa Rica in 2026. Quick-dry clothes, headlamp, reef-safe sunscreen, dry bag and more. Honest list for every type of trip.
Safety in Costa Rica: honest risks and smart habits
Is Costa Rica safe to travel? Honest breakdown of real risks: car theft, riptides, motorbike accidents, and how to travel smart in 2026.
Tipping in Costa Rica: what, when, and how much
Do you tip in Costa Rica? Restaurants include 10% service. Taxis and hotels are optional. Full guide to tipping culture with amounts in USD and colones.
Travel insurance for Costa Rica: what you actually need
Is travel insurance required for Costa Rica? No — but it's strongly recommended. Compare World Nomads, SafetyWing, and IMG for adventure and medical cover.
Visa and entry requirements for Costa Rica
Who needs a visa for Costa Rica, what documents to bring, and what happens at the border. Honest answers for 2026 travellers.
Seasonal guides (9)
April weather in Costa Rica: the dry season's last chapter
April is Costa Rica's last dry-season month. Very hot in Guanacaste, still good on the Central Pacific. First rains arrive late April; prices drop mid-month.
Best time to visit Costa Rica: honest month-by-month guide
Dry season (Dec-Apr) offers sunny Pacific beaches; green season (May-Nov) brings lush scenery and lower prices. The real answer depends on your region.
Dry season Costa Rica: honest pros and cons
Costa Rica's dry season (Dec-Apr) means sunny Pacific days and higher prices. Is it worth paying the premium? An honest breakdown by region and traveller type.
Green season Costa Rica: why it's worth considering
Green season (May-Nov) means lush scenery, 30-50% lower prices, and fewer crowds. Afternoon rain is real but manageable. Here's who should book it.
January weather in Costa Rica: the complete guide
January is Costa Rica's peak dry season: sunny Pacific beaches, warm temps, and higher prices. Caribbean side tapering rains. Plan smart.
July weather in Costa Rica: green season with a twist
July brings green season rain to Costa Rica's Pacific coast, but the veranillo mini-dry spell arrives mid-month. Turtle season begins; Caribbean stays damp.
Costa Rica microclimates explained: why weather differs by region
Costa Rica has 12 climate zones. Atlantic vs Pacific watershed, altitude, and trade winds drive wildly different weather just 50 km apart — here is why.
October weather in Costa Rica: what you need to know
October is the Pacific's wettest month but the Caribbean's best window. Humpback whales peak and prices are lowest. Here's how to plan October in Costa Rica.
Shoulder season deals in Costa Rica: the insider's timing guide
Late April and late November offer 30-40% off peak rates with near-dry-season weather. The ultimate timing guide for value-conscious Costa Rica travellers.
Comparisons (5)
Arenal vs Rincón de la Vieja: which volcano destination should you visit?
Arenal is polished, family-friendly, and packed with activities. Rincón de la Vieja is quieter, wilder, and genuinely volcanic. Compare both before you book.
Caribbean vs Pacific coast Costa Rica: a first-timer's planning guide
First trip to Costa Rica? Pacific means sunshine, resorts, and surf. Caribbean means reefs, reggae, and Afro-Caribbean culture. Here is how to decide.
Costa Rica vs Panama: which country should you visit first?
Costa Rica has the wildlife infrastructure and national parks. Panama has the canal, lower prices, and a different kind of wilderness. Here is how to choose.
Guanacaste vs southern Pacific Costa Rica: which coast fits your trip?
Guanacaste = sun, dry, resorts. Southern Pacific = lush, wild, remote. This head-to-head comparison helps you pick the right Costa Rica coast.
Manuel Antonio vs Corcovado: easy park or true wilderness?
Manuel Antonio is accessible and family-friendly. Corcovado is raw, remote, and mandatory-guide only. Which Costa Rica national park is right for you?