One of the world’s greenest destinations, Costa Rica is a land of lush jungles, pristine beaches, iconic volcanoes, and mesmerising cloud forests. Search for Sloths, Monkeys, Caiman, Whales, and Sea Turtles. Go rafting, surfing, and zip lining. Or simply relax on tropical sands under swaying palm trees; Pura Vida! Our Costa Rica holidays can be as active or as relaxed as you like.
If you want to get active in nature, you have chosen the right country! Start your adventure by rafting-in to your first lodge, continue with hikes, hanging bridges, canopy walks and zip lines whilst visiting the Arenal Volcano and Monteverde Cloud Forest, and finish with sea kayaking, snorkelling, and surfing lessons on the Pacific Coast. There’s even plenty of hot springs and beach time, to relax and recover.
Discover this incredible country beyond the highlights by exploring hidden gems such as Selva Verde Rainforest, Maquenque Wildlife Reserve, the Celeste River, and the surfing towns of the Nicoya Peninsula, as well as unmissable Tortuguero, Arenal and Monteverde. Visit chocolate plantations and agro-sustainable farms, kayak through mangroves, hike to waterfalls, bathe in hot springs, and fall in love with sunsets over black sand beaches.
Discover the ultimate in Costa Rican hospitality, staying in a selection of award-winning luxury eco lodges from Arenal to the Osa Peninsula, and ending with a stunning coastal villa. This itinerary is all about the most stunning views, finest food, and handpicked private activities throughout.
Get in touch with your eco side, by staying in a sustainable luxury lodge in the remote Osa Peninsula. Described as “one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth”, the remoteness of the region has been key to its pristine condition and impressive array of wildlife.
Whilst the picture perfect Arenal Volcano is the star of the show here, the range of outdoor activities will keep you entertained for days. Try a treetop canopy walk, ziplining, canyoning, rafting, kayaking, or a relatively relaxed hike to the base of the volcano. Want to ensure you travel responsibly in your holiday to South America? Read our guide on how to.
The waterways of Tortuguero National Park are only accessible by boat or plane, preserving a pristine rainforest environment on the shores of the Caribbean. Keep an eye out for Monkeys, Toucans, Macaws, Otters and Caiman. From July to October, Sea Turtles come to lay their eggs on the protected beaches here.
Costa Rica has a population of just under 5 million, with 50% of those living in the capital, San Jose.
Costa Rica is located in the Central Standard Time Zone (UTC – 6 hours)
The official currency is Costa Rican Colons (CRC). US Dollars are accepted in many shops, markets, restaurants and hotels.
Costa Rica has two distinctive seasons; the High (and dry) season runs from December to April, whilst the charmingly named “Green” (rainy) season is from May to November. If you don’t mind getting wet the Green season is usually quieter, cheaper, and in some places even more lush and beautiful.
In high season hotels can be fully booked more than six months in advance, and for Christmas often over a year beforehand. Green season tends to be more flexible, especially September and October which avoids European and American school holidays. always check any up to date visa requirements for Costa Rica on the FCO page.
