Adrenaline-pumping activities, pristine beaches, untamed forests, show-stopping wildlife and a culture of welcoming visitors all serve to make Costa Rica an irresistible destination for adventurous travelers.
In 2019, Costa Rica received the Champions of the Earth award, the United Nation’s highest environmental honor – high praise indeed!
You’ll hear the term “pura vida” – literally, “pure life” – everywhere you go in Costa Rica. More than just a phrase, it’s a philosophy of living in the moment, finding joy in simple things and respecting nature. Most visitors quickly fall in love with the Ticos’ unhurried way of life.
But how safe is travel in Costa Rica, what do you need to pack and what do you need to know about the local etiquette? Here’s our guide to the most important things you need to know before you go.
1. How much time do I need in Costa Rica?
You could stay for weeks in Costa Rica without running out of things to do, but you can also squeeze a lot into a week if time is short. If you’re traveling to this accessible corner of Central America from the US, you can enjoy even shorter trips, perhaps even a long weekend.
But remember, although the country appears to be small, getting around will take longer than you think.
If you’re short of time and looking for memorable outdoor adventures, head to either La Fortuna and the Arenal volcano, or the dense forests of Monteverde. If you’re craving a beach break, fly into Liberia – close to the beaches lining the Pacific Coast – rather than San José.
On the Pacific shore, you can combine surf and jungle adventures in as little as a week; if you have longer, go off-the-beaten track on the biodiverse Osa Peninsula or explore the wild beaches along the Caribbean coast.
2. Costa Rica has two seasons but pack for four
Officially, Costa Rica has two seasons. The dry season runs from December to March – the driest and hottest month, when the temperature hovers around 35°C (95°F). The rainy season runs from May through to November, with September and October being the wettest months.
But the country has a multitude of microclimates. Rainforest trails tend to be hot and steamy, but it can get chilly when you enter Costa Rica’s lofty cloud forests.
Alongside T-shirts, shorts and flip-flops, pack a raincoat and a fleece or warm…
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