Costa Rica Travel Guide

Lynette Brown
Jan 5
4 min read

Updated: Jan 7

Why Visit Costa Rica

Costa Rica is one of the most diverse and rewarding destinations in Central America, offering an incredible mix of rainforests, beaches, volcanoes, and wildlife. Known for its commitment to sustainability and “Pura Vida” lifestyle, Costa Rica is ideal for travelers seeking adventure, nature, and relaxation in one seamless trip.

From eco-luxury resorts and boutique hotels to unforgettable outdoor experiences, Costa Rica appeals to couples, families, honeymooners, and adventure travelers alike.

Popular reasons travelers visit Costa Rica include:

Wildlife and nature-focused travel
Adventure travel paired with comfort
Sustainable and eco-friendly resorts
Easy flights from the U.S.
A balance of exploration and relaxation

Best Time to Visit Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a year-round destination, and the best time to visit depends on your travel goals.

December–April (Dry Season): The most popular time to visit Costa Rica, with sunny weather ideal for beaches, hiking, and outdoor excursions.
May–June (Green Season): Fewer crowds, lush landscapes, and better value—perfect for travelers seeking a quieter experience.
July–August: A great option for family travel, with active wildlife and warm temperatures.
September–October: Ideal for the Caribbean coast and travelers looking for excellent pricing and minimal crowds.

Top Experiences in Costa Rica

A well-planned Costa Rica vacation blends adventure with downtime. Top experiences include:

Zip-lining and canopy tours in Monteverde
Wildlife viewing in Manuel Antonio and Tortuguero
Volcano and hot springs experiences in Arenal
Surfing and beach stays on the Pacific or Caribbean coast
Coffee, chocolate, and cultural tours
Eco-lodges and luxury resorts in Costa Rica

How I Plan Costa Rica Travel Differently

Planning a Costa Rica vacation requires local insight, thoughtful routing, and careful timing—something online booking sites often overlook.

As a Costa Rica travel advisor, I:

Design custom Costa Rica itineraries based on your travel style, pace, and priorities
Recommend hand-selected resorts, eco-lodges, and luxury hotels
Arrange private transfers, vetted guides, and curated excursions
Help you decide which regions of Costa Rica to visit—and how long to stay in each
Leverage trusted local partners for elevated experiences and seamless logistics
Provide support before and during your trip, so you’re never navigating challenges alone

The result is a personalized Costa Rica vacation that feels effortless, immersive, and perfectly aligned with how you want to travel.

I personally vacationed to Costa Rica in June of 2025. We had my family of 4 and my husband's parents. We did a split stay between the volcanoe area and the beach. Here is our itinerary:

Days 1–2: Arrival & Arenal / La Fortuna

We flew overnight from San Francisco (SFO) via El Salvador into Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)and enjoyed a private transfer to La Fortuna (approximately 3 hours).

Our home base was Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, known for its naturally flowing volcanic hot springs. After exploring the lush grounds, we enjoyed dinner at Ave Restaurant, surrounded by steaming thermal pools and rainforest views.

Day two brought adventure—our family tackled canyoning and waterfall rappelling with Pure Trek, while my in-laws opted for a volcano tour, highlighting how Costa Rica truly offers something for every age and comfort level. The afternoon was spent soaking in Tabacón’s Natural Hot Springs, the largest thermal spring network in Costa Rica. (Day passes are available for non-hotel guests.)

Day 3: Coffee, Chocolate & Hanging Bridges

We celebrated Father’s Day with a Chocolate & Coffee Tour at Eden Organic Farm, an interactive and educational experience perfect for families. In the afternoon, we explored Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges, where rainforest views and wildlife sightings made the walk unforgettable—yes, the bridges really do hang!

We ended the day swimming in the rain back at Tabacón, followed by dinner at Tucanes Restaurant.

Day 4: Wildlife & Waterfalls

This was my favorite day. A guided Sloth Watching Tour through Sloth’s Territory brought us face-to-face with sloths, poison dart frogs, and other native wildlife.

Later, we visited La Fortuna Waterfall, descending more than 500 steps to reach the base. The reward? A breathtaking waterfall and refreshing swim. We wrapped up the day exploring the town of La Fortuna before one last relaxing soak in the hot springs.

Day 5: Rainforest to Beach

We transitioned from rainforest to coast with a scenic (but long) 4-hour drive to Guanacaste, arriving at The Westin Reserva Conchal, a family-friendly all-inclusive resort.

Despite the drive, the views were worth it. The resort is set within a nature reserve, and wildlife sightings—including howler monkeys, iguanas, birds, and coatis—were constant throughout our stay.

Days 6–8: Guanacaste Coast & Resort Time

We ventured to Tamarindo Beach for surf lessons—success all around! After exploring town and lunch at Volcano Brewing Company, we returned to the resort for pool time and wildlife spotting.

Another highlight was zip lining with Skyline Canopy Tour, offering incredible views of the forest canopy. Our final full day included a couples massage at Heavenly Spa by Westin, followed by beach lounging and nightly Pacific sunsets.

Day 9: Departure

We flew home from Liberia International Airport (LIR), located about 75 minutes from the resort. LIR is smaller and easier to navigate than SJO, making it a great departure airport for Guanacaste stays.