Costa Rica — hero
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Costa Rica

The gold standard for regenerative travel. Live 'pura vida' among cloud forests, volcanoes and two coastlines, with sloths and toucans as your neighbours.

  • Currency ₡ Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
  • Language Spanish
  • Visa
  • Plug Type A/B · 120V
  • Best time December – April
  • Safety Check FCDO FCDO →

The gold standard for regenerative travel. Live 'pura vida' among cloud forests, volcanoes and two coastlines, with sloths and toucans as your neighbours.

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Costa Rica is the pioneer of eco-tourism and, for 2026, still its benchmark. This small Central American nation protects roughly a quarter of its land, packing rainforests, volcanoes and two coastlines into a country you can cross in a day.

The biodiversity is the headline: sloths, toucans, scarlet macaws and monkeys thrive in accessible, well-managed parks. Beyond the wildlife, the 'pura vida' ethos, a genuine philosophy of easy living, sets the whole mood.

For 2026, Costa Rica leads on regenerative, community-led tourism and soft adventure: zip-lining, volcano hikes and green-certified eco-lodges that give back to the ecosystems they showcase.

When to go

Weather & timing in Costa Rica RIGHT NOW 19° cloudy

Best Jan–Mar · Shoulder Apr–May, Dec

  1. Jan / -4°
  2. Feb / -2°
  3. Mar 12° /
  4. Apr 18° /
  5. May 24° / 14°
  6. Jun 28° / 18°
  7. Jul 30° / 20°
  8. Aug 28° / 18°
  9. Sep 24° / 14°
  10. Oct 18° /
  11. Nov 12° /
  12. Dec / -2°

Best time to visit

December – April

Best for
  • Rainforest
  • Wildlife
  • Volcanoes
  • Surf
At a glance
Sunshine 7 hr/day (est.)
Rain days 8 days/mo (est.)
Wettest December · 60mm
Driest June · 10mm
Part of Central America →
Costa Rica monthly temperature & rainfall charts
Things to do

Nature, culture & hidden gems

Editorial content coming soon

We're hand-picking the standout places, hidden gems and can't-miss activities in Costa Rica. Meanwhile, the cities above are a great starting point.

Plan your trip

Curated Costa Rica itineraries

Browse all Costa Rica trips →
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    Costa Rica Adventure: Nature’s Playground

    Immerse yourself in the lush beauty and vibrant culture of Costa Rica, where adventure and serenity coexist in the heart of Central America.

    Economy

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