Raymond Forbes Photography / Stocksy United
Costa Rica
Centering yourself on a surfboard or yoga mat, descending into bat-filled caves or ascending misty volcanic peaks – relax and enjoy the ride of Costa Rica.
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Attractions
Must-see attractions for your itinerary
Teatro Nacional
San José
On the southern side of the Plaza de la Cultura resides the Teatro Nacional, San José’s most revered building. Constructed in 1897, it features a columned…
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
Central Valley & Highlands
This polished storybook garden complex just east of Volcán Poás offers the most easily digestible cultural experience in the Central Valley and is the…
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio
Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio & Around
Featuring lush jungle, picture-perfect beaches and craggy headlands, this tiny park (1680 acres/680 hectares) absolutely brims with wildlife (and often…
Playa Negra
Cahuita
At the northwestern end of Cahuita, Playa Negra is a long, black-sand beach flying the bandera azul ecológica, a flag that indicates that the beach is…
Punta Uva
Southern Caribbean
Off a dirt road marked by Punta Uva Dive Center is a quiet, idyllic cove that could double for a scene in the film The Beach. When the water is calm, it…
Parque Nacional Isla del Coco
Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa
Around 500km southwest of the Costa Rica mainland, Isla del Coco is a natural wonder that teems with wildlife, including the largest schools of hammerhead…
Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal
Parque Nacional Volcán Arenal
From 1968 until 2010, Volcán Arenal was an ever-active and awe-striking natural wonder, producing menacing ash columns, massive explosions and streams of…
Wilson Botanical Garden
Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa
The world-class Wilson Botanical Garden is internationally known for its collection of more than 2000 native Costa Rican species. Species threatened with…
Planning Toolkit
Expert guidance to help you plan your trip
Articles
Latest stories from Costa Rica
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Tips & Advice
Belize vs Costa Rica: which Central American gem is right for you?
Jun 6, 2023 • 7 Min read
Destination Practicalities
Visa requirements for Costa Rica
Apr 19, 2023 • 3 Min read
Visa requirements for Costa Rica vary depending on your nationality, reasons for travel, and how long you want to stay. Here's what you need to know.
Public Transport
The 9 best day trips from San José, Costa Rica
Mar 29, 2023 • 6 Min read
The region surrounding San José, Costa Rica's capital, is full of engaging, easy-to-reach destinations, perfect for a day trip.
Hiking
7 of the best hiking trails in Costa Rica
Feb 9, 2023 • 9 Min read
From popular jaunts through the coastal rainforest to arduous climbs to mountain peaks, Costa Rica has vibrant and varied landscapes that offer endless…
Activities
The 16 best things to do in Costa Rica
Feb 7, 2023 • 9 Min read
From water sports and mountain hikes to rainforest wildlife watching and cloud-forest birding, these are the best things to do in Costa Rica.
Tips & Advice
What to eat and drink in Costa Rica
Oct 24, 2022 • 5 Min read
Expect comfort food made with the country’s fresh and plentiful produce.
Hiking
Wildlife watching away from the crowds on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula
Aug 29, 2022 • 4 Min read
To hike in Corcovado National Park is to experience nature in all its blissful glory without the overwhelming crowds.
Beaches
Costa Rica vs Panama: which Central American country is right for you?
Jun 28, 2022 • 7 Min read
Costa Rica and Panama offer a wealth of wildlife, untamed nature, and stunning beaches. So how do you choose which to visit? We can help you decide.
Activities
The best things to do with kids in Costa Rica, from surf beaches to jungle hikes
Jun 28, 2022 • 10 Min read
Costa Rica is the easy way to dive into Central America with kids in tow. Here are our top family adventures, from surf beaches to volcano hikes.
Hiking
The top national parks in Costa Rica for hiking, volcanoes, wildlife and more
Apr 27, 2022 • 11 Min read
Whether you're looking for beaches, hikes, volcanoes or wildlife, here are 15 of the most majestic parks in this popular Central American country.
Guidebooks
Purchase our award-winning guidebooks
Get to the heart of Costa Rica with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.
