Costa Rica is one of the most incredible places on the planet for eco-travel with volcanoes, mountains, stunning coastlines, beaches, wildlife and preserved natural habitats. There are countless places to fall in love with and one of the best ways to see the highlights is on a tour.
Costa Rica Travel Guide
Anything is possible in Costa Rica. With tropical rainforests, laid back surfer beaches, moody volcanoes and bustling cities, it’s hard to beat a Costa Rican adventure. Ride rapids in La Fortuna, hike through lush cloud forests in Monteverde or laze on jungle-fringed beaches – Costa Rica is the perfect destination for adventure seekers. Find out everything you ned to know before you go.
How to get there
You can fly to the capital San Jose from a number of US airports, and from there you can explore Costa Rica and the rest of Central America with ease. Whatever fare you’re looking for, returns, multi-stops or student tickets…you name it, we got it! Search to find the cheapest flights to Costa Rica with exclusive fares for students.
When to visit
Costa Rica has a tropical climate, so it has rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season starts from mid-May to the end of November, with the highest amount of rainfall between August and November. It’s still good to visit the coastal and touristy areas during the early part of the low season but off the beaten track travel becomes harder. The best surfing can also be found on the Pacific coast during this time. Dry season between December and April still sees some tropical showers but this is peak time to travel. Book your accommodation well in advance if travelling during this time.
Top Things to Do in Costa Rica
These are some of the most popular destinations and activities.
Explore Cartago
Cartago is located about an hour away from the capital city of San Jose, in Costa Rica’s Central Valley, an area that enjoys almost perfect springtime weather year-round. Having previously been the capital of the country, Cartago is known as one of the most historic cities in the country and is home to many famed locations, such as the Irazu Volcano and the nearby Tapanti National Park. Many Costa Ricans make a pilgrimage to this peaceful city to visit La Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Angeles, a holy site for Catholics.
Ride Horses In La Fortuna
Ride a horse through the foothills of the Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna and explore the Arenal Volcano, one of the most active in all of Costa Rica. Next, get extreme as you rappel down some of La Fortuna’s waterfalls. For a more tranquil experience, wander the sprawling sugar cane fields on horseback, and finish the day in the famous geothermal hot springs. Now doesn’t that sound lovely?
Zipline Through Rincon De La Vieja
With over 32,000 acres of pristine wildlife, you’ll sail through the treetops as you zipline through Rincon de la Vieja. Once you’ve mastered the ropes, treat yourself to a tropical smoothie as you admire the two towering volcanoes within the park borders, or take a hike through vibrant orchards brimming with birds and butterflies.
Visit a Turtle Sanctuary
Learn about the conservation of sea turtles and nesting in Costa Rica throughout the year, and in the months of June through August, you might get a chance to see the arribada, the migration of the olive ridley sea turtles, which takes place in only 9 locations throughout the world! Watch as new baby sea turtles hatch and make their journey to the sea, escaping predators, and see the efforts of conservation specialists in preserving this species.
Hike In Monteverde
Home to one of the world’s premier cloud forests, Monteverde invites you to indulge your inner nature-lover. Hike through clouds on platforms suspended in the treetops. Enjoy a unique glimpse into a rare and diverse ecosystem, including the nearly 500 species of wild orchids housed at a nearby orchid farm.
Go Fresh At A Farmer’s Market
Every Saturday, farmers from across the Guanacaste province come together at the Tamarindo Farmer’s Market, where you can explore a wide variety of tropical fruits and maybe try a few new tastes, like carambola or soursop. Once you’ve had your fill of passion fruit juice, head over to the nearby beach for a perfectly relaxing afternoon in the sun.
Experience A Breathtaking Sunset
Part of the magic of living on the shores of the Pacific coast is experiencing the breathtaking sunsets that take place as the markets begin to close and evening begins in this Costa Rican community. Join with your fellow volunteers to experience the natural beauty of a Costa Rican sunset. And don’t forget that camera – you’ll be sure to capture some spectacular moments!
Share A Smile With A Crocodile
Palo Verde National Park is bursting with wildlife, with over 250,000 birds and 15 different habitats, including dry and wet forests. As you canoe through the mangrove forests, you might even come across the 24 teeth of a crocodile grinning back at you.
Hang Ten In The Pacific
If you’ve always wanted to try your hand at surfing, the warm waters of northern Costa Rica are a great place to start. Whether you’re looking to practice your skills in the Pacific waves, or have a goal of standing up on a beach break, the many beaches of the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica will be sure to inspire and amaze the your inner surf enthusiast.
Hike A Volcano
Enjoy hiking the Arenal, Costa Rica’s youngest volcano and one of the top hiking destinations in the country. You get to see waterfalls and visit some of the most beautiful soothing and warm natural hot springs in the world.
Snorkel In The Sun
Located at the Pacific coast of the Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste, Sámara is known for its palm-lined main beach, Playa Sámara. There’s kayaking, snorkeling, ATV-ing, and an array of other activities to enjoy on the wonderful white sand or the aquamarine water.
Hidden Gems in Costa Rica
While many Costa Rican tours take visitors to the same places, the best way to see the country is to get off the beaten path and explore the hidden gems- the places you shouldn’t miss! Here are our top 5 favorite places to dive into the best of eco-immersion:
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, Caribbean Coast
Explore the rainforest with a local Afro-Caribbean guide who shows you the best of his “backyard” jungle, learn to surf with expert local instructors, make your own meals on a permaculture organic farm, visit an indigenous reserve to hear stories passed down from generations, hang out with monkeys and sloths on a beachside trail, barter with local artisans in the village crafts market…. Puerto Viejo is a colorful town where you can dive in to the local Afro-Caribbean culture and see stunning wildlife just steps away from your charming eco-lodge.
Tres Equis, Turrialba
Learn to Dance Salsa at a village gathering, spend a day in classes at the local high school, practice your spanish as you meet your neighbors, cook dinner with your homestay family, play soccer with your homestay brother, and give back to your adopted community by participating in a meaningful service project…. Tres Equis is a tiny rural village that will quickly feel like home during your homestay immersion experience. The warm and giving people of Tres Equis welcome you into their homes so you can truly experience life as a “Tico”.
Rincon de Osa, Osa Peninsula
Wake up to the sound of Scarlet Macaws in the trees above your eco-lodge, help local biologists track playful pods of dolphins that leap next to your boat in the beautiful Golfo Dulce, craft jewelry from rainforest seeds with a local artisan, spot colorful poison dart frogs in the jungle, make and taste your own chocolate by hand on an organic farm, fall asleep under brilliant stars, miles and miles away from the bustle of the city… Rincon de Osa is an incredible place where you are surrounded by nature at its most majestic. You will truly connect with these incredible rainforest and marine eco-systems as you work hand in hand with local scientists on research projects.
Santa Maria de Dota, Central Highlands
Milk the cow and make fresh cheese to complement your homemade meal, sip tea by the fire as you hear stories of life in the mountains of Costa Rica, gaze out over the stunning view of the Central Valley from your cozy bed, search for the elusive Quetzal as you hike through the mystical cloudforest, learn about sustainability from a pioneer family that has amazing strategies for living lightly…The Santa Maria de Dota highlands are an incredibly unique part of Costa Rica that few travelers ever see. The beautiful cloudforest habitats and the warmth of your family-run eco-lodge will make this an unforgettable part of your expedition.
Santa Barbara, Guanacaste
Learn about the rich culture and traditions of the Guanacaste region from a homestay family in rural Santa Barbara, give back to the community by participating in a service project at a local school, see cutting edge biology research in action as you visit the field laboratory of one of the most respected ecologists on the planet, learn from the local community members who have been trained to be world-class field biologists, hear the story of how an innovative program for community based conservation has become a beacon for conservation efforts around the world… A stay in Santa Barbara offers the best of Eco-Immersion- you will connect with the full scope of cultural, economic, and biological issues, realities, and future paths in one of the most threatened eco-systems on earth- the Tropical Dry Forests of Guanacaste.