Holidays to Costa Rica
A Costa Rica holiday offers up an irresistible tropical adventure, from volcano hikes and national park wildlife tours to sensational surf and family-friendly fun.
It’s time to get tropical
This heavenly, humid spot at the heart of Central America has meandering green landscapes. This means that travelling from A to B can be rickety — but when that warm air kisses your cheeks in Montezuma and the hummingbirds flicker by the hanging bridges of Monteverde, you’ll know it was worth it. For the record: bug spray’s an absolute must here.
Biodiversity by the bucketload
Costa Rica bubbles with biodiversity, and its 20-plus national parks are teeming with wildlife. Spot sloths in Manuel Antonio on the west coast or head to Cahuita in the east for toucans, lazy gators and dense highrise jungle. While you’re there, check out the world-class surfing and black sands of Playa Negra! Wherever you explore — grip those binoculars tight or a cheeky howler monkey will have them.
Caribbean dreams
With gorgeous beaches, resorts and villages on its Pacific and Caribbean coasts, a holiday in Costa Rica is a dream for sun worshippers. Playas del Coco in Guanacaste is always party ready, Tamarindo’s beaches are a paradise for surfers and Puerto Viejo in the southeast has that kick-back hippie vibe. Rent a bike in town and pedal on down to the laid back coastal village of Punta Uva - this straight road is a joy to ride, with shacks set up for thirsty cyclists.
A proper adventure playground
Catching waves, snorkelling and fishing are a way of life in coastal Costa Rica, but you’ll find plenty of adventures in-land too. For a BPM boost, zipline above canyons and jungle canopies. La Fortuna is adventure central, with lava rock hikes around Arenal Volcano and the staggering Catarata Fortuna waterfall - the serene pools at the bottom are pure heaven.
Sneak Peek
Best for... Thrill-seekers, landscape lovers and bumpy road enthusiasts 🏞️
Go... In July and August for wildlife at its wonderful best🦎
You have to... Tackle a volcano hike and waterfall combo in vibey La Fortuna 🥾
Details
Currency
Costa Rican Colon
Language
Spanish
Time difference
GMT -6
Cost of a beer
1,500 ₡
3-course meal
10,000 ₡
Flight time
London: 11 hrs
Culture and history: living the pura vida
Costa Rican culture blends Spanish flair, African influences and a fiery, independent spirit. Dive into local culture to experience the famous Costa Rican pura vida (pure life) vibe. Check out the colourful murals of downtown San José, catch a show at Teatro Nacional (1800s architecture with a gilded interior) and slow to the pace of life in Mal Pais — a divine little fishing village. English is spoken here and there, but you’ll feel cooler if you learn a bit of Spanish (more than just hola and gracias!)
From street eats to fine dining
You’ll want to eat at some family-run sodas - small, open air restaurants that plate up traditional, affordable fare. Stuff yourself with typical dishes like gallo pinto and casado — rice, plantain and beans — with grilled fish or chicken. Elsewhere, upmarket resorts boast luxury dining, plus you’re never far from a good burger or an epic breakfast. Crispy fried empanadas pastries are a must, and you really should explore San José’s scran wonderland Mercado Central — we can 100% recommend the sorbet stalls!
Family fun and games galore
Treat the kids to all the excitement of Costa Rica’s national parks (think horseback riding and canopy tours), or let them run wild at Splash Water World in Guanacaste. Hit up a volcanic hot spring in La Fortuna - perfect for some R&R - or boogie-board the day away along the Pacific coast. In San José, the Children’s Museum is a nifty spot for hands-on learning.
When to go to Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s landscapes are fab all year round, but December to mid-April is peak season. At this time of year you can bask in nature, hit adrenaline highs and enjoy the warm waters.
Wildlife watchers fly in for July and August, but the summer holidays mean more tourists. May and June are a nifty compromise for top conditions without the crowds.
Later in the year, costs fall but so do the monsoon rains of September and October. And for surfing, the best waves are from August to November.
