Separating the borders between Nicaragua and Panama in Central America, Costa Rica is a tropical paradise of pristine rainforests, steaming hot springs, smouldering volcanoes and remote beaches.
Not only can you explore these biodiverse ecosystems in search of the vast array of wildlife, but you also have access to a natural playground with adventure tours that feature rapids, rafts and ziplines.
So, if you're visiting Costa Rica for the first time, what's there to know? It's an amazing country with top quality lodges and a strong focus on eco-tourism, which you'll get to discover during your exploration.
Read our Costa Rica travel guide and begin planning your first-time visit!
What's a First-Time Costa Rica Holiday Like?
Our Copywriting Executive, Jordan, recently visited Costa Rica in October/November 2024. Following his adventurous one-week tour, he's come back with nothing but the most special memories:
"What an absolutely beautiful country Costa Rica is!
“Everything from the stunning natural wonders to the friendly locals and authentic cultural experiences was simply unforgettable. I explored from Guanacaste to Rio Celeste, Arenal and Alajuela, encountering abundant wildlife and staying at spectacular hotels along the way.
"The excursions here are exceptional. Being able to see the glorious Rio Celeste waterfall after hiking through lush forestry in Tenorio Volcano National Park is unforgettable. Special shoutout to my tour guide, Diego, who was a joy to spend time with and learn so much from during our time together.
"All in all, there's only one thing I can say after such an incredible journey - Pura Vida!"
Our Copywriting Executive, Jordan, in Costa Rica at Rio Celeste Waterfall, Tenorio Volcano National Park, 2024
Why Visit Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a tropical oasis with lush jungles, misty cloud forests and beautiful beaches, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. You can go from exploring the thick jungle in Manuel Antonio National Park to immersing yourself in the country's rich cultural heritage in San Jose.
A Spectacular Environment
Located in Central America, Costa Rica is a country close to the equator with a tropical climate.
It's home to many biodiverse ecosystems, including jungles, cloud forests and gorgeous beaches, with 12 different life zones and over 20% of its land residing in protected zones and beautiful national parks.
Costa Rica’s national parks, such as Manuel Antonio National Park, are a must-visit for any nature lover.
This natural beauty is prevalent all throughout, from the Pacific coast to the Caribbean coast. Guanacaste, for example, is home to meandering rivers, expansive rainforests and the dormant Cerro Chato within the Arenal Volcano area. Also in the same region is the Palo Verde Wetlands, which encompasses a large number of aquatic birds, including the jabiru stork that stands nearly five feet tall.
Extraordinary Wildlife Species
Approximately 500,000 different species live here, with around 300,000 estimated to be insects.
The best time to visit Costa Rica for wildlife is the dry season period from November onwards. Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula provides plenty to spot. Expect everything from tapirs to ocelots, giant anteaters and scarlet macaws in addition to plenty of monkey species like howlers.
Wildlife enthusiasts should also keep places such as Manuel Antonio National Park and Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve in mind. The former is a sanctuary for toucans, butterflies, hummingbirds and macaws while the latter harbours the famous resplendent quetzal as well as other rare denizens.
Arenal Volcano National Park and Tenorio Volcano National Park are about two hours apart, both lying dormant and both the site of extraordinary mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and plants.
Descending further south along the Pacific coast, you're more likely to see the country's slowest resident - the sloth. The best time to see sloths in Costa Rica is the dry season. But they can be observed year-round, tending to be more active at night travelling through the trees at a snail's pace.
Costa Rica is even home to some of the world's most important nesting sites for sea turtles. The best time to visit Costa Rica for turtles is July to mid-October for the nesting season and hatching season in Tortuguero National Park. Seeing the baby turtles scamper toward the sea is a sight you'll never forget.
"Costa Rica is, hands down, the best Latin American country I’ve visited for wildlife experiences – and the outdoor activities are equally incredible. From waking up to howler monkeys calling near my bungalow to white water rafting on Pacuare River’s grade IV rapids, there's so much to experience in this beautiful country." - Kristen Lanskail-Morris, Latin America Travel Specialist
Our Latin America Travel Specialist, Kristen Lanskail-Morris, about to embark on a boat tour to spot wildlife in Costa Rica, 2023.
The Friendly Locals
Known for its friendly locals, Costa Rica welcomes all its visitors with warm, open arms.
As soon as you step foot in the capital city, San Jose, you'll come across the phrase "Pura Vida", which translates to "pure life" in Spanish. Most of the Costa Ricans you meet use it to say, “thank you”, “you're welcome”, “that's great” or “life is good” and it's since become the country's famous national saying.
Costa Ricans are also known for their Costa Rican coffee. Visiting a coffee farm is a great way to experience this local culture, allowing you to learn of the complex processes involved in its production.
Planning Your Trip to Costa Rica
When to Visit
Costa Rica has two seasons: the rainy season, which runs from May to early November, and the dry season, which runs from mid-November to April. The rainy season can actually be a great time to visit, as the country is lush and green, while the dry season is perfect for beach lovers and wildlife seekers.
The best time to visit Costa Rica’s Pacific coast is from December to April, while the Caribbean coast meanwhile often experiences drier weather from September to November - when other parts of the country are at their wettest. Some of the best beaches in Costa Rica are located on these shores, from the serene waterside of Playa Manuel Antonio to the stunning sands of Playa Punta Uva.
Benefitting from the pleasant weather conditions of the dry season, the extensive trails in wildlife destinations such as Manuel Antonio National Park are easier to navigate. Not only that, but you also have better chances of seeing rare species including jaguars, tapirs and scarlet macaws.
Getting to Costa Rica
Costa Rica has two international airports: one in the capital of San Jose and the other on the Pacific side of the country, in Liberia. If you're asking yourself 'how long I need in Costa Rica?', then the direct flights with British Airways are a good starting point, with options of 10, 12 or 14 nights. But longer itineraries travelling to even more of the country are a great way to delve even deeper into the country!
There are direct flights from the UK to Costa Rica with British Airways up to three times a week to San Jose. You can also fly via North America or Europe and change planes in the transit city; with the most common routes being via Madrid or Miami. The total flight time is approximately 15 hours.
Exploring Costa Rica
Top Destinations
San Jose, the capital city, is generally where you'll start most trips in Costa Rica, with its vibrant culture, historic landmarks and modern amenities the stand-out draws. From here, you have the entire country at your fingertips - whether it's seeing amazing animals or beaches. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a must-visit for any nature lover, with its unique ecosystem and stunning views. Whereas Santa Teresa is a popular beach town on the Pacific coast, known for its surfing and laid-back atmosphere.
Our Costa Rica for Families sample tour is a great introduction to the natural highlights of the country. Rainforests, volcanoes, beaches and a whole host of stunning flora and fauna - you have everything you need to keep everyone entertained. Featuring some of the best places to visit in Costa Rica for families, including the adventure capital of Arenal and time to relax in the town of Tamarindo, each day is brimming with exciting activities - immersing you in the stunning diversity of landscapes and culture.
Excellent Experiences
Imagine walking through virgin rainforest, surrounded by all sorts of weird and wonderful sights, sounds and smells before discovering beautiful butterfly and hummingbird gardens home to incredible species. Experiences like this Selvatura Walkways, Butterfly and Hummingbird Garden half day tour are abundant throughout Costa Rica. Its raw beauty and biodiversity make it a haven for wildlife and adventure lovers.
There are tonnes of things to do during your holiday. Being able to go whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River and traversing the scenic hiking trails of captivating Arenal is only just scratching the surface. Visiting anywhere between December and mid-March or end of July and mid-October is perfect for whale watching tours. Not only that, but the thermal hot springs in Tabacon make for a relaxing finale.
"I loved spending time at Tabacon Hot Springs. While unwinding, you look out towards the cascading falls and tropical gardens, soaking in the gorgeous waters of the hot river which flows through a series of pools and tributaries. It made for a fabulous end to a wonderful experience, something which would be perfect for a first-time visit." - Sarah Frankish, Latin America Travel Specialist
Our Latin America Travel Specialist, Sarah Frankish, at Tabacon Hot Springs in Costa Rica.
Getting Around
Renting a car is a popular way to get around Costa Rica, as it allows you to explore different parts of the country at your own pace. These self-drive holidays head along sapphire rivers, down muddy paths, around towering volcanoes and through pristine rainforests - the true picture of this natural wonderland.
Why not stop at the lesser visited spots and search for unusual wildlife species? Bajos del Toro Cloud Forest, in between San José and Arenal, is home to an array of hummingbirds whereas the cloud forest town of San Gerardo de Dota provides you with rare resplendent quetzals to be on the lookout for.
Shuttle vans and public buses are also available in addition to private transfers, which offer you more convenience.
Further reading: The Ultimate Guide to Costa Rica Self-Drive Holidays: Tips, Routes & Destinations
Essential Travel Tips for Costa Rica
Being prepared for all sorts of situations is never a bad idea. Although smaller than its fellow Latin American destinations, Costa Rica is a country alive with biodiverse microclimates and a rich history. First-time visitors can enjoy a more complete and adventurous experience with the following tips.
Health and Safety
Costa Rica has a reputation as being a very safe country to visit for the first time, so you'll always feel completely at ease. But you should always remain vigilant as you would anywhere else in the world. Whenever you can, stick close to your group and experienced guide while listening to their instructions.
During your visit, you should also take precautions against sunburn, heat exhaustion and insect-borne illnesses by packing protective suncream, drinking plenty of water and utilising effective repellents. Additionally, the bacteria in the neo tropics are different to back home, so bring anti-bacterial hand gel.
Costa Rica has a well-developed healthcare system, with many modern hospitals and medical facilities.
Money and Tipping
Costa Rica's currency is the Costa Rican colón. But US dollars are widely accepted throughout, and credit cards are useable in most tourist areas. Sometimes, exchanging US Dollars locally is best depending on the exchange rate, but cards are widely accepted across the country - and besides tips and souvenirs stalls, you can easily travel using only electronic payments!
Tipping is not mandatory, but is very much appreciated for good service, with 10% being the standard tipping amount in restaurants and bars. During wildlife experiences, there may be a tipping box for your guide and/or driver - so it's a good idea to keep US Dollars on you to tip them in these situations.
You should also be aware of the local customs and traditions, and respect the environment and wildlife.
Discover Costa Rica for the First Time with Rainbow
Costa Rica is a great destination for first-time visitors, with its comfortable and safe environment, friendly locals and stunning natural beauty. It has something for everyone, whether you’re a nature lover and want to explore the national parks, an adventure seeker aiming to get your heart pumping or just looking to relax and unwind on the beautiful beaches.
By following our tips and advice in this Costa Rica travel guide, you’ll be well on your way to planning an unforgettable first trip to this gorgeous Latin America destination. Speak with one of our expert Travel Specialists today to start tailor-making your perfect first-time Costa Rica adventure.
