Costa Rica Travel Guide 2026
Costa Rica's dry season (December–April) is ideal for most visitors. Budget $80–150/day mid-range. Must-do experiences include Arenal Volcano hot springs, Monteverde cloud forest zip-lining, Manuel Antonio beaches, and wildlife spotting in Tortuguero.
Overview
Costa Rica is a biodiversity powerhouse packed into a small country. Misty cloud forests give way to Pacific surf breaks, volcanic hot springs steam beside lush jungle, and howler monkeys provide the morning alarm. The pura vida lifestyle isn't just a saying — it's the rhythm of daily life that makes this eco-paradise unforgettable.
Best time to visit Costa Rica
December – April (dry season) for the best weather across most regions.
Budget & trip length
$80–$150 per day (mid-range) · 8–12 days recommended
Highlights
- Arenal Volcano & hot springs
- Monteverde cloud forest zip-line
- Manuel Antonio National Park
- Tortuguero turtle nesting
- Corcovado Peninsula wildlife
- Pacific coast surfing
Travel tips
- Rent a 4x4 — many roads are unpaved and river crossings are common.
- Pack layers; cloud forests can be 15°C cooler than the coast.
- Book tours through local operators for better prices and community impact.
- Bring binoculars — you'll spot toucans, sloths, and monkeys daily.
- Colones are the local currency, but USD is widely accepted in tourist areas.