Costa Rica literally means “rich coast” and it’s easy to see where the name comes from. In addition to world-class beaches in both the Caribbean and Pacific Ocean, this peaceful paradise boasts one of the most biodiverse ecosystems on Earth. In fact, according to scientists, five percent of the world’s species are found here. For reference, this country is about the same size as West Virginia.
Unparalleled wildlife viewing includes encounters with sleeping sloths, majestic scarlet macaws, tree frogs as beautiful as they are poisonous, and endangered nesting sea turtles. With unyielding determination, they survive in symbiosis in the shadow of the world’s most active volcano.
Whether you want to hike through a cloud forest 10,000 feet above sea level or dream of horseback riding on a white sand beach, getting to our bountiful coast has never been easier. There are direct flights to Costa Rica from more than a dozen cities in the United States. Please come in winter. This country is he one of the best places to visit in January. Or plan your trip in the summer, when warmer temperatures mean lower hotel prices.
Top 5 must-sees
Nayara Springs: Soak in your villa’s private plunge pool fed by mineral springs. Ziplining: Feel the cloud forest come to life as you soar through the tree canopy. National Parks: These 28 protected areas are Mother Nature at its best. Restaurant Silvestre: Enjoy a contemporary interpretation of Costa Rican cuisine from an award-winning chef. Limón: Experience the country’s vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture.
best hotel
W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal
With its bold architecture and cheeky décor, W Costa Rica – Reserva Conchal stands out on a coast full of run-of-the-mill beach resorts. Rooms range from traditional queen rooms with ocean-view balconies to treehouse suites with private plunge pools. The property includes a spa, 18-hole golf course, beach club, adult and children’s pools, and five restaurants.
Nayara Springs
Provided by Nayara Resorts
This adults-only oasis was voted one of Central America’s best resort hotels by T+L readers. Erika Linares, Latin America specialist at Kensington Tours, told Travel & Leisure: “You feel luxurious from the moment you arrive.” She’s a fan of the Welcome She drink, which is Costa Rica’s answer to the Bloody She Mary. Meanwhile, Emmanuel Burgio, a T+L top travel advisor specializing in Central America, praises private plunge pools.
Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen
Located approximately 6 km from San José’s airport, this hotel is an ideal base for exploring the capital. But the valley views and carefully tended gardens and outdoor spaces, including several pools and a coffee plantation, make it feel like a world away from it all.
Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo
This family-friendly resort is one of Travel + Leisure’s Top 500 Hotels in the World. “We have the best location in Costa Rica, with easy access to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country,” James Kaiser, author of Costa Rica: The Complete Guide, told Travel & Leisure. His pro tip is to bring binoculars to spot humpback whales migrating offshore in the winter.
Lapa Rios Ecolodge & Wildlife Reserve
Voted one of Central America’s best resorts by T+L readers, this luxurious ecolodge on the Osa Peninsula is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature. In addition to being close to wildlife, Brujo also likes the waterfront location. “The bungalows have terraces with ocean views and outdoor showers, and the shared outdoor pool overlooks the Pacific Ocean.”
what to do
National park
Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers, with its diverse flora and fauna and geothermal heat. A quarter of the country is set aside as nature reserves, with 28 national parks to choose from. “Plus, unlike Colombia or Brazil, you can visit multiple ecosystems in one day,” Kaiser said.
surfing
Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
Between Costa Rica’s 300 beaches, there’s a wave for everyone from enthusiasts to beginners. One of his best places to practice is Tamarind. There, Iguana Surf instructors are as passionate about teaching as they are about pipelines. Once you’ve improved, try the Nicoya Peninsula. According to Linares, “Known for its powerful waves, the town of Santa Teresa has a very relaxed, bohemian vibe.”
self treatment
Andres García Lacner/Courtesy of The Retreat Costa Rica
Wellness is a way of life in Costa Rica, one of the world’s five blue zones, so not getting a spa treatment in town seems like sacrilege. Vida Mia Healing Center & Spa is located atop the “High Vibration Crystal Mountain” and has been named the “Best Spa in the Americas.”
zip lining
Provided by Selvatura Park
Considered the birthplace of ziplining, Costa Rica offers canopy tours almost anywhere there are trees. Suspension bridges are also usually an option. Selvatura Park in the Monteverde Cloud Forest has nearly two miles of treetop walkways.
Pacuare region
If you ask Brujo, one of the least-known experiences is a private hike through the Talamanca Mountains with a guide from the indigenous Cabecal community. The Pacuare River is also one of the best places in Central America for whitewater rafting, according to Brujot.
best restaurant
Restaurant Serages (Organic)
Provided by Hotel Bellmar
Featuring an insect hotel, working farm, coffee plantation, and sugar cane field, Hotel Belmar takes farm-to-table to a whole new level. As a result, its pride and joy, Restaurant Serages, has developed such a reputation that people drive from as far as San José just for dinner.
Lydia’s Place (Caribbean)
According to Kaiser, the country’s best food is found along the Caribbean coast, where “a vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture spices things up.” His go-to place for the best Caribbean chicken is Lydia’s Place. It’s a small, family-run business, so don’t be surprised if Lydia stops by to say “hello.”
Sano Banano (Healthy)
Provided by: Sano Banano Beach Side Hotel & Restaurant
Sano Banano, which means healthy banana, serves comforting dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner in its outdoor restaurant. Sit on the back patio or front porch overlooking Montezuma’s bustling Main Street and don’t miss the artisanal chocolates sold by the register.
Don Rufino (Costa Rica)
At this Arenal landmark, you can choose from a prix-fixe menu, a la carte, or a five-course tasting tour. Linares says the food is delicious and the atmosphere is memorable. Grandma’s Roast Chicken, served wrapped in a banana leaf, is a cult favorite, so order yours before it’s sold out.
Restaurant Silvestre (trial version)
This San Jose restaurant is known for its culinary experiences based on “unconventional and avant-garde culinary techniques.” He is considered one of the best restaurants in Central America, so reservations are a must. Also, the chef-driven tastings on his menu are limitless, so it’s not ideal for picky eaters.
best time to visit
Taylor McIntyre/Travel + Leisure
The best time to visit Costa Rica depends on your goals. If you want to enjoy snorkeling in the clear Caribbean waters, choose the dry season from mid-May to mid-December on the Caribbean side. Meanwhile, the dry season is reversed in other parts of the country. It is held from December to May. During this time, everything is open and the roads are passable. If you want to take advantage of low season rates and avoid the crowds, visit during the rainy season (advertised as the green season).
For the best cultural events, visit Palmares (basically Carnival) in January or during Easter week. As a Catholic country, many of the biggest holidays in Costa Rica coincide with church holidays. No matter when you visit, you can watch sea turtles nest and hatch, enjoy a zip line (rain or shine), or learn to surf.
Related: The Ultimate Packing List for Costa Rica
how to get there
Costa Rica has two major airports: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José and Daniel Odubel Quiros International Airport (LIR) in Liberia. If you’re visiting Manuel Antonio, Limón, Arenal, or the Osa Peninsula, SJO is the place to go. It also tends to have the cheapest flights. If you’re traveling to Guanacaste or Alajuela, you’ll probably want to fly to Liberia. Car rental is available at both airports.
Of course, you can fly in and out of either airport. Traveling between the two is easy thanks to public buses and shared shuttles. The journey takes approximately 3-4 hours depending on traffic conditions. Driving to Costa Rica is not recommended as it requires passing through countries with civil wars and border crossings can be complicated.
Places you should know about
Costa Rica has seven provinces, each with its own unique feel. Here are three that I recommend you start with.
San José: The capital boasts some of the best souvenir shopping and is home to many cultural institutions, including the Costa Rican Museum of Art, the Pre-Columbian Gold Museum, and the National Museum of Costa Rica. It’s also home to some of the best food in the country.
Alajuela: Alajuela is popular with adrenaline junkies because it’s home to Arenal Volcano National Park, where you can enjoy ziplining, hot springs, and cloud forest hiking all in 24 hours. The state is also home to Poas Volcano National Park, home to one of the world’s largest craters (reservations required).
Limón: Limón is located on the Caribbean side and includes attractions such as Tortuguero National Park and Barra del Colorado Wildlife Refuge. The state is also a place where you can experience the country’s wonderful Afro-Caribbean culture. Approximately 8 percent of Costa Ricans are of African descent.
Moving method
Trains and buses: Costa Rica is rebuilding its rail infrastructure that was damaged in the 1991 earthquake. For now, buses are the best public transportation. Most are privately run, but fares are cheap. For example, a 4-hour ride may cost $10. “Direct” buses provide non-stop service. The “Collective” stops almost anywhere.
Taxis and Shuttles: Costa Rica’s official taxis are red or orange (the only taxis licensed for airport transfers) and all have a yellow triangle emblem. You can also easily pre-book private car services and shuttles online.
Ridesharing: Although not strictly legal, Uber has been operating in Costa Rica since 2015. However, availability is limited to major cities and areas with a large number of tourists. Another option is DiDi, but this is also not very reliable in remote areas.
Rental cars: Rental cars are cheap and plentiful, but be aware that most cars are manual and Costa Rica’s roads are not very good (many roads turn into rivers during the rainy season). Try buying a high-clearance SUV with AWD. Also, if you need additional equipment such as a roof rack for your surfboard, a child seat, a mobile phone for navigation, or an extra driver, book with Vamos. We are the only company that offers all of the above for free.
Why Costa Rica is perfect for wellness
jessica poitevian
My family of 17 traveled to Costa Rica.
Frame, stamp: Getty Images; Photo: Alessandra Amodio/Travel + Leisure
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