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Everything To Know About Costa Rica Luxury Travel
Your guide to Costa Rica — from volcanic rainforests to tropical coastlines, one tailor-made journey with purpose.
WHY COSTA RICA
Pura Vida — Where Rainforest Meets the Sea
Costa Rica has earned its reputation as Central America’s crown jewel of ecotourism. This small, peaceful nation protects over 25% of its territory in national parks and reserves, harboring 5% of the world’s biodiversity in an area smaller than West Virginia. From the volcanic peaks of Arenal to the pristine jungles of Osa Peninsula, from Caribbean coral reefs to Pacific surf breaks, every corner pulses with life.
At Rebecca Adventure Travel, we design tailor-made Costa Rica luxury travel that embraces the Pura Vida philosophy. As a certified B Corporation, we partner with community-owned lodges, conservation projects, and local naturalist guides — ensuring your visit supports the people and ecosystems that make Costa Rica a global model for sustainable tourism.
Why Travel with Us
★ 850+ Five-Star Reviews
TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice — 6 consecutive years
♦︎ Certified B Corporation
Verified commitment to sustainability and impact
♥ 10,000+ Travelers Served
Personalized journeys since 2014
QUICK FACTS
CostaRica at a Glance
If you’re just starting to dream about your trip, let’s get you oriented with these essential Costa Rica facts to help you plan the perfect journey.
Capital
San José
Language
Spanish
Currency
Colón (USD accepted)
Population
5.2 Million
Time Zone
GMT-6
How Do I Get to Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has two international airports: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) near San José, the main gateway, and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, serving the Guanacaste region directly. Both receive direct flights from Miami, Houston, Dallas, New York, Los Angeles, Toronto, and several European hubs.
Costa Rica’s compact size means most destinations are within 3–5 hours by road from either airport, though domestic flights to Drake Bay, Tambor, and Tortuguero save time for remote areas. We arrange all transfers — including scenic private drives through volcanic highlands..
What Are Costa Rica’s Key Regions?
- Arenal & Central Highlands: Dominated by the iconic Arenal Volcano, this region pairs dramatic volcanic landscapes with cloud forests, hanging bridges, natural hot springs, and world-class birding. The gateway town of La Fortuna offers everything from waterfall rappelling to chocolate tours.
- Guanacaste & North Pacific:Costa Rica’s Gold Coast: dry tropical forest, pristine beaches, and reliable sunshine. Home to surf meccas like Tamarindo and Nosara, the marine-rich Papagayo Peninsula, and Rincón de la Vieja volcanic national park.
- Osa Peninsula & South Pacific: National Geographic called Osa “the most biologically intense place on Earth.” Home to Corcovado National Park, this remote peninsula shelters scarlet macaws, tapirs, all four monkey species, and some of the last remaining lowland tropical rainforest in Central America.
- Caribbean Coast: A world apart from the Pacific side: Afro-Caribbean culture, reggae rhythms, coral reefs, and lush canals. Tortuguero National Park — the “Amazon of Costa Rica” — is a critical nesting site for green sea turtles, while Puerto Viejo blends jungle vibes with Caribbean warmth.
Key Towns & Gateways
La Fortuna (Arenal)
The adventure capital of Costa Rica, nestled at the base of Arenal Volcano. Hot springs, waterfall hikes, hanging bridge walks, white-water rafting, and some of the country’s best birdwatching in Arenal Volcano National Park.
Monteverde
A cloud forest reserve perched at 1,400 meters, world-famous for the resplendent quetzal, canopy zip-lines, hanging bridges, and a community-driven conservation model that has protected this ecosystem since the 1970s. A must for birding and nature immersion.
Manuel Antonio
Costa Rica’s most visited national park, where white-sand beaches meet tropical rainforest. Home to three-toed sloths, white-faced capuchins, and iguanas — all within steps of warm Pacific waters. Compact, accessible, and ideal for families.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
The soul of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast: Afro-Caribbean culture, reggae beats, coral reef snorkeling at Cahuita, chocolate farm tours, and the wild Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. A laid-back contrast to the Pacific side.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has two seasons: dry (verano) from December through April, and green (invierno) from May through November. The dry season is the most popular, but the green season offers lush landscapes, fewer crowds, lower prices, and afternoon rains that rarely last all day.
The Caribbean coast follows its own pattern — driest in September and October when the Pacific side is at its wettest. For turtle nesting in Tortuguero, visit July through October. For whale watching on the Osa Peninsula, August through October is peak season.
Read Our Guide: When is the Best time to Travel to Costa Rica
Pacific Coast
YEAR ROUND
86°F / 30°C
Dec to Apr
Dry Season – sunny, popular
May to Nov
Green season – lush, fewer crowds
Central Highlands
AVG TEMP
75°F / 24°C
CLOUD FOREST
64°F / 8°C
Dec to Apr
Best visibility for volcanoes
Caribbean Coast
YEAR-ROUND
84°F / 29°C
Sep to Oct
Driest months – reverse pattern
Jul to Oct
Turtle nesting in Tortuguero
Osa Peninsula
YEAR ROUND
82°F / 28°C
HUMIDITY
85 – 95%
Dec to Apr
Driest – best for Corcovado
DISCOVER
Why Visit Costa Rica?
5% of the World’s Biodiversity in 0.03% of Its Surface
Costa Rica is a biological superpower. Over 500,000 species inhabit this tiny country — from resplendent quetzals in the cloud forest to humpback whales off the Osa coast, from poison dart frogs to four species of sea turtles nesting on both coastlines. With over 900 bird species, it’s one of the planet’s top birding destinations.
The Global Pioneer of Ecotourism
Costa Rica invented ecotourism before the word existed. It abolished its army in 1949, invested in education and conservation, and now protects over 25% of its national territory. Traveling here means supporting a proven model — community-owned lodges, reforestation projects, and wildlife corridors that have doubled the country’s forest cover in 30 years..
EXPLORE OUR GUIDES
COSTA RICA’S WORLDS
Costa Rica’s Regions
Costa Rica’s breathtaking charm lies in its diverse landscapes, each offering a unique rhythm, climate, and cast of wild characters.
Arenal & Cloud Forest
The iconic cone of Arenal Volcano dominates this region of hot springs, hanging bridges, and dense rainforest. Combined with the mystical cloud forests of Monteverde — home to the resplendent quetzal and hundreds of orchid species — this area delivers Costa Rica’s most iconic adventure-meets-nature experience.
- Arenal Volcano hot springs
- Monteverde cloud forest reserves
- Hanging bridges canopy walks
- La Fortuna waterfall hikes
Guanacaste & North Pacific
Costa Rica’s Gold Coast: dry tropical forest, reliable sunshine, and some of the country’s finest beaches. Surf at Tamarindo, practice yoga in Nosara, explore the volcanic mud pots of Rincón de la Vieja, or simply unwind at a luxury beachfront resort on the Papagayo Peninsula.
- Tamarindo and Nosara surf beaches
- Papagayo Peninsula luxury resorts
- Rincón de la Vieja volcanic hikes
- Dry tropical forest wildlife
Osa Peninsula & Corcovado
The wildest corner of Costa Rica. Corcovado National Park protects the largest remaining tract of Pacific lowland tropical rainforest in Central America — home to tapirs, jaguars, scarlet macaws, all four monkey species, and bull sharks in river estuaries. Access by small plane or boat makes it feel like true expedition travel.
- Corcovado National Park treks
- Scarlet macaw colonies
- Whale watching (Aug–Oct)
- Eco-lodges and Drake Bay
Caribbean Coast
Costa Rica’s Caribbean side is a world apart — Afro-Caribbean culture, reggae rhythms, coral reefs, and a lush canal system that earned Tortuguero the nickname “the Amazon of Costa Rica.” Sea turtle nesting, chocolate farm tours, and the laid-back vibe of Puerto Viejo make this coast a cultural and ecological gem.
- Tortuguero canals and sea turtles
- Cahuita coral reef snorkeling
- Puerto Viejo Afro-Caribbean culture
- Chocolate and cacao farm tours
Central Valley & Highlands
San José sits in a fertile valley surrounded by coffee plantations, Poás and Irazú volcanoes, and the Orosi Valley — one of the oldest colonial settlements in Costa Rica. Most travelers pass through quickly, but the Central Valley rewards a day or two with excellent coffee tours, volcanic crater hikes, and botanical gardens.
- Poás Volcano crater viewpoint
- Coffee plantation tours
- Orosi Valley colonial heritage
- Lankester Botanical Garden
VISUAL JOURNEY
Costa Rica in Pictures
YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE
Ready to Plan Your Journey Through Costa Rica?
Whatever you seek from your journey through Costa Rica, our expert travel designers create experiences that connect you with people, nature, and purpose — with every detail handled with care.
CURATED EXPERIENCES
Costa Rica Tours
Handcrafted itineraries that connect you with Costa Rica’s rainforests, volcanoes, coastlines, and communities.
16 Days
Costa Rica
THINGS TO DO
Where to Go in Costa Rica
From volcanic hot springs to canopy zip-lines and turtle nesting beaches — the moments that define a Costa Rica journey.
TRAVEL WITH KIDS
Costa Rica Family Vacation Guide
Costa Rica is consistently ranked as one of the best family destinations in the Americas. It’s safe, welcoming, compact, and packed with activities that engage every age — from spotting toucans on a rainforest walk to floating through Tortuguero’s canals to learning to surf on gentle Pacific waves. Distances are short, infrastructure is excellent, and the US dollar is widely accepted.
Our family itineraries pair naturalist guides who love working with children, age-appropriate adventure activities, and accommodations that welcome families — including lodges with pools, wildlife gardens, and kid-focused nature programs.
BE PREPARED
What Should I Pack for Costa Rica?
Tropical, humid, and adventurous — pack light, breathable, and ready for rain, sun, and wildlife encounters.
Download the Full Packing List
Our printable PDF covers what to pack for every region — from cloud forest layers to Pacific beach essentials.
ACCOMMODATION
Where to Stay in Costa Rica
From heritage haciendas in the highlands to eco-lodges deep in the Amazon — we partner with properties that share our commitment to sustainability.
FLAVORS OF COSTA RICA
Best Food in Costa Rica
Costa Rican cuisine is simple, fresh, and deeply rooted in the land — from the daily ritual of gallo pinto to Caribbean coconut-infused stews.
Gallo Pinto
Costa Rica’s national breakfast: rice and black beans stir-fried with Salsa Lizano, served alongside fried eggs, plantains, and sour cream. Simple, satisfying, and eaten by nearly every Tico every morning — the heartbeat of Pura Vida.
Casado
The quintessential Costa Rican lunch plate: rice, beans, salad, fried plantain, and your choice of protein — chicken, fish, beef, or pork. Every soda (local eatery) serves its own version, and it never disappoints.
Caribbean Rondon
A rich, coconut milk-based seafood stew from the Caribbean coast, slow-cooked with yuca, plantain, breadfruit, and whatever the fishermen brought in that morning. Afro-Caribbean soul food at its most aromatic and comforting.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need to explore Costa Rica?
A minimum of 7 days is recommended to explore Costa Rica’s key attractions, including Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, and Manuel Antonio National Park.
What is the best way to travel around Costa Rica?
Renting a car offers flexibility. Public buses are affordable, and domestic flights connect distant regions quickly. Shuttle services are convenient for popular tourist routes.
Which adventure activities can I do in Costa Rica?
Adventure travel in Chile includes zip-lining in Monteverde, white-water rafting on the Pacuare River, surfing in Tamarindo, hiking in Corcovado National Park, and exploring Arenal’s hot springs.
What are Costa Rica’s sustainable practices?
Costa Rica excels in ecotourism, with initiatives in renewable energy, reforestation, and sustainable farming. It’s a global leader in conservation, aiming for carbon neutrality.
What are some family-friendly activities available in Costa Rica?
Families can zip-line in Monteverde Cloud Forest, visit Arenal Volcano and its hot springs, explore Manuel Antonio National Park’s beaches and wildlife, discover the Children’s Museum in San José, and raft on the thrilling Pacuare River.
Is Costa Rica safe for tourist?
Costa Rica is a peaceful, stable paradise that famously abolished its army decades ago. You’ll feel entirely safe exploring our shores with our expert guides.
Should I visit during dry season or green season?
Both are excellent. The dry season (Dec–Apr) offers sunny skies. The green season (May–Nov) brings lush landscapes, lower prices, fewer crowds, and incredible wildlife events like sea turtle nesting and migratory whale watching.
Do I need a 4×4 rental car?
Yes, if driving yourself to remote areas like the Osa Peninsula, especially in the green season. However, we arrange all transfers with experienced private drivers, so you don’t have to worry about road conditions or rental logistics.
Can I combine Costa Rica with other countries?
Yes — Costa Rica pairs naturally with Panama (shared border, Bocas del Toro connection) and with Ecuador and the Galápagos for a broader Latin American journey. We design seamless multi-country itineraries connecting Central and South America
LET´S BEGIN
Start Planning Your Costa Rica Journey
Our expert travel designers craft personalized experiences across Costa Rica — connecting you with rainforests, volcanoes, tropical coastlines, and the Pura Vida spirit, all handled with care.