Costa Rica

Key facts

• Region: Central America — Sovereign states
• Capital: San José
• Currency: Costa Rican colón (CRC)
• Languages: Spanish
• Main airport: SJO — Juan Santamaría International Airport, serving San José
• Best time to visit: December to April for the driest conditions; May to November is the green season, wetter but quieter and cheaper

Overview

Costa Rica is the most established eco-tourism destination in Central America, with a stable democracy and a large share of its land under protection. It packs volcanoes, cloud forest, two coasts and high biodiversity into a small, easily travelled country. It is comparatively expensive by regional standards but has reliable infrastructure and a strong safety record for visitors.

Airports

Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) serves the capital, San José, and handles most international traffic. Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) near Liberia serves the Guanacaste beaches and is the main alternative gateway for the Pacific northwest. Tobías Bolaños International (SYQ), also in San José, handles smaller domestic and regional flights. Limón International (LIO) on the Caribbean coast sees limited service.

Main cities

San José is the capital and usual arrival point, though most travellers move on quickly toward the coast or the volcanoes. Liberia is a small city serving as a base for Guanacaste beaches. Tamarindo and Nosara are the main beach towns on the Nicoya Peninsula. La Fortuna is the base town for Arenal Volcano. Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is the relaxed village on the Caribbean side.

Places to go

Arenal Volcano and the nearby Monteverde Cloud Forest are among the most visited inland destinations. Manuel Antonio National Park combines beaches with easy wildlife viewing close to San José. Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula is the country's most remote and biodiverse reserve. Tortuguero on the northern Caribbean coast is a major nesting site for green sea turtles. Poás and Irazú volcanoes are day trips from San José. The Guanacaste beaches, including Tamarindo and Samara, are the main resort areas.

Getting there

Cheapest cached round-trip fare into Costa Rica, refreshed every 6 hours:

Where to stay

Practical information

Frequently asked