Costa Rica Tours, Adventures & Vacations

These incredible locations across Costa Rica offer diverse experiences ranging from lush rainforests and volcanic wonders to pristine beaches and vibrant local culture.

• Manuel Antonio: A small yet breathtaking national park on the Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio is famed for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and thriving wildlife. Expect to see monkeys, sloths, and colorful birds while enjoying coastal hikes and swimming in idyllic coves.

• Arenal Volcano: One of Costa Rica’s most iconic landmarks, Arenal Volcano is surrounded by a lush rainforest, soothing hot springs, and Lake Arenal. Adventure seekers can explore hanging bridges, go white-water rafting, or relax in natural thermal waters with a volcano view.

• Monteverde Cloud Forest: Set high in the mountains, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is a haven for biodiversity. Visitors can walk through misty trails, explore hanging bridges above the canopy, and enjoy a wealth of flora and fauna—including the elusive resplendent quetzal.

• Osa Peninsula (Corcovado National Park): Home to Corcovado, one of the world’s most biologically intense places, the Osa Peninsula is a remote region teeming with rare wildlife. It’s ideal for serious nature lovers looking to see tapirs, scarlet macaws, and even jaguars in untouched rainforest.

• Nicoya Peninsula: A sun-drenched paradise known for its laid-back vibe and surf-friendly beaches, the Nicoya Peninsula is also one of the world's Blue Zones—where people live longer, healthier lives. Top spots include Nosara, Santa Teresa, and Montezuma.

• Tortuguero: Accessible only by boat or plane, Tortuguero is a wildlife-rich network of canals and coastal rainforest on the Caribbean coast. It’s especially famous for sea turtle nesting seasons, but also offers incredible birdwatching and jungle boat tours.

• San José: As the capital city, San José is often a traveler's first stop. Beyond being a convenient hub, it offers cultural highlights such as museums, markets, and historical architecture. Day trips to nearby volcanoes and coffee plantations are also popular.

• Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: A vibrant Caribbean beach town with Afro-Caribbean flair, Puerto Viejo is known for its reggae rhythms, surfing beaches like Playa Cocles, and easy access to the wildlife of Cahuita and Gandoca-Manzanillo reserves.

Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica?
You will need a passport that's valid for at least 6 months in order to travel to Costa Rica, but a visa is not required for tourism.

When is the best time for a trip to Costa Rica?
The most popular time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season from December to April, but many people enjoy the less crowded months of the green season from May to November, when daily showers might be possible. Overall, there's never a bad time to visit and the temperatures are relatively consistently warm year-round.

What are the best regions to visit in Costa Rica? 
Costa Rica offers diverse regions, each with unique attractions. The Pacific Coast is famous for its beautiful beaches and rich marine life. The Caribbean Coast offers vibrant culture and lush rainforests. The Central Valley is home to San José and several coffee plantations. The Northern Plains are known for volcanoes and hot springs, while the Osa Peninsula is a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts.

If I only have 8 days and have never been, what do you recommend I do? 
For first-time visitors with 8 days, a well-rounded itinerary might include:

• Day 1-2: Explore San José and nearby coffee plantations or Poás Volcano.

• Day 3-5: Head to Arenal Volcano for hot springs, hiking, and waterfalls.

• Day 6-8: Visit the Pacific Coast, perhaps Manuel Antonio National Park for wildlife and beaches, or the Nicoya Peninsula for a more laid-back beach experience.

Is it necessary to book tours in advance? 
While some popular tours and accommodations can book up during peak season, many tours can be arranged on the spot. However, booking in advance ensures you get your preferred activities and guides.

How do I get to Costa Rica, and which airport should I fly into?
Most international visitors arrive in Costa Rica via Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José. Another option is Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, which is convenient for those heading to the Pacific Coast or the Guanacaste region. Both airports offer numerous international flights and are well-connected to major destinations in Costa Rica.

Do I need to rent a car in Costa Rica? 
Renting a car can provide flexibility, especially if you plan to explore multiple regions. However, Costa Rica also has a well-developed network of shuttles, taxis, and domestic flights that make it easy to get around without a car.

Is Costa Rica safe for travelers? 
Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Central America. However, it's always wise to take standard precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and securing valuables.

How hard is rafting in Costa Rica? 
Costa Rica offers rafting experiences for all levels. The Pacuare River is popular for more adventurous rafters, with class III-IV rapids. For a gentler experience, consider the Savegre River, which offers class II-III rapids and is suitable for beginners and families.

Is ziplining safe in Costa Rica?
Yes, ziplining in Costa Rica is generally safe. The country has well-established zipline tours with professional guides and high safety standards. Most operators use high-quality equipment, follow strict safety protocols, and offer thorough briefings before the activity. However, it's important to choose reputable tour companies and ensure that the operation is certified. If you follow the guidelines provided by the guides, ziplining can be a thrilling and safe experience.

Will I see monkeys in Costa Rica? 
Yes, Costa Rica is home to several species of monkeys, including howler monkeys, capuchins, and spider monkeys. They are often spotted in national parks like Manuel Antonio, Corcovado, and Tortuguero.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see? 
Costa Rica is known for its biodiversity. In addition to monkeys, you might see sloths, toucans, parrots, jaguars, and a variety of reptiles and amphibians. National parks like Corcovado and Tortuguero are hotspots for wildlife viewing.

What should I pack for a trip to Costa Rica? 
Pack light, breathable clothing, a rain jacket, sturdy shoes for hiking, swimwear, insect repellent, sunscreen, and a hat. Binoculars and a camera are also great for wildlife viewing.

Is tipping customary in Costa Rica?
Tipping is, of course, not required on any of our trips, however it is always appreciated. If you'd like to tip, budget $2-10/person/day for the guides and $1-3/person/day for the drivers.

Will I need power adapters or converters in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica uses 110 volt, 60 cycle electricity, with two flat prongs. This is the same as the United States, so you will not need a power converter unless you are traveling from another country.

What is internet access like in Costa Rica?
Internet access in the developed parts of Costa Rica is pretty strong and high speed. In public areas you might find a WiFi hotspot, and most restaurants and hotels will also have high speed internet. You could also easily find a cyber cafe with a good connection.

Will I have access to WiFi during my cruise?
Maybe, but don't count on it. Some ships or yachts do offer free WiFi, but more often than not these boats focus more on the experience and comfort rather than connectivity to the internet.

What are the bathrooms like in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica has standard western flush toilets, but per local tradition, you should throw your toilet paper in the waste basket next to the toilet to avoid clogging the pipes.

Can I use my cell phone while in Costa Rica?
If you have a GSM phone, you can use international roaming, or to avoid roaming charges, use an unlocked smartphone and simply replace the SIM chip with a local chip from Kolbi, Claro, or Movistar and then charge it with a balance based on how much you plan to use it. This can usually most easily be done in the airport upon entry at various kiosks.

Can I drink tap water in Costa Rica?
In general, yes - unless otherwise told - it is safe to drink the tap water and eat any foods washed with it; however, if your cruise visits other neighboring countries, like Colombia, Panama, or Cuba, it is not safe to assume that you can drink the tap water there too.

Are credit cards generally accepted? Are ATMs accessible?
In the more developed parts, you can use your credit card and find ATMs fairly commonly, but smaller stores and more remote destinations will likely be cash-only. Fortunately, most of our tours are all-inclusive, so all of the meals and activities from the beginning to end of your itinerary are included in the price, unless you decide to depart from the itinerary or add on extra activities. 

Should I purchase travel insurance?
Absolutely! Having travel insurance is very important just to make sure that you're covered no matter what happens - a small investment now can save you thousands if something doesn't go as you expect it to. Our Once You're Booked page has more details on this, including discounts through one of our partner companies.