With the Pacific Coast to the West, the Caribbean to the East and the rainforest in between, the uniquely diverse country of Costa Rica offers active, nature based and tranquil beach getaways for couples or families alike.
Guanacaste
GuanacasteGuanacaste, a land of golden beaches and fiery sunsets in Costa Rica, enchants visitors with its natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Explore pristine national parks, indulge in beachside relaxation, and immerse in pura vida bliss.
La Fortuna & Arenal
La Fortuna & ArenalLa Fortuna and Arenal in Costa Rica showcase the majestic Arenal Volcano and its surrounding lush rainforests. Visitors can enjoy hot springs, exhilarating hikes, and breathtaking views of nature’s wonders.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National ParkManuel Antonio National Park in Costa Rica is a captivating coastal paradise. With its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and abundant wildlife, including nesting sea turtles, it’s a nature lover’s dream come true.
Monteverde
MonteverdeMonteverde, Costa Rica, is a magical cloud forest sanctuary. Its misty landscapes, rich biodiversity, and thrilling canopy tours make it a haven for nature enthusiasts and a place of awe-inspiring beauty.
Nicoya Peninsula
Nicoya PeninsulaNicoya Peninsula, a sun-kissed paradise in Costa Rica, beckons with pristine beaches, charming coastal towns, and a laid-back atmosphere. Discover surf breaks, lush jungles, and a blissful retreat for wellness seekers and beach lovers alike.
Puerto Viejo
Puerto ViejoPuerto Viejo, a bohemian paradise on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, exudes laid-back charm and vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture. Indulge in world-class surfing, soulful reggae beats, and a kaleidoscope of flavors in this tropical haven.
Puntarenas
PuntarenasPuntarenas, a coastal gem on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast, offers a vibrant blend of beachside bliss and cultural charm. Explore its lively promenade, indulge in fresh seafood, and embark on thrilling oceanic escapades.
San Jose
San JoseSan Jose, Costa Rica, is the vibrant capital city nestled amidst lush mountains. It offers a blend of colonial architecture, lively markets, and a gateway to the country’s diverse ecosystems and outdoor adventures.
Tamarindo
TamarindoTamarindo, a vibrant coastal town in Costa Rica, captures the essence of Pura Vida living. Surfing hotspots, golden beaches, and a lively nightlife scene make it an irresistible destination for sun-seekers and adventurers alike.
Tortuguero National Park
Tortuguero National ParkTortuguero National Park, a hidden gem in Costa Rica, unveils a lush realm of emerald jungles and serene waterways. Witness extraordinary wildlife, glide along canals, and be mesmerized by pristine beaches. Nature’s spectacle awaits.
Browse through our suggested itineraries for inspiration. These are just a starting point for your plans – remember that all our itineraries are tailor-made to your specifications.
Costa Rica Family Holiday
Planning your trip
Quick country facts
- Recommended airlines
British Airways or Iberia via Madrid - Flight time
Around 11 hours with a direct flight. - Time zone
GMT -6 - Visa requirements
No visa required for 90 day stay (UK passport)
Entry Requirements & safety
UK Foreign Office Travel Advisory
Costa Rican Embassy
Health & immunisations
NHS Fit for Travel
General country information
BBC Country Profile
Lonely Planet
Weather
Weather2Travel
BBC Weather
Getting There
Most flights will land into San Jose, which is an excellent starting point for itineraries and the ideal launch pad for next destinations.
Getting Around
Most travel within Costa Rica will be overland, sometimes journey times can be quite long and we will look at internal flights to limit travel time where we can.
Accommodation Costs
Accommodation varies hugely from basic backpacker lodges to some more luxurious hotels and resorts. Prices are relatively high in Costa Rica as combining activities, accommodation and transport adds up.
How Long to Stay
We really suggest a minimum of 7 nights in Costa Rica, ideally between 10-14 nights so you can really experience all the country has to offer and have time to travel around at a good pace.
Weather and When To Go
Costa Rica is a great destination to travel to for a large stretch of the year. The best time to visit is generally between November and May when rainfall is at it’s lowest and the temperatures are nice.
May-June is the beginning of the wet season, despite this there is still a lot of sunshine and Costa Rica is quieter with tourists. July and August are relatively wet but it’s a good time to see the Green Sea Turtles in Tortuguero and Whale Watching season begins. We would suggest avoiding September and October as these are the wettest months.
Prices rise and availability becomes tight in peak season (December – Feb), especially during holidays such as Christmas. ‘Shoulder’ seasons such as November and April/May are good options to get great deals and avoid the crowds. We recommend booking flights and accommodation at least 6 months in advance to ensure you get the best there is to offer.
- JAN
- FEB
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- SEP
- OCT
- NOV
- DEC
- Best
- Good
- OK
- NOT ADVISED
