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Introducing Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a nature lover's dream travel destination. Hike to hidden waterfalls, fly through the rainforest on a zip line, raft amazing white-water, or catch a wave on one of the many epic surf breaks.

When is the best time to visit?
Due to Costa Rica's location in Central America, near to the equator, it enjoys just two seasons annually as opposed to four. The dry season lasts from mid-November through April, and the rainy season lasts from May to mid-November. The latter is also referred to as the "green" season due to the brilliant vegetation that thrives during this period.  

Travelers often opt to visit during the dry season. Peak crowds hit in December, with folks continuing to come during January and February and (for many North Americans) during spring break. However, there are advantages to visiting Costa Rica in the "green" season, from less crowds to lower prices.  Read our travel guide for visiting Costa Rica in the "green" season to find out more.

Still not sure when to go, read our guide on the best times to visit Costa Rica.

Where to go in Costa Rica?
The people of Costa Rica are happy to welcome travelers and teach them about adventure and the pure life, or 'Pura Vida'. This country relies on the eco and adventure tourism that put it on the map, read about the main regions of the country to decide where you want to visit. Visit a baby sloth rescue, get to know Manuel Antonio National Park, see Arenal Volcano, and explore the Osa Peninsula Rainforest.

How many days do I need?
Costa Rica is a small country (size of West Virginia), with many sights situated fairly close together.  With great roads (mostly), throughout the country, makes it easy to get around. In one week, you can explore a number of sights and get a great sense of the country if you are ready to be on the go. With 2 weeks, you have a bit more time to relax in each destination or explore more of the country.  Still not sure how many days you need, read our guide to help you decide.

Getting around Costa Rica
Shuttles or private transfers are great options to get around in Costa Rica. Driving is not always straightforward, but still a great choice if you feel comfortable driving on curvy or unpaved roads.  For longer transfers, Costa Rica has a network of domestic airports that connect the main locations in the country. Read more

Looking for inspiration? See our top Costa Rica itineraries

Explore trips by duration: 5 days · 6 days · 7 days · 8 days · 9 days · 10 days · 11 days · 12 days · 13 days · 14 days · 15 days · 16 days

Costa Rica Tours & Itineraries

Get inspired by Costa Rica trips other travelers loved
Storm clouds over Arenal Volcano
Map of Best of Costa Rica: Explore Jungles, Volcanoes & Beaches - 7 Days
Best of Costa Rica: Explore Jungles, Volcanoes & Beaches - 7 Days

With a mix of rugged jungles, active volcanoes, and world-class beaches, Costa Rica offers some of the best natural sights and experiences in the world, all conveniently packed into one country. Almost a quarter of the land is preserved within national parks, allowing a wide range of animals and plants to flourish, making Costa Rica an ideal destination for ecotourism. With this itinerary, you'll discover the best attractions Costa Rica has to offer in just a week.

Monteverde Cloud Forest
Map of Classic Costa Rica: 7-Day Self-Drive Tour
Classic Costa Rica: 7-Day Self-Drive Tour

Taking a road trip through Costa Rica gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore where you want. You'll pass through stunning natural scenery — from lush cloud forests to picturesque beaches — in seven days of scenic driving. This tour can be extended or shortened depending on how much time you have.

Beautiful Rio Celeste in Tenorio National Park
Map of Best of Costa Rica - 14 Days
Best of Costa Rica - 14 Days

This two-week itinerary includes many of Costa Rica's greatest hits. You'll venture into the country's most beautiful national parks and enjoy zip-lining adventures, nature hikes, beach excursions, and more. All the while you'll spot exotic animals as you traverse some of the most virgin rainforest landscapes in Central America.

Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano.
Map of Best of Costa Rica: Arenal, Monteverde & Manuel Antonio - 8 Days
Best of Costa Rica: Arenal, Monteverde & Manuel Antonio - 8 Days

This 8-day trip is ideal for travelers looking to experience Costa Rica's highlights. Go for a dip in Arenal's hot springs and spot monkeys and other wildlife on hikes around the famous volcano. Continue to Monteverde, where you'll discover the remarkable flora and fauna of the cloud forest. Finally, spend a few days in Manuel Antonio National Park, kayaking through turquoise waters and relaxing on pristine white sand beaches.

The scenic Pacific Coast of Costa Rica
Map of Costa Rica Essentials: Self-Drive Tour - 14 Days
Costa Rica Essentials: Self-Drive Tour - 14 Days

In this two-week tour, you can experience Costa Rica's main attractions as well as its lesser-known marvels. Drive along coasts, rainforest roads, and hills to discover the natural sights that make Costa Rica the most visited country in Central America.

Arenal Volcano
Map of Family-Friendly Arenal and Manuel Antonio National Park- 9 Days
Family-Friendly Arenal and Manuel Antonio National Park- 9 Days

Fun for the whole family, this itinerary covers two of Costa Rica's most famous areas. Arenal and Manuel Antonio are some of the best representations of Costa Rica; Arenal area features one of the most famous volcanos in the country, surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, while Manuel Antonio National Park is renown for its white sandy beaches and vast diversity of tropical plants and wildlife.

Make the Most of Your Time in Costa Rica

Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Read this first to maximize the things to see and do during your visit
Relax on your Costa Rica Vacation
How Many Days to Spend in Costa Rica

You can have a great adventure in Costa Rica in as short as a long weekend. With only a few days to spare, you'll have enough time to hike through a rainforest, see an active...

Costa Rica Travel Essentials

All you need to know to get started planning the perfect trip
The violet sabrewing hummingbird can be seen year-round in montane forests, though they're most active during Costa Rica's green (wet) season
Best Time of Year to Visit Costa Rica

Costa Rica's dry season (December to April) is considered the best time of year to visit, with most travelers arriving for reliable sunshine and prime beach days. Yet insiders...

Punta Uva beach near Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on the Caribbean coast
Essential Costa Rica: 4 Regions to Visit

Costa Rica is proof that big things can come in small packages. Although this Central American gem is barely the size of West Virginia, it's the most biodiverse country on the...

Visit Costa Rica and visit national parks like Rincon de la Vieja on your next kimkim trip
How Kimkim Trips Work in Costa Rica

Costa Rica draws travelers with its rainforests, beaches, and abundant wildlife. With a kimkim specialist, you'll go beyond the usual stops—spot sloths and toucans with local...

A road to Arenal Volcano
Driving in Costa Rica: Road Trip FAQ

Costa Rica has a way of igniting the adventurous spirit within. This is, after all, one of the world's most biodiverse countries loaded with rainforests, wildlife species,...

Costa Rica Travel Advice

Read our detailed insights to make sure you have the best trip
Explore Monteverde
Where to Eat in Monteverde

Monteverde is known for its stunning cloud forest, but there's also plenty of incredible dining options to fill you up after those long sky walks and zipline adventures . The...

Costa Rica Travel Guides

Detailed travel guides for the main regions of the country
Punta Uva beach near Puerto Viejo de Talamanca on the Caribbean coast
Essential Costa Rica: 4 Regions to Visit

Costa Rica is proof that big things can come in small packages. Although this Central American gem is barely the size of West Virginia, it's the most biodiverse country on the...

Costa Rica Hotel Advice

Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
Photo courtesy of Koora Hotel
kimkim gem
Monteverde
Koora Hotel
5.0
(30)
· Upscale
Sleep among the cloud forest canopy at upscale Koora Hotel in one of its bungalows on a hill surrounded by trees, some with vistas that reach the Pacific. The hotel's prime location allows guests to explore nearby orchid and butterfly gardens or set out on canopy tours and nature walks....
Arenal/La Fortuna
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
4.8
(101)
· Upscale
Sleep in the jungle at Arenal Manoa, which has sprawling grounds complete with dense vegetation, three eateries, a swimming pool, a spa, and several hot springs pools. Its 82 colonial-inspired bungalows each house two units, where each room has a private terrace hidden by tropical plants. Stroll...
kimkim gem
Monteverde
Cloud Forest Lodge
4.8
(46)
· Upscale
Cloud Forest Lodge is located on a hilltop overlooking the cloud forests of Monteverde, offering a secluded setting within easy reach of nearby Santa Elena. After extensive renovations, the all-suite retreat feels bright, comfy, and trendy, with an on-site restaurant that offers gourmet dining...

Best Experiences in Costa Rica

Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
Arenal/La Fortuna
Sky Tram, Ziplines & Sky Walk Adventure
4.9
(48)
5 hours
·
Small group
Perfect for thrill-seekers and nature lovers, this Arenal Volcano National Park adventure lets you experience Costa Rica's cloud forests from above and below. Step aboard an open-air gondola to reach the Mano del Arenal lookout, then descend along a series of seven thrilling zipline cables,...
(Photo courtesy of Treetopia Park Monteverde)
Monteverde
TreeTram, Hanging Bridges & Zipline Adventure
4.9
(42)
5 hours
·
Small group
Perfect for adrenaline seekers and nature lovers, this activity-packed experience takes you into the cloud forest to explore the treetops at Treetopia Park Monteverde. You'll start by boarding the park's open-air cableway to ride up to the starting point of the hanging bridges. Then, follow your...
Raft down the Río Balsa as you spot wildlife on the riverbanks (photo courtesy of Desafio Costa Rica)
Arenal/La Fortuna
Río Balsa Whitewater Rafting Adventure (Class II-III)
4.9
(17)
5 hours
·
Small group
Embark on an adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting adventure down the Río Balsa. You'll transfer from La Fortuna to the put-in spot on the river, where your guide will give you safety instructions and outfit you with a helmet and life vest. Then, push off into the current and start paddling...

Our Latest Costa Rica Content

Meet rescued and rehabilitated sloths at a Monteverde sanctuary
Map of Active Family Getaway to Costa Rica: Monteverde, Manuel Antonio & Drake Bay - 11 Days
Active Family Getaway to Costa Rica: Monteverde, Manuel Antonio & Drake Bay - 11 Days

Perfect for active and adventurous kids, this 11-day itinerary introduces your family to some of Costa Rica's most biodiverse and unspoiled ecosystems. Start in Monteverde to traverse its lush cloud forests by hanging bridge, hiking trail, and zipline, then hop over to Manuel Antonio to kayak and horseback ride in between plenty of beach time. Continue down the Pacific coast to Drake Bay, and wrap things up with snorkeling and wildlife spotting around Corcovado National Park.

Spend a day snorkeling and sunbathing in Cahuita National Park
Map of Explore Turrialba & Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast  - 10 Days
Explore Turrialba & Costa Rica's Caribbean Coast - 10 Days

Set off an adventurous journey from the Costa Rican city of Turrialba to the Caribbean coast, immersing yourself in the country's untouched beauty and local culture. Start with whitewater rafting on the Río Pacuare and rappeling down a canyon before transferring to Tortuguero. From there, navigate Tortuguero National Park's waterways on a boat tour and watch turtles nesting on the beach. Finish with plenty of free time to soak up the sea and a chocolate tour in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca.

Meet sloths and other wildlife on this family-friendly Costa Rica Tour
Map of Family-Friendly Costa Rica Adventure: La Fortuna & Gulf of Papagayo - 7 Days
Family-Friendly Costa Rica Adventure: La Fortuna & Gulf of Papagayo - 7 Days

Discover the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Costa Rica on this fun-filled, weeklong family tour. Start in La Fortuna, where you'll hike around the impressive Arenal volcano and take a refreshing dip in the pools of La Fortuna waterfall. Do some spelunking at Venado Caves, then continue to the pristine coastlines of the Gulf of Papagayo. Stroll white-sand beaches, meet sloths, pumas, and monkeys at an animal sanctuary, and end with a sunset sailing excursion around the gulf.

Costa Rica Travel Maps

Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
Map 10 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
10 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 1 Week in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
1 Week in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
Map 5-Days in Costa Rica : 5 Unique Trip Itineraries
5-Days in Costa Rica : 5 Unique Trip Itineraries
View article

Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Costa Rica
Travel specialist Olman Romero
active 5 hours ago

Olman Romero

I was born in Turrialba, it is a region famous for hosting the Guayabo Archeological Monument, which is the oldest and most important pre-hispanic archeological site in the country. Turrialba is...

read more...
Travel specialist Bryan Leon
active 8 hours ago

Bryan Leon

Growing up in a coffee plantation area near San Jose, Costa Rica's vibrant capital, I was fortunate to have parents who instilled in me a deep love and appreciation for nature. As a certified...

read more...
Travel specialist Randall Jiménez
active 2 days ago

Randall Jiménez

Phrases like “The trip was wonderful beyond my dreams”, “I came back home being a different person…I have grown physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually”, “A job well done my friend”,...

read more...
Travel specialist Holden Ketchum
active 4 hours ago

Holden Ketchum

I have lived in Costa Rica for eight years and made it my home. My role is to help travelers connect to the activities and experiences that will bring them the most joy and provide lasting...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for Costa Rica

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

Fabulous trip all around Tours guides EXCEPT...
Costa Rica | Mar 11 - Mar 16, 2026

Robert
Robert L.
Franklin, TN, USA | Reviewed on Mar 29, 2026
Fabulous trip all around
Tours guides EXCEPTIONAL!!!
Read more

Fabulous trip all around
Tours guides EXCEPTIONAL!!!

Hotel Reviews
Le Cameleon Boutique Hotel
Puerto Viejo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Paradise Hot Springs Thermal Water Resort
La Fortuna

Great hot springs s as nd beautiful setting

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Bribri Chocolate  & Waterfall Excursion
Bribri Chocolate & Waterfall Excursion
Costa Rica

Enrico was great

Quality of Experience
Enrico
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Kayak Adventure & Rainforest Hike in Punta Uva
Kayak Adventure & Rainforest Hike in Punta Uva
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

Lots of animals- sloth, monkey, turtle etc…

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Night Excursion in Rainforest and Wild Frog Sanctuary
Night Excursion in Rainforest and Wild Frog Sanctuary
Arenal/La Fortuna

Boring

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Arenal Mambo Combo Canyoning and Rafting
Arenal Mambo Combo Canyoning and Rafting
Arenal/La Fortuna

Staff was superb!

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Sky Tram, Sky Trek & Sky Walk
Sky Tram, Sky Trek & Sky Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Bryan Leon

Costa Rica 2026
Costa Rica | Feb 23 - Mar 8, 2026

J
Janice S.
Canada | Reviewed on Mar 29, 2026

All tours and guides were excellent. We would recommend all of the activities on our itinerary.

Special mention to Grievin and Andrea from Uvita Night Tours. We spent two days with them and they were fantastic!

Would recommend adding Alturas Wildlife Sanctuary to your tours.

Local specialist: Bryan Leon

This was the first time using Kimkim and we w...
Costa Rica | Mar 20 - Mar 27, 2026

Justin
Justin N.
Atlanta, GA | Reviewed on Mar 28, 2026

This was the first time using Kimkim and we would absolutely use them again. Our trip itinerary was customized for our family and included super unique experiences and hotel stays that we don’t believe we would have been able to find ourselves. The clear and thorough instructions in the daily itinerary were easy to follow and reflected the appropriate amount of downtime between excursions and traveling between cities. Overall super happy with the trip and thank you guys very much!

Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Mar 28, 2026

Hola Justin!

Thank you so much! We're so happy to hear everything came together beautifully for your family. It was a pleasure planning this trip with you.

Ihope to see you again in the future!

Pura Vida!
Bryan Leon,
Serendipity Adventures | Costa Rica🌴☀️🐦

Why travelers love kimkim

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