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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, Costa Rica

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 zip-line 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....
Agua Ardiente Pool Bar, Courtesy of Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Arenal/La Fortuna
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
4.9
(29)
· Luxury
At Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa, a luxury resort in La Fortuna, you'll feel like you're in the middle of the jungle. All 42 rooms feature natural tones, wooden accents, and views of the rainforest. Your room rate includes access to the thermal pools (a quick shuttle ride away), with a small...
Arenal/La Fortuna
Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs
4.8
(100)
· 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...

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
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Map 5-Days in Costa Rica : 5 Unique Trip Itineraries
5-Days in Costa Rica : 5 Unique Trip Itineraries
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Meet our Local Travel Specialists

Experienced travel agents with a passion for Costa Rica
Travel specialist Olman Romero
active 1 min 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 2 mins 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 24 mins 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 56 mins 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

Flawlessly planned trip! No worries from start to finish.
Costa Rica | Feb 17 - Feb 26, 2026

F
Frederick R.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Mar 12, 2026
Each step of our trip was flawless! While traveling in a foreign country, KimKim made sure that everything was in place for us, from transit to/from the airport, to the delivery and pickup of our auto rental, to the hotels and activities! I would recommend KimKim to friends and family. Read more

Each step of our trip was flawless! While traveling in a foreign country, KimKim made sure that everything was in place for us, from transit to/from the airport, to the delivery and pickup of our auto rental, to the hotels and activities! I would recommend KimKim to friends and family.

Hotel Reviews
Crowne Plaza San Jose La Sabana by IHG
San José

Very helpful staff and good location for restaurants, park, and museums. Good ending for our trip.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Nammbú Beachfront Bungalows
Sámara
Authenticity & Character
Location
Just a quick 5-minute walk down to the beach. Glorious view of the ocean from the pool/bar area.
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel Eco Arenal
Fortuna

Great location and wonderful staff! One way to improve the room would be to provide indirect and/or lamp lighting. There was only overhead lighting.

Authenticity & Character
Location
The balcony opened up to a view of Arenal Volcano---very cool!
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sleep Inn Hotel Paseo Las Damas
San José

Good place for us to start our trip. The restaurant made a good sandwich.

Activity Review
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Boat Safari
Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Boat Safari
Arenal/La Fortuna

Lots of fun and very educational! Our guide, Jorge, was outstanding.

Quality of Experience
Food
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Jorge was wonderful!
Transport
Local specialist: Yuliana Valverde

Super communication.
Costa Rica | Feb 19 - Feb 26, 2026

Nancy
Nancy E.
Chicago, IL | Reviewed on Mar 05, 2026
Super communication. Read more

Super communication.

Hotel Reviews
Nayara Springs - Adults Only
Fortuna
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
So available and friendly and helpful every minute of our stay.
Cleanliness & Comfort
One of the overall most amazing places I have ever stayed.
Hotel Belmar
Monteverde
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton
San José
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private Arenal Hanging Bridges Walk
Private Arenal Hanging Bridges Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
A little rushed by guide that day.
Transport
Mocha Tour: Chocolate & Coffee
Mocha Tour: Chocolate & Coffee
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Transport
Private Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River
Private Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River
Arenal/La Fortuna
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Cloud Forest Reserve Privately Guided Hike
Cloud Forest Reserve Privately Guided Hike
Monteverde
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private San Jose Walking Tour
Private San Jose Walking Tour
San José
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Local specialist: Holden Ketchum
Holden
Holden Ketchum
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Mar 10, 2026

Thank you Nancy! Our providers will appreciate your 5-star reviews!

Thank you
Holden Ketchum
Serendipity Adventures

All of our guides and drivers were on time an...
Costa Rica | Feb 19 - Feb 26, 2026

P
Pat G.
Miami, FL | Reviewed on Mar 02, 2026
All of our guides and drivers were on time and did a great job of driving in a very mountainous country with narrow roads. Our guide to our visit to the cloud forest was very informative. We booked an optional night tour through our hotel. It was also excellent. You might consider adding that to your itineraries.
Our guide through the rain forest seemed to be in a hurry. This was a once in a lifetime visit for us. I would have liked to hear more about the flora surrounding us. All...
Read more

All of our guides and drivers were on time and did a great job of driving in a very mountainous country with narrow roads. Our guide to our visit to the cloud forest was very informative. We booked an optional night tour through our hotel. It was also excellent. You might consider adding that to your itineraries.
Our guide through the rain forest seemed to be in a hurry. This was a once in a lifetime visit for us. I would have liked to hear more about the flora surrounding us. All of our other guides had a lot to say about what we were seeing.

Hotel Review
Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton
San José

Excellent accommodations centrally located. Good food but expensive.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Private Arenal Hanging Bridges Walk
Private Arenal Hanging Bridges Walk
Arenal/La Fortuna

Guide was in a hurry and really did not have much to say. I loved the rain forest walk. What a magical place.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Mocha Tour: Chocolate & Coffee
Mocha Tour: Chocolate & Coffee
Arenal/La Fortuna

Fun place. Caesar was a great presenter. He made it fun with his energy and command of the subject.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River
Private Safari Float on the Peñas Blancas River
Arenal/La Fortuna

We found this to be disappointing.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Driving and promptness was fine.
Transport
Rafts were uncomfortable for anyone with back issues.
Cloud Forest Reserve Privately Guided Hike
Cloud Forest Reserve Privately Guided Hike
Monteverde
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Very informative.
Transport
Private San Jose Walking Tour
Private San Jose Walking Tour
San José

The guide was very knowledgeable. We enjoyed the tour.

Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Holden Ketchum
Holden
Holden Ketchum
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Mar 02, 2026

Thank you for the thoughtful review. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the Mocha Tour at the family-run chocolate and coffee farm as well as the cloud forest tour. These are some of our best options. ⭐
Thank you
Holden Ketchum
Serendipity Adventures

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