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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.Ā Ā 

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.Ā  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 theĀ 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. Ā 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.Ā  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.Ā  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 Ā· 6 days Ā· 7 days Ā· 8 days Ā· 9 days Ā· 10 days Ā· 11 days Ā· 12 days Ā· 13 days Ā· 14 days Ā· 15 days Ā· 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.

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;Ā 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.

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.

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
(32)
· 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
(104)
· 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...
Agua Ardiente Pool Bar, Courtesy of Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
Arenal/La Fortuna
Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa
4.9
(31)
· 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...

Best Experiences in Costa Rica

Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
Arenal/La Fortuna
Sky Tram, Ziplines & Sky Walk Adventure
4.9
(57)
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
(49)
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 RĆ­o Balsa as you spot wildlife on the riverbanks (photo courtesy of Desafio Costa Rica)
Arenal/La Fortuna
RĆ­o Balsa Whitewater Rafting Adventure (Class II-III)
4.9
(19)
5 hours
·
Small group
Embark on an adrenaline-pumping whitewater rafting adventure down the RĆ­o 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 RĆ­o 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 6 hours ago

Olman Romero

I was born in Turrialba, a region rich in history and natural beauty, home to the Guayabo National Monument, the most important pre-Hispanic archaeological site in the country, as well as the...

read more...
Travel specialist Bryan Leon
active 5 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 Adam Gomez
active 8 hours ago

Adam Gomez

Traveling to Costa Rica, Spain, or Portugal?! Let's make it happen! šŸ‡ØšŸ‡· šŸ‡ŖšŸ‡ø šŸ‡µšŸ‡¹ Having worked as a former flight attendant, I had the privilege of traveling to numerous countries. My twin...

read more...
Travel specialist Randall JimƩnez
active 1 hour ago

Randall JimƩnez

Phrases like ā€œThe trip was wonderful beyond my dreamsā€, ā€œI came back home being a different person…I have grown physically, mentally, emotionally and spirituallyā€, ā€œA job well done my friendā€,...

read more...

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Trip Reviews for Costa Rica

The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim

We couldn't be happier with the planning and ...
Costa Rica | Aug 1 - Aug 7, 2026

A
Annie R.
Boston, MA | Reviewed on Aug 18, 2026
We couldn't be happier with the planning and execution of our family's Costa Rica trip by Adam and the rest of the team. We let him know the areas we wanted to visit and the activities we were interested in, and he did all the rest. All of the activities, hotels, drivers and suggestions were absolutely top notch (especially our last hotel room with a corner, panoramic ocean view - amazing!) We loved working with Adam, he was so responsive, knowledgeable and very patient with us! I was also... Read more

We couldn't be happier with the planning and execution of our family's Costa Rica trip by Adam and the rest of the team. We let him know the areas we wanted to visit and the activities we were interested in, and he did all the rest. All of the activities, hotels, drivers and suggestions were absolutely top notch (especially our last hotel room with a corner, panoramic ocean view - amazing!) We loved working with Adam, he was so responsive, knowledgeable and very patient with us! I was also very impressed by the communication leading up to and throughout the trip to make sure we felt prepared and comfortable - they really went beyond my expectations! (Plus the app with the itinerary and details in it was SO helpful to have each day!) We have already recommended KimKim others, and will 100% use them again for future trips!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel La Mariposa
Manuel Antonio

This is a beautiful hotel with the most gorgeous views of the ocean! Our room was large, bright, comfortable for my family of 4, and had the best views we've ever had. The pools were perfect, and one day we saw several monkeys hanging out down there. The front desk was very helpful with reservations and taxis, and whatever else we needed. Highly recommend!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco
Monteverde

This is a beautiful, chic hotel which perfectly accommodated my family of four. We loved all the outdoor seating options to enjoy the beautiful scenery and have a drink or a snack, and the pool was much bigger than we thought it would be from the pictures. The breakfast buffet was a highlight of our whole trip! The hotel is also in a great location to walk to restaurants and shops. Highly recommend!

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Adam Gomez

Costa Rica trip was wonderfully amazing
Costa Rica | Jul 27 - Aug 2, 2026

J
Jessica Z.
Los Angeles, CA | Reviewed on Aug 17, 2026
Our trip to Costa Rica was wonderfully amazing. Huge credit to all the team at KimKim and Serendipity! We have already recommended many times. We started off with amazing personal service on arrival, outstanding bookings in Cloud Forest at Savegre Resort where the room had a private enclosed balcony with jacuzzi tub and views of the river. They also had a special anniversary table and dinner for us, that we did not know KimKim had even set up. Beautiful and very thoughtful.
Bird...
Read more

Our trip to Costa Rica was wonderfully amazing. Huge credit to all the team at KimKim and Serendipity! We have already recommended many times.

We started off with amazing personal service on arrival, outstanding bookings in Cloud Forest at Savegre Resort where the room had a private enclosed balcony with jacuzzi tub and views of the river. They also had a special anniversary table and dinner for us, that we did not know KimKim had even set up. Beautiful and very thoughtful.
Bird watching was great with local guide and we managed to see the bashful quetzales. Horseback tour was a wonderful outing through river and up into hills. Our planned coffee tour was great and gave us unique perspectives into local growing cooperative.
We moved on to the Pacific coast and Uvita where we had another amazing balcony room at Cristal Ballena overlooking the ocean. With monkeys and toucans out our window it was a wonderfully natural landscape. Plus the afternoon in the pool was so relaxing and the staff took amazing care of us.
Our whaling tour actually saw humpback whales and dolphins so that was a bonus.
Kimkim set up everything and Serendipity was right there to answer any questions in real time. The service was outstanding! We can’t say enough great things for all the assistance. So easy to work with and everything came through even better than expected.
Would HIGHLY recommend!

Hotel Reviews
Cristal Ballena Boutique Hotel & Spa
Ballena
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa
PƔramo
Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Activity Reviews
Horseback Riding Along the Savegre River
Horseback Riding Along the Savegre River
San Gerardo de Dota
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Marino Ballena National Park: Boat Trip
Marino Ballena National Park: Boat Trip
Costa Rica
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Coopedota Coffee Tour
Coopedota Coffee Tour
San Gerardo de Dota
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Private Birdwatching and Natural History at Hotel Savegre
Private Birdwatching and Natural History at Hotel Savegre
San Gerardo de Dota
Quality of Experience
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Transport
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Aug 17, 2026

Hola Jessica!

Wow, thank you so much! We're so happy everything came together perfectly, from the quetzales to the whales and those beautiful views.
It was an honor to be part of your anniversary trip, and we truly appreciate all the love and recommendations.

Pura Vida!šŸ¦ā˜€ļøšŸŒæ
Bryan and The Serendipity Adventures Team

Unveiling Costa Rica’s Wildlife Secrets – Arenal & Monteverde
Costa Rica | Jul 31 - Aug 4, 2026

Reema
Reema K.
Saint Louis, MO, USA | Reviewed on Aug 11, 2026
Every detail was thoughtfully arranged, and the entire experience felt seamless, safe, and beautifully curated.
Arenal was one of the best travel experiences we’ve ever had. We loved our stay at Casa Luna Hotel & Spa, peaceful, lush, and welcoming. The Arenal Volcano short hike was wonderful, offering stunning views and a comfortable pace. The food throughout the region was excellent, and the organic cooking class was a standout: part farming lesson, part cultural immersion, and entirely...
Read more

Every detail was thoughtfully arranged, and the entire experience felt seamless, safe, and beautifully curated.
Arenal was one of the best travel experiences we’ve ever had. We loved our stay at Casa Luna Hotel & Spa, peaceful, lush, and welcoming. The Arenal Volcano short hike was wonderful, offering stunning views and a comfortable pace. The food throughout the region was excellent, and the organic cooking class was a standout: part farming lesson, part cultural immersion, and entirely memorable.
The boat ride across Arenal Lake to Monteverde was serene and scenic, and our stay at SibÅ« Boutique Hotel was modern, comfortable, and perfectly located. Although the Monteverde night hike didn’t reveal many animals, we still spotted a few rare creatures, and the guide made the experience worthwhile. The Bat Jungle was surprisingly unique and educational. Monteverde itself offered a very special mountain atmosphere, misty, quiet, and full of character.
Overall, the trip was beautifully planned, stress‑free, and full of meaningful experiences. We are grateful for the care and expertise that went into creating this itinerary.

Hotel Reviews
Casa Luna Hotel & Spa
La Fortuna

Our stay at Casa Luna Hotel & Spa was truly amazing. The food was fantastic, the rooms were comfortable, and the location is incredibly convenient, just minutes from the Sloth Territory, Arenal Volcano, and the region’s relaxing hot springs. The hotel is surrounded by natural habitat, and we loved waking up to the sounds of birds. We spotted toucans, colorful songbirds, and several other beautiful species right from the property. It added a peaceful, rainforest charm to our stay. The staff were very helpful throughout our visit. While there is no WiFi inside the rooms, strong WiFi is available in the common areas. The hotel’s restaurant deserves special praise, the food is truly out of this world, and the WiFi inside the restaurant is excellent. Breakfast is served there as well, making mornings easy and enjoyable. Overall, Casa Luna offers beautiful scenery, wonderful food, thoughtful service, and a perfect location for exploring Arenal. Highly recommend.

Authenticity & Character
Location
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Sibū Boutique Hotel
Puntarenas

We had an amazing stay at SibÅ« Boutique Hotel. The staff were incredibly helpful and kind, the rooms were clean, modern, and comfortable, and the food was very good. The hotel has reliable WiFi and is conveniently located about 10 minutes from downtown Monteverde, making it easy to walk to restaurants, cafĆ©s, and souvenir shops. It’s a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and mountain charm. Highly recommended.

Authenticity & Character
Lots of green spaces within the hotel
Location
Mountain View’s, very steep grades
Staff
Helpful
Cleanliness & Comfort
Rooms are clean
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Aug 11, 2026

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful words, Reema!

It truly means a lot to know that you enjoyed the experiences, accommodations, and overall journey.

It was a pleasure helping you discover Arenal and Monteverde, and I’m very happy the trip felt seamless and memorable.

Wishing you many more wonderful adventures ahead! šŸ‡ØšŸ‡·

Pura Vida!
Bryan León,
Serendipity Adventures

Why travelers love kimkim

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Authentic travel experiences

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