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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...
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
(50)
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
(44)
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
(18)
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
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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 29 mins 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 10 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 20 hours 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 1 hour 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

Beach and Rain forest in Costa Rica
Costa Rica | Apr 1 - Apr 7, 2026

Tina
Tina D.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Apr 08, 2026
We stayed in San Jose, La Fortuna, and Tamarindo. Each accommodation was exactly what I was looking for, it had local flare but enough accommodations and food choices for my children. I saw lots of wildlife, had great guides, the transports were on time and friendly, everything was as I expected. The kimkim team was very easy to work with and had great recommendations to guide me to what I wanted. It was a great planning experience with Kat in particular, she revised our plan like 6 times... Read more

We stayed in San Jose, La Fortuna, and Tamarindo. Each accommodation was exactly what I was looking for, it had local flare but enough accommodations and food choices for my children. I saw lots of wildlife, had great guides, the transports were on time and friendly, everything was as I expected. The kimkim team was very easy to work with and had great recommendations to guide me to what I wanted. It was a great planning experience with Kat in particular, she revised our plan like 6 times until it was exactly what I wanted!

Hotel Reviews
Hotel Pasatiempo
Tamarindo

My favorite of where we stayed. The atmosphere was amazing with little wooden walk ways through a huge mango tree and other local foliage. A large teekee hut that had a meeger bar and breakfast/snack spot. The pool was clean and warm. And every morning a whole family of howler monkeys visited the mango tree to feast. The next day a family of iguanas visited the pool to sun and get a drink. The service for onsite drinks and food was kindof like if you want something-go find someone and they’ll make it for you. Which worked well enough for us, we had a pitcher of margheritas one night and my husband enjoyed some cervesas by the pool. But most of the time you just walk down the street and choose from one of the many local spots in town. The beach was 5 mins away and beautiful, warm and eclectic. Definitely an experience I’ll never forget!

Authenticity & Character
Can’t say enough about the character, loved it!
Location
5 mins to beach and right I. The middle of Tamarindo accessible to everything
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Arenal Paraíso Resort, Spa & Hot Springs
La Fortuna

I loved it! The hot springs were amazing, the pool was clean and warm, the atmosphere was like out of a movie-so much flora and fauna. Rooms were clean, I didn’t see one bug, not sure how they managed that in the middle of a rain forest! I woke up to howler monkey calls and even spotted them. In the trees one day. The breakfast buffet wasn’t over indulgent but had an array of things to choose from and local food which I loved and always a little something for my picky American daughters. Cheese, fruit, fresh breads and pastries, rice platter, local sausage, omelet station, cereal and even pancakes one day. If you are expecting a 5star luxury hotel this isn’t for you-you’ll have to pay more for that and sacrifice authenticity. But if you want to see Costa Rica, be immersed in the wild life and be comfortable and clean doing it this is the place for you! Only thing I didn’t like about it was the distance from the airport. The 4 hour drive was long and windy.

Authenticity & Character
It’s like being in the rain forest but clean and safe!
Location
15 mins from the waterfall and hanging bridges. Loved it. Even in walking distance to a coffee shop. There is nothing else to walk to though if you are looking for that.
Staff
Some of the staff were very friendly and talkative, some just did their job. The front staff doesn’t seem to be too informed about excursions and how to guide on them but we had them mostly arranged beforehand anyway. My husband did the onsite zip line and the front staff did not instruct them well on what to do so they almost missed the outing with the group.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and comfortable. Air conditioning worked great and water was clean.
Hotel Presidente
San José

I gave it five stars because it was exactly what I expected. Local authenticity but great clean accommodations at a fair price. Staff was knowledgeable and helpful enough and it was right in the center of town near shops, restaurants and city parks. Loved our stay there!

Authenticity & Character
You can tell it is not made, maintained or staffed by a large chain hotel.
Location
As above
Staff
Cleanliness & Comfort
Local specialist: Adam Gomez

Perfect holiday organised brilliantly!
Costa Rica | Mar 21 - Apr 4, 2026

J
James C.
United Kingdom | Reviewed on Apr 08, 2026

We had an amazing time in Costa Rica experiencing so much wildlife and different places. It was very daunting planning the 2 week trip ourselves with so much we wanted to pack in so we are very grateful we used kimkim to help. Yuliana put together a great plan and we worked through some options to make it even better. Responses were very fast including last minute adjustments during the trip. Will definitely use kimkim again!

Local specialist: Yuliana Valverde
Yuliana
Yuliana Valverde
Local specialist in San José, Costa Rica | Replied on Apr 08, 2026
Hi James,
Thank you so much for your kind words. It truly means a lot to hear that you had such a wonderful time in Costa Rica.
I know planning a two-week trip with many destinations and activities can feel overwhelming, so I am very happy that I could help make the process easier and create an itinerary that allowed you to experience so much of the country. Costa Rica offers incredible wildlife and diverse landscapes, and it is always rewarding to know that travelers were able to enjoy... Read more

Hi James,
Thank you so much for your kind words. It truly means a lot to hear that you had such a wonderful time in Costa Rica.

I know planning a two-week trip with many destinations and activities can feel overwhelming, so I am very happy that I could help make the process easier and create an itinerary that allowed you to experience so much of the country. Costa Rica offers incredible wildlife and diverse landscapes, and it is always rewarding to know that travelers were able to enjoy these special moments during their journey.

It was a pleasure working with you to refine the plan and make adjustments along the way, and I am glad the support during the trip was helpful as well.

Thank you again for trusting me with your adventure and for sharing your experience. I would be delighted to help you plan another visit to Costa Rica anytime in the future.

Pura Vida!
Yuliana

This trip was amazing.
Costa Rica | Mar 28 - Apr 5, 2026

CINDY
CINDY H.
Dallas, TX | Reviewed on Apr 07, 2026
This trip was amazing. I was not sure what to expect going through KimKim and the local specialist, Serendipity Adventures, but was thoroughly pleased with everything. Our tour guide during the Turrialba Volcano Hike, Gloriana, was amazing, well informed and an absolute delight to hike along side. Living in the community brought real stories and experience to our hike. She was most accommodating. We had a tour of the National Monument with Manuel and he was extremely knowledgeable as well.... Read more

This trip was amazing. I was not sure what to expect going through KimKim and the local specialist, Serendipity Adventures, but was thoroughly pleased with everything. Our tour guide during the Turrialba Volcano Hike, Gloriana, was amazing, well informed and an absolute delight to hike along side. Living in the community brought real stories and experience to our hike. She was most accommodating. We had a tour of the National Monument with Manuel and he was extremely knowledgeable as well. He informed us of the history and brought his scope and found a sloth for us to see. I was so excited as I have never seen a sloth up close. Our next adventure was a night tour at Catie Botanical Gardens. I was amazed at the amount of Costa Rican wildlife. Jorge and Gato were exceptional guides. Our accommodations were outstanding and all the support staff were friendly and most spoke English. We moved from Turrialba to San Geraldo de Dota and had amazing views at the Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge... loved the weather. Early in the morning we went birdwatching with Carlos, an extraordinary guide, who grew up in the area. His knowledge about birds was amazing and he knew the Quetzal patterns which allowed us to see our first Quetzal. The horseback riding is a must to the waterfalls. We are avid riders and loved every minute. Our last visit was to Uvita.... the weather was just like Louisiana, hot and humid but we're very used to it. The view from Tiki Villas Rainforest Lodge and Spa was breath taking. We added spa treatments for us 4 and it was incredible. Tired after 7 days of hiking, horseback riding and tours, we were soooo happy the Mangrove & Wildlife tour was in a boat. It was so peaceful and we were able to see all the birds we wanted to. Exceptional as well.

Booking through KimKim and Serendipity was the BEST decision we ever made and will most assuredly be recommending this group to everyone. As a retired military member, I like order and punctuality and that is exactly what we had... no hiccups. The only way to visit going forward. I can't wait to book my next country visit with them.

Hotel Reviews
Tiki Villas Rainforest Lodge & Spa
Uvita

EXCEPTIONAL!! Amazing view, massages in room when purchased and great ambiance.

Authenticity & Character
Fantastic pool and view..... EXCEPTIONAL.
Location
Very close to tours and beaches.
Staff
Friendly and accommodating.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Excellent king size beds and very cool outside shower and bath. MUST STAY AGAIN.
Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge
Copey

Amazing views, wonderful spa bathtub and great restaurant.

Authenticity & Character
Incredible views and walking paths.
Location
Location near our tours which was awesome and a great cafe for birdwatching and a pizza cafe too.
Staff
Fabian and Selena were fantastic.
Cleanliness & Comfort
Great support staff and very clean.
Casa Turire
Turrialba

Great lodging, friendly staff and wonderful location

Authenticity & Character
Lush landscaping
Location
Beautifully tucked away but close to the city.
Staff
Very friendly
Cleanliness & Comfort
Clean and spacious.
Activity Review
Private Hike Turrialba Volcano
Private Hike Turrialba Volcano
Costa Rica

Our guide was Gloriana who lived around the tour area which made the hike even more interesting as she was able to share her childhood experiences along the way. The hike was the perfect amount of exertion and exercise and the view was amazing.

Quality of Experience
Knowledgeable tour guide
Guides, Drivers and Staff
Gloriana was exceptional.
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Apr 07, 2026

Thank you so much, Cindy!

This truly made my day! I'm absolutely thrilled that everything went smoothly and that you enjoyed every moment, from Gloriana's stories to spotting your first Quetzal. Hearing that our team brought you order, punctuality, and unforgettable memories means the world to us.
Thank you for trusting us with your adventure!

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

Why travelers love kimkim

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Authentic travel experiences

Kimkim’s local specialists ensure that you will have the best experience based on up-to-date local insights. On top of that, the vast majority of your money will go straight to support and grow local economies.

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You can always reach your local specialist with a quick message or call in case you hit a snag during your trip, or simply want some great local recommendations.