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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 themain 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
Best of Costa Rica in 7 Days: Explore Jungles, Volcanoes and Beaches
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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 will have enough time to hike through a rainforest, see an active...
1 Week in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
With a week in Costa Rica, you can explore two to three locations. Nature lovers will delight in a natural wonders trip, complete with visits to La Fortuna, Monteverde, and...
10 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
Travelers with more than a week to spend in Costa Rica have time to experience more of what makes the country so exceptional. These unique 10-day itineraries lead you through...
2 Weeks in Costa Rica - 5 Unique Itinerary Ideas
With two weeks to spend in Costa Rica, travelers can truly enjoy the country's natural beauty and geographic diversity. Look for wildlife in the national parks, relax on...
Read more about planning your time in Costa Rica
Costa Rica Travel Essentials
All you need to know to get started planning the perfect trip
Best Time of Year to Visit Costa Rica
For access to all the country has to offer, visit during the dry season that runs from December through April—winter is the most popular time, with great weather and sizable...
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...
How kimkim Trips Work in Costa Rica
Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Here's a quick introduction to kimkim, how our trips work, and what makes us unique. We'll go over how our itineraries are customized to your...
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
How to Choose the Best Hot Springs in Arenal/La Fortuna
The Arenal/La Fortuna region in Costa Rica offers 12 different thermal pools. Each hot spring has a unique character making it ideal for different travel tastes, from romantic,...
Best Whitewater Rafting in Costa Rica For Every Level
Costa Rica's dry season is from November to April. But May signals the beginning of the rainy season, and it's then that the rivers rise—making it the best time for aquatic...
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...
7 Best Places for Birding in Costa Rica
More than a quarter of Costa Rica is protected jungle, home to a wide variety of native wildlife—including 850 colorful species of birds. Learn about the country's best areas to...
See more Costa Rica travel advice
Costa Rica Travel Guides
Detailed travel guides for the main regions of the country
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...
Ultimate Guide to Visiting Arenal: Costa Rica's Most...
Every year travelers from around the world travel to the tiny Costa Rican town of La Fortuna. They come for one reason and one reason alone—to experience the majesty of Costa...
Ultimate Guide to Guanacaste and the Famed Gold Coast
Costa Rica's Guanacaste Province is an eco-playground with plentiful beaches and large expanses of protected rainforest. This guide covers everything you need to know to...
Ultimate Guide to Monteverde: Costa Rica's Lost World
Costa Rica's mountainous Monteverde region is a traveler favorite, topping lists for its distinct cloud forest ecosystem, abundant wildlife, and options for hiking and...
See more Costa Rica travel guides
Costa Rica Hotel Advice
Unique places to stay, curated by kimkim specialists
Arenal/La Fortuna
4.8
(59)
· Comfort
Sleep in the jungle at Arenal Manoa, with its sprawling grounds complete with dense vegetation, three eateries, a swimming pool, a spa, and several hot springs pools. Each cabin houses two units, each offering a private terrace hidden by tropical plants. Stroll from your room to breakfast along...
Arenal/La Fortuna
5.0
(12)
· Luxury
As a luxury resort with a little bit of everything, you'll find multiple bars, eateries, hot springs, spa treatments, and outdoor activities across The Springs Resort & Spa's vast property. The thermal mineral pools feature atmospheric perks like waterfalls, views of Arenal Volcano, and...
Arenal/La Fortuna
4.9
(19)
· Luxury
You’ll feel like you’re in the middle of the jungle at Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa, a luxury resort in La Fortuna. 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 area...
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Best Experiences in Costa Rica
Unique things to do, curated by kimkim specialists
Arenal/La Fortuna
Arenal Hanging Bridges Guided Walk
4.9
(15)
4 hours
·
Small group
Explore the thrilling Arenal Hanging Bridges on this popular excursion. The trail system, located inside a rainforest reserve, features suspension bridges that take you high above the treetops before treating you to a once-in-a-lifetime view of Arenal Volcano. Venturing along these spectacular...
Arenal/La Fortuna
Whitewater Rafting on the Balsa River
4.9
(14)
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 you'll receive safety instructions and get outfitted with a helmet and life vest. Then push off into the current and start paddling through...
Monteverde
4.8
(21)
5 hours
·
Small group
Venture into the cloud forest for an outdoor adventure that involves hiking, zip lining, and more. Start by boarding the open-air Sky Tram gondola at Treetopia Park Monteverde, an aerial amusem*nt park set in the cloud forest. Take in the surrounding scenery as you ride up to the starting point...
See all Costa Rica experiences
Our Latest Costa Rica Content
10 Days in Costa Rica - 5 Luxury Itinerary Ideas
Ten days in Costa Rica is an excellent amount of time to discover the country's pristine landscapes while staying in luxury accommodations and indulging. Enjoy the freedom a rental car provides on a road trip adventure stretching from Poás to Manuel Antonio, or take the trail less traveled on a journey featuring the Pacific coast's national parks. Alternatively, consider an activity-filled itinerary featuring Tortuguero, Arenal, and Papagayo, or delight in a bird-watching trip through the country's premier ecolodges.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Luxury on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast - 10 Days
Experience Costa Rica's far-flung wonders, traveling in comfort and style as you go. This 10-day luxury excursion kicks off in thrilling style with adventure sports, waterfall hikes, and birding in the hidden gem of Bajos del Toro. Continue to the Pacific coast and enjoy the unspoiled beaches at Esterillos Este, tour the mangroves of Sierpe, and finish with nature hikes on the rugged Osa Peninsula.
Mix luxury, adventure sports, nature tours, surfing, and more over 10 days in the eco-wonderland of Costa Rica. The thrills start right away with rafting adventures in Turrialba, followed by waterfall visits, zipline rides, and hiking the dried lava fields at the iconic Arenal volcano. Continue north to the Nicoya Peninsula and the surf town of Tamarindo, where you'll catch a few waves, go kayaking, and snorkel in the bay.
See all Costa Rica content
Costa Rica Travel Maps
Get the lay of land, and understand distances between the places you want to visit
10 Days in Costa Rica - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas
View article
5-Days in Costa Rica : 5 Unique Trip Itineraries
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2 Weeks in Costa Rica: 5 Unique Itineraries
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See all Costa Rica maps
Meet our Local Travel Specialists
Experienced travel agents with a passion for Costa Rica
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...
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...
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...
Charlotte Törnqvist
I was born and raised in northern Sweden. At the age of 18, I had the privilege of doing a high school exchange year in Costa Rica. I fell in love with the country, the people, and well, my...
read more...
See all Costa Rica travel agents
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Why travelers love kimkim
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Customize your trip with the help of a local travel specialist
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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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Once you are happy with the trip, you can easily book via kimkim’s secure payment platform.
Local support during your trip
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.
Kimkim offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you are not fully satisfied with us, we’ll work with you to make it right.
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Kimkim is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating.
Seller of Travel Registration number: CST #2136279-40.
Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.
Trip Reviews for Costa Rica
The latest reviews by travelers who booked their trip on kimkim
Our trip was amazing! Every guide and transpo...
Costa Rica | Mar 2 - Mar 12, 2024
Bobbi S.
McHenry, IL | Reviewed on Mar 13, 2024
Our trip was amazing! Every guide and transport was ready for us. Our trip was well planned. It went very smooth. One incident on our way to airport was resolved by Holden and Nancy immediately. It was a trip of a lifetime!!! Read more
Local specialist: Holden Ketchum
Holden Ketchum
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Mar 13, 2024
Thank you Bobbi for your honest review! I'm glad that you had a good time with your family and I will certainly take into account some of your feedback on the hotels and activities for future trips.
Sincerely
Holden Ketchum
Serendipity Adventures
Read all Costa Rica reviews
This trip was wonderful!
Costa Rica | Mar 2 - Mar 10, 2024
S
Samantha S.
Ashburn, VA | Reviewed on Mar 11, 2024
This trip was wonderful. I would absolutely use them again! All the resorts and excursions were great. Holden worked with us to plan a perfect 8 days! We loved it. Serendipity Adventures is the local specialist (Mariano) that helped plan, organize and manage your trip- they did awesome!Holden, Nancy, and Wilman were very helpful and made it a wonderful experience! Read more
Local specialist: Holden Ketchum
Holden Ketchum
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Mar 11, 2024
I'm so glad we were able to make a great engagement trip for you Samantha, how amazing that you had the sailing tour almost to yourselves!
I'm also glad that Mariano was so helpful, he's really amazing and I'm glad you enjoyed your experiences with him.
Holden
Serendipity Adventures
Read all Costa Rica reviews
Everything was great. Bryan was most helpful....
Costa Rica | Feb 22 - Mar 2, 2024
V
Virginie d.
Newark, NJ | Reviewed on Mar 10, 2024
Everything was great. Bryan was most helpful. The itinerary you planned for us was very good. All focused on nature, which is what we wanted. We could have used a guide or a nature specialist on all the hikes.
The drivers were all good, especially Alex who is a real gentleman. He was very helpful and very knowledgeable. The river tour was exceptional. I wish it had been longer. The hotels were great, especially the second one.
One thing that was not planned well was the day we drove from... Read more
Local specialist: Bryan Leon
Bryan Leon
Local specialist in Cartago, Costa Rica | Replied on Mar 11, 2024
Hola Virginie,Thank you for your detailed feedback! It's wonderful to know that the itinerary we planned aligned well with your interests in nature.We're delighted to hear that the drivers, especially Alex, provided exceptional service. We'll be sure to pass on your kind words to him. It's fantastic that you enjoyed the river tour, although we regret that it couldn't be longer. Your positive comments about the hotels, especially the second one, are greatly appreciated.Regarding the long... Read more
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