Welcome to Costa Rica

Costa Rica is the green jewel of Central America — and one of the most extraordinary travel destinations in the world. On an area smaller than Lower Saxony, this small country between the Pacific and the Caribbean combines a biodiversity that is unmatched: 6% of all known animal and plant species live here. Costa Rica is proof that sustainability and tourism can go hand in hand.

What makes Costa Rica so special? It is a country that has had no army since 1949, instead investing in education and environmental protection, and practically invented ecotourism. The Ticos — as Costa Ricans call themselves — live by the motto "Pura Vida" (pure life), a philosophy of calmness, gratitude, and joy.

• Volcanoes with Hot Springs — the perfect Arenal Volcano, bubbling thermal springs in La Fortuna, the turquoise Río Celeste at Tenorio
• Cloud Forests of Monteverde — hanging bridges through the treetops, hummingbirds, and the legendary Quetzal
• Dream Beaches on Two Oceans — Pacific surfing paradises and Caribbean reggae vibes
• Endless National Parks — 28 national parks protect 25% of the country's area. Corcovado is considered the most biodiverse place on Earth
• Sloths, Toucans, Monkeys, Turtles — Wildlife can be seen everywhere, not just in the zoo
• Adventure for Every Taste — Ziplining, white-water rafting, snorkeling, hiking, canopy tours
• Safety — Costa Rica is the safest country in Central America and politically stable like few others in Latin America

In addition, there is a tourist infrastructure that is excellently developed: Shuttle buses connect all important places, eco-lodges offer nature experiences at the highest level, and the Ticos welcome visitors with a warmth that is contagious. Costa Rica is not a budget travel destination — but every euro invested pays off in unforgettable experiences.

Costa Rica is compact but incredibly diverse. Four travel regions cover the main highlights:

🏙️ San José & Central Valley

For Whom: Passersby, culture enthusiasts, coffee lovers
The capital San José is located at 1,170 meters in the fertile Central Valley, surrounded by volcanoes. Most travelers pass through quickly, but the National Museum, the Mercado Central, and the nearby Poás and Irazú volcanoes are worth a stop. The surrounding coffee plantations are among the best in the world.

🏖️ Pacific Coast

For Whom: Beach lovers, surfers, nature enthusiasts, adventurers
From Manuel Antonio with its white beaches and capuchin monkeys to the mystical cloud forest of Monteverde to the wild Osa Peninsula with the legendary Corcovado National Park — the Pacific side offers the greatest variety. The Nicoya Peninsula attracts surfers and yogis from all over the world.

🌴 Caribbean Coast

For Whom: Reggae fans, snorkelers, turtle watchers
The Caribbean side is its own universe: Afro-Caribbean culture, reggae rhythms, colorful wooden houses, coral reefs, and the legendary turtle nesting sites of Tortuguero. Puerto Viejo is the most relaxed place in the country.

🌋 Volcanoes & Highlands

For Whom: Adventurers, hikers, wellness lovers
The perfectly shaped Arenal Volcano with its hot springs, the mystical Río Celeste in Tenorio National Park, the bubbling mud pots at Rincón de la Vieja — Costa Rica's volcanic landscape is spectacular and offers adventure and relaxation at the same time.

1. Marvel at the Río Celeste in Tenorio National Park — A river that glows in surreal turquoise, as if someone poured paint into it. The waterfall is one of the most photogenic places in Costa Rica. → Chap. Volcanoes & Highlands
2. Watch Sloths in Manuel Antonio — The smallest national park in the country offers the highest animal density: sloths in the trees, capuchin monkeys on the path, iguanas on the beach. → Chap. Pacific Coast
3. Float through the Cloud Forest of Monteverde on Hanging Bridges — Walk among the treetops of the mystical cloud forest, surrounded by orchids, hummingbirds, and the mist of the clouds. → Chap. Pacific Coast
4. Relax in the Hot Springs at Arenal Volcano — After a day of hiking in the volcanic area, lie in natural thermal springs while Arenal towers above you. → Chap. Volcanoes & Highlands
5. Observe Turtles Nesting in Tortuguero — At night on the beach, when sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs — a primeval spectacle. → Chap. Caribbean Coast
6. Experience the Wilderness in Corcovado National Park — National Geographic called it the "most biologically intense place on Earth." Tapirs, jaguars, macaws, and absolute wilderness. → Chap. Pacific Coast
7. Enjoy the Caribbean Vibe in Puerto Viejo — Reggae bars, coconut water, bike tours to dream beaches, and the most relaxed atmosphere in the country. → Chap. Caribbean Coast
8. Descend the La Fortuna Waterfall — 500 steps down to a 70-meter-high waterfall plunging into a turquoise pool. Swimming in the cold mountain water included. → Chap. Volcanoes & Highlands
9. Surf on the Nicoya Peninsula — Santa Teresa, Nosara, Sámara: world-class waves for beginners and pros, sunsets, and yoga retreats. → Chap. Pacific Coast
10. Take a Coffee Tour in the Central Valley — From plant to cup: Costa Rican coffee is among the best in the world. The plantations around Heredia and San Ramón are a delight. → Chap. San José & Central Valley
11. Glide through the Canals of Tortuguero by Canoe — The "Venice of Costa Rica" is only accessible by boat. Caimans, monkeys, toucans, and absolute silence. → Chap. Caribbean Coast
12. Ziplining over the Cloud Forest — Fly over the rainforest canopy at up to 60 km/h on steel cables — Costa Rica invented the canopy adventure. → Chap. Pacific Coast

Costa Rica lies between the 8th and 11th parallel north of the equator and has a tropical climate that is strongly influenced by altitude and coastal side. There are two seasons:

Dry Season — "Verano" (December–April)

The best travel time for most regions. Sunny, warm, little rain — especially on the Pacific coast and in the Central Valley. The landscape becomes brown and dry towards the end of the dry season (March–April), especially in Guanacaste. High season with higher prices, especially around Christmas, New Year, and Easter (Semana Santa).

Rainy Season — "Invierno" (May–November)

Mostly sunny in the morning, heavy showers in the afternoon (1–3 hours). Nature is at its greenest and lushest. Fewer tourists, lower prices. Caution: September and October are the rainiest months — some roads become impassable.

Caribbean Exception!

The Caribbean side has a reversed rhythm: Driest months are September and October (when it rains the most on the Pacific). February and March are also relatively dry. The Caribbean has more rainfall overall than the Pacific.

Regions in Detail

Costa Rica is the most expensive country in Central America — and significantly more expensive than neighbors like Nicaragua or Guatemala. The good infrastructure, environmental protection, and higher standard of living come at a price. But with the right planning, you can experience a lot even on a smaller budget.

Daily Budget per Person

Price Examples (2025/26)

Costa Rica is the pioneer of ecotourism — but not every "Eco" label is genuine. Here's how to travel truly sustainably:

CST Certification

The Certificación para la Sostenibilidad Turística (CST) is Costa Rica's official sustainability seal for hotels, tour operators, and restaurants. The rating ranges from 1–5 leaves. Hotels with 4–5 leaves engage in serious environmental protection: solar energy, rainwater use, local employment, waste management. Look for the CST logo when booking.

Practical Tips

• Eco-Lodges instead of All-Inclusive Resorts: The money stays in the local economy
• Hire Local Guides: Not through international platforms, but directly on-site. The money goes to the community.
• Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Chemical sunscreens are banned in national parks. Use mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide/titanium oxide).
• Avoid Plastic Bottles: Tap water is drinkable in most places! A reusable bottle saves hundreds of plastic bottles per trip.
• No Wildlife Selfies: The "Selfie with Sloth" promotes illegal wildlife trade. Photograph animals from a distance.
• Eat in Sodas instead of Chains: Support the local economy, eat authentically, pay less.
• Carbon Offset: Your long-haul flight to Costa Rica generates about 3 tons of CO₂. Costa Rica's FONAFIFO program offers official carbon offsets.

Volunteering

Costa Rica offers many reputable volunteer programs:

• Turtle Conservation: In Tortuguero, Ostional, and Pacuare (1–4 weeks, from 200 USD/week incl. accommodation)
• Rainforest Reforestation: Osa Conservation on the Osa Peninsula
• Wildlife Rescue: Jaguar Rescue Center in Puerto Viejo — care for injured and orphaned wildlife

Costa Rica is one of the most family-friendly destinations in the tropics: safe country, good infrastructure, animals and adventures everywhere for little and big explorers. The Ticos love children and warmly welcome families everywhere.

The Best Places for Families

Practical Tips

• Rental Car (4×4): Flexibility is golden with children. Reserve child seats in advance with the rental company (not always available!).
• Malaria/Dengue Protection: DEET spray for children (20% concentration, not on hands — children lick!), mosquito nets in basic accommodations.
• Sun Protection: The tropical sun is aggressive — hat, sunscreen SPF 50+, UV shirts in the water.
• Food: Gallo Pinto and Casados are popular with most children (rice, beans, chicken). Fruit juices (Batidos) are a hit.
• Health: Tap water is safe. In rural areas, bottled water as a precaution. Bring diarrhea medication.