Costa Rica at a glance
Costa Rica is a small country of about 51,000 km² between Nicaragua and Panama, with a Pacific and a Caribbean coastline and a spine of volcanoes and mountains in between. It holds roughly 5% of the world's species, and about a quarter of its land is protected in national parks and reserves. The capital, San José, sits in the Central Valley at about 1,150 m, and the international airports are near San José (SJO) and in Liberia (LIR) in the north-west.
Distances look short on the map but drives are slow: winding mountain roads, trucks and rain mean averages of 40–50 km/h. Use the map above to see where everything sits, then open a destination for driving times, sights, tours and places to stay.
Where to go for your first trip
| Trip length | Classic route | Maps |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days | Arenal → Monteverde → Manuel Antonio | Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio |
| 10 days | Add Guanacaste or the Nicoya Peninsula beaches | Guanacaste, Nicoya |
| 14 days | Add Tortuguero or the Caribbean coast, or the Osa Peninsula | Tortuguero, Osa |
See our Costa Rica road trip itinerary for a day-by-day plan.
When to go
The dry season (December to April) is peak season on the Pacific side, with sunny days and the highest prices. The green season (May to November) brings afternoon rain, lush forests, fewer visitors and lower rates; September and October are the wettest months on the Pacific side but often the driest on the Caribbean coast. Turtle nesting in Tortuguero peaks from July to October, and humpback whales visit Marino Ballena from about July to October and December to March.
Hanging bridges, zip-lining, rafting and guided night walks are the best-rated activities in Costa Rica.
See top-rated tours ↗Getting around
Most visitors rent a car, ideally an SUV or 4x4, or use door-to-door tourist shuttles between the main destinations. Public buses are cheap but slow. Domestic flights save hours to the Osa Peninsula, Tortuguero and the southern Pacific. Read our driving guide and airports guide.
Lodges in Arenal, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio fill up early from Christmas to Easter.
Find places to stay ↗Plan your trip
Tours & tickets
Guided tours, day trips and activities with free cancellation on most bookings.
See tours ↗Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Costa Rica?
Seven days covers Arenal, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio. Ten to fourteen days lets you add a beach region such as Guanacaste or the Nicoya Peninsula, or a remote area like Tortuguero or the Osa Peninsula.
Should I fly into San José or Liberia?
Fly into Liberia (LIR) if you are focusing on Guanacaste and the Nicoya beaches, and into San José (SJO) for the Central Valley, Manuel Antonio, the Caribbean and the south. Open-jaw tickets, into one and out of the other, often work best.
Do I need a 4x4 in Costa Rica?
Not for the main paved routes, but a 4x4 or high-clearance SUV is recommended for Monteverde, the Nicoya Peninsula, the Osa Peninsula and many lodges, especially in the green season.
What is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
December to April is the dry season and peak time on the Pacific side. May to November is the green season, with afternoon rain and lower prices. The Caribbean coast is often driest in September and October.
Is Costa Rica safe for tourists?
Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Central America for visitors. Petty theft is the main risk: never leave valuables in a parked car or unattended on the beach.