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Costa Rica Travel

The 7 reasons to go to in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a haven of peace in Central America. Make the most of the tranquility and the many activities in nature offered by this country. There are so many different landscapes that will never cease to amaze you.
  1. 1
    See the advances they have made towards sustainable development
  2. 2
    Go and explore a place where National Parks make up 25% of the country.
  3. 3
    Explore an amazing tropical forest
  4. 4
    Laze on the many beaches on both coasts
  5. 5
    Watching the Leatherbacks
  6. 6
    Understanding how chocolate is made
  7. 7
    Meeting friendly people
1. See the advances they have made towards sustainable development

Costa Rica is a very advanced country; they abolished the death penalty in 1881, don't have an army and emphasize health and education. What's more, the country pays a lot of attention to the practice of sustainable development in all areas. There are several farms experimenting with permaculture (non-intensive, pesticide free). The government makes it a point of honour to protect its natural species.

2. Go and explore a place where National Parks make up 25% of the country.

Costa Rica has 27 national parks of which 3 are UNESCO World Heritage sites. It also has the most varied plant life of any Latin American country. Just to give you a few figures - there are 850 bird species, 205 animal species, 10,000 plants and trees, 35,000 insect species...It's obvious you are going to be dazzled by the abundance of the biodiversity during your trip to Costa Rica.

3. Explore an amazing tropical forest

One of the things you absolutely must see during a trip to Costa Rica is Corcovado National Park, on the Pacific coast of the Osa peninsula. It will leave you with some unforgettable souvenirs: crossing the thick mangrove, walking through impressive tropical forest and discovering the numerous insects, animals and birds. This park is Costa Rica just like you imagined it to be - paradisaical beaches, wild nature and abundant wildlife.

4. Laze on the many beaches on both coasts

When it comes to beaches Costa Rica really does have something for everyone! One side of the country borders the Pacific and the other the Caribbean Sea. There are fine sandy beaches in white, yellow or black, coconut trees, hammocks, the sea in the background...you're bound to find something you like! There are also some great surf spots and superb coral reefs.

5. Watching the Leatherbacks

Some beaches of Costa Rica are among the rare ones in the world chosen by the famous Leatherback turtles for laying their eggs. From September to March on the Pacific coast, and from April to November on the Caribbean coast, it's the ideal spot for observing this famous creature. Of course, in Costa Rica this activity is strictly protected and regulated. Some places are only accessible with a guide and a lot of beaches are closed at night in order to protect the species.

6. Understanding how chocolate is made

Chocolate lovers - this is for you! You can volunteer on a chocolate farm or you can take a guided visit to tell you all about it. In this way you can understand, or practice, every step in turning cocoa into chocolate during your trip to Costa Rica. From collecting the cocoa pods to forming the chocolate paste, via the fermentation and drying of the beans and the separation of the powder and the cocoa butter. Sometimes you can even make soap, salves or cakes from this precious plant.

7. Meeting friendly people

Costa Rica's inhabitants, the "Ticos" will welcome you with warmth and friendliness. Their conversations punctuated with happy cries of the national motto "Pura Vida" really reflect their character and zest for life. Go and talk to the locals who will be happy to learn about you and to tell you lots of stories about their magnificent country.

Discover the destination

Why go to in Costa Rica?

Here is some advice about your journey to Costa Rica, a country where the abundant natural wildlife is respected and conserved.
We recommend if...
  • If you want to see turtles, whales, monkeys, sloths...
  • You love luxuriant landscapes
  • You like exploring sea beds
  • You enjoy eco-tourism
  • You want to meet friendly local people
  • You want to explore one of the biggest primary tropical forests in Central America
You shouldn't go if
  • You don't like rice or kidney beans
  • You only have a small budget for your trip
  • You are an unrepentant smoker (very strict anti-smoking laws and few smokers)
  • You're not keen on insects and reptiles
  • You want to spend your holidays far away from mass tourism
  • You don't like heat or humidity

Customize your perfect trip to Costa Rica

Discover all our travel ideas for a trip in Costa Rica.

All our tours in Costa Rica

When to go in Costa Rica?

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The climate of Costa Rica is tropical, with the country experiencing both a dry season and a rainy season. The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season, between December and April. It is noticeably hotter at the coast than in the center of the country. Coastal areas are hot, with temperatures of around 30 degrees, whereas the central area remains temperate all year round and experiences temperatures of around 17 degrees. Costa Rica is a superb country to discover and explore, consisting of mountains, forests and heavenly beaches, and with one of the most favorable climates you could wish for.
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Our advice for your holiday in Costa Rica

Travel tips from our local agencies in Costa Rica.

What to see in Costa Rica?

Top places to discover.

See all places
Prepare for your departure to in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a country that is heavily invested in renewable energy, bordered by the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean, and the ideal destination for nature lovers.

What documents to travel to in Costa Rica?

If you are staying less than 90 days you do not need a visa. Your passport will need to be valid for at least one day after the end of your stay and evidence of return or onward travel is all that is required for a stay in Costa Rica.

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Health advice

If you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic then you will need a vaccination certificate for a trip to Costa Rica You are also recommended to ensure your DTP vaccination is up to date. Others, such as typhoid, and hepatitis A and B are also recommended.

You should also protect yourself against insect bites by wearing long clothes and using protective sprays.

Finally, drink bottled rather than tap water.

If you would like more information consult the NHS website.

Language

The official language is Spanish. There are numerous indigenous languages spoken in different regions.

Time difference

Costa Rica is 6 hours behind the UK in winter and 7 hours in summer. So, when it is 7 a.m. in Costa Rica in November, it is 1 p.m. in the UK.

Phone and internet connection

The international telephone code for Costa Rica is 506.

In the towns there is no problem getting onto the internet. There is wifi in most hotels, youth hostels, restaurants and cafes. On the other hand, if you are going into the jungle, it may be more difficult to get a connexion.

Electricity

Both the plugs and the voltage are different in Costa Rica so bring adapters for your appliances.

British Embassy in Costa Rica

Edificio Centro Colon

Paseo Colon

- San José

Costa Rican Embassy in UK

Flat 1

14 Lancaster Gate London W2 3LH

Emergencies: 911 (police, fire brigade, ambulance, Red Cross)