Costa Rica holidays

Surrounded by dense jungles and ink-black volcanoes, Costa Rica’s capital is a treasure trove of historic markets, stunning green spaces and up-and-coming neighbourhoods.

You know about the lush rainforests and stunning waterfalls. But Liberia reveals a different side of Costa Rica, with heritage sites and whitewashed colonial-era buildings.

Costa Rica goes to great lengths to protect its wilderness — from using alternative energy to finding creative ways to live in harmony with wildlife. The country’s tourism industry embraces this philosophy. Get closer to nature via Costa Rica’s many eco lodges and farmstays. They allow you to enjoy every bit of the landscape without disturbing it.

Thanks to its varied ecosystems, there’s no shortage of things to do in Costa Rica for thrill seekers. Visit the coast for world-class surfing and dive spots, or head to a national park for unforgettable hikes and whitewater rafting. Craving a bird’s eye view? Get high above it all on jungle zip lines that zoom through towering cloud forests.

You won’t leave Costa Rica without seeing animals in their natural habitat — the country is home to half a million species. Monkeys swing from the treetops. Dolphins and whales surge from the water. Sloths and tapirs roam the thick forests. And tropical birds like macaws soar through the air. Keep your eyes peeled and your camera poised for the shot of a lifetime.

The beaches in Costa Rica are some of the best in the world, with nearly 1,300 kilometres of sandy coastline to choose from. On the Pacific side, visit Santa Teresa for top-notch surfing and Samara Beach for laid-back swimming. Check out the beaches of Costa Rica’s Caribbean shore for black sands and tropical vibes. Wherever you go, you’ll find gorgeous sunsets, swaying palm trees and beach bars.

Costa Rica’s stunningly diverse landscape is its main appeal. Here, you can soak in geothermal pools, explore active volcanoes and swim beneath waterfalls. Immerse yourself in the country’s natural wonders by visiting Parque Nacional Corcovado, located on the Osa Peninsula. It’s Costa Rica’s largest nature reserve, home to a virgin rainforest and half the country’s species.

Food here is fresh, local and hearty — perfect for long days outdoors. Restaurants in Costa Rica are likely to offer plates of beans, rice and fried plantains, along with fresh seafood dishes like ‘ceviche’ (marinated raw fish). One of the country’s most prized agricultural products is coffee. Tour a coffee farm to learn about production and to taste it at its source.

The best museums in Costa Rica cluster in its busy capital, San Jose. Get an overview of Costa Rican history at the Museo Nacional de Costa Rica, housed in a historic fortress. Jade was an important part of pre-Columbian civilisation, and you can explore over 7,000 artefacts at the Museo del Jade. In the evening, take in a live performance at the ornate Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica.

For clear skies, the best time to visit Costa Rica is the beginning of the year. Dry weather means warm beach days and fuss-free outdoor excursions. Late spring brings the wet season, but summer and winter can also be soggy. Rain also helps lower prices, so visit during this time if you’re looking to save. Buy cheap rubber boots — a local wardrobe staple — when you arrive.

A cheap holiday to Costa Rica is very possible. An inexpensive meal in a restaurant will cost you around 5,000 Costa Rican colones (₡). A cappuccino costs about ₡1,900, while a domestic beer is just ₡1,500. A short taxi ride will set you back less than ₡4,600.