Embrace pura vida on a Costa Rica adventure vacation as you hike diverse landscapes, explore elaborate ecosystems, and connect to its vibrant culture.
Learn as your guide explains the fascinating interaction between plant and wildlife in the surrounding environment. Visit Manuel Antonio National Park, home to some of the most well-known and beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. Traverse through acres of protected, pristine forest, as you navigate the Sierpe River through the largest mangrove wetlands on the Pacific Coast of Central America. Kayak around Tortuguero National Park and come face-to-face with turtles and manatees, or snorkel amongst colorful coral reefs on the Osa Peninsula.
What guests are saying about their Costa Rica Adventure Vacations
Living La Pura Vida in Costa Rica
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
Each of the 12 months offers something truly special and unique for a Costa Rica vacation. Depending on the type of vacation you’re looking for and the activities you’d like to partake in, the best time to visit Costa Rica will differ from one traveler to another.
Here’s a look at what you can expect during each season:
COSTA RICA BY THE SEASONS
Often categorized by travelers into two “seasons” – the Costa Rica rainy season and the dry season – you can expect slightly different weather patterns depending on which half of the year you choose to visit Costa Rica.
Rainy Season (May – November)
Despite what you may be inclined to think, the traditional rainy season can actually be a very beautiful time of year to visit Costa Rica. Each day, you’re safe to assume that when you wake in the morning, the sun will be shining brightly, eventually to be followed by some clouds and showers (our guides like to think of it as a rinse, wash, repeat sort of thing). It’s during this time of year that the greenery is at its finest – lush, and beautiful. During this period, average temperatures range between 62-80°F. Be advised that rainfall will be at its heaviest during the months of September and October.
Dry Season (November – April)
Typically referred to as the country’s peak, or busiest, season, this is an excellent time to visit Costa Rica if you’re worried about the rain having any impacts on your travel plans. During the dry season, you’ll enjoy full access to the country of Costa Rica (including the remote areas that may be hard to reach during the rainy season), as well as excellent weather for many of our most enjoyed activities – like rappelling, hiking, ziplining, and kayaking. During this period, average temperatures range between 64-82°F.
What are the best things to do in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica keeps many of its wilderness areas undeveloped with protections. Up to 30% of the land is protected, so you can experience the vast biodiversity of flora and fauna and have incredible outdoor adventures. The best things to do in Costa Rica can often be found in the great outdoors, with experiences like tasting coffee and chocolate to hiking, canyoneering, white water rafting and surfing. And did we mention the wildlife? Costa Rica is a great place for anyone looking to set off and spy wildlife like monkeys, turtles, birds and more!
What are the best places to visit in Costa Rica?
With 30 national parks in the country and natural beauty at every turn, there are endless options for adventure in Costa Rica. Beloved by outdoor enthusiasts and welcoming to families, Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems and incredible biodiversity offer a great range of places to visit. From Arenal to Tortuguero National Park, Monteverde Cloud Forest to Guanacaste and the Pacific Coast, there are several places to visit in Costa Rica that will delight, inspire, and engage your senses!
What to Pack for Your Costa Rica Adventure Vacation
The secret to comfort and happiness on any adventure vacation starts with being well prepared. Having the right tools and equipment to ensure your comfort goes a long way when you’ll be hiking, biking, swimming, and exploring for days on end. Use these general guidelines as a place to start your adventure travel prep.
(Always) Think About Your Feet
This travel tip comes up time and time again when we help guests prepare for any of our adventure travel tours: never underestimate the importance of solid footwear. Uncomfortable feet often lead to an unhappy traveler, so be sure to keep them top of mind as you pack. As a general rule of thumb, you should always be equipped with running sneakers, hiking boots and proper socks (including extras!), and river shoes or sandals. Your tour guide will carry adequate First Aid supplies, but it never hurts to throw in a bandage or blister prevention of your own!
Pack for Action & Activity
If you’re booking an adventure vacation with us, you’ll know exactly what types of activity your trip will include. Consult your itinerary to inform your packing decisions – if you’re hiking, bring proper hiking boots and wool socks, if you’re rafting, be sure to have water-friendly clothing, including multiple swimsuits, and so on.
Be Prepared for the Elements
Especially important if you’re visiting Costa Rica during the rainy season, you should always be sure to have a lightweight raincoat or poncho on hand. And if you’re going to be exposed to the hot, humid climate of the rainforests, an umbrella is probably an even safer bet! If you’ll be enjoying the beauty of the mountains, you’ll witness the other end of the spectrum (the temperatures can be quite chilly). Be sure to pack multiple clothing layers, as well as a warm outer layer. Other supplies that help ensure your comfort no matter what the weather are: hats, bandanas, lotion, and sunglasses.
Leave Some Things At Home!
We talk so much about what to bring on an adventure vacation, but what not to bring can be just as important! There are certain things that will inevitably add more stress than enjoyment to your vacation, and let’s be honest, who couldn’t use a little more room in their suitcase? On your next trip, try leaving these items behind: jewelry, wallets (if you’re bringing a wallet, chances are you can empty at least half of its contents out before the trip), house keys, impractical shoes, and multiple sets of formal clothing.
Travel Tips for Visiting Costa Rica
There’s a reason why our Costa Rica adventure vacations are consistently some of our best sellers. It’s an ideal paradise that has so much of nature’s finest to offer, from incredible activities to some of the world’s most stunning views. Keep these travel tips in mind to ensure you have the best vacation possible!
Come With an Open Mind
There are certain aspects of a trip to any destination that’s new to you that will inevitably cause a little bit of stress. But be open minded, and remember the reasons you’ve chosen to embark on this incredible journey. Remember to be judgement-free, and to take part in the things that will most enhance your travel experience, like joining in a local tradition, being open to new foods, and getting outside your comfort zone.
Rely on Your Tour Guide
Your adventure travel tour guide is a well-trained, well-versed individual in all things Costa Rica. Use this to your advantage! Ask questions, and get involved in as many Costa Rican experiences as possible. Travel is all about learning, after all.
Choose Your Must See & Dos
There’s so much to see and do in Costa Rica. So much, in fact, that we have multiple Costa Rica adventure vacation packages allowing you to explore different aspects of the country. Deciding which activities or sights are your highest priorities can help you choose your vacation.
FAQs about visiting Costa Rica
The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April on its Pacific Coast, when the weather is at its driest and brightest, with January and February providing ideal sunny beach weather. March and September are the best months to visit on the Caribbean side, with Alaska/California humpback whales; leatherback & hawksbill sea turtles around for wildlife watching in March and the rain lightening up in September, making it a great time to visit.
Our preferred Travel Partner Fuzion Travel can assist with you with flights and other travel arrangements. Let them know your preferred travel plans, including any stopovers or extra nights’ accommodation, and they’ll put everything in place for you. They offer a total travel solution and five star service you’ll want to tell your friends about!
Many international flights arrive directly into San Jose or Liberia so there's no need to book any connecting domestic flights. The major international carriers who fly to Costa Rica are United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Spirit Airlines & Jet Blue.
It is your responsibility to stay up to date on the latest visa and entry requirements for your destination. Depending on your country of origin and the type of passport you hold, you may require a visa or other endorsement to enter Costa Rica.
You can find essential travel advice, including passport and visa information, security details and local regulations, on the government website of your home country.
Here are some helpful links:
- United States of America: US Department of State Travel Advice
- Canada: Government of Canada Travel Advice and Advisories
- United Kingdom: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice
- Australia: Government of Australia Smart Traveller
- Residents of other countries should refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate
Entry requirements can change at any time, so it’s important you monitor this right up until you depart for your trip.
For the most up-to-date recommendations please check with your doctor or travel clinic, and always go with their recommendations, as these can often change. We strongly recommend you see a doctor, preferably one with experience in travel medicine, at least 8 weeks before your trip starts to discuss appropriate vaccinations.
Take 10% off the trip price when you book a trip and pay in full
By paying in full, we are able to pass on savings to our guests, but please note that by opting for this payment plan, your booking becomes non-refundable, non-cancellable, and non-changeable. This offer is only valid for reservations where the trip is no sooner than 180 days from the departure date at time of booking.
We highly recommend that you purchase Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) insurance. We recommend Redpoint Insurance – you can find details here.
T+Cs Apply. Read more here.
Moments from Costa Rica
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Why Travel With Us
Just-right group sizes allow you to get off the beaten path
With an average of 12 guests per departure and an industry-leading average 6:1 guest-to-guide ratio, you’ll enjoy a highly personalized experience.
Award-winning guides lead the way
It’s so much easier to relax and enjoy your adventure when you have fun, caring guides who know the land, sweat all the details and whip up incredible meals, too!
You’ll never need to sweat the details
When we say all inclusive, we mean it! Meals and snacks, activities, lodging, transportation, guiding services and more. All you need to do is show up!
Enjoy freedom to push your boundaries – safely
Every aspect of your trip is thoroughly considered for your safety, from highly vetted partners and well-maintained equipment to extensively trained guides.
Decades of expertise mean you’ll experience only the best
Family travel and North American National Parks are our specialty. We’ve perfected our itineraries for decades, ensuring you'll experience your destination to the fullest.
"Wow Moments” take your trip from enjoyable to extraordinary
For us, the extra mile is never extra, it’s part of the way! Count on special touches throughout your trip that will amplify your experience.
