Costa Rica
Rainforests, volcanoes, and beaches waiting for your next trip.
Why go
Costa Rica sits in Central America between Nicaragua and Panama. It features thick rainforests, active volcanoes, and long stretches of Pacific and Caribbean coastline. The climate is warm and tropical year-round, with high humidity and distinct wet and dry seasons.
People visit for straightforward travel, friendly locals, and accessible wildlife viewing. You can surf in the morning, hike through cloud forests by midday, and relax in natural hot springs by evening, all within a few hours of driving.
More about Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano (Spanish: Volcán Arenal) is a recently active andesitic stratovolcano in north-western Costa Rica around 90 km (56 mi) northwest of San José, in the province of Alajuela, canton of San Carlos, and district of La Fortuna. The Arenal volcano stands 1,633 metres (5,358 ft) high. It is conically shaped with a crater 140 metres (460 ft) in diameter. Geologically, Arenal is considered a young volcano and it is estimated to be less than 7,500 years old. It is also known as "Pan de Azúcar", "Canaste", "Volcan Costa Rica", "Volcan Río Frío" or "Guatusos Peak".
The volcano was dormant for hundreds of years and exhibited two craters at its summit, with minor fumaroles activity, covered by dense vegetation. In 1968 it erupted unexpectedly, destroying the small town of Tabacón. Due to the eruption three more craters were created on the western flanks but only one of them exists today. By duration, Arenal's eruption from 1968 to 2010 is the tenth longest volcanic eruption on Earth since 1750. Since 2010, Arenal has been dormant.
Top things to see
Arenal Volcano National Park
Hike old lava flows and soak in natural hot springs near a symmetrical cone.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Walk across suspension bridges high in the misty canopy and spot resplendent quetzals.
Manuel Antonio National Park
See white-faced capuchin monkeys, sloths, and iguanas right next to white-sand beaches.
Tortuguero National Park
Take boat canals through the jungle to watch sea turtles nest on isolated beaches.
Tenorio Volcano National Park
See the bright turquoise water where two rivers meet at Rio Celeste.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Enjoy a laid-back Caribbean vibe, black-sand beaches, and distinct Afro-Caribbean culture.
Santa Teresa
Ride consistent waves on the Nicoya Peninsula and watch incredible Pacific sunsets.
Corcovado National Park
Explore the most biologically intense and remote lowland rainforest on the Osa Peninsula.
More places around Costa Rica
Central America Volcanic Arc
Chain of volcanoes parallel to the Pacific coastline from Mexico to Panama
3.5 mi away
La Fortuna, San Carlos
District in San Carlos canton, Alajuela province, Costa Rica
1.6 mi away
Tabacón
Thermal springs in Costa Rica
5.4 mi away
La Fortuna Waterfall (Costa Rica)
Waterfall in Costa Rica
2.2 mi away
Chato Volcano
Volcano in Costa Rica
3.5 mi awayArenal Volcano Emergency Forest Reserve
Forest reserve in Costa Rica
5.2 mi awayWhen to go
The dry season from December to April offers the sunniest weather for hiking and beaches. The green season from May to November brings afternoon rain showers, fewer tourists, and lush scenery.
Heads up: September and October can bring heavy, continuous rain, especially on the southern Pacific coast.
Average highs and lows (°F) and days with rain or snow, from last year’s weather. Best months are highlighted.
Where to stay
La Fortuna
Adventure seekers and familiesCentral location near the volcano, ziplining, hanging bridges, and relaxing hot springs resorts.
Santa Elena
Hikers and nature loversCooler mountain air right next to the Monteverde cloud forests and coffee farms.
Manuel Antonio
Beachgoers and wildlife fansEasy walking distance to the famous national park, restaurants, and ocean views.
Puerto Viejo
Budget travelers and surfersRelaxed beach town atmosphere with bicycle rentals and vibrant local food.
What to eat
Traditional breakfast of seasoned rice and beans mixed with onions and peppers, often served with eggs.
Standard lunch plate with rice, beans, plantains, a salad, and your choice of meat or fish.
Green plantains that are smashed and fried until crispy, usually served with garlic sauce.
Hearty beef stew slow-cooked with corn, potatoes, cassava, plantains, and chayote squash.
Sponge cake soaked in three kinds of sweet milk and topped with whipped cream.
Locally grown arabica coffee, known for its smooth body and bright acidity.
Restaurants & cafés in Costa Rica
Finding places to eat…
Getting around
- Rent a 4x4 vehicle if you plan to explore rural areas, as many mountain roads are unpaved and bumpy.
- Shared shuttle vans offer easy, air-conditioned point-to-point travel between popular tourist destinations without driving.
- Public buses are very cheap and connect almost all towns, though trips take much longer.
- Domestic flights on small planes save hours of driving between San Jose and remote areas like the Osa Peninsula.
What’s on in the next six weeks
Checking what’s on…
Know before you go
Prices vary widely between peak dry season and the greener rainy months.
Huginn’s tips
- Bring a lightweight, breathable rain jacket even during the dry season, as mountain showers happen.
- Always lock your car and never leave valuables visible inside when parked at trailheads.
- Many businesses accept US dollars, but you will get change back in colones at varying exchange rates.
- Book national park tickets online in advance, as daily visitor limits apply to popular parks.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen and biodegradable insect repellent for outdoor excursions.
Costa Rica is generally safe for travelers. Petty theft and rental car break-ins are the most common issues, so keep an eye on your belongings. Check the official travel advisory.
Traveler reviews
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Tours & tickets in Costa Rica
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Photos from Unsplash, Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA); facts from Wikipedia; maps © OpenStreetMap contributors, weather from Open-Meteo. Huginn’s tips are AI-written — check prices, hours and entry rules before you go.