The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December to April. The time period between December to April is fantastic for exploring Costa Rica’s diverse ecosystems. It also allows visitors to avoid the worst of the daily downpours more common in the rainy season.
While the dry season might also be peak tourist season, there are plenty of ways to plan to find the quietest spots (and even the best deals).
Visitors to Costa Rica will appreciate heading there during the dry season when they can experience plenty of sunshiny, clear skies, and take advantage of the ideal weather for enjoying beach days, rainforest hikes, and volcano views.
Things to do in Costa Rica
Now that you know the best time to visit, it’s time to figure out what to do on vacation in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is truly a Central American gem. It’s a destination jam packed with plenty of exciting outdoor activities and chances to experience stunning natural beauty and spot some of the native wildlife.
If you’re not afraid of heights, soar down a zip-line. Are you a lover of all things cute? Check out the adorable monkeys and sloths at a national park. If you prefer to ride the waves, take advantage of the Pacific surf.
Some Costa Rican fan-favourite activities include:
- Hiking around the Arenal Volcano and then take a soothing soak in the nearby hot springs. Be sure to grab an eSIM for Costa Rica to share the views with your friends at home
- Experience Costa Rica’s beautiful views with a canopy tour or taking a zip-line through Monteverde’s cloud forest
- Splash down the Pacuare River on a white-water rafting excursion
- Head to Tortuguero or Corcovado National Parks for some wildlife watching
- Take to the waters for some surfing and snorkeling in Tamarindo or the Nicoya Peninsula
Nature lovers, thrill-seekers, and even low-key hammock enthusiasts will agree: Costa Rica has something for everyone.
Best places to visit in Costa Rica
For a relatively small country, Costa Rica packs plenty of charm, with each region offering its own unique must-see stops.
La Fortuna
Home to the Arenal Volcano and hot springs, La Fortuna is a great place for adventure and relaxation.
Monteverde
Monteverde is famous for its mythical misty cloud forests and epic zip-line experiences. If you’re a thrill-seeker, it’s just the place for you.
Tamarindo
Tamarindo should be a stop for anyone who loves a beach town. It’s perfect for surfing during the day and then enjoying a sunset followed by some vibrant nightlife
Manuel Antonio
A popular resort district for tourists, Manuel Antonio is the perfect blend of beaches and lush rainforest. It also features a National park showcasing nature, amazing wildlife, and a beach paradise. While Manuel Antonio may be the smallest national park in Costa Rica, it certainly holds its status as one of the most popular.
Puerto Viejo
Found on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, Puerto Viejo offers reggae vibes, laid-back beaches, and delicious Afro-Caribbean flavours.
Food and flavours of Costa Rica
Costa Rican food has a reputation for being simple and hearty but exceptionally delicious. Be sure to try a taste of:
- Gallo Pinto: a rice and beans dish with spices, usually served at breakfast
- Casado: a meal with meat or fish, rice, beans, salad, and plantains
- Sopa Negra: a popular, flavourful black bean soup that is often accompanied by a hard-boiled egg
- Ceviche: fresh, citrus-marinated fish, often made with tilapia
- Chifrijo: a popular bar snack made with fried pork, beans, rice, and zesty pico de gallo
Make sure to pair your meal with coconut water known as agua de pipa, or, to keep your energy up for exploring, a cup of strong local coffee.
