Costa Rica
Official Language:
Spanish
Best time to visit
Between December and April, when the weather is at its driest
Republic of Costa Rica
Central America
San Jose
Costa Rican Colón
Full name
Destination:
Currency
Capital City
Monteverde Cloud Forest, Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio, Playa Conchal, Arenal Volcano, Crocodile Bridge, Dominical, La Fortuna
Places of Interest
Top 10 Places to Visit in Costa Rica:
Arenal Volcano: Witness the majesty of this iconic volcano and relax in the nearby hot springs.
Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking biodiversity of this cloud forest.
Manuel Antonio National Park: Discover pristine beaches and diverse wildlife in this renowned national park.
Tortuguero National Park: Experience the wonder of sea turtle nesting along the park's stunning coastline.
Corcovado National Park: Delve into the heart of Costa Rica's wild side with a visit to this remote and biologically diverse park.
Poás Volcano: Behold the otherworldly beauty of this active volcano and its stunning crater lake.
Tamarindo: Enjoy the vibrant beach town atmosphere and indulge in water sports and nightlife.
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca: Embrace the laid-back vibe of this Caribbean coastal town and its beautiful beaches.
Rincon de la Vieja National Park: Explore this volcanic wonderland with its geysers, hot springs, and diverse wildlife.
La Fortuna Waterfall: Take a refreshing dip in the pool at the base of this spectacular waterfall.
History of Costa Rica - Costa Rica's history is marked by a rich tapestry of indigenous cultures, Spanish colonialism, and a legacy of peace and democracy. The country abolished its army in 1948 and has since focused on education, healthcare, and environmental conservation.
Culture: The culture of Costa Rica is deeply influenced by its natural surroundings, with a strong emphasis on environmental conservation and sustainability. The "Pura Vida" lifestyle embodies the country's laid-back and friendly approach to life.
Interesting Facts: Costa Rica is home to diverse wildlife, including over 500,000 species, making up nearly 4% of the world's total biodiversity.
Notable Costa Ricans include Nobel Peace Prize winner Oscar Arias.
The country is known for its coffee, bananas, and eco-tourism initiatives.
Cuisine: Traditional Costa Rican cuisine features gallo pinto (rice and beans), casado (a typical lunch dish), and ceviche. The country's abundant tropical fruits and fresh seafood are also culinary highlights.
Travel Tips and Secret Spots - Embrace the local culture by staying in eco-lodges, exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations like the Osa Peninsula, and participating in community-based tourism initiatives.
If you like surfing and colourful vibes, go to Dominical.
Safety: Although Costa Rica is generally safe for visitors, it is important to remain vigilant, particularly in urban areas. Exercise caution, avoid displaying valuables, and respect local customs and laws. The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is known for higher crime rates, but Costa Rica is considered the safest country in Central America overall.
Nature and Wildlife: Costa Rica boasts an incredible variety of fauna and flora, including sloths, toucans, monkeys, and colourful orchids. Explore national parks and reserves for the best wildlife encounters.
Best Treks and Trails: Hike through the cloud forests of Monteverde, trek to hidden waterfalls in the Osa Peninsula, and traverse the rugged terrain of Rincon de la Vieja National Park for unforgettable adventures.
Sports: Costa Rica provides a wide range of outdoor activities for thrill-seekers, from surfing along the Pacific coast to zip-lining through the rainforest.
Culture: Experience traditional music and dance, and join in local festivities such as the Fiestas Patrias and the vibrant Día de los Diablitos celebration.
Exploring Costa Rica - Public transport is a convenient and affordable way to get around, while group tours and solo travel options cater to different preferences.
The best beaches in Costa Rica: Explore the unspoiled shores of Playa Conchal, Playa Manuel Antonio, and Playa Santa Teresa for a perfect combination of sun, sand, and waves. For those who appreciate stunning, extensive natural beaches, Uvita is a true hidden treasure.
Whether you're seeking relaxation on a secluded beach, a thrilling jungle trek, or an immersion in local culture, Costa Rica has it all. Embrace the "Pura Vida" lifestyle and let the magic of this enchanting country captivate your heart.
Hotels / Accommodation: Use the interactive map below to locate and book the best hotel deals
Vaccination
Disclaimer: Kindly be advised that we are not medical experts, and the content on this website is solely derived from our research. We suggest conducting thorough research on the required vaccines for entry into the country. It is also advisable to review the vaccinations recommended by the NHS before your trip.
We urge you to consult with medical professionals regarding safety recommendations and vaccinations.
To enter Costa Rica, you may need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're coming from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. You may not need a certificate if you're traveling directly from the UK to Costa Rica.
Other vaccinations to consider for Costa Rica include:
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Rabies, Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Typhoid.
You should also be up to date with routine vaccinations and boosters, such as the MMR and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccines.
Costa Rica also has a risk of malaria and Zika virus. You can reduce your risk of malaria by being aware and avoiding bites. To reduce your risk of dengue, you can avoid mosquito bites. Dengue is a viral illness that's transmitted by mosquito bites and can cause fever, headache, and severe joint, bone, and muscular pain.
You should also consider your medical history, planned activities, and pre-existing health problems when assessing health risks. A medical provider can give guidance on what is best for your situation.
For more information, please visit: Health - Costa Rica travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Visa requirments
Please be aware that while we make an effort to update this page regularly, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided on this website. Visa and safety requirements may be subject of change, so it is your responsibility to verify that you have a valid passport and visa for entry into the country. Additional requirements may also apply, so we advise conducting thorough research before your trip. We suggest checking the official government website for the most up-to-date visa requirements.
UK Citizens: British citizens don't need a visa to enter Costa Rica for tourism, business, or short-term educational purposes. They can stay for up to 180 days, but the exact period is at the discretion of the immigration officer.
To enter Costa Rica, you'll need:
A valid passport with at least one blank visa page
A return ticket
Proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay
You may need to pay a departure tax of US$28 when you leave Costa Rica, but British Airways airfares include this tax.
If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, or if you plan to work, you should check the requirements with the Costa Rican Embassy in the UK.
If you overstay your visa, you may face a fine of $100 per month and restrictions on re-entering Costa Rica. It's often easier to leave the country for 72 hours and then re-enter.
For more information, visit: Entry requirements - Costa Rica travel advice - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
EU Citizens: Citizens of most European Union (EU) countries can visit Costa Rica without a visa for up to 90 days. However, there are some requirements to meet, including:
Passport
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you enter Costa Rica.
No intention to stay longer
You can't intend to stay in Costa Rica longer than the visa or visa exemption allows.
No intention to work or study
You can't intend to work, study, or live in Costa Rica permanently. These activities require different visas or permits.
Financial capability
You must be able to cover your living expenses and travel costs.
To enter Costa Rica, you may need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're coming from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
