Costa Rica
Costa Rica

Latin America

Costa Rica travel guide

Costa Rica combines rainforests, volcanoes, wildlife, Pacific and Caribbean beaches, cloud forests and adventure travel. Reliable mobile data is useful for navigation, accommodation messages, transport and activity bookings.

Quick facts

Currency
Costa Rican colón (CRC)

Cards are widely accepted in tourism areas, while colones remain useful for smaller businesses and local purchases.

Language
Spanish

English is widely used in many established tourism areas.

Emergency
911

The national emergency number connects police, medical and fire services.

Power
120 V, 60 Hz

Type A and B plugs are used.

Dry season
December–April

Generally the driest and busiest period across much of the country.

Mobile data
5–20 GB

Choose based on road-trip navigation, trip length, video and hotspot requirements.

Costa Rica combines rainforests, volcanoes, cloud forests, wildlife and beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. This guide helps travellers build a practical route, choose the right season and stay connected.

Why visit Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is particularly strong for nature, wildlife and active travel. A typical itinerary can combine Arenal or Monteverde with a Pacific beach destination, while longer trips can include Tortuguero, the Caribbean coast or the Osa Peninsula.

Best time to visit Costa Rica

December to April is the driest and busiest period across much of the country. May to November is greener and wetter, often with lower crowds and strong wildlife experiences. The Caribbean coast follows a different rainfall pattern, so the best dates depend on the selected regions.

Top destinations

La Fortuna and Arenal

La Fortuna is a popular base for Arenal Volcano, hot springs, waterfalls, rainforest walks and adventure activities.

Monteverde

Monteverde offers cooler highland weather, cloud-forest wildlife, canopy walks and ziplining.

Manuel Antonio

This compact Pacific destination combines beaches, rainforest trails and accessible wildlife viewing.

Guanacaste

Tamarindo and the wider Guanacaste region provide beaches, surfing, resorts and access to volcano parks.

Caribbean and southern Costa Rica

Puerto Viejo and Cahuita offer Caribbean beaches and culture, while Tortuguero and Corcovado support more wildlife-focused itineraries.

How much mobile data do you need?

Most visitors need 5–10 GB for a one-week trip. Choose 10–20 GB for a longer road trip, frequent navigation, video or hotspot use. Keep offline maps available because coverage can vary in parks and rural areas.

Costa Rica eSIM tips

Install your TravelFi eSIM before departure and follow the plan’s activation instructions. Mobile data is especially useful for navigation, accommodation messages, transport updates and activity bookings.

Practical travel tips

  • Allow extra driving time for mountain roads and changing conditions.
  • Reserve popular parks, wildlife tours and peak-season accommodation early.
  • Pack rain protection, insect repellent and suitable trail footwear.
  • Use flexible itineraries during the green season.
  • Check official entry, park and local travel guidance before departure.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do you need in Costa Rica?

Seven to ten days can combine two or three regions. Ten to fourteen days provides a better balance for volcanoes, rainforest and beach travel.

Is the green season worth visiting?

Yes. The green season offers lush landscapes, wildlife and lower crowds, but travellers should expect rain and allow flexibility for roads and activities.

Should I rent a car?

A rental car can provide flexibility, but travel times are often longer than map distances suggest. Shuttles and domestic transfers may be easier for some routes.

Should I choose a Costa Rica or regional eSIM?

A Costa Rica eSIM is usually appropriate for a country-only trip. A Latin America plan can be more convenient when adding nearby countries.

Stay connected: Compare TravelFi Costa Rica and regional eSIM options before departure.

Stay connected in Costa Rica

Get mobile data for your Costa Rica trip with a local or region-wide eSIM.

Recommended for Costa Rica

Costa Rica eSIM

Costa Rica eSIM

Fixed data plans

Reliable data for your Costa Rica trip

Costa Rica Unlimited Data eSIM

Costa Rica Unlimited Data eSIM

Daily high-speed data

Unlimited data, no daily limits

Destination ratings

TravelFi editorial destination ratings.

Nature

9.5 / 10.0

Rainforests, volcanoes, cloud forests, beaches and extensive protected landscapes.

Wildlife

9.5 / 10.0

Outstanding opportunities for birds, monkeys, sloths, marine life and rainforest species.

Adventure

9.0 / 10.0

Strong hiking, rafting, surfing, ziplining, diving and wildlife-tour options.

Family travel

8.5 / 10.0

Accessible wildlife, beaches and guided activities suit many family itineraries.

Connectivity

7.5 / 10.0

Good in cities and major tourism areas, with more variation in remote parks and coastal zones.

Power plugs in Costa Rica

120 V · 60 Hz

Type A

Two flat parallel pins. Usually ungrounded.

Type B

Two flat parallel pins with a grounding pin.

Grounded
Adapter guidance

Costa Rica uses Type A and B sockets. Travellers using other plug systems need a Type A/B-compatible or universal adapter.

Voltage notice

Costa Rica supplies 120 V at 60 Hz. Devices designed only for 220–240 V may require a voltage converter.

Check if you need an adapter

Weather and climate

Forecast location: San José, Costa Rica

Costa Rica has a tropical climate moderated by elevation and shaped by Pacific, Caribbean and mountain geography. Temperatures and rainfall vary significantly between coasts and highland areas.

Loading current weather…

Featured cities

Places to include in your Costa Rica itinerary.

San José
San José

San José

Costa Rica’s capital and primary transport hub, with museums, markets and nearby highland excursions.

Suggested stay: 1–3 days
La Fortuna
Alajuela

La Fortuna

A popular base for Arenal Volcano, hot springs, waterfalls and adventure activities.

Suggested stay: 3–4 days
Monteverde
Puntarenas

Monteverde

A cool highland destination known for cloud forest, wildlife, canopy walks and ziplining.

Suggested stay: 2–3 days
Manuel Antonio
Puntarenas

Manuel Antonio

A compact Pacific destination combining rainforest wildlife, beaches and a popular national park.

Suggested stay: 3–4 days
Tamarindo
Guanacaste

Tamarindo

A lively Guanacaste beach town known for surfing, sunsets, dining and nearby coastal excursions.

Suggested stay: 3–5 days
Liberia
Guanacaste

Liberia

A northern gateway for Guanacaste beaches, volcano parks and resort areas.

Suggested stay: 1–2 days
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca
Limón

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca

A Caribbean coastal town with beaches, distinctive food culture and access to rainforest and wildlife areas.

Suggested stay: 3–5 days
Jacó
Puntarenas

Jacó

An accessible Pacific beach town known for surfing, nightlife and proximity to nature excursions.

Suggested stay: 2–4 days
Uvita
Puntarenas

Uvita

A quieter southern Pacific base for Marino Ballena, waterfalls, rainforest and marine wildlife tours.

Suggested stay: 3–5 days

Top attractions

Featured experiences and landmarks.

Arenal Volcano National Park
National park

Arenal Volcano National Park

A volcanic landscape near La Fortuna with forest trails, viewpoints and nearby hot-spring experiences.

Suggested visit: Half or full day
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Cloud forest reserve

Monteverde Cloud Forest

A misty highland forest ecosystem known for biodiversity, birdwatching and guided nature walks.

Suggested visit: Half or full day
Manuel Antonio National Park
National park

Manuel Antonio National Park

A popular Pacific park combining rainforest trails, wildlife and compact beaches.

Suggested visit: Half or full day
Tortuguero National Park
National park

Tortuguero National Park

A Caribbean wetland and coastal park explored by canals, forest walks and seasonal wildlife experiences.

Suggested visit: 2–3 days
Corcovado National Park
National park

Corcovado National Park

A remote Osa Peninsula rainforest park with exceptional biodiversity and guided wilderness routes.

Suggested visit: 1–3 days
Poás Volcano National Park
National park

Poás Volcano National Park

An accessible highland volcano park near the Central Valley with crater viewpoints subject to conditions.

Suggested visit: 2–4 hours
Rincón de la Vieja National Park
National park

Rincón de la Vieja National Park

A Guanacaste volcano park with geothermal features, forest trails, waterfalls and adventure activities.

Suggested visit: Full day
Cahuita National Park
National park

Cahuita National Park

A Caribbean coastal park with beaches, rainforest trails, wildlife and reef environments.

Suggested visit: Half or full day
Marino Ballena National Park
Marine national park

Marino Ballena National Park

A southern Pacific marine park known for beaches, a distinctive sand formation and seasonal whale-watching trips.

Suggested visit: Half or full day

Featured experiences

  • Arenal Volcano
  • Monteverde cloud forest
  • Manuel Antonio
  • Tortuguero wildlife
  • Corcovado rainforest
  • Pacific beaches
  • Caribbean coast

Best time to visit

Compare seasons and plan the right time for your trip to Costa Rica.

Countrywide overview

Costa Rica Spring

Spring starts within the dry season and transitions toward greener landscapes and more frequent afternoon rain.

Typical temperature
20.0°C–33.0°C
Rainfall
Low to medium
Crowds
High early, medium later
Prices
High early, medium later
Beach5/5
Hiking4/5
City break3/5
Family5/5

Best activities

  • Beaches
  • Wildlife tours
  • Volcano trips
  • Rainforest travel

Best for

  • Mixed beach and nature itineraries
  • Families
  • Transition-season value

What to pack

Pack sun protection, breathable clothing and increasing rain protection later in the season.

Travel tips

  • Install your eSIM before departure and download offline maps for rural and national-park areas.
  • Allow extra driving time because mountain roads, weather and road conditions can slow journeys.
  • Reserve popular national parks, wildlife tours and peak-season accommodation early.
  • Pack rain protection, insect repellent, sun protection and footwear suitable for wet trails.
  • Check official entry, park and local travel guidance before departure.

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Information is general guidance and may change. Verify important details with official sources before travelling.Last reviewed: August 15, 2026