Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Pura vida — rainforests, volcanoes, and two oceans of adventure
About Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a nature-lover's paradise packed into a small country. From cloud forests and active volcanoes to Pacific surf breaks and Caribbean coral reefs, it's one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. The local motto "Pura Vida" says it all.
Quick Facts
Best Time
December – April (dry season)
Language
Spanish
Currency
CRC (₡) / USD accepted
Timezone
CST (UTC-6)
Avg Budget
$60–120/day
Top Things to Do
6 must-see experiences in Costa Rica
Arenal Volcano
Perfectly conical volcano with hot springs, zip lines, and lush trails
Monteverde Cloud Forest
Misty reserve with hanging bridges, quetzals, and incredible biodiversity
Manuel Antonio
National park with white-sand beaches, monkeys, and jungle trails
Zip Lining
Fly through the rainforest canopy — Costa Rica invented the zip line tour
Surf Towns
Tamarindo and Santa Teresa offer world-class Pacific surf breaks
Tortuguero
Sea turtle nesting site accessible only by boat or plane
3-Day Sample Itinerary
A taste of what TripGenie can create — fully customized to your preferences.
Day 1: Arenal
- Drive or fly to La Fortuna
- Hike around Arenal Volcano
- Zip line through the canopy
- Evening at volcanic hot springs
Day 2: Cloud Forest
- Drive to Monteverde
- Hanging bridges walk in the cloud forest
- Look for the resplendent quetzal
- Night wildlife tour
Day 3: Beach & Wildlife
- Transfer to Manuel Antonio
- Morning in the national park (monkeys, sloths, beaches)
- Snorkeling or kayaking
- Farewell sunset on the beach
Travel Tips for Costa Rica
Rent a 4x4 — many roads are unpaved and river crossings are common.
Bring rain gear year-round. Even in dry season, the cloud forest is wet.
USD is widely accepted, but carry colones for rural areas and small vendors.
Book activities through your hotel — they know reputable operators and get you the best prices.
Ready for Costa Rica?
TripGenie creates a personalized Costa Rica itinerary in 60 seconds — completely free and tailored to your style.
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