Travel to Costa Rica

We’ve got the inside scoop (and personal experience) on the best places to stay in Costa Rica. Think of Fora as your personal Costa Rica travel guide, helping you experience the country’s pura vida to the fullest — whether you're looking for the best places to visit in Costa Rica for your first time, or your tenth.

When it comes to Costa Rica's beaches, surfers flock to Tamarindo, a surf village with some of the country’s best waves. Honeymooners opt for Manuel Antonio, which has white-sand beaches near vibrant tropical forests. Nosara, one of the five Blue Zones in the world, holds the proverbial keys to a long and healthy life. La Fortuna serves as the gateway to one of the country’s active volcanoes. Then there’s Monteverde, a natural wonderland and must-see for nature lovers and ecotourists.

With so many wondrous spots to visit, one thing’s for sure: Costa Rica's travel will keep you coming back for more.

Costa Rica travel has everything you’d want from a tropical paradise: active volcanoes, lush jungles, beautiful beaches, incredible wildlife, world-class surfing and roaring waterfalls. 

High on our list of the best things to do in Costa Rica is visiting Arenal Volcano National Park. Here, you can take in spectacular views of Arenal Volcano, hike through the Arenal Hanging Bridges and enjoy the hot springs — a true Costa Rica adventure. 

Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is another favorite. It’s home to 50% of Costa Rica’s wildlife, including sloths, jaguars, pumas and amphibians. Kids especially love this spot. 

Serious surfers have to check out Tamarindo, Nosara and Guanacaste. Or, if you’d rather lie on the sand than catch a wave, head to Manuel Antonio to relax on one of the best Costa Rica beaches.

If you’re looking to take in the best of Costa Rica’s nightlife, San José has a wealth of bars, clubs and attractions to check out.

Our guide to the best places to visit in Costa Rica for first-timers has more exciting destinations, as well.

We’re glad you asked! The first step when planning Costa Rica travel is to decide what type of experience you want to have. 

Are you seeking a romantic getaway or celebrating your honeymoon (check out the best places to stay in Costa Rica for couples)? Do you want to chase the thrill of adventure by zip-lining through the rainforest? Explore the country’s abundant (and protected) biodiverse ecosystems? Or, do you just want to chill on the beach and catch an epic wave? 

Once you decide on your vacation vibe, budget and length of stay, your Fora Advisor can recommend the best Costa Rica resorts for your trip.

Although the country is at its lushest during the rainy season, the dry season — January through April — is the best for Costa Rica travel. 

During the dry season, you’ll get the best of what the country has to offer: verdant rainforests, sun-drenched beaches, large waves for surfing and the perfect conditions for any Costa Rica adventure.

Your Fora Advisor will let you know if there are any relevant entry and exit requirements. Official government websites will also have important information.

You will, however, always need a passport to travel to Costa Rica.

Your Fora Advisor can alert you to Costa Rica's specific entry and exit requirements, and you can also check out official government websites for more information.

It’s always wise to check official government websites prior to vacationing in Costa Rica, as these restrictions can change at any time.

Outside of COVID-19 restrictions (see the above section), Costa Rica does not require travelers to be vaccinated for any illness. However, the country’s Ministry of Health does recommend that travelers be up to date on vaccinations, including measles and Typhoid fever, prior to entry.

As a general recommendation, it’s wise to speak with your healthcare provider before international travel.

The colón is Costa Rica’s local currency, but US Dollars are also widely accepted here.

While you should always exercise caution when exploring a new place — even a place as magical as Costa Rica — the country is generally safe. Petty theft is known to be a problem in some of the larger cities, but otherwise, Costa Rica has one of the lowest crime rates in all of Central America.

A better question is how many days can you spend in Costa Rica. Plan your trip with a Costa Rica travel planner (aka Fora Advisor), and they’ll make sure you get the most out of the time you have, whether it’s a few days, a week or a month.

The best all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica usually have shuttle services that will take you from the airport to your accommodations, as well as nearby excursion destinations. But if you’re planning to visit many places in Costa Rica, you may want to consider renting a car or employing a private transfer service (Fora can help with either). 

Alternatively, some locations, like beautiful Tortuguero, are only accessible by boat or plane.

When you plan your Costa Rica travel with Fora, your advisor can let you know which transportation methods make the most sense.

There are so many great places to stay in Costa Rica. If you’re looking for a bohemian vibe in a quiet setting, you might consider one of Costa Rica’s Caribbean resorts, like Hotel Aguas Claras. Or, if you’re looking to connect with the country’s incredible natural beauty, a Costa Rica jungle resort like Lapa Rios Lodge may be the optimal choice.

A Fora Advisor can give you the inside scoop on all the top hotels and resorts in Costa Rica. Better yet, advisors can score you VIP extras like complimentary room upgrades and more.

You bet! From a guide to the top Costa Rica landmarks to an itinerary for the best Costa Rica girls’ trip (or even a Costa Rica bachelorette party), Fora has plenty of guides to inspire your travel.

Eager for an even more tailored approach? No problem! Your Fora Advisor will leverage their insider knowledge and can help build a personalized itinerary based on your preferences.

It’s hard to pin down the best part of booking your Costa Rica travel with Fora. Expert travel recommendations, insider connections, personalized itineraries and VIP hotel perks are just a few of the most exciting benefits you can get when you work with a Fora Advisor.