This Country is Central America’s Ultimate Nature Escape

Roughly the size of West Virginia, Costa Rica has misty cloud forests, surf-battered beaches, active volcanoes, and wildlife-rich jungles. Scarlet macaws flash across the sky, three-toed sloths dangle from cecropia trees, and howler monkeys provide the dawn chorus. The country delivers an astonishing range of ecosystems, from the Pacific’s golden sands to the cloud forest covered mountains to the mangroves of the Caribbean. Decades of environmental stewardship have safeguarded these natural riches, positioning the country as a model for sustainable tourism. 

Here’s your essential guide to exploring one of Central America’s most transformative destinations.

Best time to visit

Dry season (December to April): Expect sun-drenched days and prime beach weather along the Pacific coast, from Tamarindo to Manuel Antonio, along with higher prices and larger crowds. It’s the best time for surfing, snorkeling, and visiting national parks. You still might catch some rain, especially in the highlands and along the Caribbean coast, but the chances are greatly reduced.

Rainy season (May to November): Afternoon rains transform landscapes into vivid shades of green and smaller crowds. Rivers swell for white-water rafting in the highlands, waterfalls are at their peak, and surfers find consistent breaks on the Nicoya Peninsula. September and October are especially lovely on the Caribbean coast. “From about mid-April through mid-December, Costa Rica enters its fullest expression during what we call wildlife season,” says Hans Pfister, a co-founder of sustainable luxury hotel group, Cayuga Collection. “It’s a period when the rainforest is at its most vibrant, and travelers can experience the deeper meaning of the country’s pulsing ecosystem through peak migrations and nesting cycles.”

(This Costa Rican paradise is one of the most underrated summer destinations.)

Key areas to explore

Arenal & Northern Highlands: The near-perfect cone of Arenal Volcano rises dramatically above a landscape of rainforest, farmland, and thermal rivers, anchoring one of Costa Rica’s most dynamic regions. Days often begin with hikes through Arenal Volcano National Park, where old lava fields and forest trails reveal toucans, coatis, and views of Lake Arenal. Adventure seekers can zipline across the canopy, descend waterfalls by rope, mountain bike rugged backroads, or raft the nearby Balsa and Sarapiquí Rivers. Closer to La Fortuna, mineral-rich hot springs are tucked into lush gardens, offering restorative soaks beneath the stars. At the same time, the town provides a lively base with open-air food halls, coffee shops, and craft breweries, balancing adrenaline and relaxation.

Monteverde: High in the Tilarán Mountains, Monteverde protects one of the world’s most enchanting cloud forest ecosystems. In Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, low-hanging clouds drift through gnarled trees draped in moss and orchids, creating an otherworldly atmosphere. Suspended bridges and elevated platforms bring travelers face-to-face with the canopy, while expert naturalist guides point out camouflaged tree frogs, glasswing butterflies, and elusive resplendent quetzals. Night walks reveal kinkajous, tarantulas, and bioluminescent fungi, underscoring the forest’s nocturnal energy. Beyond the reserves, small dairy farms, artisanal cheese makers, and family-run cafés reflect the region’s Quaker roots and community-minded ethos. 

Guanacaste: In the sun-drenched northwest, Guanacaste unfolds in a palette of gold and deep blue, where dry tropical forest meets some of the country’s most celebrated Pacific beaches. Surf towns like Tamarindo draw wave riders and sunset seekers, while Ostional attracts do-gooders to turtle nesting grounds, and the Papagayo Peninsula pairs secluded coves with world-class resorts and marinas. Inland, Rincón de la Vieja National Park reveals a wilder side of the province, with bubbling mud pots, waterfalls, and hiking trails that wind past howler monkeys and coatis. Guanacaste is the heartland of Tico cowboy culture, where haciendas and cattle ranches preserve sabanero heritage through horseback riding and folkloric festivals. 

Nicoya Peninsula: Stretching along the northwestern Pacific, the Nicoya Peninsula blends surf culture, wellness living, and rural charm into a lifestyle-driven destination. In beach towns like Santa Teresa and Nosara, dusty roads wind past jungle-fringed villas, open-air yoga studios, and cafés serving smoothie bowls and locally roasted coffee. Playa Guiones draws surfers with its consistent year-round breaks, while quieter coves invite horseback rides and sunset strolls. Inland, protected areas such as Cabo Blanco Absolute Natural Reserve preserve dry tropical forest alive with howler monkeys and white-tailed deer. The peninsula is also recognized as a Blue Zone, celebrated for longevity linked to diet, community, and outdoor living. 

Central Pacific: Easily accessible from San José, the Central Pacific coast delivers Costa Rica’s most cinematic blend of rainforest and beach. Anchored by Manuel Antonio National Park, the compact region pairs biodiverse jungle trails with white-sand coves edged by turquoise water. Within the park, sloths cling to cecropia trees, squirrel monkeys dart overhead, and iguanas sunbathe along coastal paths. Offshore, catamaran cruises and snorkeling trips explore hidden inlets, while sportfishing charters chase sailfish and mahi-mahi in deeper waters. Nearby towns offer a range of accommodations, from intimate eco-lodges to hillside villas with panoramic views. 

Caribbean Coast: On the opposite shore, Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast reveals a distinct cultural and ecological landscape shaped by Afro-Caribbean heritage and laid-back rhythms. In Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, reggae drifts from beach bars, and brightly painted wooden houses line palm-shaded roads. Offshore reefs near Cahuita National Parkprotect vibrant coral ecosystems ideal for snorkeling. Inland, cacao farms and wildlife rescue centers offer insight into local traditions, Indigenous culture, and conservation efforts. The cuisine shifts as well, spotlighting coconut milk, fresh seafood, and spicy Pan-Caribbean flavors. 

Taste of Costa Rica

Costa Rica’s cuisine is fresh, flavorful, and deeply rooted in local traditions. From hearty staples to tropical treats, these dishes offer a delicious taste of the country’s rich culinary culture.

Sodas: Family-run restaurants serving typical regional foods are ubiquitous, nutritious, and support the local economy. “Sodas play a big role in keeping people fed day to day,” says Gilberto Briceño, the chef and owner of Road Less Traveled Cuisine in Playa Potrero. “Some have real magic. Like Soda y Mirador Cinchona in Alajuela, which makes the best tortilla aliñada (a thick corn tortilla with cheese and sour cream) I’ve ever had.”

Chifrijo: A cantina snack named after a combination of two favorite Costa Rican ingredients: chicharrón (fried pork) and frijoles (beans), usually served over rice and with tomatoes and avocados.

Casado: A hearty lunch plate of a balanced mix of farm fresh ingredients like grilled fish or meat, gallo pinto (rice and beans), plantains, and salads that change by the region.

Rondón: An emblematic recipe of the Caribbean coast where leftover fish and vegetables are stewed with coconut milk, herbs, and spices.

Ceviche: Raw fish or shellfish marinated in lime juice with minced onions, garlic, tomatoes, and cilantro. When you pour some in a bag of corn chips to make a caldosa.

(Costa Rica's Afro-Caribbean community are safeguarding traditions through cooking.)

Where to stay

Costa Rica offers places to stay for every kind of traveler, from rainforest lodges and boutique hotels to beachfront resorts and eco-retreats. Wherever you settle in, expect easy access to the country’s spectacular landscapes and outdoor adventures.

El Remanso: Perched above the rainforest canopy on the wild Osa Peninsula, an intimate eco-lodge with open-air villas that overlook the Pacific. Guided hikes and waterfall swims immerse guests in one of the most biodiverse places on earth.

Hotel Belmar: A family-run mountain retreat with deep-rooted sustainability in the cloud forest of Monteverde. An on-site microbrewery and zero-waste restaurant are complemented by ingredients from their regenerative farm, Finca Madre Tierra.

The Springs Resort & Spa: A 165-acre hot springs resort boasts sweeping views of the Arenal volcano and a network of steaming thermal pools cascading down the hillside. 

(How to stay in a Costa Rican jungle overnight—and live to tell the tale.)

Getting around

By air: Juan Santamaría International Airport in San José and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia connect to major U.S. and European cities. Domestic carriers like Sansa and Costa Rica Green Airways link remote regions.

By car: While major highways are well maintained, backcountry roads tend to be rugged, so renting a 4x4 offers greater flexibility, especially during the rainy season.

By boat: Water taxis and ferries connect places like the Nicoya Peninsula, Tortuguero, and remote coastal areas.

Know before you go

Spanish: While most Costa Ricans who work in tourism speak English, many elsewhere do not. It’s ideal to learn some key words and phrases in Spanish before the trip.

Safety: While Costa Rica is generally one of the safest countries in the Americas, there have been instances of organized and petty crime in parts of San José and port areas. Use common sense: don’t flash cellphones or expensive jewelry, and avoid walking on empty streets at night.

Pura vida: This ubiquitous phrase means hello, goodbye, and everything in between.

Camino de Costa Rica: A 16-day cross-country hiking trail runs from the Caribbean coast to the Pacific, passing mountains, rural communities, and pristine rainforest.

A country without a military: Costa Rica abolished their military in 1948, opting to invest more resources in better living standards.

(What you should know before booking a trip to Costa Rica.)

How to visit Costa Rica sustainably

Choose eco-certified lodges and operators: Costa Rica is a global leader in sustainable tourism, and travelers can support that legacy by booking accommodations recognized by the country’s Certification for Sustainable Tourism (CST) program. Look for hotels that minimize single-use plastics, treat wastewater responsibly, source local ingredients, and actively protect surrounding habitats. When visiting fragile ecosystems, like the cloud forests and marine reserves, choose official guides trained in low-impact practices and wildlife etiquette. Community-based tourism initiatives, particularly in rural and Indigenous areas, ensure tourism revenue remains local while preserving cultural traditions.

Protect biodiversity and respect local culture: Nearly a third of Costa Rica’s land is protected, but conservation depends on visitor responsibility. Stay on marked trails, never feed wildlife, use reef-safe sunscreen when swimming, and maintain a respectful distance from animals. Support the ferias del agricultor (farmers’ markets) and community-led cacao or coffee tours to deepen your understanding of Costa Rica’s agricultural heritage. 

(Meet the Indigenous community who helped shape Costa Rica's environmental awakening.)