Where to go in Costa Rica

Tortuguero and the Caribbean canals

Reached only by boat or small plane, Tortuguero National Park is a maze of canals through dense rainforest on the north Caribbean coast. Boat safaris reveal caimans, monkeys, sloths and hundreds of bird species, and green sea turtles come ashore to nest on the beach mainly between July and October. It is the opening stage of most of our circuits, including 8 Days in Costa Rica and Pura Vida.

La Fortuna and the Arenal volcano

The near-perfect cone of Arenal dominates La Fortuna, the adventure capital of the country. Hanging bridges, waterfalls, rafting, horseback rides and, at the end of the day, natural hot springs heated by the volcano. It is the one stop that appears on every circuit on this page, and the premium Sweet Adventure spends two nights here.

Monteverde cloud forest

Perched around 1,400 metres in the Tilaran mountains, Monteverde is the place to walk through the clouds. The private reserve and the surrounding forests are home to the resplendent quetzal, and the hanging bridges and night walks are among the best wildlife experiences in the country. Included on Pura Vida and Sunset Lovers.

Manuel Antonio and the central Pacific

One of the smallest national parks in Costa Rica and one of the most visited, Manuel Antonio combines white-sand coves with rainforest trails where capuchin monkeys, sloths and iguanas are easy to spot. It is the natural finale of four of our five circuits and the classic beach ending of a first trip.

Guanacaste and the Nicoya peninsula

The north Pacific is the driest and sunniest region of the country, with long beaches such as Playa del Coco, Flamingo, Samara and Santa Teresa, surf spots, and a laid-back village atmosphere. Sunset Lovers is built around this coast, and Flamingo is a stop on Pura Vida.

Cahuita and Puerto Viejo, the south Caribbean

South of Limon, the Caribbean coast changes rhythm. Cahuita National Park protects a coral reef and a coastal forest, Puerto Viejo de Talamanca mixes Afro-Caribbean and indigenous Bribri cultures, and the road continues towards the Panamanian border and Bocas del Toro. This is the heart of Caribe Chill, our Costa Rica and Panama combination.

Bajo del Toro and the Pacuare river

Two quieter stops for travellers who want to get off the main loop. Bajo del Toro is a mountain valley of waterfalls and cloud forest north of San Jose, and the Pacuare river, reached by raft or boat, is home to riverside lodges deep in the rainforest. Both feature on the premium Sweet Adventure. For more ideas, browse our top 14 destinations in Costa Rica and the highlights of Costa Rica.

Planning your trip to Costa Rica

When to go to Costa Rica

Costa Rica has two main seasons. The dry season runs roughly from December to April and is the driest and busiest period on the Pacific side. The green season, from May to November, brings afternoon rain, lower prices and far greener landscapes. The Caribbean coast follows its own rhythm and is often at its driest in September and October, exactly when the Pacific is at its wettest. More detail in our guide on traveling in Costa Rica.

How long to stay

Eight days is enough for a first taste, combining San Jose, one rainforest area and one beach. Twelve to fifteen days lets you cross the country from the Caribbean to the Pacific without rushing. Beyond eighteen days you can add the Nicoya peninsula, Monteverde and the south. The circuits above range from 8 to 20 days and every one of them can be shortened or extended.

Getting around Costa Rica

Three options, all available on our circuits. Shared shuttles are the simplest and the least expensive. A rental car gives you full freedom and suits travellers comfortable with gravel roads and river crossings in the rainy season. A private driver is the most comfortable option and the one we recommend for families and for premium itineraries. When a circuit includes domestic flights, they are always part of the AZORA price.

Pacific coast or Caribbean coast

The Pacific side concentrates the long surf beaches, the sunsets and most of the tourist infrastructure, from Guanacaste down to Manuel Antonio. The Caribbean side, around Tortuguero, Cahuita and Puerto Viejo, is wilder, greener and strongly marked by Afro-Caribbean culture. Most of our itineraries combine both. To understand what makes the country so special, read why Costa Rica and a short history of Costa Rica.

Travelling as a couple, with children or looking for wellness

Two of our themed programmes are built around Costa Rica: a honeymoon in Costa Rica and a wellness journey in Costa Rica. Both follow the same principle as the circuits above and are adjusted to your dates and your pace. Costa Rica also appears in our adventure, relax and culture collections.

What our prices cover

The prices shown on this page are land only. International flights are never included and are arranged separately through our flight desk. Every itinerary is quoted again for your exact dates, group size and hotel category before you book. Request your quotation and we come back to you with a costed programme.

Frequently asked questions about travelling to Costa Rica

When is the best time to travel to Costa Rica?

The dry season, roughly December to April, is the sunniest on the Pacific side and also the busiest. The green season, from May to November, brings lower prices and much greener landscapes, with rain that usually falls in the afternoon. The Caribbean coast is often at its driest in September and October.

How many days do you need in Costa Rica?

Eight days covers a first overview with one rainforest area and one beach. Twelve to fifteen days allows a full crossing between the Caribbean and the Pacific. Twenty days lets you add the Nicoya peninsula, Monteverde and the south without rushing. Our circuits run from 8 to 20 days and each one can be shortened or extended.

Do you need a rental car in Costa Rica?

Not necessarily. A rental car gives the most freedom, but shared shuttles cover all the main routes and a private driver is often the better choice for families or during the green season. All three options are available on our circuits.

Are international flights included in AZORA circuits?

No. All prices shown are land only and international flights are always excluded. We handle them separately so you keep full control over your routing and your departure airport. When a circuit includes domestic flights, they are always part of the AZORA price.

Can an AZORA circuit in Costa Rica be customized?

Yes. Every circuit on this page is a starting point. Duration, hotel category, transport and activities are all adjusted to your wishes before we send you a quotation.

Is Costa Rica a good destination for families?

Yes. Driving distances are short, the main road network is good, and most lodges and national parks are equipped for children. We adapt the pace and the daily drive times accordingly.

Pacific coast or Caribbean coast, which one should you choose?

The Pacific side has the long surf beaches, the sunsets and most of the tourist infrastructure, from Guanacaste to Manuel Antonio. The Caribbean side, around Tortuguero, Cahuita and Puerto Viejo, is wilder and strongly marked by Afro-Caribbean culture. Most of our itineraries combine both coasts in one trip.

Can you combine Costa Rica and Panama in one trip?

Yes. Our Caribe Chill circuit links the Costa Rican Caribbean coast with Bocas del Toro in Panama over 16 days, and optional stops such as Boquete or Boca Chica can be added. Both countries share a land border on the Caribbean side, which keeps transfers short.

What currency is used in Costa Rica?

The official currency is the Costa Rican colon. US dollars are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and tourist activities, and cards are accepted almost everywhere. Small amounts of local currency remain useful in villages and markets.

Is Costa Rica a safe and easy destination for a first trip to Central America?

Costa Rica is one of the most established tourist destinations in Central America, with a good road network and a wide range of lodges and national parks. For entry requirements and official travel advice, always check the current guidance published by your own government before departure. AZORA handles your logistics on the ground from arrival to departure.