Costa Rica can't be visited. It's lived. This guide has been written by those who live there, for those who want to truly discover it.
Wedged between two oceans, Costa Rica's 51,100 km² of diversity defies the imagination. Cloud forests, active volcanoes, wild beaches, coral reefs, impenetrable jungles - it's all just a few hours' drive away.
But what makes this country unique is its relationship with nature. Here, 30% of the land is protected. Animals cross the roads, not cars. And the most spoken word - Pura Vida - is not a tourist expression: it's a philosophy of life.
5 questions to discover your profile and the itinerary that's right for you. Answer instinctively.
You're looking for intensity, physical experiences and wild places. Costa Rica has it all: volcanoes, rafting on the Pacuare, trekking in Corcovado and diving in Caño.
See the «Costa Rica Sauvage - 14 days» itinerary →You prefer depth to speed. Few steps, lots of presence. Costa Rica lends itself magnificently to this approach - the most beautiful moments come when you stop running.
See the «Essential Costa Rica - 10 days» itinerary →Accessible beaches, animals everywhere, activities for all ages - Costa Rica is a life-size playground for families. And kids will love the sloths.
See the «Pura Vida en Famille - 12 jours» itinerary →Hot springs at the foot of a volcano, dinner on the beach, charming hotels in the heart of nature... Costa Rica offers privacy and natural beauty, perfect for couples.
See the «Essential Costa Rica - 10 days» itinerary →Is this your first time in Costa Rica? Perfect. We'll guide you to the must-sees without rushing you, with the right mix of nature, beach and culture.
See the «Essential Costa Rica - 10 days» itinerary →Forget the map. Choose emotion. Each region promises a different atmosphere, a different rhythm, a different encounter.
A perfect volcano as a backdrop, turquoise waterfalls hidden in the jungle, natural hot springs to end the day. It's postcard Costa Rica - only better when you know the right plans.
The other Costa Rica. Here, reggae replaces salsa, the cuisine is coconut milk, and time stands still. From Cahuita to Puerto Viejo, it's an immersion in Afro-Caribbean culture. Further north, Tortuguero and its jungle canals offer raw nature.
National Geographic has called it «the most biologically intense place on the planet». The Osa Peninsula is Costa Rica at its wildest: tapirs, macaws, spider monkeys, and a solitude that few places still offer.
A paradise for surfing, yoga and letting go. Santa Teresa attracts digital nomads from all over the world, Nosara is the temple of wellness, and Sámara remains the secret of families and lovers. The Nicoya Peninsula is also home to one of the world's 5 Blue Zones.
At altitude, Costa Rica reveals a different face. The Monteverde cloud forest is a suspended world of orchids, hummingbirds and mist. San Gerardo de Dota is the best place in the world to observe the resplendent quetzal - the sacred bird of the Mayans.
Tested, optimized, approved. Each itinerary is designed to maximize experience and minimize travel time.
The perfect circuit for a first trip. The must-sees without the rush: volcanoes, cloud forest, Pacific. A human pace, 3-4 hours maximum between each stage.
Customize it with our team. We'll adjust the hotels, the activities, the pace - to suit you.
For travellers who want to go further. Corcovado, Pacuare, active volcanoes: this tour combines physical adventure with the country's wildest regions.
We tailor it to your level of adventure, your dates and your budget.
Designed with families in mind: adapted activities, short driving times, safe beaches, hotels with swimming pools. Kids see wildlife, parents relax.
Tested family hotels, age-appropriate activities, adapted pace - we take care of everything.
Everything you need to know, in one place. From the people who live here.
Real advice from those who have lived in Costa Rica for years.
Tica cuisine is simple, generous and surprising. Here's what you absolutely must try.
The national breakfast: rice and black beans sautéed together, served with eggs, fried plantain and sour cream. Every family has its own recipe. Try several.
The perfect lunchtime dish. Rice, beans, salad, plantain and your choice of protein (chicken, fish, pork). In a family-run «soda», it's the best value for money in the country.
Not to be confused with gallo pinto! On the Caribbean coast, rice is cooked in coconut milk. Accompanied by jerk chicken or fish, it's pure Jamaican influence.
Costa Rica produces some of the finest coffee in the world. Visit a finca in the Central Valley or in Monteverde: from plant to cup, you'll never drink coffee the same way again.
Among the Bribris (South Caribbean), cocoa is sacred. The women of the community prepare the traditional drink during cultural visits - a unique taste and human experience.
Imperial is the best-known, but you can also try Pilsen and the exploding craft beers (Treintaycinco, Lake Arenal Brewery). Cheers!
When to see what, where. Costa Rica offers a different show every month.
Giant green turtles come to lay their eggs on the beaches at night. A guided tour is a must, and an overwhelming experience.
Costa Rica is one of the few countries in the world with two whale seasons. The South Pacific offers the best whale-watching opportunities.
The sacred bird of the Mayans, with its 60 cm emerald tail. San Gerardo de Dota offers the best birdwatching in the world.
In Ostional, the arribada: hundreds of thousands of olive ridley turtles arrive at the same time. A phenomenon unique in the world.
The great red parrots of Costa Rica. Carara is the most accessible spot, Corcovado the most spectacular.
The red-eyed tree frog, symbol of Costa Rica, is most active in the green season. Night tours at this time are extraordinary.
Costa Rica is a world pioneer in sustainable tourism. To travel here is to contribute to a model that protects what it shows. Here's how to make a difference.
The Sustainable Tourism Certificate (STC) guarantees a real commitment to water management, local employment and waste reduction.
The Bribris, Borucas and Malekus open their villages to visitors - always via official community programs, never freelance.
Never touch wild animals. No selfies with sloths. 2 meters minimum. A certified guide knows how to observe without disturbing.
Tap water is drinkable: carry a water bottle. Use reef-safe sunscreen. Say no to plastic straws (most restaurants have already done so).
We work exclusively with local service providers, give preference to certified accommodation and donate part of our income to the communities.
Myth busting. Here are the real prices, as seen from the field.
Result: stress, exploded budget, nothing seen in depth
Result: savings, human rhythm, profound experiences
May, June and November: -30% on hotels, greener nature, fewer tourists. Rain usually falls in the afternoon - mornings are splendid.
A 4x2 SUV such as the Hyundai Tucson is sufficient for all the itineraries in this guide. Economy: $15-20/day, or $150-200 on a 10-day trip.
Tap water is safe in 95% of the country. A reusable water bottle saves you ~$5/day/person in plastic bottles. Good for the budget AND the planet.
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