Costa Rica embodies the spirit of “Pura Vida” — a celebration of happiness, simplicity, and connection with nature. From lush rainforests and active volcanoes to pristine beaches on both coasts, the country offers unforgettable adventures for every traveler while leading the world in sustainable tourism. Whether you’re chasing wildlife, waves, or wellness, Costa Rica’s vibrant culture, eco-friendly ethos, and warm hospitality make it a destination where beauty and balance thrive.
You know a place is special when they have a phrase you hear everywhere. The phrase “Pura Vida” encapsulates the Costa Rican way of life, emphasizing happiness, simplicity, and appreciation for life’s beauty. Visitors often find the pervasive positivity and laid-back attitude infectious. Explore the vibrant culture of Costa Rica through its traditions, art, music, and delicious cuisine.
Costa Rica is a tropical paradise with vibrant culture and warm hospitality located in Central America. This is an enchanted land where lush rainforests, volcanoes, waterfalls, pristine beaches, and biodiversity thrives. From Monteverde’s misty clouds to the sunny shores of the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, this diverse nation offers experiences for every type of traveler. You can encounter iconic animals like sloths, toucans, howler monkeys, and colorful frogs in their natural habitats. Don’t forget the bugs, lots and lots of bugs.
Whether you are seeking outdoor adventures, a nature lover searching for rare flora and fauna, or you’re in need of tranquil experiences, Costa Rica will be an unforgettable adventure. Adrenaline junkies have an almost unlimited selection of adventures to choose from. From zip-lining through the treetops, surfing in world-famous breaks, hiking up volcanoes, to white-water rafting and snorkeling in crystal-clear waters.
For travelers looking for an eco-conscious destination, Costa Rica is a pioneer in sustainable tourism. The country generates 98% of their electricity from renewable sources including hydropower, solar, wind, and geothermal. Committed to conservation and eco-friendly practices, it is an excellent destination for travelers who want to minimize their environmental impact. Many eco-lodges and tours include educational components to raise awareness about environmental issues.
Savor local dishes of the Ticos (Costa Ricans) like Gallo Pinto, Casado, Arroz con Pollo, Yuca con Mojo, Rondo, Chifrijo, and Plantains . The countries cuisine is influenced by the tropical climate, agriculture, and cultural heritage. Costa Rican cuisine also features a variety of tropical fruits like mangoes, papayas, pineapples, and guava, which are often enjoyed fresh or in fruit salads. Additionally, you can find traditional beverages like horchata (a rice-based drink) and refrescos (fruit juices). Costa Rican coffee is considered some of the best in the world.
Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas. The Costa Rican Colón is the official currency of Costa Rica.U.S. dollars are accepted, especially in tourist areas. Costa Rica is considered one of the safest countries in Central America for travelers. It has a stable political environment and a strong focus on tourism security.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic honeymoon, family adventure, solo exploration, or a wellness retreat, Costa Rica offers a wide range of experiences to suit your preferences.
Costa Rica’s Coasts
Costa Rica’s Caribbean and Pacific coasts offer distinct experiences. Choosing between the two depends on your preferences and what you’re looking for in a vacation. Both coasts offer natural beauty and outdoor activities, but they cater to different tastes and climates. Some travelers choose to explore both coasts during their visit to Costa Rica to enjoy the diversity the country has to offer, while others choose to visit one coast at a time.
Pacific Coast
The Pacific coast has a drier climate, with distinct wet and dry seasons. This region often enjoys sunny weather during the dry season during the months of December to April. Home to world-renowned surf spots that attract surfers from around the globe. You’ll find a wide variety of beaches from the golden sands of Manuel Antonio and Nicoya Peninsula to the rugged, volcanic shorelines of Guanacaste. The Pacific coast is home to several national parks, including Manuel Antonio, Corcovado, and Marino Ballena which offer hiking and wildlife encounters. The Pacific coast is famous for its stunning sunsets over the ocean. Most of the larger upscale resorts and luxury accommodations are located on the west coast.
Carribean Coast
The Caribbean coast has a tropical rainforest climate and is wetter than the Pacific side with more rainfall. The rainy season is longer, making it lush and green year-round. It has a unique cultural blend, influenced by Afro-Caribbean, Indigenous, and Latin American cultures.You’ll find rich history, vibrant music, and delicious Caribbean cuisine. This region is known for its diverse wildlife, including sloths, toucans, howler monkeys, and sea turtles. The Tortuguero National Park is a significant turtle nesting site. Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast offers beautiful beaches with soft, black volcanic sand. Popular beach destinations include Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, and Manzanillo. Warmer water of this coast is ideal for snorkeling, scuba diving, and surfing. Coral reefs in the area are a highlight for underwater enthusiasts.Lush rainforests of the Caribbean coast are teeming with wildlife, and boat tours along the canals of Tortuguero offer fantastic opportunities for wildlife viewing. Accommodations are usually smaller and more intimate versus the large resort complexes of the other coast.
Top 10 Experiences I recommend for Costa Rica
- Chocolate Tour
- Coffee Plantation Tour
- Thermal Hot Springs
- Zip-line Canopy Tour
- Cloud Forest Hike
- Sloth Sanctuary
- Wildlife Nighttime Hiking Tour
- Hike an Active Volcano
- Watch Sea Turtles Hatch (Seasonal)
- Surf, Snorkel, Sail, or Dive
Travel by Marisa 