Costa Rica holidays

Tenorio volcano national park, Costa Rica

Popular holidays

From wildlife-filled forests to still-simmering volcanoes, holidays to Costa Rica reveal landscapes ripe for exploring.

Costa Rica’s calling

It’s the destination on everyone’s lips. Plum in the middle of North and South America, Costa Rica acts as a bridge between the two continents. As such, the landscape offers up a real pick and mix of must-sees, ranging from tropical beaches through to soaring volcanoes by way of dense rainforests.

A Garden of Eden

No day’s the same in Costa Rica – one day you can be clambering through cloud forests, and the next you’ll be delving into hidden valleys. And because a quarter of the country is protected, you’ve got national parks, wildlife havens and nature reserves on tap. This place is a total paradise for animal lovers – snoozing sloths, fluffy monkeys and rainbow-coloured scarlet macaws can be spotted in its rainforests, while its waters are teeming with the likes of leatherback turtles and humpback whales.

Tropical shores

The key to this place is its name, which translates as ‘Rich Coast’. Holidays to Costa Rica open up all the soft sands and swaying palms you’d expect from a place dubbed paradise on earth. To be precise, there are more than 300 stretches of beach spread between its Pacific and Caribbean coastlines. The most popular is Manuel Antonio Beach, where you can snorkel above coral reefs and spot monkeys and birds in their natural habitat just steps away from the sand.

Departure tax included

You don’t need to set aside any spending money for departure tax, as it’s all included within the cost of your holiday.

Popular hotels in Costa Rica

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Top things to see and do in Costa Rica

Beaches

Tropical beaches

Costa Rica reads like a collection of Caribbean classics when it comes to beaches. And some of the best are on the northern Pacific coast of Guanacaste. We’re talking slender coconut palms, sweeps of golden-brown sand and water so blue it’ll have you reaching for your sunglasses. And what’s more, there are plenty of sandy strips to choose from. At Golfo Papagayo, 12 beaches skirt a vast hotel-dotted bay. Take a wander along them to enjoy the varying vibes – they range from pin-drop peaceful to gently bustling. Playa Conchal is pretty special, too. Named after the tiny conchal shells sprinkled over its sands, it looks like a slice of peachy-pink sponge cake. Then there’s the Playa Langosta. This sleepy ribbon of black-and-caramel sands are framed by mangroves that give it a real away-from-it-all appeal. And it even comes with its own bird-spotting checklist – herons, sandpipers and other wading birds call this place home. Meanwhile, when you’re up for more energetic beach life, it’s got to be Tamarindo. One of Guanacaste’s most popular shorefront spots, its soft sands and prime waves attract surfers and sun-worshippers alike. Plus, if you want to get a little closer to the underwater action, you can join a snorkelling or diving trip. Splash around in the shallows with schools of sequinned barracuda, parrotfish and tiny seahorses. Or head out a little deeper for your chance to see gentle whale sharks and huge manta rays.

Facts about Costa Rica

Capital

San José

Currency

Costa Rican Colon

(CRC)

Population

4,526,530

Language

Spanish

Time zone

GMT-6

Flight duration

11 hours 30 minutes from Gatwick

FAQs

Some FAQs are AI-generated. Use them as a helpful guide and confirm details before making travel decisions.

Where can I find the latest travel advice?

All your questions about entry requirements, visas, passports or health information are answered on our Travel Advice page.

What should I pack for Costa Rica?

For Costa Rica, pack lightweight, breathable clothing suitable for warm weather. Bring sun protection essentials: a wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and sunglasses. Include insect repellent, comfortable walking shoes for adventures, and a light waterproof jacket for occasional rain showers. Don't forget your swimwear and a reusable water bottle for staying hydrated.

Are there any local customs I should know about in Costa Rica?

When visiting Costa Rica, locals are generally warm and friendly. Greet people with a handshake or a cheek kiss for women meeting women. 'pura vida' is a common phrase used as a greeting or to express contentment. When visiting local communities, dress modestly and ask permission before taking photos of people.

Where are the best places to shop in Costa Rica?

For a memorable shopping experience in Costa Rica, explore the Central Market in San José for local crafts and souvenirs. You'll find upscale boutiques in Escazú and trendy shops in Santa Ana. Many resorts also offer on-site shops with local products. Look out for handmade jewelry, coffee, and colorful traditional textiles.

What's the nightlife like in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica's nightlife varies from lively beach bars to sophisticated city venues. In resort areas like Tamarindo and Jacó, you'll find beachfront bars and clubs. San José offers a mix of trendy bars, live music venues, and dance clubs. Many resorts also provide evening entertainment with live music and cultural performances.

Should I tip in Costa Rica?

Tipping in Costa Rica is appreciated but not always expected. In restaurants, a 10% service charge is typically included in the bill. For exceptional service, you can add an extra 5-10%. For tour guides and hotel staff, a small tip is welcome if you're satisfied with their service.

Where can I try local food in Costa Rica?

To experience authentic Costa Rican cuisine, try local sodas (small family-run restaurants) for dishes like gallo pinto and casado. Many resorts offer traditional options in their restaurants. For a culinary adventure, visit the Central Market in San José or take a food tour to sample local delicacies and fresh tropical fruits.

What are the best beaches in Costa Rica?

Costa Rica features Manuel Antonio Beach with calm waters backed by rainforest and wildlife. Playa Conchal on the Pacific coast offers unique crushed shell sand and excellent snorkelling. Playa Tamarindo provides consistent surf breaks and a lively beach town atmosphere.

What travel adapter do I need for Costa Rica?

When visiting Costa Rica, you'll find two-pin flat blade plugs Type A, similar to those used in the United States or Type B which has three-pins. We recommend bringing a US-to-UK adapter for your devices. While some high-end hotels may have UK-style sockets, it's best to be prepared with an adapter to ensure you can charge your devices anywhere.

Events in Costa Rica

Multi-layered traditional folk dance skirts in bright pink, blue, and green tones

January

Fiestas de Palmares

Costa Rica’s largest annual festival runs for two weeks in Palmares, and features live music, colourful street parades and more. Plus, it all kicks off with a huge, traditional horse parade.

Choker necklace often worn with traditional folk costumes

February

Envision Festival

Tropical jungle meets Pacific beach at this week-long festival near Uvita. It combines music, dance, art, wellness, workshops and spiritual themes, with a focus on ecological sustainability.

March

National Boyero Day (Día Nacional del Boyero)

Costa Rica’s rural farming history’s honoured in San Antonio de Escazú on the second Sunday of March. The main event features hundreds of boyeros (oxcart drivers) guiding teams of oxen through town.

Monument of Juan Santamaría, the national hero of Costa Rica

April

Juan Santamaria Day

Patriotic parades and marching bands are on display on 11th April. This national holiday marks the anniversary of the Battle of Rivas, and Juan Santamaria was the national hero at the heart of it.

Hand-carved, and hand-painted traditional Boruca masks from Costa Rica

May

Labour Day

On the 1st of May, most places shut for this mandatory national holiday. Look for local family-friendly fairs featuring music, traditional food, and cultural activities, especially in the smaller towns.

Colourful traditional folkloric dresses with wide, flared skirts

June

Feast of San Pedro and San Pablo

The patron saints Peter and Paul are celebrated on the 29th of June. Parties take place across the country, and there are folk dances, local music performances and food stalls dotted around, too.

July

Guanacaste Day

Horse parades, music shows and local eats are some of the things to look out for on the 25th July in Guanacaste. On this date in 1824, the province officially became part of Costa Rica.

August

Virgen de los Angeles

Celebrate Costa Rica’s patron saint on 2nd August. Music, feasts and fairs all take place across the day, and millions of people make the pilgrimage from San José to Cartago in the saint’s honour.

Traditional folk dance in colourful attire

September

Independence Day

The clue’s in the name with this public holiday on the 15th. It’s the day when Spanish rule ended back in 1821, and it’s marked with lantern parades, student processions and other festivities.

October

Day of Cultres (Dia de las Culturas)

This national holiday on the 12th of October celebrates Costa Rica’s ethnic and cultural diversity. Parades, marching bands and dancing are all on the cards, while Limon hosts a week-long carnival.

November

La Ruta de los Conquistadore

This three-day mountain bike race covers around 400 kilometres from the Pacific to the Atlantic Coast. It’s sometimes in late October, and it’s open to amateurs if you feel particularly adventurous.

December

Festival de la Luz (Festival of Light)

This colourful festival in San Jose marks the start of Christmas season. Floats, masquerades, live music, and fireworks are all part of the festivities, which take place around mid-December.