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A green and blue hummingbird in flight is close up with wings blurred observing some bright pink flowers, Costa Rica

Costa Rica Holidays


south & central america
Costa Rica holidays provide the enticing prospect of beautiful scenery and an astounding variety of wildlife. Sandwiched between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, there are a wonderful variety of landscapes to explore from misty cloud forests and lush rainforest to soaring volcanoes and jungle-fringed beaches.

Costa Rica's bounty of natural wonders is found within a few hours’ drive of San José, so whether it’s turtles in Tortuguero, sloths in Arenal or macaws in Manuel Antonio, an incredible wildlife experience is right on your doorstep.

A pioneer in eco-tourism, here sustainability and adventure are a way of life. You can zipline through the jungle canopy, surf Tamarindo's rolling waves or simply relax in bubbling hot springs as you soak up this vibrant destination.

Trailfinders offers a wide range of Costa Rica holidays and our expert travel consultants are a mine of information about what to do here, often with first-hand travel experience. Whether you want to explore Costa Rica with your own private driver, embark on a fly drive, join a sociable small group tour, or are simply looking for advice on the best national parks or luxury hotels for a beach holiday – they are the perfect people to ask.

A few of our favourite Costa Rica 5★ reviews

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HOW TO GET AROUND COSTA RICA

Exploring Costa Rica with your own private car and driver is extremely popular and offers the flexibility to travel at your own pace. Follow one of our classic itineraries or ask our expert travel consultants to tailormake your perfect holiday. Alternatively why not ask us to create you an exciting fly drive holiday?

If you’d rather travel with others how about joining a sociable guided group tour? Or for those who want to visit more than one destination, our multi centre holidays are also a great option – combine your Costa Rica holiday with Guatemala, Panama or Ecuador to explore more of Latin America.

OUR HOLIDAYS TO COSTA RICA

Here's a snapshot of some of our most popular Costa Rica holidays.

If you don’t see what you’re looking for, click on the link below them to see our complete range of holidays and tours in the destination or give us a call and speak to one of our travel experts.
Classic Costa Rica
Private Tour
14 days / 13 nights

Experience some of the highlights of this beautiful country on this classic journey.

Guide Price: €4,079 £3,299 pp

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Discover Costa Rica
Guided Small Group Adventure Tour
15 days / 14 nights

This tour is perfect for those wanting to see Costa Rica’s highlights while also exploring the country’s hidden gems.

Guide Price: €4,200 £3,499 pp

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Enchanting Costa Rica
Private Tour
14 days / 13 nights

Discover the natural beauty of this enchanting country.

Guide Price: €5,049 £4,199 pp

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Costa Rica Wildlife Tour
Guided Small Group Adventure Tour
15 days / 14 nights

For a tiny country, Costa Rica packs a huge wildlife punch.

Guide Price: €2972 £2340 pp

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Costa Rica Coast to Coast
Private Tour
16 days / 15 nights

Travel from the rugged coastline of the Pacific to the laidback Caribbean via scenic rivers and misty cloud forests on this wonderful tour showcasing Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes and remarkable wildlife.

Guide Price: €5,549 £4,599 pp

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Costa Rica Road Trip - City to Surf
Fly Drive Holiday
12 days / 11 nights

Explore the diverse scenery and incredible wildlife of beautiful Costa Rica on this fantastic road trip journeying through volcanoes and misty cloud forest to the wonderful waves of the Pacific.

Guide Price: €2,999 £2,599 pp

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WHERE TO GO IN COSTA RICA

For such a compact country Costa Rica really packs in the highlights. In under two weeks you could meet turtles in Tortuguero National Park, explore the rainforest around Arenal, spot toucans in Monteverde and still have time to relax on the beaches of Tamarindo. The ultimate luxury adventure playground, Costa Rica is the ideal destination for exploration or sheer relaxation.

Click on the tiles below the Costa Rica map for more details on each holiday destination. Alternatively, if you are looking for some inspiration, give us a call and speak to one of our expert travel consultants.
San José & the Central Valley
The sprawling city of San José has a dramatic setting, surrounded by the hills, mountains, and plantations of the lush Central Valley. Outside of the city, in the wider Central Valley you can find soaring volcanoes, cascading rivers and numerous exciting activities all in easy reach..
Tortuguero & The Caribbean Coast
Tortuguero National Park covers 120 square miles of lush coastal landscape and extends 2,000 square miles out into the Caribbean Sea. The national park takes its name from the four species of marine turtles (Tortuga in Spanish) which clamber up the beach to nest each year (Jul-Sep).
Manuel Antonio National Park & Uvita
Located just a four hour drive or short flight from San José, Manual Antonio National Park encompasses lush forest, stunning beaches, and is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Uvita is best known for its waves, which attract surfers from all over the world, and boasts long stretches of rugged beaches.
Costa Rica's Cloud Forests
Probably the most famous of Costa Rica’s cloud forests, the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve offers a wide variety of trails and a great diversity of wildlife. Alternatively, Bajos del Toro is home to some of the most beautiful rivers and waterfalls in Costa Rica, including the breathtaking Cataratas del Toro Waterfall.
Arenal
Famous for the picture-perfect cone of the dramatic Arenal Volcano, this region is a must see for people travelling to Costa Rica. The nearby rainforest is full of wildlife, and the area is also famous for its bubbling geothermal pools. After a busy day there is little better than soaking in one of the many volcanic hot springs.
San Gerardo de Dota & Pacuare River
The cool climate and dense cloud forest which surround the town of San Gerardo de Dota make this area a bird watcher's paradise with over 170 species, includingthe resplendent quetzal. Offeringsome of Costa Rica's most exhilerating rafting Pacuare River also hides some exceptional lodges on its banks.
Osa Peninsula
This remote area can be reached by a short flight from San José or via road and is a must-see destination for nature lovers. Marvel at the pristine rainforest, abundant wildlife, and secluded beaches. Experience one of the most biodiverse places on Earth when you spend time in this beautiful region.
Costa Rica’s National Parks
Costa Rica is home to over 30 national parks with environments ranging from wetlands to misty cloud forest and smoking volcanoes to rugged beaches, each showcasing unique flora and fauna. Whilst there are some parks which will be very familiar, there are also a number of hidden gems which, although relatively unknown, are well worth discovering.
Costa Rica's Beaches
Nestled between the shores of the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica has a expansive coastline with a diverse range of beaches. From soft white to black volcanic sands and calm bays to world renowned-waves, there is a perfect beach for everyone, whether you want to swim, surf or simply relax and sip cocktails.

OUR RECOMMENDED HOTELS IN COSTA RICA

We feature an excellent range of accommodation in Costa Rica, with something to suit all budgets. Maybe you’re looking for a secluded jungle retreat in the Osa Peninsula or a boutique hotel on the beach in the heart of the Nicoya Peninsula? Or perhaps it’s a luxury hideaway with incredible views of Arenal volcano or a fabulous all inclusive resort. Whatever your needs, we can help you find unique properties throughout Costa Rica.

What you won’t find here are thousands of Costa Rica hotels and lodges to wade through. We have done the hard work for you and selected the best places to stay and our travel consultants are on hand to help, often with first-hand experience.
Playa Cativo Lodge
4 star

Osa Peninsula Area - Golfito

Only accessible by boat, this secluded property boasts a great waterfront location on the coast of the Golfo Dulce, surrounded by 1,000 acres of private rainforest within Piedras Blancas National Park.
Nantipa Hotel, Santa Teresa
4 star

Nicoya Peninsula - Southern Beaches

Boasting a stunning beachfront setting in the laidback surfer town of Santa Teresa, this friendly property redefines barefoot luxury.
Arenas del Mar Beachfront & Rainforest Resort
4 star

Manuel Antonio

Set on a hillside surrounded by tropical rainforest, this fantastic property is the perfect choice both for exploring the Manuel Antonio National Park and relaxing on the Pacific coast in luxurious tranquillity.
Finca Rosa Blanca
4 star

Central Valley

This lovely hotel is perched on a hillside in the beautiful Central Valley and feels a world away from busy San José.
El Remanso Rainforest Wildlife Lodge
3 plus star

Osa Peninsula - Puerto Jimenez

Nestled in the rainforest and overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this friendly lodge has a fabulous setting.
Pacuare Lodge
4 star

Pacuare River

This unique eco lodge has a gorgeous setting surrounded by rainforest and overlooking the Pacuare River.

WHAT TO DO IN COSTA RICA

As well as some awe-inspiring sights, Costa Rica is also home to unforgettable experiences. These provide a unique way to experience the areas natural splendour that sightseeing alone simply can’t replace.

One day you might be soaring over the treetops on a zipline in Monteverde, the next searching for sloths in the rainforest of Arenal. Experiences range from adrenaline fuelled adventures like white water rafting, to wildlife focused experiences discovering Costa Rica’s amazing biodiversity.

Our collection of unmissable experiences will really help bring your Costa Rica holiday to life.
Sky Tram & Sky Trek Zipline
4 hours
Departs: Monteverde

Defy gravity and glide through the forest on this high-flying adventure. Ride up to the observation ...

Monteverde Forest at Dusk
3 hours
Departs: Monteverde

Experience the sights and sounds of the forest after dark, as creatures who are normally hidden ...

White-Water Rafting, Arenal & San Jose
5 hours
Departs: Arenal, San Jose

Get your adrenaline pumping with an exhilarating white-water adventure through the jungle! Paddle ...

Learn to Surf, Tamarindo & Puerto Viejo
2 hours
Departs: Guanacaste

Surf’s up! Jump on a board and face Costa Rica’s famous waves in this surfer’s paradise. Paddle, ...

Searching for Sloths, Arenal
3 hours
Departs: Arenal

Who doesn’t love a sloth? Despite taking their time to do absolutely anything, these slow and ...

Whale Watching & Marino Ballena National Park
2 hours
Departs: Uvita

Costa Rica’s ultimate marine experience, cruise into Marino Ballena National Park in search of ...

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT COSTA RICA?

The best time to visit Costa Rica varies by region. In general December to April is considered the best time to visit, with drier, sunnier weather in most of the country (though it’s a tropical climate so visitors should be prepared for some rain).

In the Arenal region and on the Caribbean Coast, the climate is best in 'green season', from March to September.

September to October are the wettest months, but outside of these the green season is a still good time to travel. In general rain falls in short bursts in the afternoon, so shouldn't disrupt activities, and the parks are quieter.

For more information, take a look at our guide to the best time to visit Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Top Tips From Our Travel Experts

Richard Standen -  expert
Richard Standen

Costa Rica has such a huge variety of birdlife, and as soon as you step outside of the city you can expect to see any number of colourful birds. Make sure you always have a set of binoculars handy as even a transfer can feel like a bird spotting game drive!

Natalie Hart -  expert
Natalie Hart

Ceviche! The most delicious dish is iconic in Costa Rica and a great way to sample the delicious fresh seafood on the coast. If you get the chance to learn how to make it then do! It's an easy way to impress friends when you're home!

Hannah Dobbs -  expert
Hannah Dobbs

Arenal was amazing for an abundance of activities on offer; from canyoning to white water rafting, to kayaking and stand up paddle boarding. The volcano towers over the small town which is great for restaurants and bars in the evenings. The Fortuna Waterfall is great for a swim.

Costa Rica Fast Facts

Time Zone: Costa Rica is 6 hours behind GMT and does not observe daylight savings

Getting to Costa Rica: Flight times to Costa Rica average at between 12 to 15 hours

Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC). ATM's can be found in cities and larger towns, and most restaurants and hotels accept credit/debit cards

Tipping: Tipping in Costa Rica is not mandatory but is appreciated. A 10% tip for service staff is usually sufficient

Language: The national language of Costa Rica is Spanish. English is spoken in tourist areas

Visa: For stays over 90 days only (Irish passport holders). Visit our visa pages for more information.


Tales from the Trail

Top tips and travel inspiration from the Trailfinders team

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