Costa Rica Travel Guide 2025: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Thinking about a tropical getaway? Costa Rica travel is more popular than ever, and for good reason. This Central American gem is packed with rainforests, volcanoes, beaches, and wildlife like nowhere else on Earth.
In this complete 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through where to go, what to see, and how to make your trip smooth from start to finish.
🌎 Why Travel to Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is a traveler’s dream for a few key reasons:
- ✅ Safe and welcoming environment
- ✅ World-class natural beauty
- ✅ Biodiversity unmatched in the Americas
- ✅ Adventure and eco-tourism for all ages
- ✅ Easy access from the U.S., Canada, and Europe
Whether you’re looking to relax, explore, or chase thrills, Costa Rica travel offers it all.
📍 Top Destinations in Costa Rica
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular places to include in your itinerary:
🌋 Arenal / La Fortuna
- Home to Arenal Volcano and hot springs
- Waterfalls, hanging bridges, and wildlife
- Great for families and couples
🐒 Manuel Antonio
- Gorgeous beaches + national park
- Spot monkeys, sloths, toucans
- Ideal for a mix of beach and nature
🏄♂️ Tamarindo / Guanacaste
- Surf town vibes with modern comforts
- Dry and sunny climate (especially in winter)
- Great for beginner surfers and nightlife
🌿 Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Elevated adventure in the mist
- Ziplining, birdwatching, eco-lodges
- Nature lovers’ paradise
🐢 Tortuguero
- Accessible only by boat or plane
- See sea turtles nesting (Jul–Oct)
- Rich in canals and wildlife
✅ RideWise Tip: We offer private transportation to all of these areas, including airport pickups from SJO and LIR.
🧳 What to Pack for Costa Rica Travel
Costa Rica has microclimates, so your packing list depends on where and when you’re going.
Essentials:
- Lightweight, breathable clothes
- Rain jacket (especially May–Nov)
- Swimsuit and water shoes
- Bug spray and reef-safe sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Binoculars or camera for wildlife
🌧️ Tip: Even during dry season, some areas (like Monteverde) stay humid and misty.
📆 When Is the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica?
🌞 Dry Season (Dec–April)
- Most popular with tourists
- Ideal beach weather on the Pacific side
- Great for families and first-timers
🌦️ Green Season (May–Nov)
- Fewer crowds and lower prices
- Lush scenery, great for wildlife
- Best time for surfers and eco-travelers
🐋 Wildlife Highlights
- Sea turtles: July–Oct
- Humpback whales: Aug–Oct & Jan–Mar
- Birdwatching: Year-round!
🚐 How to Get Around Costa Rica Safely
Public buses are cheap but slow. Rental cars can be risky on unpaved or mountainous roads. For comfort, safety, and time-saving, many travelers now choose private transportation.
Why RideWise is the Best Choice:
- 🚐 Airport transfers from SJO & LIR
- 🌴 Custom routes to hotels, parks, beaches
- 🧑✈️ Local drivers
- 👨👩👧👦 Ideal for families, couples, and small groups
- 🧳 Luggage-friendly, air-conditioned vans
With RideWise, Costa Rica travel becomes easy, safe, and comfortable—from coast to cloud forest.
🎒 What to Do in Costa Rica: Top Experiences
Here are the most iconic things to do:
| Experience | Where to Go |
|---|---|
| Ziplining in the forest | Monteverde, Arenal |
| Surfing waves | Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, Puerto Viejo |
| Volcano hiking | Arenal, Rincón de la Vieja |
| Hot springs relaxation | La Fortuna |
| Wildlife watching | Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero, Corcovado |
| Chocolate & coffee tours | Central Valley, Monteverde |
| Snorkeling & diving | Cahuita, Isla del Caño, Gulf of Papagayo |
✅ RideWise Tip: Combine destinations with a custom itinerary, we’ll handle the driving while you explore.
🇨🇷 Costa Rica Travel Tips for 2025
- Currency: Costa Rican colón (USD widely accepted)
- Language: Spanish (but English is spoken in tourist areas)
- Tipping: 10% is usually included; add more for great service
- Safety: One of the safest countries in Latin America
- Health: No vaccines required; bring sun protection and bug spray
📱 Pro tip: Download WhatsApp. Most locals and tour operators use it to communicate.
✈️ Arriving in Costa Rica: SJO vs. LIR
Costa Rica has two main international airports:
- SJO – Juan Santamaría (San José): Best for central and southern destinations like Arenal, Manuel Antonio, and Tortuguero
- LIR – Daniel Oduber (Liberia): Best for the Guanacaste beaches like Tamarindo, Playa Flamingo, and Papagayo
✅ RideWise offers direct pickup from both airports—no stress, no confusion.
🧭 Ready to Explore Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is beautiful, diverse, and incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re visiting for beaches, wildlife, or adventure, smart planning makes all the difference.
With RideWise Costa Rica, you can:
- Avoid transportation stress
- Travel with experienced, local drivers
- Create your own flexible travel schedule
- Make the most of every stop along the way