Costa Rica is an easy destination to enjoy, but a few details make the difference between a good trip and an extraordinary one. These tips come from the day-to-day experience of our drivers and travel advisors.
Understanding the seasons
The country has two main seasons, though each region has its own microclimate.
- Dry season, December through April: sunny days, especially in Guanacaste and along the Pacific. This is high season, with greater demand and higher rates.
- Green season, May through November: mornings are usually sunny, with rain in the afternoon. Landscapes are at their most vibrant, crowds are thinner and rates are better.
- July and August often bring a break in the rains on the Pacific side, known locally as the veranillo, or little summer.
- September and October are the rainiest months across much of the Pacific, while the Caribbean is often drier at that time.
- In highland areas such as Monteverde, the weather is cool year-round, with occasional wind and mist.
Book early
- For Christmas, New Year, Easter week and the months of January through March, book hotels, transfers and tours weeks or even months in advance.
- Tickets to national parks such as Manuel Antonio and Poás Volcano have limited capacity and must be purchased ahead of time.
- Private flights depend on aircraft availability, so it is best to request them as early as possible.
Roads and travel times
Distances look short in miles, but drive times can be long because of mountain roads, Central Valley traffic and weather conditions.
- San José to La Fortuna: about 3 hours.
- San José to Manuel Antonio: about 3.5 hours.
- San José to Jacó: about 1.5 hours.
- La Fortuna to Monteverde: about 3.5 hours by road.
- Liberia to Tamarindo: about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
These times are approximate and can vary. That is why a private transfer with a professional driver lets you relax, stop whenever you like and skip the stress of driving at night, finding parking or deciphering road signs.
Pace yourself
- Avoid changing hotels every day: ideally, stay at least two or three nights in each destination.
- Schedule outdoor activities in the morning, especially during the green season.
- Consider a private flight for long legs and gain an extra half day of vacation.
- Leave plenty of time on the day of your international flight; we recommend arriving at the airport about three hours ahead.
What to pack
- Light, quick-dry clothing in layers.
- A light jacket for Monteverde, Poás Volcano or air-conditioned planes and vehicles.
- A rain jacket or poncho, even in the dry season.
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip, plus sandals for the beach.
- Swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
- Insect repellent.
- A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch.
- Binoculars, if you enjoy birdwatching.
- A plug adapter if your devices do not use flat prongs.
A few more tips
- Always carry some cash in dollars and colones for small purchases.
- Respect signs in parks and on beaches, and follow your guide’s instructions.
- Download offline maps before leaving the cities.
- Share your itinerary with us on WhatsApp to receive real-time support throughout your trip.
