The country guide

Costa Rica

Wild landscapes. A slower kind of luxury.

Pacific beaches, rainforest trails and volcano views make Costa Rica a destination for travellers who want nature alongside their downtime. Settle into a coastal resort or combine a beach stay with a few days inland.

Find a vacation

Currency: Costa Rican colon (CRC)
Language: Spanish
Your kind of stay: Ask us to match the location to your plans.

Get to know Costa Rica

Where will you begin?

Guanacaste

Pacific beaches and coastal resorts make this a useful starting point for a relaxed beach holiday.

Arenal & La Fortuna

Volcano scenery, hot springs and guided outdoor experiences offer a contrast to the coast.

Manuel Antonio

Combine a Pacific beach stay with wildlife-focused outings and a national park visit.

Osa Peninsula

Consider a nature-led stay with specialist planning for the more remote southern Pacific region.

Plan with a little perspective

Beach time meets nature

Guanacaste offers a coastal base for travellers comparing resort stays. Arenal and La Fortuna add volcano views and hot springs, while Manuel Antonio brings together beaches and wildlife experiences.

These places are not all neighbours. A two-centre holiday needs realistic transfer time; a shorter trip may feel better with one well-chosen base.

Choose your style of stay

Costa Rica includes all-inclusive coastal resorts, rainforest lodges and smaller independent hotels. Meal plans and activities differ by property, so check what is included rather than assuming every stay works like a beach package.

Pack for the activities you have booked, including suitable shoes and rain protection for forest outings. For parks and wildlife experiences, use authorised guides and check advance reservation requirements.

When to go

On the Pacific side, the dry period generally runs from December into April, with wetter conditions through much of May to November. The Caribbean coast follows a different rainfall pattern, and elevation changes the climate. Match the season to your actual route rather than the country as a whole.

Getting there

Liberia is a useful gateway for Guanacaste and the northwest Pacific; San Jose serves the Central Valley and many inland itineraries. Confirm the best arrival airport for your route. Road transfers between the coast, rainforest and volcano regions can take several hours.

A smooth departure

Before you travel

Check Costa Rica's current entry requirements for your citizenship, passport and itinerary, including any onward-travel evidence. Review official Canadian travel guidance before booking and departure. Confirm requirements with the relevant authorities and your airline.

Government of Canada travel guidance ↗

Guide reviewed October 22, 2026 · Air Valet editorial team