My brother and his wife have lived in Costa Rica for well over a decade, so I have been many times and I have driven all over the country. It is also one of the places I plan most for my clients.
This guide covers what Costa Rica is really like, when to go, which areas suit which kind of traveler, and how I would put a first trip together.
Costa Rica at a glance
- Driest weather
- December to April
- Green season
- May to November, rain most afternoons
- Fly into
- San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR)
- First trip
- 7 to 10 nights, 2 or 3 areas
- Great for
- Families, couples, nature and adventure lovers
What Costa Rica is like
Costa Rica is a small country that packs in a lot. In one week you can soak in hot springs below a volcano, walk hanging bridges through the rainforest and finish on the beach. Sloths, monkeys and toucans are part of the scenery in a lot of areas, not just in the parks.
It is not a beach-only trip like a lot of the Caribbean. Most people do best splitting their time between the volcano or rainforest area and one coast.
Why I know Costa Rica
Cindi Sanden, owner of Awaken Travels
Visiting my brother and his wife is how I got to know the country. I have driven it from Arenal and La Fortuna to Guanacaste and Tamarindo, Jaco, and Manuel Antonio and Quepos.
- Costa Rica Specialist, Costa Rica Tourism Board specialist program
When to go
Dry season: December to April
The most sunshine and the busiest time of year, especially around Christmas, New Year and Easter. The best hotels fill up early for those weeks, so plan ahead.
Green season: May to November
Mornings are usually clear and the rain tends to come in the afternoon. Everything is green, and it is quieter. Fall is the rainy season on the Pacific coast and it rains a lot, especially in September and October.
The Caribbean side
The Caribbean coast runs on its own pattern. September and October are often some of its driest months, right when the Pacific side is at its wettest.
Where to go, and who each area suits
Arenal and La Fortuna
The volcano area. Hot springs, hanging bridges, waterfalls, zip lines and rafting.
Best for: Families, couples and anyone who wants some adventure with a soak at the end of the day.
Guanacaste
The dry northwest, with big beaches, sunsets and a lot of the country's resorts, including all-inclusives. Tamarindo is the lively surf town here. Liberia airport is close by.
Best for: Beach lovers, shorter trips and the beach half of a longer one.
Manuel Antonio and Quepos
Where the rainforest runs right into the beach. The national park is small and full of wildlife, and many hotels sit up on the hillside with ocean views.
Best for: Couples and wildlife lovers.
Jaco
One of the easiest beach towns to reach from the San José airport, with surfing, restaurants and nightlife.
Best for: Short trips, surfers, or a last night before flying home.
Monteverde
Cloud forest in the mountains, cooler and misty, with hanging bridges and guided night walks. The roads up are slow, so give it at least two nights.
Best for: Nature lovers and birders.
The Caribbean coast
Puerto Viejo and Cahuita have a laid-back Afro-Caribbean culture, and Tortuguero is known for its sea turtles.
Best for: Travelers going in September or October, and anyone who wants something different.
How I would plan a first trip
For a first visit I would plan 7 to 10 nights split between two or three areas. A plan that works for a lot of people:
- 1Fly into San José or Liberia, whichever is closer to your first stop.
- 2Spend 3 or 4 nights in Arenal for the volcano, hot springs and rainforest.
- 3Finish with 3 or 4 nights on the beach: Guanacaste for an easy resort stay, or Manuel Antonio for wildlife with your beach.
- 4Add Monteverde or the Caribbean side if you have more time.
Two tips
- Plan on drives taking longer than the map says. A lot of the roads are winding two-lane roads through the mountains.
- Don't try to see everything in one trip. Fewer stops means more time enjoying where you are.
Common Costa Rica questions
What is the best month to visit Costa Rica?
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For the driest weather, December through April. If you are going in September or October, look at the Caribbean side, which is often drier then.
How many days do you need in Costa Rica?
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A week is enough for two areas. With 10 days you can comfortably add a third.
Should I fly into San José or Liberia?
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Liberia (LIR) is closest to the Guanacaste beaches. San José (SJO) is more central and works well for Manuel Antonio, Jaco and the Caribbean side. Arenal works from either one.
Do I need to rent a car in Costa Rica?
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No. Private transfers and shuttles connect all the main areas, so you can skip driving. If you like to explore on your own, a car gives you more freedom. Just plan on slow mountain roads.
Is Costa Rica good for families?
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Yes. Hot springs, hanging bridges, zip lines and wildlife work for most ages. Most first trips work best split between the volcano area and one beach.
How do I get to Costa Rica from Chattanooga?
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Atlanta has nonstop flights to both San José and Liberia. From the Chattanooga airport you will connect.
Is there a Costa Rica travel agent near Chattanooga?
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Yes. Awaken Travels is based in Soddy-Daisy, just north of Chattanooga, and I am a certified Costa Rica Specialist. My brother and his wife live in Costa Rica, so I have been many times.