Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a country that seems to have a little bit of everything. Lush rainforests, towering volcanoes, beautiful beaches, incredible wildlife, and enough outdoor adventures to keep even the most energetic travellers busy.

But not every part of Costa Rica offers the same experience. The beach towns of Guanacaste feel very different from the misty rainforests surrounding Arenal Volcano, and choosing the right destinations can make a huge difference to your trip.

These Costa Rica travel guides bring together our firsthand experiences, practical advice, realistic itineraries, and honest recommendations to help you plan your own adventure. Whether you're looking for a relaxing beach holiday, an action-packed getaway, or a little of both, here's where to start.

Start Planning Your Costa Rica Trip

Before deciding where to go, it's worth getting familiar with a few things about travelling in Costa Rica.

From navigating winding roads and understanding the country's different seasons to packing for both tropical beaches and humid rainforests, a little preparation can make your holiday considerably easier. These guides cover some of the practical Costa Rica travel advice we learned during our travels.

Explore Tamarindo & the Pacific Coast

If your idea of a Costa Rican holiday involves beautiful beaches, surfing, spectacular sunsets, and plenty of restaurants to choose from, Tamarindo is a great place to start. Located on Costa Rica's Pacific coast in Guanacaste, Tamarindo combines a lively beach-town atmosphere with easy access to some fantastic outdoor adventures.

Start with our favourite things to do and a realistic five-day itinerary, or explore our complete Tamarindo travel guides for more recommendations.

Discover La Fortuna & Arenal Volcano

For a completely different side of Costa Rica, head inland to La Fortuna, a small town surrounded by lush rainforest and dominated by the impressive Arenal Volcano.

This is one of Costa Rica's best destinations for outdoor adventures, with waterfalls, volcano hikes, hanging bridges, natural hot springs, and plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife.

More Costa Rica Travel Guides

Browse the rest of our Costa Rica travel guides, covering everything from tipping etiquette and choosing the right footwear to finding quieter beaches and making the most of Tamarindo's famous sunsets.