A country just the size of Wales, yet packed with the biodiversity of the Amazon, Costa Rica is a paradise for nature-lovers. With a fantastic network of national parks covering over a quarter of the country and an impressive tourism infrastructure to get you around, this is the place to visit for outdoor enthusiasts of all varieties.
Costa Rica is a premier destination for fans of breathtaking nature, fascinating wildlife, pristine beaches, and adventure. Whether you want to spend your time on a surfboard or yoga mat, descending into bat-filled caves or ascending misty volcanic peaks, whether you’ve got a penchant for hiking, biking or ziplining – in Costa Rica your only limit is your return date.
You’ll start in the capital; San José, where you will likely be met with calls of “Pura Vida”. Here it means “pure life” and it is used as a greeting, farewell and saying that locals use. San Jose is sat in the heart of the country and is, therefore, the ideal jumping-off point for your tours and activities to the surrounding Central Valley. Nestled between mountain ranges, this area is renowned for its production of coffee, and the vistas of the awe-inspiring active volcanoes Irazu and Poás.
Next, you’ll visit an array of national parks and reserves that Costa Rica has to offer, brimming with exotic flora and wildlife, and packed with a multitude of hiking options along the national park trails or experiencing the rainforest from a unique perspective with a canopy tour.
Then you could travel south, to the Osa Peninsula. Sat jutting into the South Pacific the biodiversity here is simply enormous. This is where you will find the Corcovado National Park. Engulfing over 40,000 hectares and a protected biosphere for more than 141 species of mammals, 400 species of birds, 116 species of reptiles and amphibians, 40 species of fish, and at least 500 species of tree.
Costa Rica is bordered by two oceans, the Atlantic Ocean in the east, and the Pacific Ocean in the west. The coasts are very different in their culture and style, yet both offer stunning beaches and charming villages with beautiful hotels and lodges. If you opt for the more remote Caribbean beaches you can expect more wild vegetation, especially around the Cahuita National Park, known for its coral reefs. Over in the West, The Pacific beaches are a touch more developed and come complete with beautiful hotels and excellent restaurants.
Dependant on when you arrive in Costa Rica, you can expect to see water turtles use the beaches for nesting, or dolphins playing through the cool clear waters. During January to March, you could also spot whales on their migration through the Pacific Ocean.
Costa Rica Travel Advice
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, find Costa Rica specific travel advice from the UK government Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office here. For more information please check the Essential Costa Rica requirements for entry.
We advise that you seek advice on recommended vaccinations and precautions from a health professional – either a GP, a practice nurse, a pharmacist or a travel health clinic – ideally at least eight weeks before departure. Visit NHS Fit for Travel for Costa Rica specific guidance.
Please note, the links given on this page will take you to sites outside of Savile Row Travel. If you click these links, you will leave our website and we are not responsible for the content of the third party site.
Map and travel information
Reach Costa Rica via a stopover in the US, where we recommend spending the night and catching your connecting flight the following morning.
Monday – Friday: 9am – 5:30pm
Saturday: 10am – 4:30pm
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