Costa Rica
Jungle Treks, Ziplines & the 'Pura Vida' Vibe
Your Guide to Costa Rica
Imagine waking up to the sound of howler monkeys, trekking through lush rainforests dripping with life, spotting colourful toucans and sleepy sloths, flying through the canopy on a zip-line, and then relaxing on a pristine beach – all potentially in the same trip! That's Costa Rica, a small country packing an incredible punch when it comes to biodiversity and natural beauty. It’s a world leader in eco-tourism, fiercely proud of its national parks and dedicated to preserving its stunning landscapes, from misty cloud forests and towering volcanoes to stunning coastlines on both the Pacific and Caribbean.
For first-timers, Costa Rica offers an accessible yet thrilling introduction to the wonders of the tropical rainforest and its inhabitants, often following a popular route through Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio. You’ll quickly pick up the national motto, "Pura Vida" (Pure Life), which sums up the friendly, laid-back Costa Rican attitude. For returners, it's a chance to delve deeper: explore the remote Osa Peninsula (one of the most biodiverse places on Earth!), witness turtle nesting on the Caribbean coast, discover less-visited national parks, or hone surfing skills on legendary breaks.
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO): Located near the capital city, San José, in the country's Central Valley. It's often the primary arrival point (including direct flights from the UK) and is well-positioned for accessing Arenal, Monteverde, the Central Highlands, and the Caribbean coast.

Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR): Situated in Liberia, Guanacaste province, in the northwest. This airport is ideal if your focus is on the sunny beaches and resorts of the northern Pacific coast (like Tamarindo or the Papagayo Peninsula) or nearby national parks like Rincón de la Vieja.
Rental Car (4x4 often Recommended), Tourist Shuttles (Shared or Private), Public Buses, Taxis & Ride-Sharing
Transport options in Costa Rica
Official Spoken Languages
Airports in Costa Rica
The official language is Spanish. Embracing the national phrase "Pura Vida" (used as a greeting, farewell, and general expression of well-being) will instantly connect you.
While Spanish is the primary language, English is widely spoken in tourist areas – hotels, popular restaurants, tour operators, and shuttle services usually have English-speaking staff.
Weather & Climate
For the best chance of sunshine across most regions, visit during the Dry Season (Dec-Apr). For incredible green scenery, fewer crowds, lower prices, and specific wildlife events, the Green Season (May-Aug, Nov) is a great option – just pack reliable rain gear!
Must-Do Experiences in Costa Rica
Volcano Adventure
This area, dominated by the majestic (though currently resting) Arenal Volcano, is Costa Rica's adventure capital. Hike trails across old lava flows in the national park, soak in natural volcanic hot springs surrounded by lush gardens, go zip-lining high above the rainforest canopy, walk across dizzying hanging bridges (like Mistico Park), or try canyoning down waterfalls. The nearby town of La Fortuna is a lively base.
Walk in the Clouds
Ascend into the ethereal beauty of the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. Shrouded in mist, this high-altitude ecosystem teems with unique flora (orchids, bromeliads) and fauna. Hike moss-covered trails, listen for the elusive Resplendent Quetzal (a birdwatcher's dream!), experience the forest from above on suspension bridges (Sky Walk), or visit a hummingbird garden. It's cooler here than the lowlands. An essential stop for nature enthusiasts.
Wildlife Meets Beach
This relatively small park packs a huge wildlife punch alongside gorgeous Pacific beaches. Follow easy trails through the rainforest spotting three types of monkeys, famously slow sloths (keep your eyes peeled!), iguanas, coatis, and colourful birds, then cool off with a swim at the beautiful beaches located inside the park boundaries. It's incredibly popular, so visit early (and note it's closed on Mondays).
Caribbean Canals & Turtles
Accessible only by boat or small plane, Tortuguero offers a completely different experience. Explore its rich network of jungle canals and waterways by boat, spotting monkeys swinging through riverside trees, caiman lurking in the water, river otters playing, and an amazing array of water birds. It's renowned as a critical nesting site for green sea turtles (peak season July-October), which you can witness on guided night tours.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Humidity is high! Prioritise lightweight, quick-drying clothing. Include layers for varying altitudes (it gets cool in Monteverde!). Essential kit: reliable rain gear (jacket or poncho, even in dry season), swimwear, sturdy closed-toe walking shoes/hiking boots, river sandals/water shoes, sun hat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen, and strong insect repellent (DEET based). Don't forget binoculars for wildlife spotting!
Pack Smart & Dry
Want to see the most wildlife? Get up early! Animals are generally most active at dawn and dusk. Early morning hikes often mean cooler temperatures, fewer people, and better chances of spotting monkeys, birds, and other critters before they retreat from the midday heat. Plus, in the Green Season, you often beat the afternoon showers. Embrace the tropical sunrise!
Be an Early Bird
Finding these incredibly slow-moving creatures takes patience! Scan the trees (especially Cecropias) slowly, looking high up in the forks of branches for what might just look like a clump of leaves or moss. Don't just look up – look down too! Colourful poison dart frogs are often found near streams on the forest floor. Hiring a local guide drastically increases your spotting success rate for sloths and other camouflaged creatures.
The Zen of Sloth Spotting
The official currency is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC - plural Colones). However, US Dollars are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas; prices for tours, shuttles, and hotels are often quoted in USD. It's handy to have both currencies – USD for larger payments and some Colones for smaller purchases like snacks at local eateries ('sodas'), public buses, or small souvenirs in markets. ATMs usually dispense both. Note that a 10% service charge ('Servicio Incluido') is typically added to restaurant bills, so extra tipping is discretionary (though appreciated for excellent service, especially for guides).
Colones or Dollars? The Money Dance
Costa Rica: Your Gateway to Nature & Adventure
Costa Rica is more than just a destination; it’s an immersion in the vibrant pulse of nature. It’s a pioneering country that has shown the world how conservation and tourism can walk hand-in-hand, offering unforgettable experiences rooted in its incredible natural wealth. From the thrill of adventure activities to the quiet wonder of observing wildlife in its natural habitat, all wrapped up in the warm and welcoming 'Pura Vida' spirit, it’s a place that truly rejuvenates.
Whether you're navigating the well-trodden paths as a first-timer or forging new trails as a returner, Costa Rica offers a connection to the natural world that's both exhilarating and profound. Pack you
