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Costa Rica (Pacific)
This sunny coast is famous for perfect surfing waves and stunning, golden ocean sunsets. You can explore amazing national parks where wild monkeys swing through trees right next to the beach.
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Summary
Did you know?
Turtle Armies – Ostional Beach hosts an incredible event called arribada, where hundreds of thousands of olive ridley turtles crawl ashore simultaneously to lay eggs.
Overview
Months
January, February, March, April, December
Vacation type
Beach, Couple, Family, Mountains, Rainforest, Diving/Snorkeling, Surfing
Expenses
<100€, <150€, <200€, Over 200€
Temperature
20-25°C, 25-30°C
Rainfall
0-50mm, 50-100mm
Safety
Safe
Continent
Central America
Currency
Costa Rican colón
Languages
Spanish, Mekatelyu, Bribri
Currency Converter
When to visit
The best time to visit the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica is during the dry season from December to April. During these months, skies are clear, the Pacific Ocean is calm, and dirt roads on the peninsulas are dry and easy to drive. Guanacaste in the north is the driest part of the country, while the South Pacific around Corcovado stays greener and more humid year-round.
The rainy season runs from May to November, with rainfall peaking heavily in September and October. In Guanacaste, the rain usually comes in brief afternoon storms, earning it the nickname "green season."
However, in the Central and South Pacific, September and October bring prolonged, heavy downpours that cause rivers to swell, turn dirt roads into deep mud, and lead some remote lodges in Drake Bay and Corcovado to close temporarily.
A secondary window for travelers occurs between July and October, which is the peak season to see migrating humpback whales in Marino Ballena National Park.
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Plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Climate Data
Peak Season: December to April (Dry Season / Verano)
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 8 to 10 hours.
Rain Frequency: 1 to 3 days per month in Guanacaste; 3 to 6 days per month in the Central and South Pacific.
Rainy Hours per Day: 0 to 1 hour.
Intensity: Rare, passing light showers.
Duration: Hot and sunny throughout the day. Guanacaste can reach 32°C to 36°C (90°F to 97°F) with strong offshore Papagayo winds in January and February, while the South Pacific sits around 29°C to 32°C (84°F to 90°F) with high humidity.
Off-Peak Season: May to November (Green & Rainy Season / Invierno)
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 4 to 6 hours.
Rain Frequency: 16 to 24 days per month (heaviest in September and October).
Rainy Hours per Day: 3 to 5 hours.
Intensity: Strong afternoon thunderstorms and heavy tropical downpours.
Duration: Mornings are typically clear and warm, with rain starting between 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM and continuing into the evening. Flash flooding can block unpaved river crossings on the Osa and Nicoya peninsulas.
Climate Chart
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Data Source: CRU Time Series v4.07https://catalogue.ceda.ac.uk/uuid/5fda109ab71947b6b7724077bf7eb753
ClimateCharts.net
Weather, Crowds and Costs
Per one person
Tourist Season: December-April
Budget Vacation ($40-65/day)
Accommodation: $18-28/night (dorm beds or basic private rooms in surf hostels in Jacó, Santa Teresa, or Puerto Jiménez).
Food: $12-18/day (meals at local sodas, supermarket groceries, street empanadas).
Activities: $6-15/day (public beach visits, surfboard rentals, self-guided coastal walks).
Transportation: $5-12/day (public buses, shared local ferries across the Gulf of Nicoya).
Other Costs: $3/day (bottled water, sunscreen).
Mid-Range Vacation ($110-220/day)
Accommodation: $65-130/night (air-conditioned 3-star hotels, boutique beach cabins, private Airbnb rentals).
Food: $30-55/day (beachfront seafood restaurants, craft breweries, casual cafes).
Activities: $35-70/day (guided wildlife walks in Manuel Antonio, shared boat tours, snorkeling trips).
Transportation: $20-45/day (shared tourist shuttles like Interbus, domestic flight legs, split 4x4 car rental).
Other Costs: $8/day (tips, craft beer, national park entrance fees).
Luxury Vacation ($320-750+/day)
Accommodation: $220-550+/night (5-star beachfront resorts on the Papagayo Peninsula, high-end jungle eco-lodges in Drake Bay or Manuel Antonio).
Food: $70-140/day (upscale Pacific fusion dining, fresh whole red snapper, wine).
Activities: $90-220/day (private Corcovado day safaris, private catamaran charters, scuba diving excursions).
Transportation: $65-140/day (dedicated 4x4 SUV rental, private driver transfers, domestic flights on Sansa).
Other Costs: $25+/day (spa treatments, artisan goods).
Off-Peak Season: May-November
Budget Vacation ($30-50/day)
Accommodation: $14-22/night (discounted hostel beds and budget cabins).
Food: $10-15/day (local sodas, neighborhood bakeries).
Activities: $5-10/day (surfing, walking national park trails before midday rain).
Transportation: $5-10/day (public transit).
Other Costs: $3/day (rain poncho, insect repellent).
Mid-Range Vacation ($80-150/day)
Accommodation: $45-85/night (beachfront hotels and bungalows at reduced green-season rates).
Food: $22-40/day (indoor dining, local seafood).
Activities: $25-50/day (whale watching tours in Uvita, guided rainforest hikes).
Transportation: $15-30/day (discounted car rentals, shared shuttles).
Other Costs: $5/day (coffee, laundry).
Luxury Vacation ($200-450+/day)
Accommodation: $140-300+/night (luxury lodges offering low-season specials).
Food: $55-100/day (resort restaurants, fine dining).
Activities: $70-150/day (private wildlife guides, boat trips on calm mornings).
Transportation: $45-90/day (private transfers, rental 4WD).
Other Costs: $15/day (artisan shopping).
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You can find accomendations that fit your trip and budget on Booking.com, Vrbo and Hotels.com
Best Regions to visit
Cities
1. Manuel Antonio / Quepos
- The Central Pacific's primary tourism hub. Quepos is a bustling fishing port and marina, while Manuel Antonio is the hill road lined with hotels leading directly to the national park.
2. Tamarindo
- A busy surf and nightlife beach town in Guanacaste, known for reliable waves, wide sand, international restaurants, and easy road access.
3. Santa Teresa & Malpaís
- A trendy surf community at the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, featuring unpaved main roads, high-end cafes, yoga retreats, and open Pacific surf breaks.
4. Jacó
- The closest major beach town to San José, known for high-rise condos, active nightlife, beginner-to-intermediate surf breaks, and commercial amenities.
5. Uvita
- A quiet coastal village in the Costa Ballena region, acting as the base for visiting the sandbar at Marino Ballena National Park and nearby waterfalls.
6. Drake Bay (Bahía Drake)
- A remote coastal settlement on the northern side of the Osa Peninsula, reachable mostly by boat, serving as the main base for trips into Corcovado.
7. Puerto Jiménez
- The largest town on the Osa Peninsula, situated on the calm waters of the Golfo Dulce, serving as a resupply and guide center for wilderness trekking.
8. Playas del Coco
- A traditional fishing village turned resort hub in the Gulf of Papagayo, popular for dive operators and calm swimming waters.
Quepos
Did you know?
Monkey Thieves – Manuel Antonio National Park is famous for clever white-faced capuchin monkeys that open zippers and steal snacks right out of tourist backpacks.
Islands
1. Isla del Caño
- A biological marine reserve 16 km off the Osa Peninsula, known as one of Costa Rica's best spots for snorkeling and scuba diving with reef sharks, manta rays, and sea turtles.
2. Isla Tortuga
- A pair of uninhabited islands in the Gulf of Nicoya featuring calm turquoise water, white sand beaches, and offshore volcanic rock reefs, visited daily by catamarans from Jacó and Puntarenas.
3. Isla del Coco (Cocos Island)
- An oceanic island national park located 550 km off the Pacific coast. It is uninhabited except for park rangers and is accessible only via multi-day liveaboard dive boats targeting schooling hammerhead sharks.
4. Isla Chira
- The largest inhabited island in the Gulf of Nicoya, home to small artisanal fishing communities and mangrove channels, off the typical tourist path.
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Find the perfect place to stay in any of these top cities and islands with Booking.com, Hotels.com and Vrbo – offering entire homes and apartments for a comfortable and private experience.
Things to see
Natural Attractions
1. Manuel Antonio National Park
- Costa Rica's smallest but most visited national park, combining rainforest trails with white sand beaches, home to sloths, capuchin monkeys, and iguanas.
2. Corcovado National Park
- A vast, remote wilderness on the Osa Peninsula protecting primary lowland rainforest. It holds 2.5% of the world's biodiversity, including tapirs, pumas, and scarlet macaws.
3. Marino Ballena National Park
- A marine park in Uvita protecting offshore coral reefs, mangroves, and a sand and rock spit naturally shaped like a whale's tail, visible at low tide.
4. Rincón de la Vieja National Park
- A volcanic park in Guanacaste featuring boiling mud pots, steam vents, sulfur springs, dry forest waterfalls, and active volcanic trails.
5. Carara National Park
- A transition forest reserve near Jacó where northern dry forest meets southern humid rainforest, famous for its population of wild Scarlet Macaws.
6. Nauyaca Waterfalls
- A tiered waterfall set in a canyon near Dominical, featuring an upper 45-meter cascade and a wide lower waterfall with a large natural swimming pool.
Historical and Cultural Sites
1. Diquís Stone Spheres (Finca 6, Palmar Sur)
- A UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site containing mysterious, hand-carved, near-perfect stone spheres made by pre-Columbian indigenous societies between 500 and 1500 CE.
2. Santa Rosa National Park (Hacienda Santa Rosa)
- The historic site in northern Guanacaste where Costa Rican citizen forces defeated American filibuster William Walker in 1856 at the Battle of Santa Rosa.
3. Tárcoles River Bridge
- A highway bridge along Route 34 where dozens of massive American crocodiles (up to 4 meters long) gather daily on the sandbanks below, viewable from the pedestrian walkway.
4. Guaitil Pottery Village
- An artisan village near Santa Cruz in Guanacaste where local families maintain ancient Chorotega indigenous methods, making pottery from local clays and natural mineral pigments.
Unique Experiences
1. Walking the Whale Tail at Low Tide
- Walking out onto the tombolo sand spit in Marino Ballena National Park during low tide, surrounded by ocean on both sides where humpback whales nurse their calves offshore.
2. Spotting Tapirs on Sirena Beach
- Taking a guided day trip to the Sirena ranger station in Corcovado to watch Baird's tapirs forage along the forest edge and sleep in mud wallows.
3. Diving with White-Tip Reef Sharks at Isla del Caño
- Floating in open ocean currents around submerged pinnacles off the Osa Peninsula while dozens of reef sharks rest on the sandy seabed below.
4. Watching Olive Ridley Turtle "Arribadas"
- Standing on the dark sand of Ostional Wildlife Refuge near Nosara during the nights around a new moon to witness thousands of sea turtles coming ashore at once to dig nests.
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The best way to explore major cities and must-see attractions is by booking guided tours.* They offer convenience, local insights, and often save time when visiting popular sights.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Unique Accomondations/Foodspots
Accommodations
Nayara Tented Camp
Location: Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
A premier luxury cliffside retreat overlooking the sparkling Pacific Ocean and Manuel Antonio National Park, offering plush luxury tents with private plunge pools, panoramic ocean views, and frequent visits from local wildlife.
Restaurants / Bars
El Avión
Location: Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas, Costa Rica
A legendary open-air restaurant and bar built around a real, vintage Fairchild C-123 cargo plane, offering dramatic sunset views over the ocean alongside fresh coastal seafood and tropical drinks.
Tours to do
1. Manuel Antonio National Park Guided Wildlife Tour
- A structured morning walking tour through Manuel Antonio National Park with a certified naturalist guide carrying a high-powered spotting scope. Guides locate well-camouflaged two-toed and three-toed sloths, squirrel monkeys, toucans, and tree frogs along the flat boardwalk trails, finishing at Manuel Antonio Beach for swimming.
Duration: Half-day (approx. 3 to 4 hours, morning departure).
Best Time: December to April (parks are open year-round, closed on Tuesdays).
Average Cost: $45 – $75 per person (covers licensed guide and optical gear; mandatory park entry ticket must be purchased online via SINAC).
2. Corcovado National Park Sirena Station Day Excursion
- A full-day wilderness boat tour departing from Drake Bay or Puerto Jiménez. Visitors take a 1-hour open-ocean boat ride to the coastal Sirena Ranger Station inside Corcovado, followed by a 4- to 5-hour guided hike along jungle and beach trails to track tapirs, coatis, peccaries, and monkeys, followed by a picnic lunch.
Duration: Full day (approx. 6 to 7 hours).
Best Time: December to April.
Average Cost: $110 – $160 per person (includes boat transit, mandatory certified guide, national park entry permit, and lunch).
3. Isla Tortuga Catamaran Day Cruise
- A full-day leisure boat trip departing from the marinas in Jacó, Los Sueños, or Puntarenas. Guests cruise across the Gulf of Nicoya aboard a motorized catamaran, arriving at Isla Tortuga for three to four hours of beach time, snorkeling among volcanic reefs, banana boat rides, and an open-air buffet lunch served under palm trees.
Duration: Full day (approx. 8 to 9 hours).
Best Time: December to April.
Average Cost: $115 – $155 per person (includes catamaran cruise, light breakfast, buffet lunch, snorkel gear, and drinks).
4. Isla del Caño Snorkeling and Marine Life Boat Tour
- A guided ocean trip departing from Uvita or Drake Bay out to Isla del Caño Biological Reserve. The tour includes two separate 45-minute guided snorkeling sessions over protected coral platforms to spot reef sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and schools of jacks, with regular sightings of dolphins or whales during the open-water boat crossing.
Duration: Full day (approx. 6 hours).
Best Time: January to April (best visibility) and July to October (whale sightings).
Average Cost: $90 – $145 per person (includes boat transport, reserve permit, snorkel gear, guide, and lunch).
Corcovado National Park
How to get around
1. The Costanera Sur (Route 34)
- The main paved highway running along the Pacific coast from the junction near Puntarenas past Jacó, Quepos, Dominical, and Uvita down to Palmar Norte. It is flat, well-maintained, and has no tolls outside the initial connection to San José on Route 27.
2. Gulf of Nicoya Ferries
- Naviera Tambor operates regular car and passenger ferries connecting Puntarenas to Paquera on the Nicoya Peninsula. The crossing takes 75 minutes and cuts out hours of driving around the gulf for travelers heading to Santa Teresa or Montezuma. Book vehicle tickets online in advance.
3. Dirt Roads & 4x4 Requirements
- While the main highways are paved, southern Nicoya (roads into Santa Teresa and Montezuma) and the Osa Peninsula (roads south of Rincón to Puerto Jiménez or Drake Bay) have rough, unpaved gravel stretches with deep potholes and river crossings during the rainy season. A 4x4 or high-clearance SUV is necessary for these areas.
4. Boat Transit to Drake Bay
- The most common way to reach Drake Bay is by driving or taking a bus to the river town of Sierpe, leaving your car in a guarded lot, and boarding an scheduled riverboat down the Sierpe River mangroves and through the ocean mouth to Drake Bay (approx. $15 to $20 each way).
5. Domestic Flights (Sansa)
- Scheduled propeller flights link San José (SJO) directly with Pacific regional airstrips, including Quepos (XQP), Tamarindo (TNO), Nosara (NOB), Drake Bay (DRK), and Puerto Jiménez (PJM), turning an 8-hour drive into a 45-minute flight.
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You can find great car rental deals for your vacation on Expedia *
Did you know?
Whale Tails – Marino Ballena National Park features a natural sand and rock spit shaped exactly like a giant whale's tail sticking out into the ocean.
What to eat
1. Casado de Pescado
- The standard coastal lunch plate. It features a portion of white rice, black beans, fried sweet plantains, a small cabbage and carrot salad, a vegetable picadillo, and a fresh filet of local white fish (such as mahi-mahi or sea bass) grilled or pan-fried with garlic.
2. Ceviche de Corvina
- A fresh coastal dish made from sea bass (corvina) cut into small cubes and marinated cold in fresh lime juice with finely diced red onion, sweet pepper, and cilantro. It is served chilled with saltine crackers or plantain chips (patacones).
3. Chifrijo
- A popular bar food invented in Costa Rica. A bowl is layered with white rice, whole red or black beans with broth, crispy fried pork belly or skin (chicharrón), fresh tomato-onion salsa (pico de gallo), and sliced avocado, served with fried tortilla chips.
4. Arroz con Mariscos
- A shared coastal dish of yellow seasoned rice cooked with annatto (achiote), garlic, and onions, packed with a mix of shrimp, squid, mussels, and clams, typically served with french fries and a small cabbage salad.
Flights
Flight prices are approximate and vary by departure city, airline, and booking time. Check airlines or travel platforms for the latest details.
* Please note: All prices are rough estimates for orientation purposes only and may vary by region.
Main Airport: Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia & Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in San José
(Note: Liberia LIR is located in Guanacaste, placing travelers within 30 to 60 minutes of North Pacific beaches like Tamarindo, Papagayo, and Conchal. San José SJO is the better arrival hub for the Central Pacific [Jacó, Manuel Antonio] and South Pacific).
Flight Prices and Seasons:
From Europe
- Average Round-Trip Cost: €500 to €900.
- Cheapest Months: April to June and September to November.
- Peak Prices: December to March (dry season).
From North America
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $300 to $700.
- Cheapest Months: April to June and September to November.
- Peak Prices: December holidays and summer months (June to August).
From Asia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $800 to $1,500.
- Cheapest Months: February to March and September to November.
- Peak Prices: December holidays and summer months.
From Australia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $1,100 to $1,800.
- Cheapest Months: February and November.
- Peak Prices: December holidays and summer.
From Africa
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $600 to $1,200.
- Cheapest Months: February to March and September.
- Peak Prices: Summer and December holidays.
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You can find the best flight deals with Skyscanner or plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Airport Location
Visa
1. Visa Requirement
- Most travelers do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica for short stays, including citizens of the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, and many EU countries.
2. Visa-Free Entry
- Citizens of several countries can enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days.
3. Visa Application
- Travelers from countries that require a visa must apply at a Costa Rican embassy or consulate before traveling.
4. Types of Visa
- Commonly issued as tourist visas or business visas, typically valid for stays of up to 90 days.
5. Processing Time
- Visa processing can take from a few days to a few weeks, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance.
6. Duration of Stay
- Most visa-free visitors can stay for up to 90 days, while visa holders typically have the same duration.
7. Health Requirements
- No specific vaccinations are required for entry, but having travel insurance is recommended.
Important things to know
1. Payments
- The local currency is the Costa Rican Colón (CRC). Credit cards are widely accepted.
2. Tap Water
- Tap water is generally safe to drink in most urban areas.
3. Electricity
- The voltage is 120V, and plug types A and B (two flat pins) are used. No adapter is needed for devices from North America.
4. Tipping in Restaurants
- Tipping is customary, with 10-15% being standard for good service.
5. SIM Cards
- Local SIM cards are available from providers like Kolbi, Claro, and Movistar. They can be purchased at stores.
6. Driving Side
- In Costa Rica, people drive on the right side of the road.
Souveniers
1. Bags of Fresh Costa Rican Coffee
- Grown in the country’s high-altitude regions, Costa Rican coffee is known for its balanced acidity, fruity notes, and smooth taste.
2. Hand-Painted Oxcart Wheels (Carretas)
- These colorful wooden wheels are a symbol of Costa Rican heritage and make for stunning wall art or table decor.
3. Chorreador (Traditional Coffee Maker)
- A simple yet elegant wooden coffee brewer that allows for a slow-drip coffee experience, enhancing the flavors of Costa Rican beans.
Costa Rican Coffee
Location
Reviews
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