Pura vida — pure life. The most visited country in Central America for its extraordinary biodiversity, active volcanoes, cloud forests, Pacific and Caribbean coasts, and a stable democracy in a turbulent region.
- Capital
- San José
- Population
- 5,309,625
- Area
- 51,100 km²
- Languages
- Spanish
- Currency
- Costa Rican Colon (CRC)
- GDP
- $102,591M
Good to know
Driving side
Right
National dish
Gallo pinto
Annual visitors
1,146,500 (2020)
Safety
Elevated (17.75/100k)
Big Mac
$6.04
Avg temp
24.8°C
Religion
Christianity
Coast
Coastal
☎ Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911
Travel guide
Costa Rica has bewilderingly diverse culture, climates, flora, and fauna, and landscapes range from rainforests, to dry tropical and temperate forests, to volcanoes, to Caribbean and Pacific beaches, to high mountains, and marshy lowlands. Costa Rica is an exceptionally stable and peaceful country compared to the volatile region it's in, and is one of the world's top destinations for nature and ecotourism. Owing in part to its comparative wealth, it can be a bit more expensive than its northern neighbors in Central America.
© Wikivoyage (CC BY-SA)
Explore Costa Rica
Best time to visit
December–April is the dry season — best for Pacific beaches and most tourist sites. May–November is green season with afternoon rains but fewer crowds and lower prices. Manuel Antonio and Arenal are year-round. Whale watching: August–October and December–March.
Visa
Citizens of US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia and most Western countries receive 90–180 days visa-free in Costa Rica.
Public holidays
UNESCO World Heritage Sites (5)
Book your trip to Costa Rica
We may earn a commission when you book through these links.
Major cities
San Jose
Costa Rica's bustling capital and transport hub, with excellent museums, the Teatro Nacional, and gateway to the country.
La Fortuna
The base for Arenal Volcano — hot springs, white-water rafting, zip-lining, and the perfect cone of an active volcano.
Manuel Antonio
A small national park on the Pacific with white sand beaches, capuchin monkeys, sloths, and incredible biodiversity.
Monteverde
The cloud forest capital of Costa Rica — hanging bridges in the mist, quetzal sightings, and night walks among tree frogs.
Tamarindo
The surfing and beach lifestyle hub of the Guanacaste coast, with reliable waves, turtle nesting, and sunset boat trips.