costa rica's diverse regions
Rich biodiversity, awe-inspiring landscapes and exciting cultural cities all create a wholly rewarding experience in Costa Rica. Our nation is compact and yet within these boundaries you can find a whole world of adventure. Beautiful beaches line the coasts of the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Explore rainforests, volcanoes and mountains, and visit protected national parks and preserves where nature thrives. In between outdoor discoveries, vibrant cities celebrate local cultures, artistic expression and culinary creativity.
Caribbean
An enchanting combination of nature reserves and Afro-Caribbean culture, the Caribbean region of Costa Rica is known for sport-fishing, birdwatching and exploring coral reefs.
Central Pacific
Hiking, cycling, horseback riding and sportfishing are just a few of the activities the Central Pacific region offers. Curious visitors can also explore rural tourism opportunities.
Central Valley
Home to our capital city, the Central Valley boasts fascinating museums, riveting theater and delicious food. Outside of the city, you’ll find Indigenous sites and natural wonders.
Guanacaste
Guanacaste is known as the cradle of our folklore and is home to beautiful landscapes, ranging from tropical dry forests, pristine beaches and lowland mountain forests.
Northern Plains
Arenal Volcano towers over protected forests and heats natural hot springs. Rivers and waterfalls flow through landscapes that look like fairy tale settings.
Puntarenas
Puntarenas is one of the most popular tourism regions, loved for its coastline dotted with inlets and islands. Explore the jungle and spot wildlife in the Monteverde Biological Reserve.
South Pacific
One of the most untouched regions in Costa Rica, the South Pacific is covered in lush rainforests and fringed by stunning beaches.
travel & lodging
experiences
Costa Rica Takes Sustainable Travel to the Next Level
As a conscious human in the world, you likely know that ecotourism—tourism intended to support conservation efforts in natural environments—has been steadily on the rise in the last decade or so. But you may not know that in the past couple of years, many eco-conscious travelers have recognized t...
A magical, natural forest: San Gerardo de Dota
We had been planning on going to check out Dota, located towards our country’s southern region. Finally, things were coming together! The summery climate was an invitation to pack our bags and begin the journey to the village of San Gerardo, a place bursting with natural beauty.
We left downto...
Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Reserve
We went to Costa Rica’s southern Pacific region and wanted to see its natural surroundings.
Have you ever visited the Hacienda Barú National Wildlife Reserve?
The opportunity to explore its trails is one that simply can’t be missed. While we were on the trails we saw so many species of anim...
The Charm of Witch's Rock
Playa Naranjo, also known as Witch's Rock, is a destination that you cannot miss and that you should put on your list of upcoming places to visit, and we know that if you have already been there, another encounter with this incredible site is not out of place.
Visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
If you like cool climates, views filled with green and hikes, this could be the destination you’ve been looking for.The term “cloud forest” is no exaggeration, as you’ll be walking through trees in the midst of a dense fog, produced at 1,600 meters above sea level.
faqs and tips
Yes, a valid passport is mandatory to enter Costa Rica.
Depending on your country of origin, you may enter Costa Rica without a visa. USA, Canada and most European countries enjoy this privilege.
The colón is Costa Rica’s currency. U.S. dollars are also widely accepted.
All major credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are located throughout the country.
No, with a legal driver’s license you can drive for three months in Costa Rica.
We’d love it! Anyone getting married here must be 18 or older. Nonresidents need the following documents to get married here: original birth certificates, affidavit of single status, police record, valid passport and a divorce decree (if applicable). These documents must follow the authentication procedure before you bring them to Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s digital nomad program invites international residents to work remotely from the land of pura vida. This program extends a 90-day tourist visa to a full year, with the option to renew for an additional year. (conditions apply).
health and safety
Yes, the water is potable in most of the country. We would only recommend bottled water for a few areas. Bring your reusable water bottle to decrease your footprint while you’re here. When starting your adventure for the day, fill up your bottle before you leave because refill stations may be a long trek to locate.
Travelers from the following countries must have received a yellow fever vaccination certificate: Angola, Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Bolivia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador and the Republic of Guyana.
Keep your belongings somewhere safe while enjoying the sea or leave them somewhere they can be watched.
Always use reef-safe sunscreen to avoid sunburns.
When possible, don’t swim on your own.
Consult the authorities about the current beach conditions.
Be aware of warning flags on the beach.
Do not enter the ocean if you don’t know how to swim. If you’re surfing as a beginner, stay under the supervision of a qualified instructor.
outdoor excursions
The main difference is the amount of rain. It doesn’t rain as much in the cloud forest as it does in the rainforest. The species of flora and fauna may also differ.
Be sure to bring insect repellent, a raincoat with a hood and a comfortable pair of hiking boots.
You can practice at Pacuare, Reventazón, Corobici, Sarapiqui, Naranjo and Savegre Rivers.
You can see sea turtles in Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast or Las Baulas National Marine Park on the Pacific coast.
Cahuita National Park, Carara National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, Santa Rosa National Park, Arenal Volcano National Park, Irazu Volcano National Park, Poás Volcano National Park, Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge, and Caño Negro Mixed National Wildlife Refuge offer wheelchair access.
Il Viaggio offers special trips for visitors who need added consideration.