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How would you like to see Costa Rica?
Explore helpful information first, or jump straight into independent holidays, escorted tours or cruises below.
Independent Adventures
Our handpicked Costa Rica holidays, from rainforest and wildlife adventures to beach stays, self-drive routes and easy multi-centre itineraries.
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Create Your Perfect Costa Rica Itinerary
From volcanoes and cloud forests to beaches and wildlife lodges, we’ll help you plan a Costa Rica holiday that matches your style and pace.
DESIGN YOUR OWN ITINERARYEscorted Tours
Travel as part of a group and discover the highlights with the guidance of an expert tour guide.
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Not Sure Which Tour is Right for You?
We can help you compare escorted tours and add flights, extra hotel nights or other stops along the way.
SPEAK TO A TOUR SPECIALISTCruises
Explore cruises on our cruise search below.
Pricing is based on Cruise Only unless stated otherwise.
For prices including flights from the UK, plus pre or post cruise hotel stays and extensions, please contact us.
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Need Help Choosing the Right Cruise?
Speak to our cruise experts for prices including flights from the UK, plus cruise and stay ideas with pre and post cruise hotels.
SPEAK TO A CRUISE EXPERTAll About Costa Rica
Rainforests, volcanoes, wildlife and laid-back beaches. Here is why Costa Rica remains one of the most rewarding adventure and nature destinations in Central America.
Bucket List Highlights
Arenal Volcano
One of Costa Rica’s most iconic landscapes, with rainforest, hot springs and adventure activities all nearby.
Monteverde
Cloud forest scenery, hanging bridges and incredible biodiversity make Monteverde a Costa Rica classic.
Manuel Antonio
One of the best spots for combining rainforest wildlife with beautiful Pacific coastline and beaches.
Tortuguero
Boat-based jungle lodges, canals and superb wildlife make Tortuguero one of Costa Rica’s most unique experiences.
Time Difference
Costa Rica is usually 6 hours behind the UK, or 7 hours behind when the UK is on summer time.
Best Time to Go
December to April is especially popular for drier weather, though Costa Rica can be enjoyed year-round.
Great For
Wildlife, rainforest adventures, volcanoes, self-drive holidays and beach extensions.
Suggested Duration
10 to 14 nights works well for seeing several regions at a comfortable pace.
Perfect For
Wildlife Lovers
Costa Rica is ideal if you want monkeys, sloths, turtles, tropical birds and rich biodiversity throughout your trip.
Self-Drive Holidays
One of the best ways to explore Costa Rica is by self-drive, combining several regions in one itinerary.
Multi-Centre Adventures
Perfect for combining Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, Tortuguero and beach stays in one trip.
Nature & Scenery
From volcanoes and cloud forests to tropical coastline, Costa Rica offers variety in a relatively compact destination.
Adventure & Relaxation
Zip-lining, hot springs, jungle lodges and beach time can all be combined in one rewarding itinerary.
Cruise & Stay Ideas
Great for pairing Costa Rica with a Panama Canal or Central America cruise and adding a land stay before or after.
Best Time to Go
Spring
24°C – 32°CWarm, sunny and one of the most popular times for classic Costa Rica touring and beach stays.
Summer
23°C – 31°CGreener landscapes and fewer peak-season crowds, with conditions varying across different regions.
Autumn
23°C – 30°CA quieter time to travel in some areas, with tropical scenery at its greenest and most vibrant.
Winter
24°C – 31°CThe start of the driest and most popular season, especially for beach and rainforest combinations.
Helpful Planning Tips
Costa Rica works best when you combine a few contrasting regions rather than trying to fit in everything. Arenal, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio is a very popular and well-balanced route for first-time visitors.
Distances can take longer than they first appear because of mountain roads and transfer times, so a well-paced itinerary is always more enjoyable than trying to rush between too many stops.
If you are not sure whether to self-drive, use private transfers, join an escorted tour or add a beach extension, that is exactly where we can help. Costa Rica is one of those destinations where the right itinerary makes all the difference.
Costa Rica holidays offer an exceptional mix of wildlife, rainforest adventure, volcanic scenery and tropical beaches. From the jungle waterways of Tortuguero to the cloud forests of Monteverde and the coastline of Manuel Antonio, the country delivers huge variety in a relatively compact destination. It is a destination that works brilliantly for first-time Central America trips, self-drive adventures, escorted nature touring and broader bucket list holidays.
Whether you want to plan a classic Costa Rica itinerary with Arenal, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio, focus on wildlife and nature, or combine the country with a beach extension or cruise, Costa Rica offers huge flexibility and some of the most rewarding travel experiences anywhere in the Americas.
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