- Arenal, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio make the classic first-timer loop
- The dry season runs from December to April; the green season is cheaper and still good
- Seasonal direct flights from Gatwick, otherwise one stop via Madrid, Amsterdam or the US
- It is pricier than its neighbours, so budget closer to European levels
- Airports
- San José Juan Santamaría (SJO), Liberia Guanacaste (LIR)
- Flight time
- about 11h direct from London Gatwick to San José in season, or 13-16h with one stop
- Best time to go
- December-April on the Pacific side; September-October on the Caribbean coast
- Currency
- Costa Rican colón (CRC); US dollars widely accepted
Costa Rica packs an extraordinary amount into a small country. In a fortnight you can soak in hot springs below a volcano, walk hanging bridges through cloud forest, watch sloths and scarlet macaws, and finish on a Pacific beach. Around a quarter of the land is protected in national parks and reserves, and the country has built its tourism around nature rather than big resorts.
It is also the gentlest introduction to Central America: stable, well organised and easy to travel independently, though noticeably more expensive than its neighbours. This guide, one of our Central America guides, covers where to go, the best time to travel, getting there from the UK and what to budget in 2026.
Where to go in Costa Rica
Arenal and La Fortuna
Arenal is most people's first stop: a near-perfect volcanic cone above the town of La Fortuna, with hot springs, waterfalls, hanging bridges and a big lake. It is about three hours from San José and works as a base for zip-lining, rafting and wildlife walks.
Monteverde
The Monteverde and Santa Elena cloud forest reserves sit high on the continental divide, wrapped in mist and moss. Go on a guided morning walk to spot birds, including the resplendent quetzal in spring, and try a night walk for frogs and tarantulas. The road up is slow, so allow a full travel day.
Manuel Antonio and the central Pacific
Manuel Antonio National Park combines rainforest and white-sand coves, with monkeys and sloths near the trails. It is small and busy, so book park tickets online in advance and arrive early. Nearby Uvita and the Marino Ballena park are good for humpback whales.
Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula
The dry north-west has the most reliable sunshine, the big beach resorts around Liberia and surf towns such as Tamarindo, Nosara and Santa Teresa.
The Caribbean coast and the Osa Peninsula
Tortuguero is reached by boat and is famous for nesting turtles from about July to October. Puerto Viejo has a laid-back Afro-Caribbean feel. In the far south, the Osa Peninsula's Corcovado National Park is the wildest, most remote option, for those happy to rough it a little. Costa Rica also combines easily with Panama to the south.
Best time to visit Costa Rica
| Season | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Dry season (December-April) | Sunny on the Pacific side and in the north-west; peak prices, especially at Christmas and Easter |
| Early green season (May-August) | Afternoon showers, lush scenery, lower prices; a drier spell often comes in July |
| Late green season (September-November) | Wettest on the Pacific side; some lodges close; Caribbean coast often at its driest |
The "green season" is rarely a wash-out before September. Mornings are usually clear, so plan activities early and expect a downpour after lunch.
Getting to Costa Rica from the UK
British Airways has flown a seasonal direct service from Gatwick to San José in recent winters, taking around 11 hours; check whether it is operating for your dates. Otherwise, fly with one stop via Madrid (Iberia), Amsterdam (KLM), or a US hub such as Miami, Houston or Atlanta; expect 13-16 hours in total. Connecting in the US means you need an ESTA. Liberia airport is the better choice for Guanacaste beaches.
Entry requirements
British passport holders can visit Costa Rica without a visa for tourism. The length of stay is set by the immigration officer on arrival. You may be asked to show an onward or return ticket, and your passport should be valid for your whole stay. Requirements change, so check the GOV.UK foreign travel advice for Costa Rica before booking.
Getting around
Shared shuttle vans (such as Interbus) link the main tourist areas door to door and are the easiest option without a car. Public buses are cheap but slow. A 4x4 hire car gives the most freedom, especially for Monteverde and the Nicoya Peninsula, but roads can be potholed and rivers unbridged, so avoid driving after dark. Domestic flights save time to the Osa Peninsula and the Caribbean coast.
Money and costs
The currency is the colón, but US dollars are accepted almost everywhere tourists go and many prices are quoted in dollars. Costa Rica is not cheap: mid-range travellers should budget about US$150-200 per person per day including accommodation, tours and transport. National park fees and guided tours add up. A service charge is often already included on restaurant bills; tip guides and drivers separately. Cards work widely, but carry some cash for small sodas (local cafés) and roadside stalls.
Costa Rica on the map
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Costa Rica?
Ten to fourteen days covers Arenal, Monteverde and a Pacific beach without rushing. With a week, pick two areas and stick to them.
Is Costa Rica safe?
It is one of the safest countries in the region for visitors. Petty theft from cars and beaches is the main risk, so never leave valuables visible in a hire car.
Do I need a visa for Costa Rica from the UK?
No, not for a holiday. Make sure you have proof of onward travel, as airlines and immigration can ask for it.
What is the cheapest time to go to Costa Rica?
May to November, outside UK school holidays. Lodges cut their prices and the scenery is at its greenest.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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