
Explore Costa Rica
Discover unbeatable offers on Costa Rica Travels with Nomad Crescendo.
FIND YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Costa Rica stands as a beacon of biodiversity and sustainable tourism in Central America. This small yet extraordinary country encompasses 5% of the world's biodiversity within its borders, featuring misty cloud forests, active volcanoes, pristine beaches, and a remarkable array of wildlife including sloths, toucans, and resplendent quetzals. The nation's commitment to conservation has preserved over 25% of its territory as protected parks and reserves, making it a premier destination for eco-conscious travelers.
Beyond its natural wonders, Costa Rica captivates visitors with its warm 'pura vida' philosophy—a laid-back approach to life that permeates the culture. Adventure seekers can zip-line through forest canopies, surf world-class waves, or raft down rushing rivers, while those seeking relaxation can unwind in volcanic hot springs or practice yoga overlooking the ocean. With no standing army since 1949 and a strong democratic tradition, Costa Rica offers not just breathtaking landscapes but also a peaceful, welcoming environment where travelers can safely immerse themselves in authentic experiences and connect with the remarkably friendly local population.
Details on Passports and Visas
Suggestions for Dining
Restaurants
Enjoy fine dining and local cuisine at the best restaurants in Albania.
Explore RestaurantsCasinos
Discover the best casinos in Albania with top-rated gaming and entertainment.
Explore CasinosTrending Locations
Puntarenas Province, Costa Rica
- Hanging bridges canopy tours
- Incredible biodiversity with over 400 bird species
- High-altitude coffee plantations
Shrouded in mist and draped with orchids and bromeliads, Monteverde is a mystical ecosystem where clouds literally pass through the forest. This biodiverse paradise sits at 1,440 meters above sea level and offers visitors the chance to spot rare wildlife like the resplendent quetzal and jaguar. Adventure enthusiasts can traverse the treetops on hanging bridges or zip lines, while naturalists appreciate guided tours revealing the intricate relationships between thousands of plant and animal species that call this fragile ecosystem home.
Central Pacific Coast, Costa Rica
- Pristine white-sand beaches
- Abundant wildlife including capuchin monkeys and sloths
- Hiking trails through tropical forest
Manuel Antonio masterfully blends beach paradise with wildlife sanctuary in one compact, accessible park. Despite being Costa Rica's smallest national park, it packs remarkable biodiversity into its boundaries, where visitors routinely encounter playful monkeys, slow-moving sloths, and colorful macaws against a backdrop of turquoise waters. The park's four beaches offer excellent swimming and snorkeling opportunities, while well-maintained trails wind through the forest, allowing travelers to alternate between wildlife spotting and beach relaxation in a single day.
Northern Lowlands, Costa Rica
- Perfectly conical active volcano
- Natural hot springs
- La Fortuna Waterfall
Dominated by the imposing silhouette of the 1,633-meter Arenal Volcano, this region combines geothermal wonders with adventure activities. Until 2010, Arenal was Costa Rica's most active volcano, regularly delighting visitors with lava displays. Though currently in a resting phase, the area remains a hotspot for travelers who come to hike the hardened lava fields, soak in natural hot springs with volcano views, and explore the surrounding rainforest. The nearby town of La Fortuna serves as a hub for activities ranging from waterfall rappelling and white-water rafting to wildlife spotting tours.
Limón Province, Caribbean Coast, Costa Rica
- Sea turtle nesting beaches
- Extensive canal and river network
- Remote jungle lodges
Often called 'Costa Rica's Amazon,' Tortuguero is an isolated network of canals and rainforest accessible only by boat or plane. The park's claim to fame is its beaches where four species of sea turtles—including the endangered green turtle—come ashore to nest between July and October. Exploring the park means gliding through narrow waterways by canoe or boat, where visitors might spot caimans, river otters, monkeys, and countless bird species. The absence of roads creates an immersive wilderness experience, with eco-lodges offering sustainable accommodations deep in this aquatic paradise.
Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica
- World-class surfing beaches
- Bohemian wellness culture
- Spectacular sunset views
Once a remote fishing village, Santa Teresa has transformed into a sophisticated beach destination that attracts surfers, yoga enthusiasts, and celebrities seeking an unpretentious escape. The town stretches along a stunning coastline with consistent waves that cater to surfers of all levels. Beyond the beach, Santa Teresa has developed a distinctive wellness scene featuring farm-to-table restaurants, yoga retreats, and luxury accommodations that blend seamlessly into the natural environment. Despite its growing popularity, the town maintains a dusty, laid-back charm with dirt roads and a genuine commitment to sustainable tourism practices.
Guidelines for Cultural Awareness
- When greeting locals, learn the phrase 'pura vida' (pure life), which functions as a hello, goodbye, thank you, and general expression of wellbeing in Costa Rican culture.
- Ticos (Costa Ricans) generally avoid confrontation; speaking softly and maintaining a positive attitude will help you navigate any challenging situations more effectively than displaying frustration.
- Tipping is not obligatory in Costa Rica as a 10% service charge is typically included in restaurant bills, but an additional 5-10% for exceptional service is appreciated.
- Costa Rica has strict environmental protection laws; never remove shells, plants, or wildlife from protected areas, and always follow designated trails to minimize your ecological impact.
- When invited to a Costa Rican home, bringing a small gift like chocolates or wine is appreciated, and arriving 15-30 minutes later than the stated time is culturally acceptable and often expected.
Suggestions for Evening Activities
- Experience a traditional peña folklorica at El Cuartel de la Boca del Monte in San José, where live marimba music and traditional dance performances showcase authentic Costa Rican culture.
- Join a guided night walk in the rainforest around Monteverde or Manuel Antonio to spot nocturnal creatures like kinkajous, red-eyed tree frogs, and tarantulas in their natural habitat.
- Enjoy craft cocktails at Sentido Norte in Las Catalinas, a sophisticated open-air bar offering panoramic sunset views over the Pacific Ocean and innovative drinks featuring local ingredients.
- Visit the Jaguar Rescue Center in Puerto Viejo for their special evening tour, where you can observe nocturnal animals during their active hours and support wildlife conservation efforts.
- Experience La Fortuna's vibrant nightlife at Lava Lounge, where you can enjoy live music, tropical cocktails, and dancing with views of the illuminated Arenal Volcano as your backdrop.
Customer Feedback
Sophie Müller
Monteverde Cloud Forest exceeded all expectations! Walking through the misty forest on hanging bridges felt like entering another world. We spotted three quetzals with our guide's help—apparently quite rare! The butterfly garden and hummingbird gallery were perfect additions to our rainforest experience.
Journeyed from Germany
Akira Tanaka
The hot springs at Tabacón near Arenal Volcano were the highlight of our trip. Soaking in naturally heated thermal pools surrounded by tropical gardens while looking at the volcano was magical. The resort is pricey but worth every penny for the experience. Only downside was the crowds during peak hours.
Journeyed from Japan
Olivia Chen
Our three-day stay at Tortuguero was unforgettable. We were fortunate to witness green turtles nesting at night—an emotional experience seeing these ancient creatures in their natural habitat. Our guide Julio was incredibly knowledgeable. The canal boat tours revealed sloths, toucans, and even a jaguar briefly! No roads, no cars, just pure nature.
Journeyed from Canada
Miguel Fernández
Manuel Antonio has beautiful beaches and we saw plenty of monkeys, but it felt overcrowded compared to other parks. The main beach area was packed with tourists. I'd recommend visiting early morning (7 AM) when the park opens to enjoy some tranquility and better wildlife viewing before the crowds arrive.
Journeyed from Spain
Priya Sharma
Santa Teresa was the perfect end to our Costa Rica adventure. Learned to surf with instructor Diego who had endless patience. The beachfront yoga classes at Horizon became my daily ritual. Don't miss the ceviche at El Pescador or the sunset at Playa Hermosa. This place has a magical energy that's hard to describe but impossible to forget.
Journeyed from India