What part of Costa Rica should we stay?

San José is a good choice because you'll be able to sample nearly everything Costa Rica has to offer. However, if you're looking for an ocean-bound vacation, you may want to look at Puerto Viejo or the Papagayo Gulf instead.



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The 18 best places to visit in Costa Rica for first time travelers
  • San José: The country's bustling capital. ...
  • Tortuguero National Park: a sanctuary for endangered sea turtles. ...
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve: sure to wow Costa Rica first-timers. ...
  • Arenal Volcano: a must-visit for anyone going to Costa Rica.


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The first step is to choose your main interest and select the places you'd like to visit. Costa Rica offers a variety of diverse locations, like: beaches and mountains, volcanoes and forests, rivers and hot springs, among many others. Second, choose the type of activities that will enhance the experience in Costa Rica.

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All of the popular and safe expatriate locations in Costa Rica, such as Heredia, Atenas, Arenal, Tamarindo and even some parts of the capital city San Jose are home to many American expats. One way to make friends is by simply being social and visiting US-owned establishments like bars or restaurants, or shops.

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The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, when the weather is at its driest and brightest. We'd also recommend traveling in the country's green season, from May to June or in November. This is when you catch the seasons in transition, and the national parks are quieter.

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Costa Rica is full of opportunities for adventure—and one of the best ways to explore is on a self-drive road trip. Renting your own car means you have the freedom to take spontaneous detours and side trips.

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San Jose International Airport (Juan Santamaria International Airport) Juan Santamaria International Airport is the biggest and busiest airport in Costa Rica with the most gates and international flights. The airport code is SJO. Juan Santamaría International Airport is actually not in the capital city of San Jose.

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We recommend spending 10 days to two weeks in Costa Rica, as this timeframe will give you enough time to cover all the major highlights while also including time for traveling from one destination to another.

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What do we recommend? If you only want to relax, eat, sleep and drink, then you should go to an all inclusive resort. If you want to see and experience the real Costa Rica, you should not go to an all inclusive.

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#1: No Parties, No Big Waves, Just Relaxing at Hermosa Beach in Guanacaste. Playa Hermosa Guanacaste is located in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. Some people like to pack their itinerary with activities. If that isn't you, Playa Hermosa has the beach scene you're craving.

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Getting around Costa Rica without a car is certainly feasible, but it's likely to be either expensive or time-consuming. So, if you prefer to relax and enjoy, rather than hailing a taxi or waiting for your drop-off in a shared shuttle, renting a car is right for you.

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It's easy to experience sticker shock when checking into eco-lodges and renting vehicles and booking tours in Costa Rica. Indeed, it is the most expensive country in Central America, thanks to a booming economy and well-developed tourist sector.

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Do I need a passport to travel to Costa Rica? Yes, U.S. citizens must have a current valid passport and evidence of onward travel to exit Costa Rica (either to return to the U.S. or travel to another country).

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The cheapest time to visit Costa Rica is during the green season or rainy season, May to November. As the largest influx of tourists visit Costa Rica during the dry season (December through April), that is the most expensive time to visit. Read more about Costa Rica weather to know what to expect.

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The hurricane season usually lasts from early June to late November. The most severe hurricane to make landfall in Costa Rica in the past 12 months was »«.

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