Costa Rica Holidays

The best time to visit Costa Rica is between January and April, which is predominantly the dry season. Whilst Costa Rica has two main seasons, a dry and rainy, you are very unlikely not to experience some rain at any time of year. However, the rain normally comes in short, sharp bursts and plenty of sunshine can be expected especially from December to May. The temperature in Costa Rica remains constant throughout the year, typically hovering between 20 and 30°C, with the temperatures in the mountainous interior a little cooler than the coast.

UK nationals do not require a visa to visit Costa Rica. Travellers can stay in Costa Rica for up to 180 days under a tourist visa waiver.

The direct flight between London and San Jose is about 10-11 hours, with indirect flights slightly longer depending on where you are flying via and the stopover time.

The currency of Costa Rica is the Costa Rica Colón, which is divided in 100 centimos. The US dollar is also very widely accepted in Costa Rica and can be used in most hotels, restaurants and shops as well as for tips. There are ATMs in larger towns and cities and credit cards are also widely accepted, but in remote rainforest lodges it is best to have US dollars cash or local currency.

The official languages of Costa Rica is Spanish. English is widely spoken in the tourist areas and larger cities.

Costa Rica is widely considered one of the most family-friendly destinations in the Americas that offers an abundance of wildlife, beautiful beaches, volcano and rainforest scenery and adventurous activities. Its welcoming culture, good tourism infrastructure and lower crime rate than the rest of the region makes Costa Rica an excellent place for a family holiday.

Tipping is common in Costa Rica as with the rest of Latin America but is at your discretion. The amount of tip should depend on the service received. A 10% service charge is always included in restaurant bills. As a guideline, a tip of around US$5 to US$10 per person per day for a guide is about the right amount, and about S$5 per person per day for a driver. Tips to guides and drivers are normally given in US dollars cash.

Costa Rica is one of the best wildlife destinations in the world, with excellent sightings possible throughout the year. However, the dry season from December to April is often considered the best time for general wildlife viewing, as animals are easier to spot around water sources and trails are more accessible. The green season from May to November brings lush landscapes, fewer visitors and excellent opportunities to see migratory birds, amphibians and nesting sea turtles.

Costa Rica is generally considered a safe destination for travellers, especially within the region, with political stability and a strong tourism industry. Petty theft can occur in larger cities and busy beach resorts, so sensible precautions are recommended.