Best time to visit
49 things to do in Costa Rica
Envision Festival
An annual gathering to promote sustainable development and raise the sense of community
La Ruta de Los Conquistadores
One of the most difficult mountain bike races in the world
Tamarind Fruit
A huge tree that gives plenty of shade and healthy fruits once in six years
Sapodilla Season
With a thin gray rind and oval in shape, this most-liked fruit is larger than a baseball!
Festival of the Diablitos
One of the most authentic festivals, it's dedicated to the victory of Boruca tribe over Spanish invadors
Mammee Apple
An evergreen tree that can grow up to 25 meters gives a large and round fruit
Pitaya or Dragon Fruit
This fruit growing on a cactus can be found on trees or rocky terrains
Cantaloupe
Similar to melon, this fruit has hard beige skin, and sweet yellowish flesh
Orchids
The symbol of Costa Rica, this flower is famous for its beauty and colorful charm. Orchid is the country's pride
Birdwatching
Plenty of birds all year round could be watched in Costa Rica, however, bird migrations are the real highlight
Resplendent Quetzal
Used to be called "precious" by Aztecs, resplendent quetzal is considered to be the most beautiful bird on Earth
Cashew
Cashew nut is topped by paprika-like pseudo fruit and has to be roasted before consumption
Fiestas Típicas Nacionales Santa Cruz
The festival with lots of dancing and music that also honours the Black Christ of Esquipulas
Mango Season
There are few people who do not like mango, especially in Costa Rica—the mango kingdom
Palmares Festival
Two weeks of non-stop excitement filled with music, parades, bullfights, and endless fun
Easter and Holy Week (Semana Santa)
The week before Easter is of a huge importance and has plenty of interesting traditions to observe in Costa Rica
Fiesta de La Virgen del Mar
On this day fishing boats and yachts are decorated colourfully in Puntarenas
Chirripó Race, or Carrera Chirripó
Run up the country's highest peak at the annual International Chirripó Race in San Gerardo
Limón Carnival
Taking place in the port city of Limon, the carnival celebrates nice weather and joy of life
Surfing
In Costa Rica you will find some of the best waves on the planet
Poas Volcano
Arenal may be the most visited volcano, but Poas is definitely the most spectacular!
Mamoncillo
Also known as Spanish lime, this round fruit is good for juice and a healthy snack.
Leatherback Turtles on the Pacific
Costa Rica is full of spots to watch turtles during their nesting period
Independence Day
Widely celebrated, the Independence Day is a central national holiday
Dry Season (Winter)
The season attracts flocks of tourists seeking sunny weather and fiestas
Parrita Mule Festival
Festival Nacional de las Mulas is now one of the biggest in Costa Rica
Eating Iguanas
What can be more bizarre than the ancient traditions? Only the ancient traditional cuisine choices
El Tope Nacional
The biggest horse parade in the country takes place San José with fun activities and traditional attractions
Whale Watching in Costa Rica
Coasta Rica is one of the greatest places to watch wales
Kiteboarding and Windsurfing
Lake Arenal and Bahia Salinas offer the best winds in Costa Rica
Panama Canal Cruises
Experience "the Crossroads of the World" connecting the Pacific and Atlantic
New Year's Eve
Famous for its surf breaks and beaches, Costa Rica is a perfect New Year's Eve tropical getaway
Fiestas de Zapote
A week of bullfighting, carnival rides, entertainment, and fair food
Diquis Spheres (Las Bolas)
The origin of Costa Rican Las Bolas still remain a mystery