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Costa Rica

Costa Rica

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Costa Rica is famous for its abundant wildlife, beaches, and volcanoes. This tropical country is washed by the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans. The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season from November to April. Early November is the time for Dia de Los Muertos celebration and La Ruta de Los​ Conquistadores, a challenging mountain bike race. The dry season promises prime surfing conditions on the Caribbean coast and good weather for trekking to Poas and Irazu volcanoes. Don't miss out on the "Festival of the Diablitos" in late December, which celebrates the victory of Boruca tribe over Spanish colonisers. The period from May to October brings so-called 'green season' with afternoon rain downpours and lower rates. In July and August the clouds get thinner, whales cross the Pacific waters on their way from Antarctica, and surfing conditions on the Pacific coast are just right.

54 things to do in Costa Rica

Star Apple or Caimito

February–April Food

Sweet and healthy orange-sized fruit

Envision Festival

March 3-10, 2025 Event

An annual gathering to promote sustainable development and raise the sense of community

La Ruta de Los​ Conquistadores

November 21–23, 2024 Event

One of the most difficult mountain bike races in the world

Tamarind Fruit

December–March Food

A huge tree that gives plenty of shade and healthy fruits once in six years

Día de los Muertos

November 2 Event

Colorful holiday commemorates the deceased

Sapodilla Season

February–May Food

With a thin gray rind and oval in shape, ​this most-liked fruit is larger than a baseball!

Festival of the Diablitos

December 30–January 2 Event

One of the most authentic festivals, it's dedicated to the victory of Boruca tribe over Spanish invadors​

Wet Season (Summer)

May–November Weather

There are two seasons in Costa Rica, but weather might differ from region to region

Mammee Apple

May–August Food

An evergreen tree that can grow up to 25 meters gives a large and round fruit

Hawksbill Turtles

July–October Nature

These turtles have a peculiar pattern and beak, and are critically endangered

Pitaya or Dragon Fruit

June–November Food

This fruit growing on a cactus can be found on trees or rocky terrains

Cantaloupe

January–February Food

Similar to melon, this fruit has hard beige skin, and sweet yellowish flesh

Mandarin Orange

November–December Food

Similar to orange, but smaller, very juicy and sweet

Orchids

May Nature

The symbol of Costa​ Rica, this flower is famous for its beauty and colorful charm. Orchid is the country's pride

Birdwatching

August–October Nature

Plenty of birds all year round could be watched in Costa Rica, however, ​bird migrations are the real highlight

Leatherback Turtles on the North Caribbean

March–July Nature

Watching turtles is one of the best activities in Costa Rica, especially the largest species

Sapote

June Food

The large fruit with sweet taste

Resplendent Quetzal

November–April Nature

Used to be called "precious" by Aztecs, resplendent quetzal is considered to be the most beautiful bird on Earth

Cashew

December–May Food

Cashew nut is topped by paprika-like pseudo fruit and has to be roasted before consumption

Fiestas Típicas Nacionales Santa Cruz

January 14-21, 2024 Event

The festival with lots of dancing and music that also honours the Black Christ of Esquipulas

Mango Season

March–April Food

There are few people who do not like mango, especially in Costa Rica—the mango kingdom

Palmares Festival

January 12–23, 2023 Event

One of the biggest festivals in Costa Rica, it includes two weeks of endless fun

Easter and Holy Week (Semana Santa)

March 24–31, 2024 Event

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

closest to July 16 Event

On this day fishing boats and yachts are decorated colourfully in Puntarenas

Chirripó Race or Carrera Chirripó

February 25, 2023 Event

Run up the country's highest peak at the annual International Chirripó Race in San Gerardo

Rafting

May–November Activity

Discover why Costa Rica is a prime rafting destination

Limón Carnival

October 12, 2024 Event

Taking place in the port city of Limon, the carnival celebrates nice weather and joy of life

Fiestas Civicas Liberia

February 22–March 3, 2024 Event

A rodeo-like event full of adrenaline and danger

Olive Ridley Turtles

August–November Nature

Arribada nesting strategy is fun to watch!

Arenal Volcano

September–October Nature

Arenal is Costa Rica's most well-known volcano

Surfing

May–November (Pacific), December–April (Caribbean) Activity

In Costa Rica you will find some of the best waves on the planet

Reto Jacó Extremo

May 4, 2024 Event

The Jaco Extreme Challenge is a run of 10k through the tough area

Papaya

December–April Food

One of the largest fruits in Costa Rica

Green Turtles

June–October Nature

One of the most famous and beautiful species that is also regarded endangered

Guanacaste Day

July 25 Event

The celebration of Guanacaste’s annexation to Costa Rica

Poas Volcano

January–April Nature

Arenal may be the most visited volcano, but Poas is definitely the most spectacular!

Mamoncillo

June–August Food

Also known as Spanish lime, this round fruit is good for juice and a healthy snack.

Leatherback Turtles on the Pacific

September–March Nature

Costa Rica is full of spots to watch turtles during their nesting period

Independence Day

September 14–September 15 Event

Widely celebrated, the Independence Day is a central national holiday

Passion Fruit or Maracuya

October–February Food

Sweet fruit is healthy and gives tasty juice

Dry Season (Winter)

December–April Weather

The season attracts flocks of tourists seeking sunny weather and fiestas

Parrita Mule Festival

February 9–20, 2023 Event

Festival Nacional de las Mulas is now one of the biggest in Costa Rica

Fishing in Quepos

December–April Activity

Prime time for anglers to experience tropical water fishing

Irazu Volcano

March–April Nature

The highest active volcano in Costa Rica

Coffee Harvest

October–February Food

Costa Rica offers some of the best coffee beans in the world

Eating Iguanas

March–April Food

What can be more bizarre than the ancient traditions? Only the ancient traditional cuisine choices

El Tope Nacional

December 26 Event

The biggest horse parade in the country takes place San José with fun activities and traditional attractions

Whale Watching in Costa Rica

December–April | August–November Nature

Coasta Rica is one of the greatest places to watch wales

Kiteboarding and Windsurfing

November–April Activity

Lake Arenal and Bahia Salinas offer the best winds in Costa Rica

Masquerade Day (La Mascarada)

October 31 Event

An authentic Halloween tradition of Costa Rica

Panama Canal Cruises

October–April Activity

Experience "the Crossroads of the World" connecting the Pacific and Atlantic

New Year's Eve

December 31 Event

Famous for its surf breaks and beaches, Costa Rica is a perfect New Year's Eve tropical getaway

Fiestas de Zapote

December 25, 2023–January 5, 2024 Event

A week of bullfighting, carnival rides, entertainment, and fair food

Diquis Spheres (Las Bolas)

all year round Nature

The origin of Costa Rican Las Bolas still remain a mystery

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