Plan your trip
The practical side of a Costa Rica trip: when to go, which airport to fly into, how to get around, staying safe, and how each region fits into a route.
Guides
Arenal and La Fortuna trip planner: volcano, hot springs and the lake
Arenal is Costa Rica's volcano country, and La Fortuna is the town that serves it. It's about 3.5 hours from San José by car, and 2 to 3 nights is…
San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR)? Choosing your Costa Rica airport
Fly into Liberia (LIR) if your trip is mostly Guanacaste and the northern Nicoya beaches; it's about 1¼ hours from Tamarindo. Fly into San José (SJO)…
Costa Rica weather: when to go, month by month and region by region
For most of Costa Rica, the best time to go is the dry season, December to April, when Guanacaste and the Pacific coast see almost no rain. September…
Getting around Costa Rica: cars, shuttles, buses, flights and ferries
Most visitors get around Costa Rica by rental car or shared shuttle, and both work well for the main route. Drive if you want flexibility and side…
