Let's Explore: COSTA RICA

Costa Rica: Where Adventure Meets Pura Vida

Costa Rica is a land where toucans call from the treetops, where waterfalls tumble into emerald pools, and where pura vida isn’t just a phrase — it’s a way of life. In the morning, you could be ziplining above the rainforest canopy; by afternoon, snorkeling in turquoise waters or sipping coffee on a volcano’s slope. From the Caribbean’s coral reefs to the Pacific’s surf towns, and from cloud forests draped in mist to sunny beaches lined with palms, Costa Rica offers an adventure as wild or as laid-back as you choose. Every day brings new colors, new flavors, and new reasons to fall in love with this tropical paradise.

Why Visit Costa Rica?

Key Information

​Official Name: Republic of Costa Rica
Capital: San José
Area: 19,730 square miles (51,100 square kilometers)
Location in the World: Costa Rica is a lush, tropical country in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south, the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the Caribbean Sea to the east. Known for its incredible biodiversity, protected national parks, and eco-friendly ethos, Costa Rica is a playground of rainforests, volcanoes, waterfalls, and beaches — all within a day’s drive of one another.
​Cultural Highlights:

• Experience the warmth of pura vida culture and friendly locals
• Visit colorful markets overflowing with tropical produce, coffee, and handmade crafts
• Explore colonial architecture and museums in San José
• Learn the art and history of coffee production on a working plantation
• Embrace Costa Rica’s surf culture in towns like Tamarindo, Nosara, and Santa Teresa
• Discover the nation’s leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable tourism
• Restore your body and mind with a beachfront yoga class or wellness retreat in the jungle

Natural Wonders:

• Stand at the base of the Arenal Volcano and soak in nearby natural hot springs
• Explore Monteverde Cloud Forest with its misty canopy bridges and rare wildlife
• Spot sloths, monkeys, and exotic birds in Manuel Antonio National Park
• Watch endangered sea turtles nesting on the Caribbean coast
• Hike to waterfalls hidden deep in the rainforest
• Drift through mangrove forests rich in biodiversity

Culinary Scene:

• Enjoy gallo pinto, Costa Rica’s signature rice-and-beans breakfast
• Savor fresh-caught seafood on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts
• Indulge in tropical fruits like mango, papaya, guanabana, and passionfruit
• Sip world-class coffee grown in volcanic soil
• Try casado, a traditional plate combining rice, beans, plantains, salad, and protein

Adventure Activities:

• Zipline above the rainforest canopy
  
• Go white-water rafting on the Pacuare or Sarapiquí rivers
  
• Surf world-class waves from beginner-friendly breaks to pro-level swells
  
• Kayak through mangroves or along the Pacific coastline
  
• Hike to active volcano craters and secluded jungle trails
  
• Snorkel or scuba dive in clear Caribbean waters or around Pacific islands

Travel Information

Best Time to Visit:

• Dry Season (Dec–Apr): Ideal for beaches, national parks, and most outdoor activities
• Green Season (May-Nov): Lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and great wildlife viewing — especially sea turtles
• Surf Seasons: Pacific swells peak Apr–Nov; Caribbean waves are best Nov–Mar

Travel Essentials:

• Currency: Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
• Language: Spanish (English widely spoken in tourist areas)
• Getting Around: Domestic flights, rental cars, shared shuttles, and public buses
• Visa Info: Many nationalities enjoy visa-free stays of up to 90 days

Join Us!

Thrive Adventures Fully-Guided Tours in Costa Rica:

• Coming soon: Contact us for more info.

Thrive Adventures Self-Guided Tours in Costa Rica:

• Explore at your own pace with a custom itinerary crafted by our expert guides — your trip, your way, with all the insider insight.