Costa Rica, one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, is also one of the hottest holiday destinations right now, with more than 50,000 Brits flocking there this year, up 5% on 2023. The UK is the third largest European market to Costa Rica (behind Germany and France), and it looks set to keep on growing.
Tourism Minister William Rodrigeuz said: “The British are really considering trips to our country and I think they are aligned with what we have in Costa Rica. They want to experience our wildlife, the nature and our culture, and they are really seeing the potential in everything we offer.”
Covering just 19,700 square miles, Costa Rica is a compact country that sits between the Pacific and the Caribbean. Its abundant wildlife includes exotic creatures like the red-eyed tree frogs and three-toed sloths, and it boasts diverse rainforest landscapes and a ‘pura vida’ lifestyle.
Tour operators such as Journey Latin America, Latin Routes, G Adventures, Audley Travel, Newmarket and Kuoni offer tours that take in at least three of Costa Rica’s top destinations, making this one of the easier central American countries to sell. Most tours start in the capital, San Jose and range from one to three weeks long.
It’s great nature and adventure
In the north of the country, Arenal offers hiking by Arenal Volcano, the chance to take a dip in hot springs or visit waterfalls in nearby La Fortuna.
Also in the north, the biodiverse Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is the place for birdwatching (especially for the resplendent quetzal).
Other national parks include Tortuguero on the Caribbean coast, which is famed for its turtle nesting sites (July to October) and for boat tours through its canals.
On the Pacific coast, Manuel Antonio National Park not only offers diverse wildlife such as monkeys and sloths, but it’s also home to the white-sand beaches of Espadilla Sur, Manuel Antonio and Puerto Escondido.
Also on the Pacific coast is the more remote – and lesser-visited – Corcovado National Park, where you must have a guide to take a tour. Spotting the elusive jaguar is a highlight here.
Looking for a beach resort? Keeping to the Pacific side – but much further up the coast in the north – is Santa Teresa, a sleepy surf town, and the Papagayo Peninsula, an area fast becoming known for its luxury resorts. It’s here you’ll find five-star hotels such as Four Seasons and a soon-to-open Ritz Carlton.
It has something for almost everyone
Head of Long-Haul Product at Newmarket Holidays Kathy Vigolo said: “Costa Rica caters to a wide range of travellers. For nature lovers it is a wildlife haven, ideal for birdwatchers, wildlife photographers and those with a keen interest in the flora and fauna of new regions.
“Families will love the country’s national parks and wildlife reserves. Adventure enthusiasts can also take advantage of zip-lining, surfing and white-water rafting, making Costa Rica a top choice for adrenaline-seekers,” she said.
G Adventures National Sales Manager Stu Darnley said: “Costa Rica is also a great destination for travellers to witness the positive impact of community tourism firsthand. For instance, the Mi Cafecito experience near Poás Volcano brings travellers to a community coffee plantation supporting over 200 small farmers who were previously unable to benefit from tourism due to their remote location. G Adventures connects travellers with the community, where they learn about coffee production and even grind their own coffee.”
It has year-round appeal
The good news is there’s no real ‘bad time’ to visit Costa Rica but there are only direct flights from London to San Jose during its high season from December to March, with British Airways.
Out of season – or in the ‘green season’ as it’s often referred to – you have to fly via continental Europe or the US. It’s wetter, but Costa Rica is in full bloom, and there are fewer people around to share it with.
Traditionally, the favoured time to visit the Pacific coast is between December and April as this is when it’s dry and sunny. The rainy season goes from May to October, with the most rainfall occurring in September and October, with up to 600mm per month in areas such as Manuel Antonio National Park.
On the Caribbean side, there is no real defined rainy or dry season, but it’s recommended to visit during March and September. The rainiest months are July and December, with up to 550mm of rain per month.
Throughout the year temperatures tend to sit around 24-25C in the capital, San Jose, while on the Central Pacific coast they will reach 33-35C in March.
The majority of operators including the likes of Journey Latin America, G Adventures, Audley Travel and Intrepid Travel will offer tours throughout the year, just be mindful of the flight routing as mentioned above.
It lends itself to touring holidays
Clients are likely to be able to pack more in within a short period of time if they take a pre-arranged tour.
Not in the Guidebooks Sales Director Debbie Sowden said: “Agents should engage with an operator like us who work directly with local hosts to put together the most amazing itineraries – taking your customers to off the beaten track places and discovering hidden gems they would never find on a standard Costa Rica holiday.”
G Adventures launched a new solo range of trips earlier this year, including an eight-day Costa Rica itinerary. Stu Darnley said: “We have some really great new itineraries for 2025 including Solo-ish Costa Rica which is designed for adventurous solo travellers craving both connection and independence.”
