
Discover Costa Rica Vacations: A Dream Getaway in 2025
Costa Rica has become one of the most loved travel spots in the world. In 2025, more travelers are choosing Costa Rica vacations for nature, adventure, and rest. Whether you’re planning a romantic escape or a fun family trip, Costa Rica has something special for everyone. This guide will help you explore all inclusive Costa Rica vacations, top places to stay, activities, and more.
Why Choose Costa Rica for Your Vacation?
Costa Rica is located in Central America. It is known for its beaches, volcanoes, rainforests, and wildlife. The country is safe, peaceful, and tourist-friendly. The people are warm and welcoming. Costa Rica offers a mix of adventure and peace, making it perfect for all types of travelers.
Types of Costa Rica Vacations
All Inclusive Costa Rica Vacations
Many travelers love all inclusive Costa Rica vacations. These packages include:
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Hotel stay
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Food and drinks
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Airport transport
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Some tours and activities
You don’t need to plan everything. It’s stress-free and great for first-timers. Resorts in places like Guanacaste, Tamarindo, and Manuel Antonio offer such packages.
Top all-inclusive resorts:
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Dreams Las Mareas
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Planet Hollywood Costa Rica
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Occidental Papagayo (Adults Only)
These resorts offer pools, spas, buffet dining, bars, and direct beach access.
Costa Rica Vacations for Couples
If you are planning a honeymoon or romantic escape, Costa Rica is perfect. It has:
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Private beach resorts
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Hot springs near volcanoes
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Sunset cruises
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Couples’ spa massages
Some romantic spots include:
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Arenal Volcano Area – Known for hot springs and mountain views
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Santa Teresa – A calm beach town, great for couples
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Monteverde Cloud Forest – Peaceful, green, and cool
Stay in adult-only resorts or private jungle villas. Many packages are made for couples with added romance like candlelight dinners and room upgrades.
Also Read: How to Become a Travel Agent: A Complete Guide To Beginner’s
Costa Rica Vacations for Families
Costa Rica is very kid-friendly. You can find fun for all ages. Many resorts have kids’ clubs and family tours. Some activities families enjoy:
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Ziplining in Monteverde
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Wildlife watching in Tortuguero
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Boat rides in Arenal
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Beach days in Tamarindo or Jaco
Popular family resorts include:
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JW Marriott Guanacaste
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The Westin Reserva Conchal
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Los Suenos Marriott
These places offer pools, large rooms, and safe beaches.
Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica
1. Arenal Volcano and La Fortuna
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Hike near the volcano
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Relax in hot springs
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Try white-water rafting or waterfall rappelling
2. Monteverde Cloud Forest
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Cool, misty weather
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Famous hanging bridges
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Great for birdwatching and nature walks
3. Tamarindo
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Surfing hotspot
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Lively town with bars and restaurants
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Long sandy beach, perfect for sunbathing
4. Manuel Antonio National Park
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Monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds
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Trails and beaches inside the park
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Close to many hotels and restaurants
5. Tortuguero
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Known as the “Amazon of Costa Rica”
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Boat tours through jungle canals
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See sea turtles during nesting season (July to October)
Costa Rica Vacation Packages: What to Expect
Most Costa Rica vacation packages are customizable. You can pick:
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Destination (beach, forest, or volcano)
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Number of days
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Activities (hiking, spa, surfing)
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Travel style (luxury, budget, or eco-friendly)
You can choose from these types:
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Adventure Packages – Ziplining, rafting, hiking
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Eco-Tours – Nature walks, wildlife watching
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Luxury Packages – Private resorts, high-end dining
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Family Packages – Kids’ activities, safety, group rooms
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Romantic Packages – Couples-only resorts, spa time, sunset tours
You can book through a Costa Rica vacations travel agency or a global tour website.
How to Get to Costa Rica
There are two major airports:
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Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) – Near San José
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Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) – In Liberia, closer to beach resorts
You’ll need a valid passport. Most tourists can stay up to 90 days without a visa (check your country’s rules).
Where to Stay in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has many types of places to stay:
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Hotels – For comfort and easy service
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Resorts – Great for all-inclusive stays
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Eco-lodges – In forests or mountains
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Vacation rentals – For families or longer stays
Choose what fits your budget and travel style.
Best Time to Visit Costa Rica
There are two main seasons:
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Dry Season (December to April) – Sunny and great for beach vacations
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Green Season (May to November) – More rain, cheaper prices, and lush forests
For wildlife, visit during the rainy season. For beach fun, dry season is best.
Costa Rican Food You Must Try
Costa Rican food is simple and tasty. Some local dishes:
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Gallo Pinto – Rice and beans, often eaten for breakfast
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Casado – Rice, beans, meat, salad, and fried plantains
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Ceviche – Raw fish marinated in lemon juice
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Arroz con Pollo – Rice with chicken
Most resorts and hotels also offer international food.
Wildlife and Nature in Costa Rica
Costa Rica is home to:
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Monkeys
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Sloths
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Colorful birds
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Sea turtles
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Frogs and butterflies
Over 25% of the country is protected in parks. Join guided tours to see animals in their natural homes. Visit places like:
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Manuel Antonio National Park
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Corcovado National Park
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Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Choosing a Costa Rica Vacations Travel Agency
A travel agency can make your trip easy. They handle:
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Flights
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Hotels
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Tours
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Local guides
Some trusted Costa Rica vacations travel agencies:
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Anywhere.com
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Pacific Trade Winds
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Caravan Tours
Read reviews and compare packages before you book.
Costa Rica Vacations Reviews: What Travelers Say
Travelers often write positive things about their trips. Here are some common points:
Pros:
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Friendly locals
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Clean and green country
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Easy to get around
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Fun activities for all ages
Cons:
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Some roads are rough
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Rainy weather in some months
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Expensive tours in tourist areas
Still, Costa Rica vacations reviews are mostly 4 or 5 stars.
Travel Tips for Costa Rica
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Carry cash, not all places take cards
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Use bug spray, especially near forests
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Learn basic Spanish phrases
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Bring sunscreen and rain gear
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Don’t feed wildlife
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Respect nature and follow park rules
Pros and Cons of Costa Rica Vacations
Pros | Cons |
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Beautiful nature everywhere | Some things can be pricey |
Friendly people | Rain during green season |
Safe for tourists | Roads can be rough in rural areas |
Great for all types of trips | Long travel time from some places |
Lots of eco-tourism options | Some spots are very crowded |
Approximate daily costs:
Item | Budget ($) | Mid-Range ($) | Luxury ($) |
---|---|---|---|
Hotel | 30–60 | 100–200 | 300+ |
Meals | 10–25 | 30–60 | 100+ |
Transport | 10–30 | 50–100 | 150+ |
Activities | 10–50 | 50–100 | 100+ |
Total Per Day | 60–150 | 200–400 | 500+ |
All-inclusive packages help you save money if you plan to do a lot.
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Sample 7-Day Costa Rica Vacation Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in San José
Day 2: Travel to Arenal, enjoy hot springs
Day 3: Hike volcano, go on waterfall tour
Day 4: Travel to Monteverde, visit cloud forest
Day 5: Zipline and hanging bridges
Day 6: Travel to Tamarindo, enjoy beach time
Day 7: Fly back from Liberia
5 Most Asked FAQs about Costa Rica Vacations
1. Is Costa Rica safe to travel to?
Yes. Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Latin America. Always follow basic safety rules.
2. Do I need a visa for Costa Rica?
Most tourists from the U.S., Canada, and Europe do not need a visa for stays under 90 days.
3. When is the cheapest time to visit Costa Rica?
May to November (green season) is cheaper, especially for hotels and flights.
4. Can I drink the tap water in Costa Rica?
In most places, yes. But bottled water is safer in remote areas.
5. What currency is used in Costa Rica?
The Costa Rican colón (CRC). U.S. dollars are accepted in many places too.