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Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a country of incredible diversity, from volcanoes and hot springs to lush rainforests, misty cloud forests, and beautiful beaches. Known for its rich wildlife—including the famous sloths—and adventure activities like zip lining, rafting, and exploring waterfalls, Costa Rica is the perfect mix of nature and adventure.
It’s also one of the most eco-friendly destinations in the world, with a strong commitment to sustainability and the laid-back pura vida lifestyle that makes it a place families fall in love with.

Manuel Antonio
Beautiful view of Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica, with its symmetrical cone shape rising above lush green forests and grassy fields. The sky is partly cloudy, with dramatic clouds casting shadows over the landscape while patches of sunlight illuminate the vibrant greenery
Arenal Volcano

Language

The official language is Spanish, but you’ll find that many people in tourist areas speak English.
Some common phrases are:
Hello – Hola (OH-lah)
Thank you – Gracias (GRAH-syahs)
Please – Por favor (pohr fah-VOHR)
Do you speak English? – ¿Habla inglés? (AH-blah een-GLAYS?)
Pura Vida – Literally means pure life, but it’s used as a greeting, farewell, or to express gratitude and positivity—it’s a phrase you’ll hear everywhere!

currency

Costa Rica uses the Costa Rican colón (CRC) as its official currency. U.S. dollars are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas, but it’s a good idea to carry colónes for local shops and smaller towns.

Best Time to Visit

Costa Rica is a year-round destination, but the dry season from December to April offers the best weather for exploring beaches, rainforests, and volcanoes. The green season from May to November brings lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and great opportunities for wildlife spotting.

beach scene at Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica, with gentle waves washing onto a sandy shoreline bordered by lush green forest. The calm blue water stretches toward a tree-covered headland under a clear, partly cloudy sky.
At a glance

Our experience in Costa Rica

We originally visited Costa Rica to escape the Canadian winter, but we completely fell in love with it. I’d heard good things about Costa Rica, but nothing prepared us for how much we’d love the wildlife, scenery, and the laid-back pura vida lifestyle—it’s not just a saying, it’s a real way of life here.

From hot springs and volcanoes to rainforests, cloud forests, and stunning beaches, Costa Rica’s diversity is incredible. It’s also one of the most eco-friendly places we’ve visited—some spots won’t even let you bring in plastic water bottles. But what really stood out was how much my kids loved it. They’ve been to over 18 countries, but I’ve never seen them so excited about a destination.

We explored waterfalls, spotted sloths, and soaked up the natural beauty everywhere we went. While my kids were a bit too small for activities like zip lining or rafting, Costa Rica is packed with adventures that families of all ages can enjoy. The combination of nature, adventure, and a relaxed vibe makes Costa Rica a perfect family destination—and we’re already planning a return trip!

  • Transportation Tip – Getting around Costa Rica is easy with private drivers or prearranged pickups—drivers are friendly, and prices are often comparable to renting a car. For airport transfers, we recommend Welcome Pickups for reliable service from San José or Liberia to destinations like La Fortuna and Monteverde.

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