If you’re feeling called to pura vida, or the simple life, we’ve got the inside scoop (and personal experience) on the best places to visit in Costa Rica. Just think of us as your personal Costa Rica travel guide. When it comes to Costa Rica beaches, surfers flock to Tamarindo, a surf village with some of the country’s best waves. Honeymooners opt for Manuel Antonio, which has white-sand beaches covered in lush tropical forest. Nosara, one of five Blue Zones in the world, holds the proverbial keys to a long and healthy life. La Fortuna serves as the gateway to one of the country’s active volcanoes. Then there’s Monteverde, a natural wonderland home to 50 percent of the country’s wildlife and plants, and a must-see for nature lovers and ecotourists. With so many wondrous spots to visit, one thing’s for sure – Costa Rica travel will keep you coming back for more.

Costa Rica travel has everything you’d want from a tropical paradise: active volcanoes, ziplining through lush jungles, beautiful beaches, incredible wildlife, world-class surfing and roaring waterfalls. High on our list of the best things to do in Costa Rica is visiting Arenal Volcano National Park. Here, you can take in spectacular views of Arenal Volcano, hike through the Arenal Hanging Bridges, and enjoy the hot springs – a true Costa Rica adventure. Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve is another favorite and home to 50% of Costa Rica’s wildlife, including sloths, jaguars, pumas and amphibians. Kids especially love this spot. For serious surfers, you have to check out Tamarindo, Nosara and Guanacaste. And if you’d rather lay on the sand than catch a wave, head to Manuel Antonio to relax on one of the best Costa Rica beaches.

We’re glad you asked! The first step when planning Costa Rica travel is to decide what type of experience you want to have. Are you seeking a romantic getaway or celebrating your honeymoon? Do you want to chase the thrill of adventure by ziplining through the rainforest? Explore the country’s abundant (and protected) biodiverse ecosystems? Or, do you just want to chill on the beach and catch an epic wave? Once you decide on your vacation vibe, budget, and length of stay, your Fora advisor can recommend the best Costa Rica resorts for your trip.

Although the country is at its lushest during the rainy season, the dry season is the best for Costa Rica travel. That being said, January through April are the best months for a Costa Rica vacation. During the dry season, you’ll get the best of what the country has to offer – verdant green rainforests, sun drenched beaches, large waves for surfing, and the perfect conditions for any Costa Rica adventure.

Your Fora advisor can alert you to specific entry and exit requirements for Costa Rica travel, and you can check out official government websites for more information. Some of the requirements for entry include a passport valid for the duration of your stay and a return ticket or proof of onward travel to another country.