Costa Rica Planning & Tips

Getting There and Around
Costa Rica is easy to reach. Many people start their trips in San Jose by flying into the city's Juan Santamaria International Airport. However, if you're more interested in the Pacific beaches and the Guanacaste region, fly into Liberia's Danile Oduber International Airport. If you plan to base yourself in each region and do day-trips, a car is not a necessity, as most tours come with transportation. To explore on your own, you will need to rent a car.

The Art of Smart Timing
Costa Rica has two seasons. The dry season, which runs from November through April, is high season. During the "green" (rainy) season, from May through mid-November, rates are lowest. However, expect rain in the afternoons.

The Guanacaste region, dry and dusty with barren trees in the high season, blooms with flowers and greenery in the wet season. We like to visit this area in early May when the trees pop into green, but the rains may be limited to late afternoon or evening. April is the hottest month in Guanacaste, with temperatures reaching 95 degrees, Fahrenheit.

Off the Beaten Path
Explore the Sarapiqui region's parks and refuges, somewhat off-the-beaten-path, by staying at an eco-lodge like Selva Verde Lodge.

Visitor's Bureau
Check out VisitCostaRica.com, the official tourism office site. 866-COSTARICA.