Best: December–April (dry season). Avoid September–October (heaviest rain). Fly into SJO (San José). Rent a 4x4 SUV for serious exploration. Most travelers do 7–10 days, hitting Arenal + Manuel Antonio + a beach.
At a Glance
| Country | Costa Rica |
|---|---|
| Main airport | SJO |
| Currency | Costa Rican Colón (CRC) / USD accepted |
| Language | Spanish (English widely spoken in tourism) |
| Best time to visit | December–April (dry season) |
| Visa for US citizens | US citizens enter visa-free for 90 days. Proof of onward travel sometimes requested. |
Top Things to Do in Costa Rica (Manuel Antonio + Arenal)
- Arenal Volcano + hot springs (Tabacón, Baldi)
- Monteverde cloud forest + ziplining
- Manuel Antonio National Park (beach + wildlife)
- Tamarindo or Santa Teresa beach week
- Rio Celeste waterfall
- Surf at Playa Hermosa or Witches Rock
- Sloth sanctuary in Cahuita
- Whitewater rafting on Rio Pacuare
- Coffee farm tour near Poás Volcano
- Tortuguero turtle nesting (July–October)
Best Neighborhoods to Stay In
- Arenal/La Fortuna — volcano + hot springs
- Monteverde — cloud forest
- Manuel Antonio — beach + national park
- Tamarindo — beach town, expat-friendly
- Santa Teresa — surfer haven
- Puerto Viejo — Caribbean coast, reggae vibe
Our recommendation: La Fortuna (volcano), Manuel Antonio (beach + wildlife), Tamarindo (developed beach), Santa Teresa (surfer/yoga).
What to Eat
- Gallo pinto (rice and beans breakfast)
- Casado (rice + beans + meat + plantain + salad)
- Ceviche
- Patacones (fried green plantains)
- Olla de carne (beef stew)
- Tres leches cake
- Coffee (try Britt, Café Rey)
How to Get Around
Rent a 4x4 SUV — many roads are dirt/gravel. Shuttles connect tourist towns. Avoid driving at night. Internal flights via Sansa/Nature Air save hours.
How to Get There from the USA
The main airport is SJO. Direct US flights are available from major gateways including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, and others depending on the season.
👉 See our Miami flight page or Miami To Cancún route page for typical pricing.
👉 Call +1 (833) 546-3547 for live agent quotes and bundle with hotels.
Visa & Entry Requirements (US Citizens)
US citizens enter visa-free for 90 days. Proof of onward travel sometimes requested.
Always verify current requirements at the U.S. State Department travel advisory page before booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best time of year to visit Costa Rica (Manuel Antonio + Arenal)?
December–April (dry season).
Do US citizens need a visa for Costa Rica?
US citizens enter visa-free for 90 days. Proof of onward travel sometimes requested.
Where should I stay in Costa Rica (Manuel Antonio + Arenal)?
La Fortuna (volcano), Manuel Antonio (beach + wildlife), Tamarindo (developed beach), Santa Teresa (surfer/yoga).
How do I book cheap flights to Costa Rica (Manuel Antonio + Arenal)?
Call +1 (833) 546-3547 24/7. Our US-based agents quote live fares to SJO including unpublished consolidator rates not on public OTAs.
Can you bundle the flight with a hotel?
Yes — we are a full-service travel agency. View our hotel booking page.