Before You Go
- Confirm passport validity and entry requirements.
- Check whether a tourist visa is required.
- Keep digital copies of important documents.
- Consider purchasing travel insurance.
San José
Costa Rican Colón (CRC)
Spanish
Dec–Apr
CST (UTC−6)
Welcome to Costa Rica, a Central American paradise where lush rainforests, active volcanoes, and stunning coastlines come together in remarkable harmony. The country's commitment to conservation has made it a global leader in biodiversity, protecting sloths, toucans, and countless other species within its national parks. Arenal Volcano rises dramatically over hot springs and cloud forest, a favorite destination for adventure and relaxation alike. Costa Rica's Pacific and Caribbean coasts offer world-class surfing, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life just off the shore. Monteverde's cloud forest invites visitors to walk among the mist on hanging bridges high above the canopy. The philosophy of "pura vida," or pure life, permeates daily life, reflecting a culture centered on happiness and simplicity. Wildlife encounters here feel remarkably close, from sea turtles nesting on beaches to monkeys swinging through treetops. Costa Rica invites travelers to experience unmatched natural beauty paired with genuine, easygoing warmth.
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Helpful information to consider before and during your visit.
Discover some of Costa Rica's most popular flavors, traditional dishes and memorable local treats during your visit.
Gallo Pinto is a signature Costa Rica specialty known for its distinctive local ingredients, seasoning and traditional preparation.
This popular Costa Rica dish brings together familiar regional flavors and is commonly enjoyed in homes, markets or local restaurants.
A well-loved part of Costa Rica cuisine, Olla de Carne reflects the country's culinary traditions and locally available ingredients.
Chifrijo is a comforting regional favorite, prepared in styles that may vary between families, cities and different parts of Costa Rica.
Visitors often seek out Tamales for an authentic taste of Costa Rica's everyday cooking and food culture.
This traditional favorite highlights the bold, savory or gently spiced flavors associated with cooking in Costa Rica.
Patacones is widely recognized in Costa Rica and is often served at casual meals, celebrations or community gatherings.
A memorable choice for travelers, Arroz con Leche offers a flavorful introduction to the ingredients and techniques used across Costa Rica.
This classic food is an important part of Costa Rica's culinary identity and is best sampled freshly prepared.
Costa Rica occupies less than one-tenth of one percent of Earth’s land surface, yet it contains an estimated 5% of the planet’s known biodiversity. Its varied terrain includes rainforests, cloud forests, volcanoes, dry tropical forests, mangroves, and coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. More than a quarter of the country is protected through national parks, reserves, and wildlife refuges, helping preserve sloths, monkeys, jaguars, tapirs, toucans, and thousands of plant species.
In 1948, Costa Rica abolished its standing army and redirected resources toward education, healthcare, and public services. The decision is commemorated each year and remains a central part of the national identity. The country also generates most of its electricity from renewable sources, particularly hydropower, wind, geothermal energy, and solar power. Several active volcanoes contribute to its geothermal potential and create mineral-rich soils that support coffee plantations.
Costa Ricans often use the phrase pura vida, literally “pure life,” as a greeting, farewell, expression of gratitude, or way of describing a relaxed and optimistic outlook. The country is one of the world’s most important nesting areas for sea turtles, including massive gatherings of olive ridley turtles called arribadas. Costa Rica also has tiny hummingbirds, brilliant poison dart frogs, and quetzals whose shimmering green feathers were treasured by ancient Mesoamerican cultures.
Another little-known fact is that Albanians have a unique cultural tradition called "Besa," meaning "to keep one's promise." This centuries-old code of honor became internationally recognized during World War II when Albania was one of the few European countries where the Jewish population actually increased because local families risked their lives to shelter refugees. Albania also boasts the stunning Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), a natural spring with crystal-clear turquoise water whose exact depth remains unknown despite multiple explorations.
Finally, Albania enjoys more than 300 sunny days each year, rivaling many Mediterranean destinations. The country is also famous for its "sworn virgins"—a centuries-old tradition in remote mountain villages where women could legally assume male social roles by taking a lifelong vow of celibacy, preserving family inheritance and leadership in the absence of male heirs.
