What Our Members Think

Costa Rica is celebrated as a beautiful and welcoming destination, inspiring many to return. It's renowned for its spectacular nature, tropical feel, and diverse landscapes, including mountains and volcanoes. The country is consistently described as very friendly, offering a wonderful blend of culture, nature, and a good sense of security. It's also recognized for being gay-friendly, providing excellent opportunities for Spanish language learning, and boasting a great winter climate.

Travelers particularly appreciate Costa Rica for its unique ecotourism experiences and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities.

Common Highlights

• Spectacular natural beauty, including Rio Celeste, numerous waterfalls, and volcanoes like Poas and Arenal.
• Opportunities for unique wildlife encounters, such as sloth viewing and night hikes to spot tarantulas.
• Beautiful beaches like Playa Santa Teresa (great for surfing) and Tamarindo Beach.
• Relaxing and adventurous hot springs, particularly in the La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano area.
• Engaging ecotourism experiences throughout the country.
• Bioluminescent kayaking in the ocean.

Good to Know

• Drive times can be significantly longer than anticipated due to mountainous terrain, winding roads, and varying road conditions.
• While not a budget destination, five-star accommodations, cocktails, and food can be more affordable compared to prices in the United States.
• The country can experience high tourist crowds, especially during peak seasons.
• The Spanish spoken in Costa Rica is noted for its clarity, though pronunciation differs from Castilian Spanish.
• To fully explore the diverse regions and attractions, a significant amount of time, potentially a month, is often recommended.