Costa Rica Tours

Our Trips
Highlights
Articles
Accommodation
Travel Guide
F.A.Q

Swap concrete jungle for the real-life jungle with Travel Talk Tours as you discover Central America's trendiest travel destination - Costa Rica! Get set to zipline, cruise, hike, snorkel, and swim as you uncover the beauty of Costa Rica's rainforests, volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, hot springs, and idyllic beaches. Travel from the charming capital San Jose to fascinating volcanoes hidden by lush rainforests, and get a taste of true adventure. Stay in the comfort of 5 & 4-star accommodation without missing out on an authentic taste of Central America. Costa Rica is a true eco-traveler's dream - Are you ready?

SHOW MAPS

Show Maps

Costa Rica Accommodation

Please find below the 5 & 4 Star hotels and Superior Lodges used on our Costa Rica trips. All accommodation is carefully hand-selected to satisfy our standards in terms of quality, authenticity and location for you to enjoy a comfortable and unforgettable holiday.

PARK INN HOTEL BY RADISSON

San Jose

5 Star

The Hotel is not far from San Jose's main avenue, close to downtown. The hotel features a restaurant bar,a gym, and an outdoor pool.

PACHIRA LODGE

Tortuguero

4 Star

Located only a 5-minute boat trip from the entrance to the lush Tortuguero National Par, Pachira Lodge is one of the most reputable lodges in Tortuguero.

ARA AMBIGUA LODGE

Sarapiqui

LODGE

Offering its guests an outdoor pool and an à la carte restaurant, Ara Ambigua Lodge is located in La Guaría, Costa Rica. offers entertainments such a billard, hiking.

MONTAÑA DE FUEGO MOUNTAIN RESORT & SPA

Arenal

4 Star

Offers spectacular views of volcanic landscapes, features an outdoor pool, spa, beautiful garden surroundings,

POCO A POCO HOTEL

Monteverde

4 Star

Offering a picturesque setting, Hotel & Spa Poco a Poco is located in Monteverde, It features a spa, a covered heated pool and charming rooms with garden views.

HACIENDA GUACHIPELIN VOLCANO RANCH HOTEL

Rincon De La Vieja

Star

This hotel offers lovely views of the surrounding dry tropical forests and the volcano of Rincon de la Vieja.

SHANA HOTEL

Manuel Antonio

4 Star

Tucked in on the edge of the rainforest, and overlooking the expanse of the Pacific Ocean, Shana Hotel is the ideal hotel boutique escape in Manuel Antonio.

Costa Rica Sights Map

Best Time To Visit:
Travel Advice:
Visas:
Culture:
Eating and drinking:
Shopping:
Festivals and events:

Located in the Caribbean & Pacific, travellers can expect balmy, tropical temperatures all year round in Costa Rica. The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season between December and April. This peak tourist season boasts plenty of sunshine and daytime temperatures of 25-30°C, making it the ideal time to explore lush rainforests and lounge on the beaches. The months of September and October see Costa Rica's heaviest rainfall.

We closely monitor the latest travel updates to Costa Rica and follow the advice of the UK Foreign Office. For the latest travel advice from UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), please click here.

Most travellers, including passport holders from British, Australian, New Zealand, United States of America and Canadian, do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days as a tourist. Please visit your national Government's Official Foreign Travel Advice website for further information on entry requirements to Costa Rica. This information is provided as a guidance only. Travel Talk strongly advises to consult your travel agent or national embassy before travelling, as visa information can change at any time with little notice. It is your responsibility to prepare all necessary visa documents before travelling.

Costa Rica is a cultural melting pot, heavily influenced by the Spanish settlement with a splash of immigrant cultures including Jamaican and Chinese. The official language is Spanish, and the population is remarkably friendly with no one considered an outsider here! Fiestas and Topes (horse shows) are a major component of the country’s culture, explaining the vivacity of its people.

There are a huge variety of delicious, must-try dishes worth trying when visiting Costa Rica. Family-owned and operated small restaurants, called Sodas, are where you're most likely to find some of the best varieties of traditional Costa Rican cuisine. Three dishes you must try in Costa Rica include Casado (a plate of meat, rice, salad, friend sweet plantains and beans), Gallo Pinto (rice and bean dish) and the fiesta favourite - Chicharrons (friend pork rinds). Meal prices in Costa Rica are generally more expensive than neighbouring countries, but good news - you can drink tap water in most developed towns and cities.

Shopping for souvenirs is most affordable in places like local markets, where you can buy artisan goods straight from the craftsmen to support local communities and their families. Haggling for prices is also acceptable in these marketplaces. If you are looking for the perfect gift to buy while in Costa Rica, Coffee from this region is considered some of the best in the world!

Costa Ricans truly know how to party, with small festivals taking place all over the country throughout the year! If you're lucky, you might get the chance to see the full culture, music, traditions and colours of the country during a visit;

Fiestas of Palmares: The first festival of the year, taking place the first 2 weeks every year, to start the year with joy and good energy.

Fiestas Zapote: During January, the fiercest bulls from all over the country descend on the city's capital to compete in the biggest rodeo of the year.

Fiesta of the Diablitos: Meaning Festival of the Little Devils, this festival takes place in December and the second half of February in two indigenous communities known as Boruca and Rey Cuure. People who attend the festival don masks and wear costumers representing ancestral spirits and locals pay homage to their ancestors to celebrate victory over Spanish troops.

Carnival / Dia de la Raza: The 12-day festivities are to commemorate Christophe Colomb’s arrival to the Caribbean coast. You will need to make your way to Limon on the Caribbean coast the second week of October to join the experience.

Do I need a visa to enter Costa Rica?

Citizens from the following countries or regions do not need an entry visa to Costa Rica and can stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days; United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, The Netherlands, Italy, Singapore, Spain, Sweden. Please note that, it is the responsibility of the individual’s to check the visa regulations before travel, as entry requirements can change at any time. Please check with your embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa fees and other requirements.

Can I use my mobile while in Costa Rica?

If you have an unlocked phone, you can purchase a prepaid SIM card at the airport, you must have enabled global roaming before leaving your home country. Mobile / cell phone reception is generally very good.

What is the internet access like in Costa Rica?

Wi-fi is available throughout Costa Rica. In many places, including inside Costa Rica's two international airports and those surrounding the central parks of some cities.

How much does it cost for a…?

Colon is the currency of Costa Rica. Lunch in a cafe costs around 5 - 7 USD Coffee 1,5 - 2 USD Water 1 USD per liter Pizza 7 - 10 USD

What is the weather like in Costa Rica all year round?

Costa Rica has a mainly tropical climate, with year-round warm to hot temperatures, part of the Pacific Coast is equatorial, with rainfall throughout the year. Costa Rica enjoys a tropical climate year-round with an average high of 27°C (81°F) and an average low of 18°C (64°F).

What is ATM access like in Costa Rica?

ATMs are an easy way to withdraw cash in Costa Rica, you can find these machines almost everywhere in central areas and less commonly in rural and remote areas.

Can I drink tap water in Costa Rica?

It is generally considered safe to drink tap water in Costa Rica, except in the most rural and undeveloped areas of the country. However, if you prefer to be mindful, it's best to buy bottled water. If you have the opportunity, the most effective way to purify the water is to boil.

Is tipping required in Costa Rica?

Tipping is not mandatory in Costa Rica, but restaurants add a 10 percent gratuity service charge to the final bill. This is considered a sufficient amount for a tip when dining out.

What are the public holidays in Costa Rica?

January 1, New Year's Day March or April Holy Thursday March or April Good Friday April 11, Juan Santamaria Day May1, Labour Day July25, Guanacaste Day August 2, Virgin of Los Angeles Day Septemeber 15, Independence Day October 12, National Cultures Day December 1, Army Abolition Day December 25, Christmas

TRAVEL GUIDE

Best Time To Visit:

Travel Advice:

Visas:

Culture:

Eating and drinking:

Shopping:

Festivals and events:

TRAVEL GUIDE

Best Time To Visit:

Located in the Caribbean & Pacific, travellers can expect balmy, tropical temperatures all year round in Costa Rica. The best time to visit Costa Rica is during the dry season between December and April. This peak tourist season boasts plenty of sunshine and daytime temperatures of 25-30°C, making it the ideal time to explore lush rainforests and lounge on the beaches. The months of September and October see Costa Rica's heaviest rainfall.

TRAVEL GUIDE

Travel Advice:

We closely monitor the latest travel updates to Costa Rica and follow the advice of the UK Foreign Office. For the latest travel advice from UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO), please click here.

TRAVEL GUIDE

Visas:

Most travellers, including passport holders from British, Australian, New Zealand, United States of America and Canadian, do not need a visa for stays up to 90 days as a tourist. Please visit your national Government's Official Foreign Travel Advice website for further information on entry requirements to Costa Rica. This information is provided as a guidance only. Travel Talk strongly advises to consult your travel agent or national embassy before travelling, as visa information can change at any time with little notice. It is your responsibility to prepare all necessary visa documents before travelling.

TRAVEL GUIDE

Culture:

Costa Rica is a cultural melting pot, heavily influenced by the Spanish settlement with a splash of immigrant cultures including Jamaican and Chinese. The official language is Spanish, and the population is remarkably friendly with no one considered an outsider here! Fiestas and Topes (horse shows) are a major component of the country’s culture, explaining the vivacity of its people.

TRAVEL GUIDE

Eating and drinking:

There are a huge variety of delicious, must-try dishes worth trying when visiting Costa Rica. Family-owned and operated small restaurants, called Sodas, are where you're most likely to find some of the best varieties of traditional Costa Rican cuisine. Three dishes you must try in Costa Rica include Casado (a plate of meat, rice, salad, friend sweet plantains and beans), Gallo Pinto (rice and bean dish) and the fiesta favourite - Chicharrons (friend pork rinds). Meal prices in Costa Rica are generally more expensive than neighbouring countries, but good news - you can drink tap water in most developed towns and cities.

TRAVEL GUIDE

Shopping:

Shopping for souvenirs is most affordable in places like local markets, where you can buy artisan goods straight from the craftsmen to support local communities and their families. Haggling for prices is also acceptable in these marketplaces. If you are looking for the perfect gift to buy while in Costa Rica, Coffee from this region is considered some of the best in the world!

TRAVEL GUIDE

Festivals and events:

Costa Ricans truly know how to party, with small festivals taking place all over the country throughout the year! If you're lucky, you might get the chance to see the full culture, music, traditions and colours of the country during a visit;

Fiestas of Palmares: The first festival of the year, taking place the first 2 weeks every year, to start the year with joy and good energy.

Fiestas Zapote: During January, the fiercest bulls from all over the country descend on the city's capital to compete in the biggest rodeo of the year.

Fiesta of the Diablitos: Meaning Festival of the Little Devils, this festival takes place in December and the second half of February in two indigenous communities known as Boruca and Rey Cuure. People who attend the festival don masks and wear costumers representing ancestral spirits and locals pay homage to their ancestors to celebrate victory over Spanish troops.

Carnival / Dia de la Raza: The 12-day festivities are to commemorate Christophe Colomb’s arrival to the Caribbean coast. You will need to make your way to Limon on the Caribbean coast the second week of October to join the experience.

REVIEWS

HIGHLIGHTS

San Jose

San José is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, and the capital of the province of the same name. It is in the centre of the country, in the mid-west of the Central Valley

HIGHLIGHTS

Sarapiqui

Sarapiqui is a unique town and river area in the Heredia Province of Costa Rica, close to Puerto Viejo. The incredible adventure you can find in Sarapiqui is unbeatable.

HIGHLIGHTS

Tortuguero National Park

The high rainfall, and rich environment where the freshwater meets the sea makes the beaches, canals, lagoons and wetlands of Tortuguero areas for nature lovers.

HIGHLIGHTS

La Fortuna de San Carlos

La Fortuna is a small town in Costa Rica, northwest of the capital, San José. It’s known as a gateway to Arenal Volcano National Park, comprising 2 volcanoes.

HIGHLIGHTS

Arenal Volcano

An active andesitic stratovolcano in north-western Costa Rica around 90 km northwest of San José, in the province of Alajuela, canton of San Carlos, and district of La Fortuna.

HIGHLIGHTS

Monteverde

A magical place in the province of Punaternas is located 1,600 meters above sea level. The elevation adds a mystical feel to this place as it creates the mistery

HIGHLIGHTS

Rincón de la Vieja

Rincón de la Vieja is an active andesitic complex volcano in north-western Costa Rica, about 23 km from Liberia, in the province of Guanacaste.

HIGHLIGHTS

Manuel Antonio

A small Oceanside village with plenty of great places to stay tucked into nature. Famous for its national park, this tiny yet bustling town is located off Costa Rica's Pacific coast

ACCOMMODATIONS

ACCOMMODATION

San Jose