Things to do in Costa Rica
4 destinations in Costa Rica, when to visit each, and what a trip actually costs.
Places to visit in Costa Rica
- Things to do in Jaco beach, adventure, relax
- Things to do in La Fortuna nature, adventure, relax
- Things to do in San Jose nature, adventure, city
- Things to do in Tamarindo beach, adventure, relax
Best time to visit Costa Rica
When flights to each destination are cheapest.
- Jaco
- The cheapest flights to SJO fall in May, June, and late September through early November (green/rainy season), when fares can run 25-40% below December-January peak. Flying mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) saves an additional 10-15% versus weekend departures.
- La Fortuna
- Flying into SJO is cheapest during the green (rainy) season shoulder months of May, June, and late October-November, with fares running 20-35% below December-January peak; Tuesday and Wednesday departures consistently yield the lowest prices year-round.
- San Jose
- Flying to San Jose in January through early March or in September offers the lowest fares, often 25-40% cheaper than summer peak travel in June and July. Mid-week departures (Tuesday/Wednesday) on Southwest or Alaska can shave an additional $40-80 off round-trip prices compared to Friday or Sunday flights.
- Tamarindo
- Flying into Liberia (LIR) during the green/rainy season shoulder months of May and early June or late October to early November can save 25-40% versus peak dry-season fares (December-April). Midweek departures on Tuesday or Wednesday consistently undercut weekend pricing by another 10-15%.
Is Costa Rica expensive?
It depends on the city and how you travel. Open any destination below and set your dates, budget and home airport to get an estimated total for flights, stays and day-to-day spending, rather than a generic average.
Free things to do in Costa Rica
- Jaco: Sunset Walk on Jaco Beach The wide beach is public, uncrowded at dusk, and the sunsets over the Pacific are spectacular.
- La Fortuna: Stroll La Fortuna Town Square Watch locals, visit the church, and soak up the laid-back Tico atmosphere at no cost.
- San Jose: Guadalupe River Trail A scenic urban trail running through downtown, perfect for jogging, cycling, or a peaceful riverside walk
- Tamarindo: Sunrise walk on Tamarindo Beach The wide beach is completely free to walk, swim, and watch surfers at dawn when it's uncrowded and magical.