Costa Rica at a Glance
2021 Costa Rica Travel Updates
When to Plan your Trip
How to Plan your Trip
Must-See Destinations
Best Time to Visit
Travel Considerations
2021 Costa Rica Travel Updates
Can I travel to Costa Rica this year?
Costa Rica is open to American travelers. Visitors do not need a coronavirus test to enter the country but must have proof of travel insurance covering Covid-19 and any extended stay due to related illness.
Zicasso travel specialists can plan a last-minute trip or help you to plan ahead for 2022 so that you can relax, explore, and discover the popular and hidden corners of Costa Rica the way you always imagined.
Related: Why You Should Go to Costa Rica in 2021 | Countries Open to American Travelers
When to Plan your Trip
How far in advance should I plan a Costa Rica vacation?
Costa Rica is open and ready to safely welcome travelers who wish to lounge on the beaches of Guanacaste or explore the biodiversity of the Osa Peninsula. By making your reservations sooner rather than later, you will have your choice of preferred accommodations and the experiences you want to have.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, we advised travelers to Costa Rica to reserve their trip approximately 12 months in advance when traveling during peak season, especially when for top accommodations that can book quickly. The more time you give yourself for planning and reserving your trip, the better chance for having your preferred accommodations, tours, and guides.
Last-minute trip planning is possible, and your Zicasso travel specialist can ensure you have an exceptional experience.
Related: Best Time to Visit - Costa Rica
How to Plan your Trip
How do I plan my trip to Costa Rica?
Costa Rica recently reopened to travelers from the United States and many countries around the world, which makes it easy to book your next trip through Zicasso for travel in 2021 or 2022. Every trip to a new country can inspire plenty of questions or perceived challenges, but the circumstances of traveling after Covid-19 may have changed what was once considered common knowledge.
“Do I have to wear a mask on domestic flights?” “Do I have to wear a mask on the beach?” “Will I be able to walk the rainforest trails?” “How will I travel Arenal to the Cloud Forest?” “Are the beaches open?” “Do I need a negative Covid-19 test before returning home, and how can I get one?” You will work with a travel specialist who can answer these questions and more before you even book your trip. A travel expert can also help handle emergencies that may arise during your trip — from a transportation adjustment to changing an activity due to weather.
Related: How to Plan Your Trip in 3 Easy Steps | How to Plan Your Trip Budget
Must-See Destinations
Must-See Destinations in Costa Rica
Our Costa Rica travel specialists can provide suggestions on the best Costa Rica trip, no matter the length of your trip. Explore a few of our recommendations on Costa Rica's must-visit locations and some of the things you can do on your vacation.
Arenal | Manuel Antonio | Monteverde | Tortuguero | Osa Peninsula | San Jose | Cahuita
- Zipline in Arenal through Costa Rica's fantastic rainforest
- Uncover Arenal National Park's 29,692 acres of protected rainforest along the slopes of the active volcano
- Discover the glassy water of Lake Arenal with a kayaking excursion
- Sample the delicious traditions of chocolate in Costa Rica and learn about chocolate’s historical timeline
- Taste the distinctive flavors of Costa Rican cuisine during a private cooking class and learn about regional delicacies and typical dishes
- Kayak or cruise down the canals of the mangrove forest for exceptional views of wildlife, such as iguanas, spider monkeys, and spectacled caimans
- Search for vibrant monkeys, anteaters, and ocelots when following the rainforest trails of Manuel Antonio National Park
- Delight in white sand and the relaxing ambiance of the celebrated beaches within the borders of Manuel Antonio National Park
- Bask in the bountiful birdlife of the cloud forest and search for the colorful plumage of the resplendent quetzal
- Embrace the stunning views of the cloud forest canopy when following the hanging bridges at approximately 2,400 feet above sea level
- Discover the diverse vegetation when hiking the trails around the cloud forest that are nearly 5,000 feet above sea level to experience a fairytale ambiance
Related: Top 7 Must-See Places in Costa Rica | To Things to Do in Costa Rica
Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit Costa Rica
The best time to visit Costa Rica is the second half of April and the second half of November. During this time of year, Costa Rica experiences its least amount of rain and small crowds across the country. These times act as transition periods between the dry and rainy season to provide visitors with green scenery and no clouds.
The dry season generally starts in mid-November and lasts until mid-April. February and March are popular months to visit Costa Rica because they fall within the borders of the dry season. September and October are also great months to visit Costa Rica because of hotel deals and the diminished crowds.
These months fall in the rainy season. Most often during this time, the mornings are sunny and dry, rain falls for a couple hours in the afternoon, and then the skies are clear again. You should note that September and October are not great months for whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River or for visiting Corcovado National Park. Heavy rain makes the rapids unsafe and floods the trails of the rainforest national park.
Related: Best Time to Visit - Costa Rica
Travel Considerations
What to Consider When Traveling Through Costa Rica
When traveling on a Costa Rica tour, you must always consider travel logistics, accessibility, and safety. The following information covers important travel topics you should consider to ensure that you have a comfortable and stress-free trip.
Is Costa Rica Safe for Travel?
Costa Rica is incredibly safe for travelers. Costa Ricans are renowned for their friendliness and are eager to welcome visitors to their country. As when traveling to any foreign country, it is essential to consider the local culture and pay attention to your belongings when in highly populated areas like San Jose. Your overall safety is never in jeopardy. Your travel specialist only works with experienced and vetted tour companies that provide you with the best quality of service.
When traveling in Costa Rica, there are other considerations you should take to ensure your safety. For instance, when visiting the Atlantic coastline, certain beach areas are known for their crocodile population, and therefore, are not swimming destinations. If traveling during the rainy season, the rapids of particular rivers may be too dangerous to raft, especially during the months of September and October.
Which airports should I be looking at?
For most travelers, the most convenient airport is San Jose followed by Liberia. The busiest international airports in Costa Rica are:
- San Jose (SJO)
- Liberia (LIR)
- Limon (LIO)
Can Zicasso help me with flights?
Zicasso Flights is an international air ticketing service that eliminates the stress of finding and booking the right flights for your upcoming vacation by employing the same personalized service you can expect from planning a trip with Zicasso. Our competitive flight pricing, 24x7 service and support, and complimentary consultation of routing versus pricing with an expert flight specialist make finding the perfect flight for your trip effortless.
Does Zicasso assist with travel insurance?
You’ve booked your dream vacation, now protect it with travel insurance. A wide range of factors can leave your vacation in limbo. Medical emergencies, inclement weather, and unexpected cancellations can cause turmoil for your trip, so in the unlikely event of a disaster, get the travel insurance coverage that provides peace of mind. To get a quote, visit our travel insurance page.






