Destination guideCosta Rica
FROMLON
ABOUT 12 HRS ✈️
TOSJO

Holidays in Costa Rica

Sloths, volcanoes, zip lines through the rainforest and two coasts of beaches. Here's what Costa Rica is like with the family, when to go and how long to stay.

BEST FOR🥾 Nature & hiking, 🧗 Adventure, 🏖️ Beach
NIGHTS AWAY12 to 14
BUDGET££
BEST MONTHSDec–Apr
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Costa Rica at a glance

FLIGHT FROM LONDON
ABOUT 12 HRS
TIME DIFFERENCE
6 TO 7 HRS BEHIND THE UK
CURRENCY
COSTA RICAN COLÓN (₡)
ENTRY
NO VISA FOR UK PASSPORTS
PLUGS
TYPE A / B · 120V

US dollars are widely taken. Check entry rules on GOV.UK before you book.

When to go

  1. JANDry, best time to go
  2. FEBDry, best time to go
  3. MARDry, best time to go
  4. APRDry, hot, best time to go
  5. MAYGreen season, a good time to go
  6. JUNGreen season, a good time to go
  7. JULDrier spell, a good time to go
  8. AUGGreen season, a good time to go
  9. SEPWettest, quieter
  10. OCTWettest, quieter
  11. NOVDrying out, a good time to go
  12. DECDry, busy, best time to go

December to April is the dry season and the most popular time. May to November is the green season, with afternoon rain, lush forests and lower prices. July often has a drier spell, and turtles nest on the Caribbean coast from July to October.

Things to do with the family

TICKETED

Arenal Volcano

A perfect cone volcano with hot springs, hanging bridges and waterfalls nearby.

TICKETED

Monteverde cloud forest

Walk the hanging bridges through the treetops and look for quetzals.

TICKETED

Manuel Antonio

Sloths, monkeys and a beach in one small national park. Book ahead.

TICKETED

Zip lining

Fly over the forest canopy. Most companies take children from about five.

DAY TRIP

Tortuguero

Canals in the jungle and turtle nesting beaches on the Caribbean coast.

TICKETED

Night walk

A guide with a torch finds frogs, tarantulas and sleeping birds.

Costa Rica: common questions

Is Costa Rica good for a family holiday?

Yes. It's safe, friendly and made for nature-loving children. Expect a lot of time on the road between areas, so don't try to see everything.

How many nights do you need?

Twelve to fourteen nights covers two or three areas, such as Arenal, Monteverde and a beach.

Do UK families need a visa?

No, British passport holders can visit for a holiday without a visa. Your passport must be valid for your whole stay. Check GOV.UK for the current rules.

How do you get there?

British Airways flies direct from Gatwick to San José. Most other routes stop in the US.

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