Why visit
Costa Rica is biodiversity concentrated. Manuel Antonio's beach-jungle, Arenal volcano and hot springs, Monteverde cloud forest, and Pacific surf coasts. In a country you can cross in five hours.
Country - North America
Costa Rica
natureadventurebeach
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Costa Rica works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use San José as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Costa Rica.
At a glance
Location
10.0°, -84.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
51,100 km²
19,730 mi²
Country population
5.2 million
101/km²
Subregion
Central America
Currency
Costa Rican colón (₡)
CRC
Dial
+506
Language
Spanish
Demonym
Costa Rican
Internet
.cr
UN
Member state
ISO code
CR / CRI
Where in the world
10.0° - -84.0°
Costa Rica
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948: one of a handful of countries with no standing military.
- The country is 0.03% of the world's land but contains ~5% of its biodiversity.
- Costa Ricans call themselves "Ticos": from their habit of using -ico diminutives.
- 25% of Costa Rica's land is protected national park or reserve.
Bordering Costa Rica
Traveler notes
- Visa-free for most Western passports for 90 days
- Pura vida is a real mindset; travel slow
- San José is the gateway; quickly head out to nature
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital San José, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Verify swim safety, ocean conditions, and water-quality reports by month.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Costa Rica
What is the capital of Costa Rica?
San José is the capital of Costa Rica.
What currency does Costa Rica use?
Costa Rica uses the Costa Rican colón (₡), ISO code CRC.
What languages are spoken in Costa Rica?
The primary language is Spanish.
Is Costa Rica landlocked?
No, Costa Rica has a coastline.
What countries border Costa Rica?
Costa Rica borders Nicaragua, Panama.
What is the international calling code for Costa Rica?
The calling code is +506.
When is the best time to visit Costa Rica?
Dec–Apr. Check current weather and local events before booking.
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