"David crafted a once-in-a-lifetime safari for us. Every detail, from the lodges to the guides, was flawless."
Emma & James Wilson
From Australia · Travelled to Kenya
September 2024
Best Time to Travel: Dry Season (mid-December–April)
Tailor-made Costa Rica Tours 2026, 2027 & 2028
Costa Rica is a global exception in conservation, holding 5% of the world’s biodiversity within a landmass smaller than Lake Michigan. It is the only country in the region to have abolished its military in 1948 and redirected those funds into a national healthcare system and the protection of over 25% of its territory. Travel here is defined by Pura Vida, a philosophy of well-being supported by high safety standards and a power grid that runs on 99% renewable energy.
Costa Rica
Why Travel to Costa Rica?
Monteverde Forest Trails
The Monteverde Cloud Forest is a high-altitude sanctuary where consistent 100% humidity supports over 3,400 plant species. Six hanging bridges span the 30-metre-high canopy, providing sightings of the resplendent quetzal and the three-wattled bellbird. The reserve protects 10,000 hectares of primary forest, where strangler figs and 500 species of orchids thrive in a permanent mist.
Arenal Volcano National Park
Centered on a 1,670-metre stratovolcano, the park features trails through 1968 lava flows and regenerated rainforest. The volcanic activity fuels geothermal rivers and hot springs with temperatures ranging from 35°C to 41°C. Hikers can observe basaltic rock formations alongside specialised wildlife like white-nosed coatis, great curassows, and colonies of leaf-cutter ants.
Corcovado National Park
Located on the Osa Peninsula, Corcovado protects the last large-scale Pacific lowland rainforest in Central America. It is home to all four of Costa Rica’s monkey species and the endangered Baird’s tapir. Access is restricted to guided groups entering via the Sirena Ranger Station, reachable by boat from Drake Bay or light aircraft, ensuring the preservation of its apex predators, including jaguars and bull sharks.
Costa Rica at a Glance
- Capital
San José
- Population
5.1 million
- People
Mestizos, Mulattos, Indigenes (Bribri, Cabécar, Maleku, Chorotega, Huetar, Ngäbe, Boruca, Teribe), Afro-Costa Ricans
- Religions
Catholicism, Protestantism, Buddhism
- Languages
Spanish, Mekatelyu, Bribri, Patois
- Currency
Costa Rican colón (CRC)
- Phone Code
+506
- Time Zone
UTC−6
- Power Plug
Types A & B
- Peak Season
Dry season (mid-December–April)
- Dishes
Gallo pinto (rice and beans with eggs), casado (plate with rice, beans, plantains, and meat), ceviche, olla de carne (beef stew with vegetables)
- Neighbours
Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south, Caribbean Sea to the east, Pacific Ocean to the west
- E-sim
Get a Costa Rica e-sim from Airalo or Holafly, or locally from Kolbi, Claro, or Liberty shops in airports or cities.
- Visa
Costa Rica tourist visa information is available on the Costa Rica Embassy. Contact us for visa assistance.
Costa Rica Tour Packages
Prefer something entirely bespoke? Design a private Costa Rica journey.
What makes us different from the rest
Compare how Forward Travel stacks up against traditional travel agents and large tour operators.
| Feature | Forward Travel | Travel Agents | Tour Operators |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personalised itineraries built around your interests | |||
| Direct access to a dedicated travel expert (David) | |||
| Handpicked local guides in every destination | |||
| Flexible dates, pace, and on-trip adjustments | |||
| Transparent, ethical pricing with no hidden margins | |||
| 24/7 in-destination support | |||
| Exclusive small-group experiences (max 15) | |||
| Responsible travel & community give-back |
Costa Rica Travel Guide
Stories from the road
Traveller Testimonials
Real journeys, real words — hear from explorers who've travelled the world with Forward Travel.
"Our Patagonia trek exceeded every expectation. Forward Travel's local connections opened doors we never imagined."
Marcus Chen
From Singapore · Travelled to Argentina
March 2024
"The cultural immersion in Japan was extraordinary. We felt like welcomed guests, not tourists."
Priya Sharma
From United Kingdom · Travelled to Japan
April 2024
"From the Galápagos to Machu Picchu, every moment was thoughtfully curated. Truly bespoke luxury travel."
Sophie Laurent
From France · Travelled to Peru & Ecuador
November 2023
"Our family Antarctic expedition was the trip of a lifetime. David's expertise made all the difference."
The Patel Family
From Canada · Travelled to Antarctica
January 2024
"Morocco came alive through Forward Travel's guides. Every souk, riad, and dune was magical."
Olivia Bennett
From United States · Travelled to Morocco
October 2024
"The Bhutan itinerary was spiritual and breathtaking. We returned transformed and grateful."
Hiroshi Tanaka
From Japan · Travelled to Bhutan
May 2024
"An Iceland adventure beyond compare — glaciers, waterfalls, and northern lights, all seamlessly arranged."
Lukas Müller
From Germany · Travelled to Iceland
February 2024
"David crafted a once-in-a-lifetime safari for us. Every detail, from the lodges to the guides, was flawless."
Emma & James Wilson
From Australia · Travelled to Kenya
September 2024
"Our Patagonia trek exceeded every expectation. Forward Travel's local connections opened doors we never imagined."
Marcus Chen
From Singapore · Travelled to Argentina
March 2024
"The cultural immersion in Japan was extraordinary. We felt like welcomed guests, not tourists."
Priya Sharma
From United Kingdom · Travelled to Japan
April 2024
"From the Galápagos to Machu Picchu, every moment was thoughtfully curated. Truly bespoke luxury travel."
Sophie Laurent
From France · Travelled to Peru & Ecuador
November 2023
"Our family Antarctic expedition was the trip of a lifetime. David's expertise made all the difference."
The Patel Family
From Canada · Travelled to Antarctica
January 2024
"Morocco came alive through Forward Travel's guides. Every souk, riad, and dune was magical."
Olivia Bennett
From United States · Travelled to Morocco
October 2024
"The Bhutan itinerary was spiritual and breathtaking. We returned transformed and grateful."
Hiroshi Tanaka
From Japan · Travelled to Bhutan
May 2024
"An Iceland adventure beyond compare — glaciers, waterfalls, and northern lights, all seamlessly arranged."
Lukas Müller
From Germany · Travelled to Iceland
February 2024
Tailor-made journeys
Want to See Costa Rica on Your Own Terms?
Let's bring your dreams to reality. Whether you know exactly what you want or need inspiration, we'll design a journey as unique as you are.
Our Destinations in Central America
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