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Green, adventure and wildlife

Round trip Costa Rica

Costa Rica is the classic travel destination for every nature lover. For years a forerunner in sustainable tourism and with the life motto 'Pura Vida', it is hard not to fall in love with this country and its people. A tour to Costa Rica with Avila Reizen will take you past tropical rainforests, wetlands, mangroves, volcanoes, mountains, cloud forests and beautiful beaches.

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Discover the highlights of Costa Rica

Travelling around Costa Rica is easy, enjoyable and a fantastic adventure. The best-known nature reserves are Corcovado and Manuel Antonio, whose biodiversity per square kilometre is matched only in the Amazon, and Tortuguero, one of the Western Hemisphere's most important nesting sites for sea turtles. The many birds, butterflies and orchids in Monteverde 's fairytale forests make it a favourite among hikers and birdwatchers. Even the legendary Quetzal bird lives here in its natural habitat. Whales migrating right along the coast, the ease with which animals can be spotted (even in the garden of your charming boutique lodge) and the friendliness of the Ticos (natives of Costa Rica) themselves all contribute to a wonderful holiday.

Sample trips from Costa Rica

Well-groomed travel through Costa Rica

Your tour of Costa Rica will be taken care of by us down to the smallest details. Travelling through Costa Rica with Avila means staying in atmospheric and small-scale accommodations, travelling at a leisurely pace, experiencing the highlights in a unique way and exploring undiscovered gems, away from the crowds. Costa Rica is ideally suited for stunning treks through lush rainforests, adventurous drives along volcanoes and coastlines, and exploring secluded beaches and enchanting national parks.

Country information on Costa Rica
Best travel time Costa Rica
Sightseeing in Costa Rica
Frequently asked questions Costa Rica

Nature treasure in the heart of Central America
Located between the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean, Costa Rica offers an impressive diversity of landscapes: from lush rainforests and active volcanoes to idyllic beaches and mangrove forests. Well-known natural highlights include Tortuguero National Park and the Arenal volcano with its hot springs.

Costa Rica: nature and adventure
The region is known for its pristine nature and adventure opportunities, with cloud forests such as Monteverde, vast coffee plantations, and tropical flora and fauna including sloths, colourful birds and turtles. Charming coastal towns like Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast and Manuel Antonio on the Pacific coast offer a perfect mix of relaxation, nature and culture.

Vibrant cities and culture
Cities such as San Jose, Liberia and Heredia combine modern amenities with rich history, museums and traditional markets. The authentic atmosphere and friendly locals make discovering Costa Rican culture a special experience.

Travelling through Costa Rica
Whether travelling by rental car, private driver or domestic flight, Costa Rica offers a diverse combination of nature, culture and adventure. From hiking through tropical forests and wildlife spotting to relaxing on pearly white beaches, each itinerary reveals unique sights. The country is ideal for active holidays with activities such as ziplining, rafting and surfing, as well as tranquil explorations along atmospheric villages and national parks.

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Avila Travel Costa Rica Manuel Antoni

Costa Rica is a country with diverse climates and seasons, each with its own charm. The best time to travel depends heavily on your interests and the region you wish to visit. Below is an overview by season:

Dry period (December - April): This is the most popular travel time, especially for travellers looking to enjoy sunny beaches and clear days. This period is ideally suited for visiting the Pacific coast and national parks such as Manuel Antonio and Arenal. Keep in mind that prices can be higher and there are more tourists present.

Rainy season (May - November): Also called the green season, when nature is at its lushest. This period is particularly suitable for nature lovers who want to see the rainforest in full bloom and avoid the crowds. September and October in particular can see intense rain, but the mornings are often dry and perfect for excursions. The Caribbean coast has a different rain cycle and is less affected by this.

Transitional seasons (November and May): These months are an excellent compromise, with less rainfall than in the rainy season and at the same time plenty of sunshine. This is an ideal period to visit various regions without the crowds and price hikes of the dry season.

Note that Costa Rica has microclimates due to differences in altitude and geographical location. For instance, it can be cool in mountainous areas, while it remains tropically warm on the coast. For an optimal travel experience, it is advisable to match your travel period to your preferred regions and activities.

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Costa Rica is a country of extraordinary diversity, where impressive nature, vibrant cities and rich culture come together within a short distance. From vast national parks to tropical beaches and extraordinary natural gems, each region has its own unique charm.

Discover the highlights of Costa Rica:

  • Tortuguero National Park: A unique nature reserve with vast swamps and canals, known for the legend of the sea turtles that come ashore here every year to lay their eggs.
  • Santa Teresa: A laid-back surfing paradise on the Nicoya Peninsula, with a laid-back atmosphere, beautiful sunsets and long, rugged beaches. Besides surfing, you can take yoga classes, hike to waterfalls or enjoy healthy local cuisine and boutique hotels.
  • Arenal National Park: Home to the imposing Arenal volcano, surrounded by lush rainforests, hot springs and adventure activities such as hiking and canopy tours.
  • Monteverde Cloud Forest: A mystical cloud forest that provides a haven for rare bird species and exotic flora, perfect for nature lovers and hikers.
  • Manuel Antonio: A picturesque national park on the Pacific coast, known for its beautiful beaches, rich biodiversity and relaxed atmosphere.
  • Puerto Viejo: A colourful coastal town on the Caribbean side with a laid-back atmosphere, Afro-Caribbean culture and expansive palm-fringed beaches.
  • Tamarindo: A lively beach village on the Pacific coast, with a good mix of surf beaches, restaurants, shops and excursion options. Tamarindo is a fine base for those who want to combine nature and comfort.
  • Corcovado National Park: One of the most biodiverse areas in the world, with pristine rainforests, exotic animals and challenging hiking trails for the adventurous traveller.

Whether you crave nature, culture or adventure, Costa Rica offers a diverse and unforgettable travel experience that exceeds all your expectations.

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1. Do I need a visa for Costa Rica?
No visa is usually required for travellers from the Netherlands, Belgium and the EU for stays of up to 90 days. However, you must have a valid passport and a return or transit ticket. Always check the current entry requirements for your nationality before leaving.

2. What is the best travel duration for Costa Rica?
An average tour of Costa Rica lasts between 10 and 21 days. This provides enough time to explore various regions, from the tropical coastlines to the rainforests and volcanoes, in a relaxed manner.

3. What is the best way to travel through Costa Rica?
Travelling by rental car offers the most freedom, especially if you want to visit remote natural areas. In addition, domestic flights are available and shuttle transfers are frequently used for safe and comfortable transfers.

4. Is Costa Rica easy to combine with another destination?
Yes, Costa Rica is easy to combine with neighbouring countries such as Nicaragua or Panama. Thanks to short travel distances, a roundtrip through Central America is easy to realise.

5. Will English be OK in Costa Rica?
Spanish is the official language, but English is mostly well spoken in tourist areas and larger cities. However, mastering a few basic phrases in Spanish is highly appreciated and can make communication easier.

Our travel specialists are happy to help with any questions you might have about a trip to Costa Rica.

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Cruises

Cruises in Costa Rica sail past beautiful rainforests, pristine beaches and colourful coastal towns.

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Avila travellers about travel to Costa Rica

"Costa Rica was a bizarrely beautiful destination, the nature and friendly people made it unforgettable." - Ilse

Our customers give us a 4.6/5 Calculated from 97 reviews.
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Why travel to Costa Rica with Avila Travel?

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