Costa Rica
Costa Rica is famous as an ecotourism destination where rainforests, volcanoes, and wildlife can all be seen together. Keep in mind that traveling between the Pacific and Caribbean coasts takes considerable time.
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Costa Rica currency guide — today's rate & payment tips
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Average temperature by month
Based on San José · 5-year average
Choose a city
Map and place data © OpenStreetMap contributors
San José
San José is the capital and largest city of Costa Rica, located at the heart of the country and serving as its center of politics, economy, and culture. It's a great place to explore the downtown area.
22 sights 9 guides Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Alajuela
Alajuela is the capital of Alajuela Province in Costa Rica. It's home to a variety of attractions, including the Heredia Fortress, the Museum of Popular Culture, and an amusement park.
7 sights 9 guides Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Limón
Limón is a port city on Costa Rica's eastern coast and the capital of Limón Province. Also known as Puerto Limón, it's a pleasant place to explore along the waterfront.
2 sights 9 guides Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Puntarenas
Puntarenas is the capital of Costa Rica's Puntarenas Province. It's a good base for exploring nearby islands such as San Lucas and Isla Guayabo, along with its cathedral.
7 sights 9 guides Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Cartago
Cartago is the capital of Costa Rica's Cartago Province. Visitors can explore religious landmarks and gardens, including the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels and Lankester Botanical Garden.
4 sights 9 guides Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO)
Top sights in Costa Rica
Museums & galleries
National Museum of Costa Rica
Costa Rica's National Museum, located in downtown San José, is housed in a former military barracks from the civil war era. After the army was abolished, the building became a space dedicated to the country's history and culture.
Temples & religious sites
Roman Catholic Diocese of Puntarenas
This Roman Catholic diocese in Puntarenas, Costa Rica, was established in 1998. As the hub of the local faith community, it's worth a visit while exploring the coastal city.
Temples & religious sites
Roman Catholic Diocese of Alajuela
A Roman Catholic diocese located in Alajuela, Costa Rica. It was established in 1921 as a suffragan of the Archdiocese of San José.
Temples & religious sites
Roman Catholic Diocese of Limón
A Catholic diocese in Limón, Costa Rica, established as an apostolic vicariate in 1921 and elevated to a full diocese in 1994. Visiting its cathedral offers a glimpse into the region's Catholic heritage.
Nature
Uvita Island
A small uninhabited Caribbean island just over 900 meters off the port of Limón, with only a small dock and a few structures remaining. Boats and captains can be hired near the Ciénaguita River for a trip out to the island.
Culture & venues
National Theatre of Costa Rica
Costa Rica's National Theatre, located in downtown San José. With seating for 1,140, it's a great place to enjoy a performance.
Temples & religious sites
Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles
A basilica dedicated to Costa Rica's patron saint, first built in 1639 and rebuilt after earthquake damage. The current building, blending colonial and Byzantine styles, was completed in 1939.
Nature
San Lucas Island
An island in the Gulf of Nicoya, Costa Rica, part of a national park in the Pacific coastal province of Puntarenas. Its remote setting preserves scenery that feels untouched and wild.
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Local data
Get an eSIM for Costa Rica before you go
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