Welcome to

Welcome to Costa Rica, a land of natural wonders and cultural treasures! Here are highlights that will pique your interest:

Biodiversity:
Costa Rica is home to 5% of the world's biodiversity, with more than 500,000 species of plants and animals. From lush rainforests to pristine beaches, there is no shortage of natural beauty to explore.

Culture and gastronomy:
Costa Rican culture is rich and diverse, with indigenous, African and Spanish influences. Costa Rican food is delicious and varied, with typical dishes such as gallo pinto, casado, ceviche and its incomparable coffee.

Sustainable tourism:
Costa Rica is a leader in sustainable tourism, with a focus on preserving the environment and supporting local communities. Experience eco-friendly accommodations, farm-to-table cuisine and outdoor adventures that leave a positive impact on the planet.

Cultural heritage:
Costa Rica has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from indigenous peoples, Spanish colonizers and Afro-Caribbean communities. Explore ancient archaeological sites, vibrant festivals and traditional crafts.

Linguistic immersion:
Costa Rica is a great place to learn Spanish, with a neutral accent and friendly locals who will be happy to help you practice. You can take classes, stay with a host family or just immerse yourself in the language and culture.

Whether you are a nature lover, a culture buff or just looking for adventure, Costa Rica has something for everyone - come and discover the magic of this beautiful country!

Costa Rica

Arrival information

Juan Santamaría International Airport

Juan Santamaría International Airport is the main airport serving San José, the capital of Costa Rica. The airport is located 2 km south of the city of Alajuela, and 17 km west of downtown San José.

It is about 12 km, or 20 minutes by car, from the Costa Rica Convention Center and the hotels recommended by the organization.

The recommended hotels have airport-hotel-airport transfer service, for more details visit the "Hotels" section of the main menu, also the airport has formal cab service.

Costa Rica Convention Center

The Costa Rica Convention Center is located in a strategic location, just 12 km from the Juan Santamaría International Airport, the main air access route, and 10 km from the center of the capital, San José. Access is easy and direct from the General Cañas Highway.

Social Networking:

Website: https://sjoairport.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SJOOficial/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sjoairportoficial/?hl=es-la
Passenger Guide: https://sjoairport.com/guia-al-pasajero/

Costa Rica

Taxes

The tax charge for leaving Costa Rican territory by air (US$29 or its equivalent in colones) applies to all passengers.

If the airline you are traveling with is not on the list, the tax must be paid at the International Terminal prior to check-in.

Schedule:
From Monday to Sunday from 4:00 am

Payment can be made in colones, dollars, credit and/or debit cards.

List of airlines whose tax is included in the cost of the air ticket:

  • Aeromexico
  • Air Canada
  • Air France
  • Air Panama
  • Alaska Airlines
  • American Airlines
  • Avianca Group
  • British Airways
  • Condor
  • Copa Airlines
  • Delta Airlines
  • Edelweiss
  • Iberia
  • Interjet
  • JetBlue Airways
  • KLM
  • Lufthansa
  • Southwest Airlines
  • Spirit Airlines
  • United Airlines
  • Volaris Costa Rica
  • Volaris Mexico

Costa Rica

Visa Application

The visa constitutes an authorization to enter a country. In the case of Costa Rica, there is a regulation called Entry Visa Guidelines, which establishes, according to the country, that is to say, the nationality, what type of visa the person must apply for. Therefore, before choosing a visa it is important to review the guideline.

Consult the Visa Guideline by clicking on the following button

More information on the website of the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (General Directorate of Migration and Aliens)

Costa Rica

Climate and other characteristics

The climate in Costa Rica is varied, it is a tropical country, which is divided into several climatic zones, each with its own characteristics.

The main reason for the diversity in climate is the elevations that can be found in the national geography. For example, the mountains of Monteverde are cold and cloudy all year round, while the plains of Guanacaste are dry and hot. The Central Valley has arguably the best climate as its average temperature is 22°C (71°F) and receives constant coastal breezes.

The dry season runs from December to May and the rainy season from May to November. Locally, the dry months are considered summer and the rainy months winter.

For the month of December 2024, warm and pleasant weather is expected, marking the beginning of the dry season in much of the country.

Climatic conditions: December is a recommended month to visit Costa Rica, as it marks the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the dry season. Weather conditions favor sunny days, with warm temperatures and the disappearance of rain, allowing locals and visitors to enjoy various leisure activities.

Temperatures: Temperatures in Costa Rica for the month of December generally range between 15°C and 23°C, with daily maximum temperatures around 25°C in San José, rarely dropping below 23°C or exceeding 27°C. Daily minimum temperatures are around 18°C.

Tourism: Tourism in Costa Rica is strongest between December and February due to the dry season. In addition, Costa Rica is a Catholic country, so December is an important month of religious celebrations and popular festivals.

Learn about Costa Rica's weather outlook and forecasts in the following link:

https://www.imn.ac.cr/web/imn/pronostico-climatico

Costa Rica

Tourist Attractions

Historical

Located in the heart of San Jose and constituted as the most important cultural center of the country, this place has not only been the scene of first world presentations in music, dance or theater, but all of it is a work of art, which tells the story of a coffee-growing country that has always dreamed big. It is considered the architectural jewel of the country.

National Theater of Costa Rica

Located in the heart of San Jose and constituted as the most important cultural center of the country, this place has not only been the scene of first world presentations in music, dance or theater, but all of it is a work of art, which tells the story of a coffee-growing country that has always dreamed big. It is considered the architectural jewel of the country.

Located on Second Avenue on the north side of the Central Park, it is currently considered one of the historical-architectural heritage icons of Costa Rica. In addition to attending theatrical plays, here you can learn about the history and the corners of this beautiful building in the guided tours offered to all visitors.

Melico Salazar Popular Theater

Located on Second Avenue on the north side of the Central Park, it is currently considered one of the historical-architectural heritage icons of Costa Rica. In addition to attending theatrical plays, here you can learn about the history and the corners of this beautiful building in the guided tours offered to all visitors.

Located in La Sabana, it presents in its walls and halls all those activities related to the plastic arts of Costa Rica. It gathers and shows works of the most renowned national and international plastic artists, mainly in painting, sculpture and photography.

Costa Rican Art Museum

Located in La Sabana, it presents in its walls and halls all those activities related to the plastic arts of Costa Rica. It gathers and shows works of the most renowned national and international plastic artists, mainly in painting, sculpture and photography.

In its subway exhibition halls located under the Plaza de la Cultura, they offer permanent exhibits on archeology, visual arts, numismatics and other topics, in addition to a dynamic program of temporary exhibits related to its collections, all housed in extraordinary facilities.

The Museums of the Central Bank of Costa Rica

In its subway exhibition halls located under the Plaza de la Cultura, they offer permanent exhibits on archeology, visual arts, numismatics and other topics, in addition to a dynamic program of temporary exhibits related to its collections, all housed in extraordinary facilities.

Once an old fort, where President José Figueres Ferrer abolished the army with a symbolic blow to one of its walls, it is located on Central and Second Avenue on the east side of the Plaza de la Democracia, very close to the National Theater; it is now a precinct that exhibits a wide range of exhibits on natural history, anthropology and archeology, as well as lectures, workshops, specialized collections and guided tours.

National Museum of Costa Rica

Once an old fort, where President José Figueres Ferrer abolished the army with a symbolic blow to one of its walls, it is located on Central and Second Avenue on the east side of the Plaza de la Democracia, very close to the National Theater; it is now a precinct that exhibits a wide range of exhibits on natural history, anthropology and archeology, as well as lectures, workshops, specialized collections and guided tours.

Imposing in its structure and declared a Relic of Historical and Architectural Value, this visited museum is located on the second floor of the central building of Correos de Costa Rica. With postal collections, objects from the history of mail and communications, its facilities offer guided tours and recreational activities related to the postal trade.

Philatelic and Postal Museum of Costa Rica

Imposing in its structure and declared a Relic of Historical and Architectural Value, this visited museum is located on the second floor of the central building of Correos de Costa Rica. With postal collections, objects from the history of mail and communications, its facilities offer guided tours and recreational activities related to the postal trade.

Located on the pedestrian boulevard of Central Avenue, the Gran Hotel Costa Rica combines its classic design with the good service and comfort offered to its visitors; among cafes, stores, museums, bookstores and other important attractions, it offers a spectacular view of the National Theater.

Costa Rica Grand Hotel

Located on the pedestrian boulevard of Central Avenue, the Gran Hotel Costa Rica combines its classic design with the good service and comfort offered to its visitors; among cafes, stores, museums, bookstores and other important attractions, it offers a spectacular view of the National Theater.

The oldest books, newspapers, documents and magazines have their place in the National Library, located on the north side of the National Park. In this wonderful place you can find bibliographic material of the most varied topics, visited by those who seek to enrich their knowledge of history.

Miguel Obregón Lizano National Library

The oldest books, newspapers, documents and magazines have their place in the National Library, located on the north side of the National Park. In this wonderful place you can find bibliographic material of the most varied topics, visited by those who seek to enrich their knowledge of history.

Located right in the center of the city, this emblematic church has beautiful works of art, an imposing tabular organ, fine stained glass windows, vaults and crypts. It was declared of Historic Architectural Interest.

Metropolitan Capital of San José

Located right in the center of the city, this emblematic church has beautiful works of art, an imposing tabular organ, fine stained glass windows, vaults and crypts. It was declared of Historic Architectural Interest.

Natural

Nauyaca Waterfalls
Cataras La Fortuna
Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve
Tortuguero National Park
Tenorio Volcano National Park
Poás Volcano National Park

Gastronomic

C Lounge - Cariari
Moon Glow Bar & Grill
KATTA Pub
El Novillo Alegre - Cariari
Plaza Tempo Gastronomic Market