The general rule is the further north you are, the drier it will be. So, if you plan to travel on the cusp of the seasons you can expect the best weather in the northwest and on the north Pacific coast.

The rainy season is a good time to travel to avoid the crowds. Rains usually last only a couple of hours and do not cause any problems for visitors.

The rainy season is heaviest in September and October.
You can expect some showers throughout the year in the rainforest at Tortuguero.

The cloudforest region of Monteverde is at altitude, so can feel chilly throughout the year, especially at night.
Costa Rica is a tropical country, so with the exception of the cloudforest temperatures range from 25C – 35C all year round.

How active?
The optional rafting at Sarapiqui is grade II-III which is energetic and fun.

You can choose from a variety of excursions from the very active (surfing, horse riding, mountain biking, hiking) to the less active – wildlife walks, scenic drives and of course, just relaxing on a beach.

Since you have your own car for most of this holiday, you can set your own pace.

How comfortable?
A selection of family-friendly, comfortable three star hotels throughout, selected for their practical locations and high quality of service.

How independent?
Guided whilst in Tortuguero but otherwise you are free to explore at your own pace.

As well as back up on the ground if you need it, we provide maps and local information to help you make the most of your time.

How responsible?
We are passionate about the places we visit. Together with our partners on the ground we support a series of projects that aim to preserve the cultural integrity of native communities and minimize the impact of tourism on fragile local ecosystems.

Your holiday with us will directly benefit these causes:

• The Neotropica Foundation works with communities and schools to improve environmental education, helping local people to live in a more sustainable way.

• For the last forty years the Caribbean Conservation Corporation has been monitoring the arrival sea turtles in Tortuguero, gathering information on their migratory and reproductive habits. This information is proving vital in the struggle to protect these creatures and their habitat.

• Paniamor Foundation is a private non-profit, non-partisan, organization created in 1987 and works to protect the social interests of vulnerable and disadvantaged Costa Ricans.

Useful Links

As you already know, Pura Aventura is dedicated to safe and responsible travel. The links below provide useful content and more information about Costa Rica. Please call us of any special requirements on 01273 676 712.

Country Information

FCO

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office provides useful travel advices on Costa Rica.

BBC News

BBC News provides useful information about Costa Rica. Read more about it.

Official Government website

Find out more about Costa Rica, by visiting its official governement website.

Prepare your holiday

Health

Before you go on your holiday to Costa Rica, please ensure you have the correct vaccinations. Check out the NHS website for advices and visit your GP or a travel clinic.

Currency Exchange

For the latest information on the Costa Rican Colon currency, visit the ICE website.

Weather

To know the forecast in Costa Rica, visit wunderground.

Pura’s Amazon shop

Find out our own Costa Rica selection in Amazon.co.uk for a wide range of travel essentials, such as books, gadgets, clothing, etc. in preparation for your upcoming holiday.

Train ticket

If you are leaving from the UK, and want to be easy in your mind before you leave, book your train ticket or airport hotel now.

Flight deals

Find the best flight deals for your holiday to Costa Rica with Kayak, Expedia, Vayama and Opodo.

Maps

If you are going to one of our Costa Rica self drive holidays you will perhaps need to know more about the car traffic. Maplandia provides good maps.