A little more prepared for Costa Rica.
Combine San José’s market and museum walks with La Fortuna’s forest, waterfall and lake outings. Pack for cooler Central Valley evenings and humid Northern Plains trails, with separate plans for the coast or cloud forest.
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La Fortuna
Warm, humid conditions and showers are possible throughout the year. February to April usually brings a relative decrease in rain rather than a guaranteed dry season. May through December and sometimes January need especially flexible outdoor plans; cloud can hide Arenal in any month.
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Liberia
Liberia’s hot lowland climate has a pronounced drier season and wetter months from May to November. Expect stronger sun and dry ground early in the year, with rain protection and flexible outdoor plans later. Conditions on Rincón de la Vieja differ from town.
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Monteverde
Cool highland mornings and evenings call for layers throughout the year. February to April is usually relatively less rainy, but mist and wind still reach the forest. May to November needs flexible outdoor plans and dependable rain protection.
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Quepos
Hot, humid coastal days need breathable clothes throughout the year. January to March is generally the drier window; rain protection still matters, with wetter outings and flexible plans from May to November.
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San José
San José’s elevated Central Valley setting brings mild days and cooler evenings throughout the year. January to March usually offers the driest city-walking weather; April and December are transition options. May to November needs more rain protection, especially September and October. Keep outdoor walks flexible and save a museum for a wet afternoon.
Open city guideBefore you zip the bag
Central Valley layers
- Carry a light jumper for evenings and museum interiors.
- Use breathable clothes and supportive shoes for city walks.
Rain and separate excursions
- Bring a compact rain layer, especially from May to November.
- Volcanoes, cloud forests and beaches need their own forecast and activity kit.
- Currency
- Costa Rican colón (CRC)
- Plug types
- A / B · 120 VCheck your adapter →
- Emergency number
- 911
Costa Rica Tourism — practical information · CIA — Costa Rica travel facts
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Useful reads for Costa Rica
Arenal below the cone: lava trails and the El Ceibo forest
Choose an authorised walk below Arenal for hardened lava, forest and a chance of volcano views. Distinguish the national park from neighbouring private reserves before booking your ride.
A first weekend in La Fortuna: waterfall, Arenal and time to pause
Spend two flexible days around La Fortuna with a waterfall morning, forest paths below Arenal and a proper lunch between outings. Leave room for rain and separate transfers.
La Fortuna Waterfall: viewpoints, steps and an optional swim
Give La Fortuna Waterfall an unhurried morning, with an upper-viewpoint option and enough energy for the climb back. River access depends on the conditions when you visit.
Lake Arenal from the Península sector: Los Miradores at a slower pace
Choose the national park’s Península sector for forest and reservoir views on Los Miradores. It is a useful alternative to the lava trails, with access needs to confirm before travelling.
A first weekend in Liberia: heritage streets and Las Pailas
Spend Saturday around Liberia’s historic centre and Sunday on an open lower trail at Rincón de la Vieja, with separate transport and realistic museum alternatives.
A Liberia heritage walk: the kiosk, Calle Real and La Agonía
Link Liberia’s central park, old barracks and Calle Real, with a coffee pause and an optional La Agonía visit after confirming museum access.
Birdwatching in Monteverde: two forest routes and patient pauses
Build a Monteverde birdwatching outing around forest habitats and a manageable route. Choose Encantado or a preserve circuit and keep sightings open-ended.
Monteverde cloud forest walks: circuits, ferns and canopy views
Choose a Monteverde forest circuit, then slow down for ferns, mosses and canopy details. Plan the entrance shuttle and leave room for a proper break.
A first weekend in Monteverde: cloud forest, bakery breaks and Santa Elena
Spend two flexible days in Monteverde with one forest reserve each morning, a bakery pause and an optional guided evening. Keep transfers and separate tickets clear.
What to carry for Monteverde forest walks and a cool evening
Pack a small Monteverde day bag for damp forest paths, exposed viewpoints and an optional guided night walk. Keep warm layers and a dry change easy to reach.
Reserva Santa Elena: choose a forest trail and stay for lunch
Plan a separate Reserva Santa Elena outing with named forest trails, a shorter option and lunch at SelvaVerde. Check access and return transport before leaving town.
Espadilla Norte: a beach day outside the national park
Choose the public side of Espadilla, keep park boundaries clear and build a flexible beach outing from Quepos without relying on calm sea conditions.
A first weekend in Quepos: waterfront, forest and beach
Spend two flexible days between Quepos waterfront and Manuel Antonio, with a booked park morning, a public-beach alternative and time for meals.
Manuel Antonio on foot: forest details and the Punta Catedral beaches
Follow a practical park route from the entrance toward Manuel Antonio beach, with optional extensions, wildlife etiquette and clear admission limits.
What to carry between Quepos, the forest and the beach
Build a useful small day bag for Manuel Antonio trails, public beach time and the return to Quepos, with park rules and wet clothes in mind.
A Quepos coast cruise: plan the marina day before setting sail
Consider a separate sailing outing from Marina Pez Vela, with a named wooden-ship option, weather limits and an easy waterfront alternative.
A first weekend in San José: markets, museums and historic streets
Stay in the capital long enough for a market breakfast, a proper theatre visit and a museum with time to look closely. This two-day plan groups the central sights, then slows down in Barrio Amón, with indoor alternatives when the afternoon turns wet.