Travel and holidays in Costa Rica
Between jungle, volcanoes and ocean, feel the pulse of Pura Vida
Costa Rica, a global pioneer in ecotourism, opens the doors to a natural sanctuary of exceptional richness, where lush tropical forests, majestic volcanoes and wild beaches washed by two oceans sit side by side on a territory about the size of Brittany.
With nearly 6% of the world’s biodiversity concentrated within its borders, the country is a paradise for nature lovers: sloths clinging to trees, howler monkeys, colorful toucans, poison dart frogs and sea turtles inhabit a land where more than a quarter of the territory is protected by national parks and nature reserves.
From the Arenal Volcano and its hot springs to the Monteverde cloud forest, from the wild canals of Tortuguero to the surf beaches of Guanacaste, not to mention the primary rainforest of the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica offers an unmatched diversity of landscapes and experiences for every type of traveler.
Voyages Flammang helps you design a tailor-made trip to Costa Rica: an ecotourism tour, an adventure holiday, a family nature getaway or a private tour—fully adapted to your dates, your budget and your wishes from Luxembourg.
Why go to Costa Rica?
Breathtaking biodiversity, legendary volcanoes, outdoor adventures and the Pura Vida philosophy: Costa Rica is Central America’s leading ecotourism destination, ideal for travelers seeking nature, emotion and authenticity.
Discover our best deals for your trip to Costa Rica
Fancy immersing yourself in the jungle, spotting sloths or surfing the Pacific?
We have selected for you our most popular tours and holidays in Costa Rica: private ecotourism tours, family adventures with wildlife watching, multi-activity sporty getaways or relaxing stays between two oceans.
Whether you’re looking for a private family tour, a sporty adventure with friends, or a romantic jungle getaway, every package is fully customizable to suit your dates and budget.
Choose your package and we will design for you a tailor-made trip to Costa Rica, turnkey from Luxembourg.
€3,795
price per person
Ecotourism in Costa Rica
- San Jose – South Caribbean – Sarapiqui – Arenal – Tenorio – Cano Negro – Paquera – Nicoya
- One night under a traditional hut
- Car rental included
3.855€
price per person
Tour: Viva Costa Rica
- San José – Irazu Volcano – Tortuguero – Sarapiqui – Arenal – Monteverde – Rincon de la Vieja – Playa Tamarindo / Playa Tambor Extension
- Outdoor adventure
- Cultural and ecological journey
€3,189
price per person
Private Tour in Costa Rica
- San José – Tortuguero – Guápiles – Jaguar Rescue Center / Puerto Viejo de Limón – Bribri Community – Sarapiquí – La Fortuna – Arenal Volcano – Samara
- Varied and comfortable accommodations
- A tour designed for the whole family
€5,099
price per person
Sporty Getaway in Costa Rica
- Alajuela – Caño Negro – Guanacaste – Tarcoles – Mastatal – Naranjo
- Various sporting activities and nature everywhere
- Unusual and responsible accommodation
When to go to Costa Rica?
Costa Rica can be visited all year round, but the best time depends on the coast and the activity you want: the dry season on the Pacific and the rainy season on the Caribbean don’t always coincide.
Dry season (December to April) – High season
This is the sunniest and most popular time, especially on the Pacific coast (Guanacaste, Manuel Antonio). From January to March, conditions are ideal for tours and hikes. Note: December and January to March are the peak tourist period — book early!
Rainy season (May to November) – The green season
Mornings are often sunny, with showers in the afternoon. Nature is particularly lush, prices are lower, and tourist sites are less crowded. June, July, August, September and October are the wettest months. From November to December, rainfall gradually decreases.
The Caribbean Coast – a different pattern
The Caribbean Coast (Tortuguero, Puerto Viejo) has an opposite rainfall pattern: it is wetter year-round, with drier periods in September–October and February–March. Sea turtle watching in Tortuguero is best from July to October.
San José
| Jan | Feb | March | April | Mai | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Our opinion | ||||||||||||
| Season | ||||||||||||
| Tourist peak | ||||||||||||
| T° max | 28°C | 29°C | 30°C | 30°C | 29°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C |
| Rainy days | 5 d | 4 d | 4 d | 8 d | 21 d | 21 d | 22 d | 23 d | 24 d | 22 d | 18 d | 9 d |
| Hiking |
Where to go in Costa Rica? Must-see destinations
San José & Central Valley
San José, Costa Rica’s cosmopolitan capital, is the starting point for all itineraries. The Pre-Columbian Museum, the central market, and the colorful Barrio Amón neighborhood are well worth a day of sightseeing. The surrounding Central Valley has the country’s best coffee plantations and the Poás volcano (a turquoise acidic crater lake) and Irazú volcano (views of both oceans on a clear day).
Ideal for:
- start and end of the itinerary
- coffee plantation visit
- climbing Poás and Irazú volcanoes
Not to be missed:
- Pre-Columbian Museum
- Poás Volcano
- Central Valley coffee plantation
Arenal & La Fortuna – volcanoes and adventure
The Arenal Volcano region, with its perfect cone shape, is Costa Rica’s most iconic destination. The natural hot springs of La Fortuna let you relax under the stars after a day of adventure. Zip-lining, rafting, canyoning, kayaking on Lake Arenal, and hikes to ancient lava flows round out an unforgettable stay.
Perfect for:
- adventure and extreme sports
- relaxing in the hot springs
- volcano photography
Must-sees:
- Arenal Volcano
- La Fortuna hot springs
- Rio Celeste Waterfall
Monteverde – cloud forest
Monteverde is one of the richest and most threatened ecosystems on the planet. The cloud forest is home to the magnificent resplendent quetzal, hundreds of orchid species, and extraordinary wildlife. The hanging bridges through the canopy, zip lines above the jungle, and the marked trails of the Monteverde Reserve make it a unique experience.
Ideal for:
- birdwatching (quetzal)
- zip lines and hanging bridges
- ecotourism and nature
Must-see:
- Monteverde Biological Reserve
- Sky Walk hanging bridges
- Butterfly and orchid farm
Manuel Antonio Park – beaches and jungle
Although small, Manuel Antonio National Park is one of the most extraordinary in Costa Rica: it combines white-sand beaches with turquoise waters and a tropical forest where capuchin monkeys, sloths, and agoutis can easily be seen just a few meters away. Ideal for families and beginners in wildlife watching.
Recommended for:
- families with children
- beach + wildlife watching
- easy hikes accessible to everyone
To discover:
- Manuel Antonio beaches
- Free-roaming capuchin monkeys
- Sloths and coatis along the trails
Tortuguero – canals and sea turtles
Tortuguero, accessible only by boat or plane from San José, is one of Costa Rica’s most unique experiences. Its winding canals are reminiscent of the Amazon: you can spot caimans, manatees, turtles, and tropical birds by canoe. From July to October, Tortuguero Beach hosts the nesting of leatherback and hawksbill turtles—a breathtaking natural spectacle.
Perfect for:
- sea turtle watching (Jul–Oct)
- exploring the canals by canoe
- unique Amazonian wildlife
Must-sees:
- Watching sea turtles lay their eggs
- Canals of Tortuguero National Park
- Spotting caimans and manatees
Guanacaste & Pacific Coast
The province of Guanacaste (North Pacific) is the ultimate surf-and-beach destination. Tamarindo, Santa Teresa and Samara offer wild beaches, warm waters and a laid-back vibe. Rincón de la Vieja National Park, with its fumaroles and volcanic mud pots, is an ideal nature add-on. The Caribbean coast (Puerto Viejo) is enticing thanks to its unique Afro-Caribbean culture.
Ideal for:
- surfing and water sports
- sunny beach stays
- spotting marine wildlife (turtles)
To explore:
- Tamarindo and Santa Teresa (surfing)
- Rincón de la Vieja National Park
- Puerto Viejo – Caribbean Coast
Which trip to Costa Rica is made for you?
Costa Rica lends itself to every travel style: a family ecotour itinerary with wildlife watching, multi-activity sporting adventures with friends, or a romantic getaway in a jungle lodge. Every traveler finds their Costa Rica.
Family trip – jungle and wildlife discovery
Costa Rica is one of the best destinations in the world for families: watching monkeys, sloths and toucans just a few meters away, swimming on safe beaches, crossing the canopy on hanging bridges… Children enjoy unforgettable nature experiences. Manuel Antonio Park and Arenal’s hot springs are particularly well suited to families.
You will particularly enjoy:
- wildlife watching accessible to everyone
- hot springs and safe beaches
- private tours with naturalist guides
Couples trip – nature and romance in the tropics
Costa Rica offers a romantic and exceptional setting for couples: eco-luxury lodges tucked away in the jungle, a candlelit dinner facing Arenal Volcano, a soak in hot springs under the stars, a hike to the Rio Celeste waterfall… The country invites you to fully switch off and reconnect with nature and with each other.
To experience as a duo:
- night in an eco-luxury jungle lodge
- soak in Arenal hot springs
- private hike with a naturalist guide
Trip with friends – adventure and adrenaline
Costa Rica with friends is adventure in its purest form. Zip lines above the Monteverde canopy, white-water rafting on the Arenal, surfing the waves in Tamarindo, canyoning, quad biking in the jungle… Every day brings its share of thrills in a breathtaking natural setting. All with the Pura Vida philosophy to end the evening around an ice-cold Imperial.
Not to be missed:
- zip lines and hanging bridges in Monteverde
- surfing on Pacific beaches
- white-water rafting on the Arenal
Practical tips for your trip to Costa Rica
Costa Rica has no army! It was abolished in 1948 by President José Figueres Ferrer, who enshrined this decision in the Constitution. Military funds were reinvested in education, healthcare and environmental protection. Since then, the country has been considered one of the most peaceful in Latin America.
The official currency is the Costa Rican colón (CRC). The US dollar (USD) is widely accepted in tourist areas and prices are often displayed in USD. It is advisable to have colones for small shops, markets and local transport. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and restaurants. ATMs dispense colones and dollars.
Residents are called Costa Ricans, affectionately nicknamed the Ticos and the Ticas. The official language is Spanish, with a few local quirks (including the expression “Pura Vida!”). In tourist areas, English is commonly spoken by service providers and guides.
In Costa Rica, outlets are type A and B (US standard, flat pins). The voltage is 120V/60Hz. European devices (230V/50Hz) are not compatible without an adapter and voltage converter. Remember to bring a travel adapter and check the compatibility of your chargers (most phones and laptops are universal 100–240V).
Luxembourg nationals do not need a visa for Costa Rica for a tourist stay of up to 90 days. A passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry is required. A return or onward ticket may be requested on arrival. No mandatory vaccinations, but certain vaccinations are recommended (hepatitis A, typhoid).
Costa Rica can be reached from Luxembourg via flights with 1 to 2 stopovers to San José-Juan Santamaría (SJO) or Liberia (LIR) for Guanacaste:
- Flight duration: about 11 to 14 hours depending on stopovers
- Airlines: Air France, Iberia, KLM, Copa Airlines (via a stopover in Panama)
- Common stopovers: Paris CDG, Amsterdam, Madrid, Panama City
Transport options:
- Rental car: recommended for road trips, but mountain roads can be challenging (4×4 recommended)
- Intercity buses: a dense, budget-friendly network between cities
- Tourist shuttles (shuttles): comfortable and direct between tourist sites
- Domestic flights: San José to Tortuguero, Osa, Liberia (less than 1h)
- Boat: essential for Tortuguero and the Osa Peninsula
Recommended vaccinations:
- Hepatitis A and B: strongly recommended
- Typhoid: depending on the areas visited
- Typhoid fever and rabies: if traveling to remote rural areas
Dengue is present, especially during the rainy season: use mosquito repellent. Tap water is safe to drink in urban areas, but it is preferable to drink bottled water in rural areas.
Create your ideal Costa Rica trip now
Tropical jungle, volcanoes, exceptional wildlife and Pura Vida.
We design for you a tailor-made trip to Costa Rica, fully adapted to your dates, your budget and your wishes.
Also discover our other destinations in Central America
Want to extend the adventure after Costa Rica?
Our experts have selected for you the most beautiful destinations in Central America and Mexico, ideal for extending your adventure among Mayan cities, Caribbean beaches, tropical forests and ancestral cultures. Let yourself be inspired.
Mexico
Explore the land of the Maya and vibrant colours!
FAQ: the essential questions for organizing your trip to Costa Rica
The best time depends on the coast:
- December to April: dry season on the Pacific, ideal for itineraries and beaches
- July to October: sea turtle watching in Tortuguero
- September-October: drier period on the Caribbean coast
The green season (May-November) offers lush nature and lower prices.
The ideal length for a trip to Costa Rica:
- 10 to 12 days: classic itinerary San José + Arenal + Monteverde + coast
- 14 days: grand itinerary including Tortuguero, Arenal, Monteverde and Guanacaste
- 7 days: short stay focused on 2-3 destinations (e.g., Arenal + Manuel Antonio)
The country is small, but travel times are long — allow plenty of time.
Costa Rica offers exceptional wildlife: sloths (two- and three-toed), monkeys (capuchin, howler, spider), toucans, resplendent quetzal, poison dart frogs, tapirs, pumas, jaguars, caimans and manatees. At sea: sea turtles, dolphins, humpback whales (Jul-Oct) and whale sharks. National parks like Manuel Antonio, Corcovado and Tortuguero are the best spots for wildlife watching.
Costa Rica is a mid-to-high-range destination for Central America:
- Basic stay (simple lodges, bus transport): €80-120/day/person
- Comfort tour (3-4 star hotels): €150-250/day/person
- Premium tour (high-end eco-lodges, private): €300-500+/day/person
Flights from Luxembourg: €600-1,200 round trip depending on the season.
Yes, Costa Rica is one of the best family destinations in the world. Children love watching monkeys, sloths and sea turtles, swimming in Arenal’s hot springs and crossing Monteverde’s hanging bridges. The country is safe, well set up for tourism, and has many family-friendly hotels and lodges. Private tours make it possible to adapt the pace to children.
Costa Rica is an exceptional destination for outdoor sports:
- Surf: Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, Jacó, Dominical
- Zip lines: Monteverde, Arenal
- Rafting: Pacuare (Class IV-V) and Sarapiquí rivers
- Hiking: volcanoes, Corcovado, Monteverde
- Diving / Snorkeling: Cahuita, Isla del Caño, Batélón
- Whale watching: South Pacific coast (Jul.–Oct.)
Pura Vida is much more than an expression in Costa Rica: it’s a philosophy of life that conveys optimism, gratitude, simplicity and the joy of being alive. Ticos use it to say hello, to thank someone, to explain that everything is fine, or to celebrate a moment. It’s the soul of Costa Rica, which regularly ranks among the happiest countries in the world according to the Happy Planet Index.
Tortuguero (Caribbean coast) is the most famous site for watching leatherback turtles (the largest turtle in the world) and hawksbill turtles nesting. The main season runs from July to October. On the Pacific, the beaches of Playa Grande (Guanacaste) and Playa Ostional host massive olive ridley turtle nesting events (tortugadas). One of the most moving natural experiences you can have.
Yes, Costa Rica pairs very well with Panama: the two countries share a border and are easily accessible from one another by bus or plane. A tour combining Costa Rica + Panama City + the Bocas del Toro archipelago is very popular. Costa Rica also combines well with Mexico (Yucatàn) or Belize for a grand trip through Central America.
A rental car offers great freedom of movement in Costa Rica, but it’s not essential. A 4×4 is highly recommended for mountain roads, especially during the rainy season. Alternatively, tourist shuttles provide direct and comfortable connections between all tourist sites at moderate prices. Intercity buses are budget-friendly but slow. For families and complex itineraries, a private driver-guide is an excellent option.