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Loading [Edit of] Costa Rica with EF Ultimate Break for Travel Guide

Pure adventure, pure bliss, and pura vida.

Costa Rica Travel Guide

Welcome to beautiful Costa Rica, a country so laid-back and stress-free they have their own phrase for the lifestyle here: pura vida (pronounced poo-dah vee-dah.) It translates to “the pure life” or “the simple life,” and it’s so much more than just a catchy mantra—it’s the country’s cultural identity.

Experience Costa Rica

For a small country, Costa Rica packs a big punch.

Adventure

Leave your comfort zone behind and explore nature like never before.

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Swim in the river flowing into La Fortuna Waterfall

Zipline above the trees at the Santa Elena Cloud Forest

Kayak the waters around the magnificent Arenal Volcano

Hike through rainforest & mangroves at Manuel Antonio National Park

Spot rays, turtles & dolphins on a catamaran cruise in Quepos

Go whitewater rafting down the Sarapiqui River

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Wellness

Destress, unwind, and find your inner pura vida.

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Relax on the tranquil beaches of Puntarenas

Have the yoga flow of your life surrounded by unreal scenery

Bask in rejuvenating hot springs

Frolic in the sandy waves at Manuel Antonio’s iconic beach

Sip on the richest coffee your taste buds have ever tried

Enjoy the sweet nectar of indigenous tropical fruits

Breathe in fresh air at every turn—you’re in paradise!

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Culture

Experience firsthand the history of Costa Rica and the passion of its people.

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Browse the food, souvenir & craft stalls at San José’s Central Market

Sip Imperial & guaro at a tiki-style beach bar

Learn the history behind Costa Rica’s famous bright-colored oxcarts

Tour a rural coffee plantation & meet the farmers

Salsa the night away at a club & try the “swing crillio” dance style

Grab a meal & refrescos at a soda (or two, or three)

Visit the science, history & art museums of San José

Indulge in fine chocolates made from world-class cacao beans

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A rainforest and small waterfall in Costa Rica.

Flights. Accommodations. Activities. And a rockstar Tour Director that knows a hidden beach with the perfect Instagram backdrop.

This is group travel with EF Ultimate Break. Expertly crafted itineraries, everything included. We keep your stress levels low and holy-s#!t-that-was-awesome levels high.

Lowdown

Language: Spanish
Currency: Colón
Capital: San José
Staple Meal: Gallo Pinto
Cool Down With: Imperial Lager
Cool Off At: La Fortuna Waterfall
Can’t Miss: Manuel Antonio National Park
Can’t Un-hear: Howler monkeys

Slang

Pura Vida: Pure life or simple life
Tico/Tica: Local Costa Ricans
¡Qué chiva!: Awesome!
Guaro: A sweet, sugar-cane liquor
Goma: Hangover
Soda: An authentic, local café
Yodo: Coffee
Chunche: Anything you don’t know the word for

Eat like a local

Bonus points if you eat with a local

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Gallo Pinto

National dish of Costa Rica: rice-and-bean breakfast combo eaten with scrambled or fried eggs.

Casado

Lunch dish of rice, beans, meat or fish, with a side of plantains, cheesy tortillas, avocado, or corn.

Olla de Carne

A hearty beef stew that comes with rice and beans in case, you know, you’re really hungry.

Tamales

Wrapped in a banana leaf, filled with pork, rice, and vegetables. Often more garlicky, less spicy.

Patacones

Green plantains sliced, smashed, and fried—served as a crispy snack with lime and salt or salsa.

Chifrijo

A farmers’ market staple: chicharrones (fried pork rinds) and frijoles (beans) with tortilla chips.

Sopa Negra

A warming, vegan-friendly black bean soup typically served with hard boiled eggs and rice.

Ceviche

Fish with citrus, onions, peppers, cilantro, salt and pepper—and ginger-ale as the secret ingredient!

Tres Leches Cake

A fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dessert made with three milks: full-fat, condensed, and evaporated.

Refrescos

Juice or smoothie made from tropical fruits like sour guava, passion fruit, papaya, or mango.

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BRB off to paradise

Travel to Costa Rica safely with EF Ultimate Break

We know a spot or two

Costa Rica doesn’t have a bad side. But come with us and explore the coolest spots of its Pacific Coast—all on one epic group adventure fully planned for you.

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Arenal Region

Watch out, the ground is lava! Kidding. But this area, synonymous with its dormant volcano, is a playground for outdoor recreation.

A volcano at sunset.
An iguana on a tree branch.
A volcano in the background with hills and rainforests in the near foreground.
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Monteverde

Two words: Cloud rainforest. Five more words: Ziplining through a cloud forest. Need we say more?

A man walking on a suspension bridge through the rainforest.
A volcano in the background with hills and rainforests in the near foreground.
A rainforest and small waterfall in Costa Rica.
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Puntarenas

Pristine beaches. Coastal shops. And something called the churchill: an ice cream, snow cone, fruit, milk, and syrup concoction that sounds...intriguing.

A palm tree on a Costa Rican beach at sunset.
A beach with white sand and black rocks.
A beach in Costa Rica around sunset. The beach is a dark purple with an orange sunset and people walking on the sand in the distance.
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Manuel Antonio National Park

Costa Rica’s crown jewel. Small in size, mighty in just about everything else. Rainforests hikes, majestic beaches, and tons of wildlife.

A monkey perched in a tree.
An aerial view of a Costa Rican beach with the rainforest in the bottom left corner.
A white nosed Coati walking on a tree branch.
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San Jose

Crack open a coconut and crank up the calypso music in Costa Rica’s vibrant capital city.

San Jose city buildings and lights at night.
Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Merced in San Jose.
An aerial view of San Jose's colorful buildings during the day.
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Seeing a sloth > being a sloth

Costa Rica is about that (wild)life. Howler, squirrel, spider, and white-faced monkeys. Sloths, anteaters, capuchins, and iguanas. Toucans, parrots, and parakeets. And that’s just on land.

Pro tips

  • Bring cash—especially small bills!
  • Pack the bug spray. Hot temps and humid air are a recipe for insects—but don’t let them harsh your vacation vibe.
  • Speaking of climate: bring a raincoat and good hiking shoes.
  • Use sunscreen. You are not stronger than the Latin American sun.
  • If you’re prone to motion sickness, come prepared. Roads can be winding.
  • Bring lightweight clothing that’s easy to layer—temps can change quickly at different elevations.
  • Get some binoculars. You’ll see incredible wildlife and flora.
  • Bring water shoes to protect your feet as you wade into waterfalls and the Pacific Ocean.

Costa Rica inspo

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For the ’gram

Costa Rica. More like Post-a Rica with all the great photos you’ll have for social media.

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5/5 coconuts

Our travelers love visiting Costa Rica, and they aren’t afraid to tell us.

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5 out of 5 stars

Pura Vida!

3rd-time traveler Anonymous

This is truly a once in a lifetime experience! The trip is definitely go go go with not a lot of downtime, but it’s so worth it, as you learn and see so much of this beautiful country. Jon was an absolutely amazing tour guide and was so knowledgeable and provided great...

Traveled in Jan 2025 on Costa Rica Adventure: Plus

5 out of 5 stars

Best adventure ever!

2nd-time traveler Sabrina

This trip was amazing! I had so much fun doing all of the activities listed. I will never forget the things I learned, the people I met, the food I ate, and all the beauty that is Costa Rica. It truly is an adventure. This trip would not have been possible without our amazing...

Traveled in Jan 2025 on Costa Rica Adventure

5 out of 5 stars

PURA VIDA!!

3rd-time traveler Eva

This trip is the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation!! Erick our TD was amazing and went above and beyond for us to make the trip special. Pura vida!!! ☀️

Traveled in Jan 2025 on Costa Rica Adventure

5 out of 5 stars

Best trip ever!!

2nd-time traveler Karsen

Such a great trip! Erick and Harold were so kind and knowledgeable, they made the trip so much fun!!

Traveled in Jan 2025 on Costa Rica Adventure

5 out of 5 stars

Nature and Partying, this is the life!!

2nd-time traveler Kyra

This was one of the absolute BEST trips I have ever taken with EF. I did the Europe tour in high school with EF to Paris, Barcelona and Madrid (2013 or 2014) then in October of 2024 I did Egypt and Jordan with EF Go Ahead. Don't get me wrong, I loved those trips as well but THIS...

Traveled in Dec 2024 on Costa Rica & Panama Adventure

5 out of 5 stars

Costa Rica will enrich your life!

1st-time traveler Dom

Well where do I start... Our tour guide is an expert among experts. Davíd was able to provide knowledge, fun, and cultural spirit Costa Rican way of life and encourage everyone in our group (introverted/extroverted) to re-discover their fun side to match the different activities...

Traveled in Jan 2025 on Costa Rica Adventure

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Our kick-a** Tour Directors

We ❤️ these ticos—and you will too.

Rhyan

“I was born in Puntarenas by the Pacific coast. I have a genuine passion for nature and working with people, so I always knew I wanted to share my beautiful country with travelers from different cultures and parts of the world.”

Irene

“I have lived all my life in Costa Rica. I love cats, ice cream, and the warm weather in my country. One of my favorite places is La Fortuna, as the majesty of the Arenal volcano surprises me every day! The joy I feel when I show something unique to my groups makes my job amazing and is part of why I belong to the EF Ultimate Break team.”

David

“Hola! I was born and raised in the land of Pura Vida, where smiles pop-up in everyone you talk to! I’m a huge foodie, love a cold beer with friends, and enjoying every moment of life! The passion for sharing my country with others is why I love being a Tour Director for EF Ultimate Break.”

Priscilla

“I’m a proud Tica, born and raised in Costa Rica. More than a tour, I want to deliver the best travel experience and show people what Pura Vida really means.”

Still undecided? We’ll help you find the perfect trip.

Our expert Trip Consultants are waiting to hear from you. Seriously. They freakin’ love helping travelers figure out their dream trips.