Costa Rica, Nicaragua & Panama Itineraries

The best time to visit Costa Rica is between December and April, especially if you’re focused on the Pacific coast or looking to explore during the driest months. However, despite Costa Rica’s compact size, there are several different climates to consider across the country, so choosing when to go to Costa Rica also depends on precisely where you’re planning to go. Find out more by visiting our when to go page.

Costa Rica is an excellent family destination. The incredible wildlife, huge range of family-friendly accommodation, and adventure around every corner make it a great choice for families of all ages. Whether you’re spotting sloths hanging out in the trees, catching monkeys swinging overhead or riding the waves on the Pacific Coast, a family holiday to Costa Rica is sure to be a memorable one.

We believe the best way to travel around Costa Rica is by hire car as it gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Many of our locally owned hotels are slightly out of town, so having a car makes getting around a lot more convenient. Driving abroad can feel a bit intimidating, however, driving in Costa Rica is surprisingly easy, with many of the highways having smooth surfaces and barely any other cars around. Read more about driving in Costa Rica here.

A road trip through this incredibly diverse country is undoubtedly the best way to see Costa Rica. We have compiled our favourite routes, which vary from short 3-4 days, up to more in-depth journeys of 5-7 days. Enjoy the freedom on the road and take in highlights such as volcanic La Fortuna, the misty cloud forests of Monteverde and laid-back surf towns like Samara and Tamarindo.

It is possible to fly direct from the UK to Costa Rica with British Airways (London Gatwick—San Jose), with a flight time of around 12 hours. However, these flights are only in operation between mid-November and the end of March, so most visitors tend to choose an indirect route. The stopover will usually be either in the USA, with Miami being the most common or Canada. It is possible to have a stopover in Europe, however, the price of these flights is usually much higher.

Speak to your travel specialist for more information.