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Planning a Trip from the USA to Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a popular vacation destination for travellers from the United States thanks to its stunning natural landscapes, beaches, wildlife, and adventure activities. If you’re considering a trip from the USA to Costa Rica, here are some tips to help you plan the perfect getaway.
When is the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica from the USA?
The high season for tourism in Costa Rica is from mid-December to April, which coincides with the North American winter. This is when you’ll find the best weather, but also the most crowds and highest prices.
The shoulder seasons of late April-May and November-mid December are excellent times to visit. There are fewer tourists, lower rates, and still pleasant weather.
The green season from May-November brings frequent rain showers, but the summer months of July and August can have nice weather. Travel is cheaper during the green season.
Finding Cheap Flights from the USA to Costa Rica
- Book at least 2-3 months in advance for the lowest fares.
- Travel during the shoulder or green season rather than peak times.
- Be flexible with your dates if possible.
- Look for deals on Tuesday and Wednesday when airlines release discounted fares.
- Check budget airlines like Spirit, JetBlue, and Southwest for sales.
- Use flight search engines like Kayak and Google Flights to compare prices across airlines and dates.
- Nonstop flights are available from major US airports like Houston, Atlanta, Miami on United, American, Delta. Flights are 4-6 hours.
- Consider flying into Liberia for best access to Guanacaste beaches or San Jose for Central Valley and Manuel Antonio.
Typical Costs for a Costa Rica Vacation
- Flight: $300-$800 round-trip from major US cities
- Lodging: $50-$100 per night for budget hotels, $150-$300 for beach resorts
Ecolodges and boutique hotels for an authentic local vibe. Surf camps and hostels for budget backpackers. Luxury resorts and villas for indulgence. - Food: $15-$25 per day eating at sodas (local restaurants)
- Activities: $50-$150 per excursion (ziplining, rafting, surf lessons)
- Transportation: Rental cars from $40/day, private shuttles $50-$100 per transfer
You can easily enjoy Costa Rica on a budget of $100-$150 per day. Opting for more luxury will increase costs.
MUST DO
Activities:
- Zip lining through the jungle canopy
- Whitewater rafting on the Pacuare River
- Visit the Montezuma Falls
- Sunset cruise to spot dolphins and whales
- Snorkeling to see tropical fish and coral
- Visit Cabo Blanco Absolute Reserve, the very first in Costa Rica
- Surfing lessons for beginners
- ATV jungle tours and waterfall rappelling
Food and Drink:
- Traditional casados with rice, beans, chicken, salad
- Empanadas and tamales from roadside sodas
- Fresh fruit juices like pineapple, watermelon, mango
- Local coffee and craft beer
- Delectable seafood by the ocean
Why Go from the USA to Costa Rica?
With lush rainforests, volcanoes, waterfalls, and beaches, Costa Rica offers endless natural beauty and opportunities for adventure. It’s a safe and easy international destination perfect for a first-time traveller or experienced jet-setter. The “Pura Vida” lifestyle provides a relaxing escape from everyday stresses.
And the warm Costa Rican hospitality experienced in “Calala Lodge” leaves visitors feeling welcomed. Whether you come for the surfing, wildlife, or yoga retreats, we can guarantee you will have the time of your life!
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