Safari in Costa Rica

Costa Rica pioneered ecotourism and protects 25% of its land area in national parks and reserves. Howler monkeys, sloths, quetzals, scarlet macaws, sea...

Costa Rica Safari at a Glance

6 safari regions, 100 parks & reserves, 170 wildlife species recorded.

Travel Advisories for Costa Rica

UK FCDO: See travel advice before travelling.

Best Time to Visit Costa Rica

The best months to visit Costa Rica are February, March, January, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 22.4°C, rainfall 112.7mm, sunshine 10.4 hrs, humidity 82.4%
  • February: Great, temperature 22.8°C, rainfall 77.2mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs, humidity 78.3%
  • March: Great, temperature 23.3°C, rainfall 91mm, sunshine 11 hrs, humidity 78%
  • April: Good, temperature 23.5°C, rainfall 175.7mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs, humidity 81.7%
  • May: Good, temperature 23.5°C, rainfall 344.3mm, sunshine 8.9 hrs, humidity 87%
  • June: Poor, temperature 22.7°C, rainfall 482.8mm, sunshine 7.7 hrs, humidity 90.7%
  • July: Poor, temperature 22.7°C, rainfall 411.3mm, sunshine 7.9 hrs, humidity 89.9%
  • August: Poor, temperature 22.6°C, rainfall 482.7mm, sunshine 8 hrs, humidity 90.2%
  • September: Good, temperature 22.6°C, rainfall 427.2mm, sunshine 8.1 hrs, humidity 90.4%
  • October: Poor, temperature 22.4°C, rainfall 535.3mm, sunshine 7.7 hrs, humidity 91.2%
  • November: Poor, temperature 22°C, rainfall 530.6mm, sunshine 7.2 hrs, humidity 91.5%
  • December: Good, temperature 22.1°C, rainfall 226.9mm, sunshine 9.3 hrs, humidity 86.4%

Wildlife in Costa Rica

Home to 170 recorded species including 56 birds of prey, 43 waterbirds, 38 iconic birds, 16 tropical birds, 3 primates, 3 small mammals.

Notable Species in Costa Rica

Recommended Packing List for Costa Rica

Based on average temperature of 22.7°C, typical conditions, humidity 86%.

  • Light layers - comfortable for 23°C weather
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Safety & Health - Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers an unparalleled ecotourism experience, and with a few sensible precautions, it's an incredibly safe and rewarding destination. We encourage you to embrace the 'Pura Vida' lifestyle while remaining vigilant about your personal belongings and health. Trust your instincts, prepare well, and you'll have an unforgettable adventure amidst its stunning natural beauty.

Visa

For most of our readers, a visa isn't necessary for short tourist stays in Costa Rica. Typically, you'll get a 90-day stamp on arrival, provided your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your departure date and you have a return or onward ticket. Always double-check with your specific embassy or consulate before you travel, as rules can change.

Malaria

Malaria risk in Costa Rica is generally very low, and for most of the popular tourist routes, including the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, cloud forests, and central valley, prophylaxis isn't typically recommended. However, there are isolated, very low-risk areas, primarily in the northern lowlands near the Nicaraguan border and some parts of Limon province. We always advise consulting a travel doctor who can assess your specific itinerary and health profile. Regardless, rigorous mosquito bite prevention-using repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus; wearing long sleeves and trousers at dawn and dusk; and sleeping under mosquito nets if available-is crucial for preventing not just malaria, but also dengue and Zika, which are more prevalent.

Safari Calendar - Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers incredible wildlife viewing year-round, but we find the dry season from December to April to be ideal for predictable weather and easier trail access. For those who don't mind occasional afternoon showers and want to experience the rainforest at its most lush, the green season from May to November is superb, with fewer crowds and vibrant landscapes. We particularly love the Osa Peninsula during the shoulder months of May and November for a balance of good weather and fewer visitors, offering unparalleled biodiversity.

January - Dry Season

We love exploring Corcovado National Park this month, as the trails are dry and wildlife is abundant.

February - Dry Season

We recommend heading to Marino Ballena National Park for incredible whale sightings and stunning coastal scenery.

March - Dry Season

We find the cloud forests of Monteverde particularly magical in March, with chances to spot the elusive quetzal.

April - Dry Season

We love the vibrant colors of the scarlet macaws in Carara National Park this time of year.

May - Green Season

We recommend exploring the rainforest trails around Arenal Volcano, as the lushness is unparalleled and crowds are thinner.

June - Green Season

We adore the dramatic nesting activity at Tortuguero National Park, a truly unforgettable spectacle.

July - Green Season

We find the biodiversity in Corcovado National Park to be at its peak during the green season, with fewer visitors.

August - Green Season

We love the dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities in the Osa Peninsula this month.

September - Green Season

We recommend embracing the dramatic rainforest atmosphere in the less crowded parks like Braulio Carrillo.

October - Green Season

We find the sheer abundance of wildlife around La Selva Biological Station to be astounding in October.

November - Green Season

We love the return of clearer skies and the beginning of peak wildlife activity in Manuel Antonio.

December - Dry Season

We recommend starting your safari adventure in the popular Pacific coast parks like Manuel Antonio for classic Costa Rican wildlife encounters.

Safari Regions

Costa Rica FAQs

When is the optimal time to visit Costa Rica for prime wildlife viewing across its diverse ecosystems?

The dry season (December to April) is generally considered optimal for wildlife viewing, offering sunny days and easier access to trails, especially for spotting monkeys and birds. However, the green season (May to November) brings lush landscapes and is ideal for observing nesting sea turtles on the Caribbean coast or migratory birds in specific regions.

What defines a 'safari' experience in Costa Rica, given its unique ecosystems compared to traditional African safaris?

Unlike traditional African safaris, Costa Rican wildlife viewing emphasizes immersive experiences like guided rainforest hikes, boat tours through mangroves, and canopy walks. You'll often explore on foot with expert naturalists who help spot camouflaged sloths, poison dart frogs, and exotic birds, offering a more intimate connection with nature.

Where are the best places and times to specifically encounter iconic Costa Rican wildlife like the Resplendent Quetzal or nesting sea turtles?

To spot the elusive Resplendent Quetzal, visit cloud forest reserves like Monteverde or San Gerardo de Dota during their breeding season (typically February to May). For nesting sea turtles, head to Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast from July to October for green turtles, or Ostional Wildlife Refuge on the Pacific for olive ridleys during their arribadas.

What is the typical cost range for a well-rounded wildlife and ecotourism trip in Costa Rica, and what factors influence it?

A comprehensive 7-10 day wildlife trip in Costa Rica can range from $2,000 to $5,000+ per person, excluding international flights. This typically covers quality eco-lodges, expert guided tours, park entrance fees, and domestic transportation, with costs varying based on luxury level and the number of specialized activities.

How safe is it to explore Costa Rica's national parks and remote natural areas, and what are the best ways to navigate between them?

Costa Rica is generally very safe for ecotourism, though standard precautions against petty theft apply, especially in tourist hubs. When exploring parks, always stay on marked trails and consider hiring local guides for safety and enhanced wildlife spotting. Navigating between the six safari regions is efficient via shared shuttles, private transfers, or short domestic flights.

Recommended Books for Costa Rica

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.

Other Safari Countries in Central & South America

  • Argentina - 112 safari destinations
  • Belize - 108 safari destinations
  • Brazil - 289 safari destinations
  • Chile - 112 safari destinations
  • Colombia - 72 safari destinations
  • Ecuador - 101 safari destinations
  • Peru - 59 safari destinations