Know Before You Go | Costa Rica
Whether you're preparing for your upcoming Costa Rica adventure or just want to learn more about the wildlife-rich jungles and beaches of this lush country, we've got you covered. We've rounded up an array of useful resources, from wildlife guides and packing tips to compelling first-hand accounts written by Nat Hab travelers and staff.
Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about Costa Rica? We've got answers! We've compiled a list of our most frequently asked questions about wildlife, climate and much more.
Wildlife Guide
Wildlife Guide
From toucans and tree frogs and to sloths and spider monkeys, learn about the incredible array of biodiversity you'll see on a Costa Rica adventure!
Costa Rica Wildlife Trivia
Costa Rica Wildlife Trivia
Take our quiz to put your knowledge to the test, then share it with friends to see who knows the most about the wildlife of Costa Rica.
Weather & Climate
Weather & Climate
Find out what the typical weather conditions in Costa Rica in this month by month breakdown of average temperatures and rainfall.
Packing List
Packing List
We’ve made a comprehensive list of all the clothing and gear you’ll want to pack so you'll be well prepared for your Costa Rica adventure.
Travel Stories & Articles
Costa Rica: A Long-Reigned Conservation Success Story
Costa Rica: A Long-Reigned Conservation Success Story
—By Rachel Foster, Development Officer, Annual Giving, WWF
As many in the conservation space know, Costa Rica has long been hailed as a conservation success story, and my recent trip to this Central American paradise only served to underscore that fact. From its lush rainforests to its stunning beaches, Costa Rica is a nature lover’s dream come true.
As many in the conservation space know, Costa Rica has long been hailed as a conservation success story, and my recent trip to this Central American paradise only served to underscore that fact. From its lush rainforests to its stunning beaches, Costa Rica is a nature lover’s dream come true.
Four “New” Frog Species to Celebrate on Save the Frogs Day
Four “New” Frog Species to Celebrate on Save the Frogs Day
—By Cathy Brown
Four new species of frogs were recently found by scientists around the world and we’re here to celebrate them for Save the Frogs Day!
Four new species of frogs were recently found by scientists around the world and we’re here to celebrate them for Save the Frogs Day!
Project “Paraiso Quetzal” – Where Conservation Meets Development
Project “Paraiso Quetzal” – Where Conservation Meets Development
—By WWF
This is the story of Hector Wiliams Solano, a farmer helping to change how we protect these naturally wild places we are so lucky to be a part of.
This is the story of Hector Wiliams Solano, a farmer helping to change how we protect these naturally wild places we are so lucky to be a part of.
9 New Animal Species to Celebrate in the New Year
9 New Animal Species to Celebrate in the New Year
—By Michelle Peters
Despite the challenges today’s world faces, Planet Earth is the gift that keeps on giving. That’s good news for scientists who relish the rush of discovery, as some think there are approximately 8.7 million species left to be found.
Despite the challenges today’s world faces, Planet Earth is the gift that keeps on giving. That’s good news for scientists who relish the rush of discovery, as some think there are approximately 8.7 million species left to be found.
Costa Rica’s Natural AND Cultural Beauty
Costa Rica’s Natural AND Cultural Beauty
—By Jack Boeve & Noah Patterson, WWF
Costa Rica's natural beauty was spectacular, but its people and the “Pura Vida” lifestyle are something that we will never forget.
Costa Rica's natural beauty was spectacular, but its people and the “Pura Vida” lifestyle are something that we will never forget.
Beautiful Birds of Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific Coast: A Bird Watcher’s Paradise
Beautiful Birds of Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific Coast: A Bird Watcher’s Paradise
—By Samantha Miller
Costa Rica is a spectacular place for bird watchers and photographers. This region has ecosystems and habitats that support some of the world’s most vibrant bird populations.
Costa Rica is a spectacular place for bird watchers and photographers. This region has ecosystems and habitats that support some of the world’s most vibrant bird populations.
A Walk in Costa Rica’s Monteverde Cloud Forest
A Walk in Costa Rica’s Monteverde Cloud Forest
—By Michelle Peters
Above a cloak of the misty rain forest, mountains soar up above the clouds.
Above a cloak of the misty rain forest, mountains soar up above the clouds.
8 Rain Forest Ecotourism Adventures
8 Rain Forest Ecotourism Adventures
—By Cathy Brown
To start you daydreaming about your next nature getaway, we’ve compiled eight of our favorite rain forest destinations.
To start you daydreaming about your next nature getaway, we’ve compiled eight of our favorite rain forest destinations.
World Rainforest Day
World Rainforest Day
—By Megan Brief
Established in 2017 by Rainforest Partnership, World Rainforest Day recognizes forests as one of the most powerful and cost-effective climate change mitigation tools we have.
Established in 2017 by Rainforest Partnership, World Rainforest Day recognizes forests as one of the most powerful and cost-effective climate change mitigation tools we have.
Safeguarding Migration Routes from Ecuador to Costa Rica with the Creation of the Hermandad Marine Reserve
Safeguarding Migration Routes from Ecuador to Costa Rica with the Creation of the Hermandad Marine Reserve
—By Megan Brief
Recognizing that the long-term coexistence of humanity and wildlife requires a sustainable balance, Ecuador's President announced the creation of the Hermandad Marine Reserve, a migratory superhighway that connects the Galapagos Marine Reserve to protected Costa Rican waters.
Recognizing that the long-term coexistence of humanity and wildlife requires a sustainable balance, Ecuador's President announced the creation of the Hermandad Marine Reserve, a migratory superhighway that connects the Galapagos Marine Reserve to protected Costa Rican waters.
Making the Travel Industry More Sustainable with SEE Turtles
Making the Travel Industry More Sustainable with SEE Turtles
—By Brad Nahill, President, SEE Turtles
By becoming one of SEE Turtles’ first Gold Sponsors of our new Sustainable Travel Sponsorship program, Nat Hab is supporting our efforts to reduce plastic waste in sea turtle habitats around the world.
By becoming one of SEE Turtles’ first Gold Sponsors of our new Sustainable Travel Sponsorship program, Nat Hab is supporting our efforts to reduce plastic waste in sea turtle habitats around the world.
Traveler Photo Roundup: Birds & Sloths of Costa Rica
Traveler Photo Roundup: Birds & Sloths of Costa Rica
—By Nat Hab
Many travelers return home with stunning pictures of their Central American adventures, and we’re sharing some of our favorite shots of birds and sloths.
Many travelers return home with stunning pictures of their Central American adventures, and we’re sharing some of our favorite shots of birds and sloths.
Five Highlights from Costa Rica
Five Highlights from Costa Rica
—Jonathan Cass
Of all the animals we had a possibility of seeing on this trip, the one I was looking forward to the most was a sloth. Two-toed, three-toed—I didn’t care —I just wanted the chance to see one out in the wild. Fortunately, on our first full day...
Of all the animals we had a possibility of seeing on this trip, the one I was looking forward to the most was a sloth. Two-toed, three-toed—I didn’t care —I just wanted the chance to see one out in the wild. Fortunately, on our first full day...
Traveler Story: Custom Family Costa Rica Adventure
Traveler Story: Custom Family Costa Rica Adventure
—By D. Ramsey
Both morning and afternoon excursions through the canals provided up-close views of monkeys (both white-faced capuchin and howler), caimans, river otters, emerald basilisk lizards, iguanas, sleeping...
Both morning and afternoon excursions through the canals provided up-close views of monkeys (both white-faced capuchin and howler), caimans, river otters, emerald basilisk lizards, iguanas, sleeping...
Know Before You Go
