Lonely Planet’s local travel experts reveal all you need to know to plan the trip of a lifetime in this latest edition of our guide to Costa Rica.

Discover Costa Rica’s most popular experiences and best kept secrets from catching a glimpse of shy sloths and white-faced monkeys in Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio; to marvelling at the five scenic cascades in the Central Valley’s La Paz Waterfall Gardens; and taking an educational bean-to-bar cacao tour at an organic farm in Río Celeste.

Build a trip to remember with Lonely Planet’s Costa Rica travel guide:

• Our classic guidebook format contains the most comprehensive level of information for planning multi-week trips
• All-new structure and design that’s easy to use so you can navigate Costa Rica effortlessly
• Exciting itineraries help you create your perfect adventure with suggestions for extended journeys, day trips, walking tours and activity-led excursions
• Expert local recommendations on eating, drinking, nightlife, shopping, accommodation, festivals, when to go and more
• Vibrant photography and maps
• Get fresh takes on must-visit sights from the Britt Coffee Tours, to Parque Nacional Marino Las Baulas, and Sibu Wildlife Sanctuary
• Essential information toolkit containing tips on arriving, transport, local etiquette, using money, LGBTIQ+ travel advice, useful words and phrases, accessibility and responsible travel
• Connect with Costa Rican culturethrough stories that delve deep into local life, history and traditions
• Covers: San José; Central Valley & the Highlands; Caribbean Coast; Northwestern Costa Rica; Arenal & the Northern Lowlands; Península de Nicoya; Central Pacific Coast; Southern Costa Rica & Península de Osa

Create a trip that’s uniquely yours and get to the heart of this extraordinary country with Lonely Planet’s Costa Rica.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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 April Tucker 
 
 
 
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Christa really helped put my mind at ease concerning my upcoming trip to Costa Rica. I have never been out of the US before. She has a wealth of knowledge and recommendations for activities and how to save money and travel safely. Definitely worth the consult fee. Pro Tip: get the notes :) Blessings
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Eliza Barnard 
 
 
 
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Planning a 2-month trip to Costa Rica felt completely overwhelming until I started working with Christa. She was incredibly helpful in organizing all of my ideas and actually making the trip come to fruition. I was feeling so stuck trying to figure out where to go, how long to stay in each place, and how to make the itinerary flow — and she made the entire process feel so much easier. We met roughly 5-6 times before our trip to plan out all details and Christa was super helpful in creating a timeline and meeting agenda’s. I had my parents and best friend visiting and we even called meetings with them so that everyone could hear from Christa! Her recommendations were amazing, and we absolutely loved the areas she suggested — especially Sámara, which ended up being one of our favorite parts of the trip! She really listened to what we were looking for and helped create a plan that felt perfect for our family. She was super cognizant of our family’s needs and truly planned ideas with the kids in mind (ages 3 and 5). I’m so grateful for all of her guidance, knowledge, and support throughout the planning process. Highly recommend working with Christa if you’re planning a Costa Rica trip!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Rita Hallaveld 
 
 
 
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Christa's blog and guides were immensely helpful, but her personal attention and trip planning recommendations were top notch. Every option was great and it really helped me plan my first visit in a way that met my top needs for a solo trip with my child.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Susan G 
 
 
 
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Christa was very helpful when we were planning our trip. I really appreciated her honest feedback and tips. She was very knowledgeable with respect to traveling to Costa Rica with children.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Judy bloom 
 
 
 
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Christa helped us organize our trip to Costa Rica. She worked within our budget and suggested a fantastic mid range hotel where we saw huge iguanas, toucans, howler monkeys and enjoyed a hot spring swim up bar and great buffet. Our family included a high schooler and college age boys. All had fun!
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Janet Daly Baumann 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
One conversation with Christa saved me so many hours combing through online reviews and travel sites. I don’t have to second guess my plans or worry if we are doing the right amount of adventuring versus relaxing. All of her advice is with kids in mind because she has first-hand experience traveling with her kids just about everywhere in Costa Rica. Her knowledge is far above and beyond what a typical travel agent can offer.
  
 
  
 
 
 
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 Sara Flannery 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Christa was very nice and helpful in helping me plan my trip for my family - from places to stay, activities to do, and places to eat. We went with a good itinerary in place and everything worked out perfectly without the any stress! She gave great recommendations based on your interests and your budget. Highly recommend Christa!