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Costa Rica 2025–2026: The ultimate guide for your Pura Vida adventure trip

Costa Rica has been a dream destination for discerning travelers for years – and for good reason: tropical beaches, active volcanoes, dense rainforests, impressive wildlife, and the famous “Pura Vida” attitude to life. At the same time, many questions arise during planning: How safe is the country? What is the best way to get around? Where can you find authentic experiences – from luxury lodges to campervans?

In this guide for 2025–2026, we give you a comprehensive overview and show how the experts at Swiss Tropical Tourism (Dähler Reisen) plan your Costa Rica trip from A to Z – so you can concentrate fully on your adventure. If you would like to delve even deeper afterwards, you can discover more travel tips in our blog:
https://dahlercostarica.com/blog/

1. Where is Costa Rica – and why should it be your next travel destination?

Costa Rica is located in Central America, between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, with coasts on both the Pacific and the Caribbean. From Switzerland, you usually fly from Zurich with Edelweiss as a non-stop or direct flight via Madrid, Frankfurt or Amsterdam to San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR).

Why Costa Rica is particularly attractive:

• Short distances: In just a few hours’ drive, you can change from volcanic landscapes to rainforest and dream beaches.
• Stable democracy & good infrastructure: Compared to many other countries in the region, Costa Rica is politically stable and has a good healthcare system.
• Pure nature: Over 25% of the country’s area is protected – national parks, reserves and marine conservation areas.
• Year-round destination: In 2025–2026, you can travel to Costa Rica practically all year round, depending on the region and desired type of travel.

You can get a first overview of regions, climate and highlights on our Costa Rica page:
https://dahlercostarica.com/costa-rica/

For additional information, it is also worth taking a look at the official tourism portal Visit Costa Rica:
https://www.visitcostarica.com

2. Safety in Costa Rica: How safe is a trip in 2025–2026?

For many guests from Switzerland and Europe, safety is a central issue. The good news: Costa Rica is considered one of the safest travel destinations in Latin America.

Nevertheless, we recommend:

• Common sense: Do not openly display valuables, do not unnecessarily present expensive watches or jewelry.
• Rental car: Only park in guarded parking lots or directly at the accommodation. Do not leave any bags visible in the car.
• Cities: In San José and other larger cities, it is better to use taxis or Uber at night and not walk alone through sparsely populated areas.
• Beaches & nature: Pay attention to currents, only swim on guarded beaches, take warning signs seriously.

You can find the latest information at any time from the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (EDA):
https://www.eda.admin.ch

If you would like support with route planning and choosing safe areas, you can contact our team directly:
https://dahlercostarica.com/kontakt/

We at Swiss Tropical Tourism take the current security situation into account when planning your route, choose accommodation in safe areas and give you specific behavioral tips – personally tailored to your trip.

3. How do you get around in Costa Rica?

3.1 Rental car – maximum freedom

Many Swiss people opt for a rental car or even a 4×4 campervan to explore Costa Rica flexibly. The roads are mostly good, but there are also gravel roads, river crossings and steep passages.

Advantages of rental car/4×4:

• You determine the pace and the route.
• Ideal for families and couples who like to be independent.
• Perfect for reaching remote lodges and beaches.

We work with reliable local partners and plan:

• Vehicle type to suit your route (4×4 is not needed everywhere, but sometimes it is a must).
• Handover location (airport, city, hotel).
• Insurance and useful extras (e.g. WiFi in the car, child seats).

If you can imagine discovering Costa Rica as a round trip by rental car, you will find inspiration in our most popular tours:
https://dahlercostarica.com/rundreisen/

3.2 Private transfers – arrive relaxed

If you don’t want to drive yourself, you can rely on private transfers. A driver will pick you up at the hotel and take you comfortably to the next station.

Ideal for:

• Travelers who do not want to get used to the traffic.
• Guests who prefer to look out the window than navigate while on the road.
• Combinations of rental cars and transfers (e.g. first days without a car, then takeover).

3.3 Domestic flights & shuttle buses

Between some regions there are:

• Domestic flights (e.g. San José – Osa Peninsula), which save a lot of time.
• Shuttle buses that connect several hotels and are a cost-effective alternative.

We check for each route which combination of car, transfer and flight makes the most sense for you – depending on travel time, budget and comfort requirements. Just write to us for a personal route proposal:
https://dahlercostarica.com/kontakt/

4. Luxury travel in Costa Rica: Exclusive lodges & private experiences

Costa Rica is not only a backpacker’s paradise, but also offers first-class luxury accommodation with spectacular locations – from boutique hotels in the rainforest to villas with private pools and sea views.

Typical luxury elements that we can plan for you:

• Eco-lodges in the rainforest with their own nature guide and private deck in the middle of the jungle.
• Adults-only boutique hotels on secluded beaches, ideal for honeymoons or special anniversaries.
• Private excursions: Exclusive boat tours, private bird watching, sunset sailing just for your travel group.

If you are looking for a luxurious but authentic Costa Rica round trip, take a look at our selected trips:
https://dahlercostarica.com/rundreisen/

We know many of the houses personally and can advise you on which luxury lodge really suits your style – rustic-chic in the rainforest or a modern design hotel by the sea.

5. Adventure trips: From zipline to rafting

If you want to experience “Pura Vida” actively, you will find countless opportunities in Costa Rica:

• Zipline & canopy tours over the treetops
• White water rafting on rivers like the Pacuare
• Canyoning & abseiling at waterfalls
• Surfing on the Pacific coast (e.g. Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, Dominical)
• Diving & snorkeling on the Pacific or Caribbean coast

Many of our round trips combine exactly these adventures with relaxing days on the beach or in the lodge. Let our tours inspire you:
https://dahlercostarica.com/rundreisen/

We pay attention to the following when planning your adventure trip:

• Combining activities in a meaningful way (not every day “hardcore action”).
• Planning enough rest days.
• Choosing providers that adhere to safety standards and prefer small groups.

6. Traveling in a campervan: Free as a Tico – with Swiss planning

A trend that continues to grow in 2025–2026 is campervan trips in Costa Rica. With a 4×4 campervan, you are as flexible as possible, always have your “home” with you and can spontaneously decide where to spend the night.

Advantages:

• Ideal for adventurers who love nature and freedom.
• Perfect for heading to remote beaches or national parks.
• Combination with campsites and small lodges possible.

A very good route planning is important here: Not every road is suitable for campers, and wild camping is not allowed everywhere.

If you feel like going on a camping tour, take a look at our Camping Tour Costa Rica Caribbean, for example:
https://wetu.com/Itinerary/Landing/8e1c12fd-26dd-4a09-916c-c312ae1604b0

Or the Camping Tour Costa Rica Starter Package:
https://wetu.com/Itinerary/Landing/e4b80e27-be1f-4271-8aea-4c04916bb606

We at Swiss Tropical Tourism:

• Plan your route so that driving times are realistic.
• Reserve campsites or suitable accommodation.
• Give you specific tips on roads, gas stations, shopping and safety

7. Hiking & trekking: Discover Costa Rica on foot

Costa Rica is a paradise for hikers – from easy walks to challenging multi-day tours.

Popular hiking regions:

• Arenal & Tenorio: Volcanoes, suspension bridges, waterfalls.
• Monteverde: Cloud forest with well-marked trails.
• Corcovado National Park: One of the most biodiverse areas in the world, only with a guide.
• Camino de Costa Rica: A long-distance route across the country for experienced hikers.

You can find a good overview of trails e.g. at AllTrails:
https://www.alltrails.com

If you are planning a hiking trip, it is worth taking a look at our round trips with a focus on nature and hiking:
https://dahlercostarica.com/rundreisen/

We help you choose the right hikes for your fitness level, combine day hikes with relaxing days and organize local guides if required.

8. Relaxation: Spa, yoga & wellness in the tropical paradise

After all the adventures, relaxation is good. Costa Rica offers perfect conditions for this:

• Yoga retreats on the Pacific coast or in the jungle
• Spa hotels with thermal springs (e.g. in the Arenal region)
• Wellness lodges with massages, meditation and healthy cuisine

We are happy to specifically integrate spa and yoga days into your route – for example after an intensive hiking stage or at the end of the trip, before heading back to Switzerland. Simply contact us for individual planning:
https://dahlercostarica.com/kontakt/

9. Food in Costa Rica: What to try – and where to eat?

Costa Rican cuisine is simple, fresh and surprisingly diverse.

Typical dishes that you should try:

• Gallo Pinto: Rice and beans breakfast, often with egg, cheese and plantains.
• Casado: Classic for lunch with rice, beans, salad, vegetables and meat or fish.
• Ceviche: Fresh fish marinated in lime juice.
• Patacones: Fried plantains with dips.
• Tropical fruits: Pineapple, papaya, mango, passion fruit – often directly from the farmer.

For restaurant tips in larger towns, many travelers use Tripadvisor or Google Maps. An example for San José:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g309293-San_Jose_San_Jose_Metro_Province_of_San_Jose.html

If you would like to combine food and culture, we recommend our pineapple farm and agritourism experiences, where you can try products directly on site:
https://dahlercostarica.com/ananasfarm/

We are happy to recommend:

• Authentic sodas (local, simple restaurants) along your route.
• Special spots with a view or special cuisine.
• Farm visits, pineapple or cocoa tours, where you can try products directly on site.

10. Why travel with Swiss Tropical Tourism (Dähler Reisen)?

Costa Rica offers endless possibilities – that’s exactly what makes planning so complex. This is where we come in.

What we take care of for your Costa Rica trip 2025–2026:

• Personal advice: We listen to what kind of vacation you want (luxury, adventure, family, small group, campervan, wellness).
• Tailor-made route: Realistic driving times, sensible order of the regions, balanced mix of activity and relaxation.
• Selection of accommodation: From eco-lodge to boutique hotel, from glamping to luxury resort – to suit your budget and style.
• Organization of all details: Rental car or campervan, private transfers, domestic flights, excursions, guides, admissions.
• On-site support: A team that has known Costa Rica for many years and is there for you if you have any questions.

Instead of spending hours searching through blogs, forums and comparison portals, let our experts plan your Pura Vida adventure trip – safely, relaxed and exactly as it suits you.

If you are ready to start your Costa Rica trip 2025–2026, we at Swiss Tropical Tourism (Dähler Reisen) are at your side – from the first idea to the last coconut on the beach. Start now with a non-binding inquiry:
https://dahlercostarica.com/kontakt/