Lonely Planet Costa Rica

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 Rio 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 culture through stories that delve deep into local life, history and traditions
• Covers: San Jose; Central Valley & the Highlands; Caribbean Coast; Northwestern Costa Rica; Arenal & the Northern Lowlands; Peninsula de Nicoya; Central Pacific Coast; Southern Costa Rica & Peninsula de Osa

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

Paperback / softback | 456 pages | Published October 2025