Dry Season: Dec–Apr (sunny, popular)
Green Season: May–Nov (lush, fewer crowds)
Costa Rica is a dream destination for travelers who crave adventure and natural beauty. With two coastlines (Pacific and Caribbean), lush rainforests, active volcanoes, and some of the world’s best eco-tourism, it’s no wonder this country ranks among the top travel spots in Latin America.
Wildlife: Spot sloths, howler monkeys, toucans, and sea turtles.
Volcanoes: Explore Arenal, Poás, and Rincon de la Vieja.
Beaches: Relax or surf on stunning beaches like Playa Manuel Antonio, Santa Teresa, and Puerto Viejo.
Rainforests: Hike in Monteverde Cloud Forest or Corcovado National Park.
Wellness: Unwind with yoga retreats and hot springs in natural settings.
Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO): Located near the capital city of San José, this is the busiest airport in Costa Rica. It’s a great gateway to central and southern destinations like Arenal, Monteverde, Manuel Antonio, and the Caribbean coast.
Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR): Located in Liberia in the Guanacaste province, this airport is ideal if you’re heading to the northern Pacific coast (Tamarindo, Playa Hermosa, Papagayo Peninsula). Fewer crowds and shorter drives to beach resorts.
Puerto Limón (Caribbean Coast): This is the primary Caribbean port.
Cruise Lines Typically Visiting: Carnival Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Viking, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL).
Puntarenas / Puerto Caldera (Pacific Coast): These two nearby ports serve as the main entry points on the Pacific side, often used for Panama Canal transits or Pacific coastal routes. Puerto Caldera is the more modern facility used by many larger ships.
Cruise Lines Typically Visiting: Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Royal Caribbean, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Windstar Cruises, Azamara, Oceania, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Crystal Cruises, Star Clippers.
Quepos (Pacific Coast): A smaller port primarily for smaller or expedition-style ships, often requiring tender boats. Gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park.
Cruise Lines Typically Visiting: Windstar Cruises, Star Clippers, Ponant, Seabourn, Atlas Ocean Voyages (Mystic Cruises), Hurtigruten Expeditions (HX), Lindblad Expeditions. (Some larger lines like Royal Caribbean may list it as a destination accessible via tours from other ports, but smaller ships are more likely to dock/tender here).
Golfito (Southern Pacific Coast): Another smaller port visited mainly by smaller luxury, expedition, or sailing ships. Gateway to the Osa Peninsula.
Cruise Lines Typically Visiting: Windstar Cruises, Star Clippers, Seabourn, Ponant, Regent Seven Seas.
Visa
Visa-Free (Up to 180 Days): Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, EU, and many other countries generally do not need a visa for tourism.
Duration: Immigration may grant up to 180 days upon arrival, but the exact length is at the officer’s discretion (check your passport stamp!).
Others: Check with the official Costa Rican immigration website or your local embassy/consulate if you are not from these regions, as you may need a visa.
Passport
Validity: Must be valid for your entire intended stay. Having at least 6 months’ validity beyond your trip is highly recommended to avoid issues.
Condition: Must be in good condition (not damaged) with blank pages for stamps.
Costa Rica is small, but travel times can be longer than expected due to winding mountain roads and varying conditions. Your transport options include:
Rent a Car: Great for flexibility, especially in remote areas. A 4WD is recommended for rural roads and during the rainy season. Be prepared for tolls and limited signage.
Shared Shuttles: Convenient and budget-friendly, these operate between popular destinations on fixed schedules.
Domestic Flights: Carriers like Sansa and Green Airways offer quick flights between major hubs, saving time.
Private Transfers: More expensive, but ideal for families or groups seeking comfort.
Pack Smart: Bring water shoes, lightweight quick-dry clothing, a rain jacket, insect repellent, and sunscreen (reef-safe is best).
Currency: U.S. dollars are accepted in most tourist areas, but having some Costa Rican colones is helpful for local markets, buses, and small towns.
Language: English is spoken in many tourist spots, but learning a few Spanish phrases will make your trip smoother and more rewarding.
Eco Etiquette: Stay on marked trails, never feed wildlife, and opt for eco-certified tours or hotels when possible.
Your Knoxville Airport survival guide, from someone who’s flown through TYS 100+ times is now up on my blog🛫
Parking, TSA wait times, where to grab food before your flight, rental cars, all of it, from someone who actually knows this airport. No guessing, no googling at the last minute.
TYS is small, easy to navigate, and honestly one of the less stressful airports I’ve been through. You just need to know a few things going in.
Full guide linked in bio. 🔗
Hundreds of motorcycles. Tweed suits. Tennessee roads.🏍️
The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride is a global charity event, classic and vintage bikes, dressed-up riders, raising money for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health. The bikes are stunning. The outfits are even better.
Full guide linked in bio. 🔗 | @gentlemansride
Went in for Italian. Left thinking about pasta for three days straight.🍝
Osteria Stella in Knoxville is THE date night spot, pink door, moody lighting, and a radiatori con broccoli pesto that I would genuinely go back for alone. The lasagna comes out as its own perfect slice with crispy edges all around. The focaccia with garlic confit disappeared before anyone admitted to eating it.
Make a reservation. Order the pasta. Thank me later.
Full review linked in bio. 🔗
I walked down what looked like a regular hillside entrance and came out into a room that could almost fit a football stadium. 🪨 Tuckaleechee Caverns is the highest-rated cavern in the Eastern US and until you’re standing inside it, that’s just a fact. When you’re actually there, it feels earned.
Stalagmites 24 feet tall. A 210-foot underground waterfall. Formations that took 20 to 30 million years to build. A family that still runs the whole thing.
Bring a jacket. Wear good shoes. Don’t Google how it was discovered before you go hearing it on the tour is so much better.
#townsend #visittennessee #travel #travelling #travelvlog
If you’ve only ever seen the Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge side of the Smokies, Townsend is going to feel like a completely different state. 🌲 No neon signs. No traffic. No crowds fighting for the same overlook.
🥾 Middle Prong Trail | River views, small waterfalls & fresh air the whole way. Hike as little or as much as you want.
⛰️ Tuckaleechee Caverns | Start underground with massive cave rooms, waterfalls & guided tours. Go early, beat the rush.
🍕 Peaceful Side Social | Made-from-scratch food, craft beer & mountain views. Fair warning: you’ll stay longer than planned.
🚗 Scenic Drive to Tremont | Slow down. Stop. Take it in. The drive itself is part of the experience.
Summer swap? Ditch the hike for River Rat Tubing — same vibe, more splash.
Townsend calls itself the Peaceful Side of the Smokies. After one full day there, I completely understood why. Entire itinerary linked in bio.
Follow @travelwithwendyplummer for Beautiful Beach Destinations, City Guides, Foodie Spots, and Luxury Hotel Recommendations.
