There are really only two seasons in Costa Rica: wet season and dry season. The temperature is constant year-round, so if you don’t mind a little rain, you can save a lot by visiting during wet season.

December – April: Costa Rica’s dry season is the best time to experience the country to its fullest since the majority of Costa Rica’s sites are outdoors. This is peak tourist season, however, so sites are more crowded and accommodation more expensive.

May – November: If you don’t mind the rain, this is a great time to visit Costa Rica (especially during the shoulder months of May and November) for cheaper accommodation and emptier sites. The tradeoff is that you can’t enjoy the beaches as much.

Although you won’t find people visiting Costa Rica solely for its cuisine, the country’s biodiverse landscape has resulted in some seriously delicious fruits and veggies to accompany its hearty cuisine.

Don’t miss gallo pinto, the national side dish of rice and beans – so delicious, it will have you questioning where this simple combination has been all your life. Another popular dish is the casado, a set meal combination of protein, rice, beans, and veggies, found at virtually every local restaurant (called “sodas”). Don’t miss the sopa negra (black bean soup), as well as Costa Rica’s take on tamales (wrapped in banana leaves) and ceviche.

Lastly, Costa Rican coffee is known worldwide and with good reason: it’s aromatic, full-bodied and delicious. Drink your fair share while visiting and don’t forget to take a few bags home as well!

If you’d like to get a true taste of the food scene in Costa Rica, be sure to check out one of many amazing food tours here!