Surprising Things to Know About Visiting Costa Rica for UK Travellers

Costa Rica has long been a favourite for travellers seeking rainforest adventures, wildlife encounters and laid-back beach escapes. But beyond the obvious highlights lies a country full of fascinating surprises—many of which make it even more appealing for UK holidaymakers looking for something unique, meaningful and memorable.

Whether you're planning a once-in-a-lifetime Costa Rica holiday from the UK or a special family adventure, here are some of the most surprising things to know before you go.

🌿 Costa Rica Runs (Almost Entirely) on Green Energy

Costa Rica is one of the most environmentally progressive countries in the world. In fact, it regularly generates over 95% of its electricity from renewable sources, including hydroelectric, wind, geothermal and solar power - isn't this amazing!?

For travellers, this means your Costa Rica holiday has a lighter environmental footprint. Many hotels, particularly eco-lodges and boutique stays, are built with sustainability in mind—using renewable energy, recycling systems and locally sourced materials.

It’s not just a trend here—it’s a way of life.

☕ There Are Thousands of Small Coffee Producers in Costa Rica

You might expect coffee production to be dominated by large plantations, but Costa Rica is quite the opposite. The country is home to tens of thousands of small, independent coffee farms, many of them family-run. It's a bit like the micro brewery scene we have in the UK, but for coffee!

This creates a brilliant opportunity for visitors. Instead of generic factory tours, you can visit intimate, working farms where you’ll meet the growers, walk through the plantations and even roast your own beans.

Regions like Monteverde, the Central Valley and Tarrazú offer fantastic experiences—perfect for couples and engaging for families with older children.

🦥 Wildlife in Costa Rica is Everywhere

Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, home to around 5% of the world’s species—despite being smaller than Scotland. Like it or not, you're going to experience the locals!

What surprises many visitors is that you don’t need to venture deep into national parks to see wildlife. Sloths, monkeys, toucans and iguanas can often be spotted:

• In hotel gardens - keep an eye out
• Along roadside trees
• Near beaches and coastal towns

For families, this is a game-changer. Wildlife encounters feel effortless and constant, rather than something you have to “hunt for” on excursions.

🌎 Costa Rica Has No Army – And It Feels Incredibly Safe

Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948 and instead invests heavily in education, healthcare and environmental protection.

The result? A country that feels safe, stable and welcoming, particularly appealing for UK families travelling with children.

It also contributes to the national philosophy of “Pura Vida”—a phrase you’ll hear everywhere, loosely meaning “pure life” or simply “enjoy the moment.”

🌧 Rainforest Weather is Part of the Experience

Costa Rica’s lush landscapes don’t happen by accident. Even in the dry season, you can expect occasional tropical showers.

Rather than being a downside, this enhances your experience:

• Waterfalls are more powerful
• Rainforests feel alive and vibrant
• Wildlife is more active

For UK travellers, it’s a completely different kind of rain—warm, refreshing and often short-lived. We think you'll love it.

🚗 Getting Around Costa Rica is an Adventure in Itself

Distances in Costa Rica can be deceptive. Journeys may look short on a map, but winding roads and scenic routes mean travel takes time.

But that’s part of the charm of a self-drive Costa Rica holiday.

You might find yourself:

• Stopping for fresh fruit at roadside stalls
• Crossing rivers in a 4x4
• Spotting wildlife along the way

Self-drive itineraries are ideal for UK couples and families wanting flexibility and freedom.

👉 Explore our Costa Rica self-drive itineraries at The Holiday People.

🏖 You Can Visit Two Coastlines in One Costa Rica Trip

Costa Rica offers access to both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, each with a completely different feel.

• Pacific Coast – Ideal for resorts, surfing and family-friendly beaches
• Caribbean Coast – More relaxed, colourful and culturally distinct

Combining both coasts in one trip adds variety and is perfect for 10–14 day holidays from the UK.

🍍 The Fresh Fruit in Costa Rica Tastes Completely Different

One of the simplest but most surprising things? The food—especially fruit.

Pineapples, mangoes, papayas and bananas are locally grown and picked ripe, making them far sweeter and more flavourful than what you’ll find in the UK.

Fresh juices (jugos naturales) are widely available and quickly become part of your daily routine.

🧘 Costa Rica is as Much About Relaxation as Adventure

While Costa Rica is famous for adventure—zip-lining, rafting and jungle trekking—it’s equally about slowing down.

The pace of life is relaxed. Nature is always close. Experiences feel unhurried.

For couples, it’s ideal for reconnecting. For families, it’s a chance to step away from screens and enjoy meaningful time together.

✈️ Costa Rica is Easier to Reach from the UK Than You Think

Despite feeling like a far-flung destination, Costa Rica is surprisingly accessible:

• Flights from the UK take around 10–13 hours
• No visa required for UK tourists (short stays)
• English widely spoken in tourist areas

Once you arrive, the country is well set up for tourism, with excellent guides, accommodation and transport options.

Why Costa Rica Holidays Surprise UK Travellers

Costa Rica isn’t just another long-haul destination—it’s somewhere that genuinely exceeds expectations.

It’s greener, wilder and more welcoming than most people imagine. It combines luxury, nature and adventure in a way few destinations can.

For UK couples and families looking for something beyond the ordinary, a Costa Rica holiday offers something truly special.

And perhaps the biggest surprise?

How quickly you start living the Pura Vida lifestyle yourself.