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Costa Rica’s Location: Map and 5 Reasons to Visit

Costa Rica is a small country located in Central America that sits on the Isthmus of Panama and has coastlines on both the Pacific Coast and Caribbean Oceans. It is bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the southeast, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

Despite its small size, it is a popular tourist destination, thanks to its beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and diverse wildlife.

Where is Costa Rica

Costa Rica is located in Central America, extending from nortwest to southeast, bordered by Nicaragua to the North, Panama to the South, Pacific Ocean on the west and Caribbean sea to the east.

Capital: San Jose

Population: (est 2022) 5.2 mil

Official language: Spanish

Surface area: 51,100 sq. km (19,710 sq mi)

Where is Costa Rica located on map in Central America
Where Costa Rica is in Central America

You can easily find Costa Rica on most world maps – that small country shaped like a triangle!

Where is Costa rica on the map?

Costa Rica on map is located in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the southeast and Panama to its south. It has a total area of 51,100 square kilometers (19,700 sq mi) making it about the size of Vermont.

Where is Costa Rica? Expert Travel Guide
Costa Rica Map

You’ve undoubtedly come across some stunning images of this country, but you’re not sure where Costa Rica is located.

In this article, I will tell you where this beautiful country is located and give you at least 5 reasons why you must include it on your travel list. Here are the top five reasons why you should visit Costa Rica and add it to your bucket list.

Costa Rica is located in Central America, right between South America and North America.

It is bordered by Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south as well as the Caribbean Sea to the northeastern side and the Pacific ocean to the southwestern part.

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Local people are called Ticos and the most frequent phrase used in this country is “Pura Vida” or “pure life”.

This phrase is used in daily conversations as a greeting or if the speaker wants to show his appreciation for something.

The capital city of San José is also the largest city in the country with a population of around 350.000 citizens, while the metropolitan area of San Jose has almost 2 million people.

The country’s total population is around 5 million people and the country’s total surface is 51,000 square kilometers ( 19.700 square miles).

Over two-thirds of the population lives in the Central Valley of Costa Rica.

Costa Rica’s Central Valley is a large area in the middle of Costa Rica. It’s located just south of the San Jose Metro Area.

Amazing Places to visit in Costa Rica - Travel Video
where is located

Where is Costa Rica located on Map and interesting facts about it

Since the late 1980s, it has become a popular destination among nature lovers as the country has one of the best-established systems of national parks and protected areas in the world.

From the total surface of the country around 23% of the area is declared a national park or protected area, having the largest percentage in the world.

Although a relatively small country, it is considered that about 5% of the world’s biodiversity lives in the forests of this amazing country.

It is also famous for its stunning beaches from the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea and also for the active volcanoes spread all over the country.

Nicoya Peninsula is also part of the country, located on the north west by the Pacific Ocean. Nicoya Peninsula is the largest peninsula, measuring 85 miles (140 km) from northwest to southeast. It measures about 40-60 miles (65 to 96 km) from southwest to northeast.

Nicoya Peninsula Costa Rica
Nicoya Peninsula Costa Rica

This small country in Central America is considered to be the poster child of ecotourism.

According to the CR Tourism Board, about 46% of the foreign tourists that visited the country in 2009 engaged in ecotourism activities. Here I am talking about trekking, flora, fauna, and rural communities or bird-watching tours.

What to see in Costa Rica
What to see in Costarica

It is ranked third in the world and the first country among the Americas in terms of the Environmental Performance Index.

Stay safe while you travel

  • medical safety abroad
  • medical assistance including COVID-19
  • emergency medical evacuation
  • trip interruption -up to $5.000
  • travel delay - up to $100/day

The country is located on the Central American isthmus and has almost 1,300 kilometres ( 800 miles) of coastline out of which 210 kilometres ( 130 miles) on the Caribbean coast and the difference of almost 1,090 kilometres (670 miles) on the Pacific.

The highest point is Cerro Chirripo with a total height of 3.819 metres (12.530 feet) which is also the 5th tallest peak in Central America.

The highest volcano and one of the most beautiful in the Central American countries is Irazu Volcano with a total height of 3,431 metres (11.255 feet), while the largest lake is Lake Arenal.

Besides the island mainland, Costa Rica also comprises some islands out of which Calero Island is the largest while Cocos Island is the closest to the continent.

It undoubtedly is an amazing country, but it can be hard to know where to start when planning a trip there.

With so many places to see and things to do it can be tough to figure out what’s the best way to spend your time there.

Our Costa Rica Travel Guide PDF will help you plan your perfect trip. This guide includes information about the history and culture, as well as tips on things like transportation, food, and accommodation. Plus, we’ve also included a 10-day itinerary that will show you all the highlights of this incredible country.

Costa Rica Travel Guide cover A4
Travel Guide PDF

DOWNLOAD THE BEST TRAVEL GUIDE FOR COSTA RICA!

5 reasons to visit Costa Rica

If so far I have not convinced you to visit this country, I leave you below a list of 5 reasons why you must visit each of these parts of the country:

Best things to see in Costa Rica
Best things to see in Costa Rica

National parks

It is home to 27 national parks, 32 protected areas, 58 wildlife refuges and 15 wetland areas as well as 11 forest reserves.

5% of the world biodiversity so if you are a nature lover then definitely have to visit this country.

Only here you can find jungles, cloud forests, swamps, rainforests and dry forests all in the same country.

Among the most famous national parks from the country I would name:

  • Corcovado National Park, a secluded, wild and virgin territory named the area with the most biodiversity by National Geographic
  • Carara National Park, a wet and wild national park covered with dense rainforest and home to more than 400 species of birds
  • Cahuita National Park located on the east coast that comprises diverse ecosystems and famous for its beaches
  • Manuel Antonio National Park considered being the most beautiful national park in the world with stunning beaches, lush rainforest and turquoise waters

Wildlife

More than 30% of the total surface of the country is dedicated to national parks and protected areas so animals have plenty of space to live in.

According to specialists in CR live more than 500.000 species of animals including the howler monkeys, humpback whales, iguanas, sea turtles, sloths, toucans, hummingbirds and many other unique and endangered species.

Toucans in Costa Rica Animals
Toucans CR Birds

Costa Rica is also home to some of the most dangerous species in the world like Fer-de-Lance Snake founded in Corcovado National Park, eyelash viper found in Tapanti-Macizo Cerro de la Muerte National Park, coral snake and puma found in Santa Rosa National Park.

These are the new essentials you have to pack for your trip

Volcanoes

Spread all over the country there are 6 active volcanoes and more than 60 dormant or extinct ones.

Arenal Volcano is among the most popular attractions in the country, a hot spot for those of you interested to hike its rugged terrain or relax in the geothermal hot springs.

Arenal Volcano Costa Rica volcao
Arenal Volcano

In the rivers around the volcanoes, you can practice white water rafting, sport fishing, boating, swimming and kayaking.

I can tell you for sure that each volcano is different and has its own characteristics and features.

Let’s take for example Volcan Irazu which is known for its stunning green-blue lake located right in one of its craters or the Poas Volcano which crater hosts a boiling acid lake.

Beaches

The country has more than 800 miles of stunning beaches on the Pacific and Caribbean seas.

The beaches from this country are diverse and each has its own characteristics and personality.

Tropical Beach Osa Peninsula Corcovado National Park Costa Rica
Tropical Beach Osa Peninsula Corcovado National Park

No matter if you are searching for a beautiful white sandy beach with palm trees or a volcanic black sand beach or a rugged beach coves surrounded by tropical rainforest, you will find all of these.

Here is a shortlist with the best beaches from this area:

  • Manuel Antonio Beach located in Manuel Antonio National Park
  • Tamarindo beach from Guanacaste
  • Conchal beach from Guanacaste
  • Dominical beach from the South Pacific
  • Costa Ballena or Whale Beach from the South Pacific

You might also want to read our in-depth articles:

World Class resorts

Such a beautiful landscape and incredible biodiversity hide an impressive number of luxury resorts and spas, perfect places to relax and enjoy your vacation.

No matter if you are a beach lover or a nature lover, you can find places that offer comfortable rooms and breathtaking sceneries.

My favourite spots on the island are:

  1. The Springs Resort Arenal Costa Rica at Arenal, the hotel where Kardashians wanted to film their reality show located right near the Arenal Volcano
  2. Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo one of the most luxurious beach hotels in the country located in Papagayo Gulf, 35 minutes drive from Daniel Oduber International Airport
  3. Nayara Gardens Costa Rica , a luxury boutique hotel surrounded by the world-famous rainforest located close to Arena Volcano

FAQ – Frequently asked questions

Where is Costa Rica located, is it in Mexico?

Costa Rica is located in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, and the Caribbean Sea to the east.

It has a land area of 51,100 square kilometers (19,700 sq mi) and is about the size of Vermont. Costa Rica also has around

Where is Costa Rica in Mexico
Costa Rica in Mexico

Where Costa Rica located in Central America?

Costa Rica is located on the Central American Isthmus, which forms part of the continental landmass between North and South America.

The country is situated about halfway between Mexico and Colombia, and about one-third of the way down from the northern border of South America to its southern tip. Costa Rica’s location relative

Political Map of Central America Where is Costa Rica located on the map
Political Map of Central America Where Costa Rica is located on the map

Where exactly is Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is located in Central America, bordering the Caribbean Sea to the east and Nicaragua to the north, with Panama to the southeast and Colombia to its south.

With a surface area of approximately 51,100 sq km (19,700 sq mi), it is about the size of Vermont.

From its diverse landscape, amazing mountain ranges and natural beauty, to its welcoming culture and strong economy, there’s something for everyone in this small and beautiful country.

Where is Costa Rica located on the world map?

Costa Rica is located in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the southeast, the Pacific Ocean to the southwest, and the Caribbean Sea to the east.

It has a land area of 51,100 square kilometers (19,700 sq mi) and is about the size of Vermont. Costa Rica also has around 800 kilometers (500 mi) of coastline on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.

You can find the Republic of Costa Rica on most world maps very easily: it’s a small country that looks like a triangle!

Where exactly is Costa Rica in Central America
Where exactly is Costa Rica in Central America

Here are five good reasons to add Costa Rica to your travel list:

  1. Costa Rica is a nature lover’s paradise, with something to offer everyone from birdwatchers and surfers to hikers and scuba divers.
  2. The people of Costa Rica are friendly and welcoming, and the country has a reputation for being one of the safest in Central America.
  3. Costa Rica is easy to get around, whether you’re renting a car or taking public transportation, and English is widely spoken.
  4. The Costa Rican economy is strong, making it a great place to invest in property or do some shopping.
  5. With its year-round warm weather and stunning beaches, Costa Rica is an ideal destination for a vacation any time of the year.

Where is the location of Costa Rica?

The location of Costa Rica is in Central America, bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south-east and Colombia to its south. It covers an area of 51,100 square kilometers (19,700 square miles), which is about the size of Vermont.

The distance between the Pacific and Caribbean Seas at Costa Rica’s narrowest point is just about 75 miles (120-km).

Where is Costa Rica on the map Regions
Costa Rica Regions

Where is Costa Rica located geographically?

Costa Rica is not an island, contrary to popular belief. It is located on the Central American isthmus that joins North America and South America. It belongs to North America geographically while its cultural heritage is Latin American.

It is bordered by Nicaragua to the north, Panama to the south, and the east.

The western and southern parts are washed by the Pacific Ocean, while its eastern coast is bordered by the Caribbean Sea.

Where is Costa Rica located in Central America
Where Costa Rica located in Central America

What are the distances from the main US States?

Costa Rica is about 1800 miles from Miami, Florida; 1000 miles from Los Angeles, California and 600 miles from Houston, Texas.

It’s important to remember that these are approximate distances, as they can change depending on which route you take and the conditions of the roads.

Costa Rica is a big country with many attractions to see. Knowing where to start when planning a trip there can be hard.

Most guides about Costa Rica tend to concentrate on a specific area and do not provide a full itinerary of the whole country.

This might be frustrating sometimes as you might end up spending your whole vacation on the Pacific side or central part of the country without having any clue what this country is about.

This Costa Rica travel guide is an interesting mix of all the main areas of Costa Rica and helps you better understand the country, its landmarks, and its attractions.

Costa Rica Travel Guide Download
Costa Rica Travel Guide Download

Key west to Costa Rica?

The drive from Key West, Florida to Costa Rica is about 2500 miles and takes approximately 73 hours (3 days).

You will need to take a ferry from Key West to the mainland of Florida.

Once you are on the mainland, you will drive through Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas.

Once you leave Texas you will have to cross the border into Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua before entering to Costa Rica.

Flying from Key west takes only about four hours.

You would fly into the Liberia airport which is located on the northwest coast of Costa Rica.

If you are looking for an adventure and want to see some amazing scenery, the drive from Key West to Costa Rica is a great option!

If you prefer the faster way from Key West to Costa Rica, flying will get you there in about five and a half hours.

How far is Costa Rica from California

The distance from California to Costa Rica is approximately 2560 kilometers. This is the air distance also named “crow flies” distance. By car or bus, the travel distance is approximately 3080 km.

To get from California to Costa Rica by car, you would have to drive for about 40 hours straight without stopping. Of course, this is not realistic and there are many stops along the way that would add time to the journey.

When planning a trip you should also consider the different time zone, because Costa rica time difference from California is about 2 hours. A 2 hours difference on the time zone is not much but you still have to consider it.

How far is Costa Rica from Texas

Costa Rica is also approximately 2560 kilometers from Texas. Again, this is the crow flies distance and it would be about 3080 kilometers if you drove straight there without any stops.

It would take approximately 36 hours by car to make the drive from Texas to Costa Rica.

The distance from Texas to Costa Rica may be shorter, but the terrain is a lot more difficult to drive through. Many winding mountain roads and areas are prone to flooding during the rainy season.

You might want to consider visiting in the dry season from December through April.

Costa Rica is a beautiful country with something for everyone – sun worshipers, nature lovers, and scuba divers.

Where is Costa Rica located on the world map Political map
Costa Rica located on the world map Political map

How far is Costa Rica from LA

The distance from LA to Costa Rica is about 5550 kilometers. Driving would take about 71 hours if you drove straight through without any stops.

The flight from Los Angeles to Costa Rica is about 5h 30 non-stop and 7h if you have a connecting flight.

How far is Costa Rica from Michigan

The distance between Costa Rica and Michigan is about 3900 miles.

If you’re looking for an amazing Central American country to visit, look no further than Costa Rica! With its stunning natural landscapes, friendly people and strong economy, it’s no wonder this country is becoming such a popular tourist destination.

Did you know that Costa Rica recognizes English as one of its official languages? This makes it a great destination for travelers from the United States who don’t speak Spanish.

Costa Rica is easy to get around, whether you’re renting a car or taking public transportation, and English is widely spoken. The Costa Rican economy is strong, making it a great place to invest in property or shop. With its year-round tropical climate, Costa Rica is the perfect destination

How far is Costa Rica from Nicaragua

The distance between Costa Rica and Nicaragua is about 185 miles.

If you’re looking for an amazing Central American country to visit, look no further than Costa Rica! With its stunning natural landscapes, friendly people and strong economy, it’s no wonder this country is becoming such a popular tourist destination.

How far is Costa Rica from Panama

The closest country to Costa Rica is Panama. The distance from the border of Panama to the border of Costa Rica is about 290 kilometers.

If you wanted to visit Costa Rica, it would be a good idea to fly into the capital city, San Jose. The airport code for San Jose is SJ

Distance from Panama to Costa Rica

Distance  to Panama is only about 110 kilometers (68 miles) and can be crossed by car in just over two hours.

There are also a number of flights available between the two countries, making it easy to get from one to the other.

  • It is a nature lover’s paradise, with something to offer everyone from birdwatchers and surfers to hikers and scuba divers.
  • The people of CR are friendly and welcoming, and the country is one of the safest countries close to the United States.

Conclusion

Central America is the area where Costa Rica is located, a place full of amazing sceneries and rich in wildlife.

It is the best place to spend your holiday, whether you are a beach lover or active person, as this country is a real heaven on earth.

Costa Rica Location on Central America Map
Costa Rica Location on Central America Map

You will love everything about this country: the food, the view, the happiness of the locals and the incredible coffee, famous all over the world.

Logistical tips and tricks for your trip

Book your accommodation

We always use Booking.com as they have the best price-quality ratio and they offer a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and villas to choose from.

You will find here all types of accommodations, from the cheapest ones to the most luxurious.

Don't forget travel insurance

We never leave home without HeyMondo Insurance or Safety Wings Insurance as they offer the best services and a good value for money, plus COVID coverage.

When we go for longer trips around the world we get Globelink Insurance as it offers a good cover for an affordable price.

Travel insurance will always protect you against unexpected events and cost like illness, COVID, injury, theft, or travel cancellation.

We never go on any trip without travel insurance and there were many cases when we had to use it.

Renting a car
We like to explore a country on our own and a car gives us the mobility and freedom to do that.

We always rent our car from Discovercars as they have free cancellation 48 hours prior to starting date and a wide range of car rental companies and options to choose from all over the world.

Tours and attractions
When we are looking for some adventure or we simply want to break up the monotony and discover new places, we always use GetYourGuide.

We love it because we always find the most amazing experiences, with free cancellation and a large variety of activities and tours to choose from.

Airplane tickets and holiday packages
Expedia is our ally when searching for the best price for airplane tickets as it works as an aggregator for a huge number of airlines and we always find the best price for our flights.

Travel tip: use Expedia when you are searching for holiday packages as they have many last-minute offers and great discounts for hotels, flights, and even the whole holiday packages.