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Where is Costa Rica Located? Map, Distance & Places to Visit
Costa Rica is a small but stunning country in Central America, located between Nicaragua (north) and Panama (south).
It is unique because it borders both the Pacific Ocean (west) and the Caribbean Sea (east), making it a prime destination for beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers.
Despite its small size, Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. It is home to lush rainforests, active volcanoes, and abundant wildlife.
Whether you’re planning a visit or just curious about its location, we created this guide to help you understand exactly where Costa Rica is and why itโs such a special place.
See the world map below to find Costa Ricaโs exact location!

Costa Rica Location at a Glance
- ๐ Continent: North America (Geopolitically part of Central America)
- ๐ Bordering Countries: Nicaragua (north), Panama (south)
- ๐ Coastlines: Pacific Ocean (west), Caribbean Sea (east)
- ๐ Total Land Area: 19,710 sq mi (51,060 kmยฒ)
- ๐ Driving Distance (Coast to Coast): ~4 hours
- ๐ Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST, UTC -6)
- ๐ Capital City: San Josรฉ
- ๐ Main International Airports: Juan Santamarรญa (SJO) & Liberia (LIR)
- ๐ Official Language: Spanish
- ๐ Currency: Costa Rican Colรณn (CRC), though USD is widely accepted
- ๐ Fun Fact: Because Costa Rica is so compact, you can start your morning watching the sunrise over the Caribbean Sea and end your day with the sunset over the Pacific Ocean!
Costa Rica on a World Map (See Exact Location!)

Costa Rica is located in Central America, forming part of the narrow land bridge that connects North and South America.
It sits between 8ยฐ and 11ยฐ latitude north of the equator, which means it enjoys a tropical climate year-round. It also means that the sun is powerful here, so bring all the strong SPF when you visit!
How far is Costa Rica from major cities?
- โ๏ธ From New York, USA: ~5-hour flight (~2,200 miles / 3,540 km)
- โ๏ธ From Miami, USA: ~2.5-hour flight (~1,100 miles / 1,770 km)
- โ๏ธ From Los Angeles, USA: ~6-hour flight (~2,700 miles / 4,345 km)
- โ๏ธ From Madrid, Spain: ~11-hour flight (~5,300 miles / 8,500 km)
Clickable Map of All Places to Visit in Costa Rica

COSTA RICA VIBES
Use this interactive map to explore the most popular towns and destinations in Costa Rica.
How it works:
- Click on any location to access our in-depth travel guides.
- Get transportation tips, seasonal recommendations, top hotels, restaurants, and must-do activities!
Not sure where to start? Keep reading for a breakdown of Costa Ricaโs top cities, regions, and best places to visit!
Where Is the Capital of Costa Rica?

The capital of Costa Rica is San Josรฉ. This city is located in the heart of the country in the Central Valley region.
It serves as the main economic, cultural, and transportation hub of Costa Rica.
Key Facts About San Josรฉ:
- Geographic Location: Central Costa Rica
- Main International Airport: Juan Santamarรญa International Airport (SJO)
- Driving Distance to the Coasts: ~1.5 hours to the Pacific, ~2.5 hours to the Caribbean
- Population: ~333,980 (city), ~2 million (greater metropolitan area)
Why Visit San Josรฉ?
San Josรฉ offers historical landmarks, vibrant markets, museums, and a great food scene. If you have time, check out:
- National Theater of Costa Rica โ Stunning architecture & cultural events.
- Central Market โ A great spot for authentic Costa Rican food.
- Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) โ Learn about Costa Ricaโs fascinating history.
Check Out Our Guide to San Jose for More Info
Costa Rica Airports: Where to Fly Into?

Costa Rica has two main international airports, plus several domestic airports that make getting around easier.
International Airports in Costa Rica
Juan Santamarรญa International Airport (SJO) โ San Josรฉ
- Most flights arrive here, making it the busiest airport in Costa Rica.
- The airport is actually located closer to the city of Alajuela. This is a better city to look for hotels for your first or last night.
Daniel Oduber Quirรณs International Airport (LIR) โ Liberia, Guanacaste
- Growing in popularity with more direct flights from the U.S. and Canada.
- This airport is much easier to get out of and immediately be at the beach. There is far less traffic here than at the San Jose Airport.
Which airport should you choose?
- Flying into SJO? Best for trips to Manuel Antonio, the Caribbean, or the Southern Pacific.
- Flying into LIR? Best for Tamarindo, Papagayo, and Nicoya Peninsula destinations.
- If you want to visit the jungle towns of La Fortuna or Monteverde, both places are easily accessible from either international airport.
Check out our full Costa Rica Airports Guide โ
For flights, we suggest checking out Skyscanner. We consistently find the best deals and flight options there.
Where are the Domestic Airports in Costa Rica?
Flying within Costa Rica? Several domestic airports make it easy to reach remote destinations.
Popular Domestic Airports:
- Tambor (TMU): Gateway to Montezuma & Santa Teresa (Nicoya Peninsula)
- Drake Bay (DRK): Closest to Corcovado National Park
- Tortuguero (TTQ): Best for seeing sea turtles in Tortuguero National Park
- Quepos (XQP): Closest to Manuel Antonio National Park
Why fly domestically?
- Avoid long, winding drives (Costa Ricaโs roads and traffic can be unpredictable).
- Save time getting to remote areas like Drake Bay or the Nicoya Peninsula.
Why not fly domestically?
- Domestic flights are often more expensive than ground transportation
- If small planes scare you, this is not the option for you.
Find Out More in Our Guide to Domestic Airports
What Are the Regions of Costa Rica?

Costa Rica is divided into seven main regions, each offering unique landscapes, climates, and experiences. Hereโs a quick breakdown to help you decide where to go.
San Josรฉ & the Central Valley

This area is home to beautiful views, dormant and active volcanoes, the major international airport, plenty of coffee farms, and most of the major cities in the country.
- Best for: City life, volcanoes, coffee farms, cultural experiences
- Top Destinations: San Josรฉ, Alajuela, Cartago, San Gerardo de Dota
- Must-Do: Visit Poรกs Volcano, Irazu Volcano, and coffee farms
The Central Pacific Coast

- Best for: Beaches, surfing, national parks, and adventure
- Top Destinations: Jaco, Manuel Antonio, Quepos, Esterillos, Herradura
- Must-Do: Visit Manuel Antonio National Park & go surfing in Jaco
The South Pacific (Osa Peninsula)

- Best for: Wildlife, jungle, remote beaches, adventure
- Top Destinations: Uvita, Dominical, Puerto Jimรฉnez, Drake Bay
- Must-Do: Go whale watching in Uvita & explore Corcovado National Park
The Caribbean Coast

This side of the country has a completely different vibe than the Pacific coast.
Here you can expect a Caribbean vibe, turquoise waters and many darker sand beaches.
- Best for: Relaxed atmosphere, turquoise waters, wildlife, Afro-Caribbean culture
- Top Destinations: Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Manzanillo, Tortuguero
- Must-Do: See sea turtles in Tortuguero & snorkel in Cahuita National Park
The Nicoya Peninsula

This remote little corner of the country is filled with beautiful beaches, world-class surf, fishing, and great hiking spots.
It is not the easiest to get to this region, but that contributes to its charm.
Also, don’t tell the rest of Costa Rica, but this is our favorite spot.
- Best for: Surfing, yoga, off-the-beaten-path beach towns
- Top Destinations: Santa Teresa, Montezuma, Nosara, Samara
- Must-Do: Yoga & surfing in Nosara + waterfall hikes in Montezuma
Guanacaste (Northwest Costa Rica)

This area near the Nicaragua border is home to the city of Liberia, one of the country’s two international airports, several nice beach towns, volcanoes, and waterfalls.
- Best for: Luxury resorts, snorkeling, volcanoes, dry tropical climate
- Top Destinations: Tamarindo, Papagayo, Flamingo, Playa Hermosa
- Must-Do: Stay at an all-inclusive resort in Papagayo & visit Rincon de la Vieja volcano
The Northern Mountains (Arenal & Monteverde)

- Best for: Adventure, hot springs, cloud forests, volcano views
- Top Destinations: La Fortuna, Monteverde
- Must-Do: Hike Arenal Volcano, soak in hot springs, zipline in Monteverde
How to Use Costa Rica Maps to Get Around
When planning your trip to Costa Rica, you will need to use digital maps to get around.
Google Maps vs. Waze: Which One to Use?
- Google Maps: Best for estimating driving times and exploring locations before your trip. Google Maps is also easy to download offline in case you lose cell phone service.
- Waze (Recommended): The most reliable navigation app in Costa Rica. It updates in real time and is widely used by locals. We love Waze because people here are great about marking things like police or road work on the map. This is so helpful when driving.
- Paper Maps? Not Recommended. Roads are constantly changing, and digital maps provide the most up-to-date directions.
Pro Tip: Always add an extra hour to your estimated travel time, especially for long drives in remote areas! It is not unusual to get stuck behind a big truck and have difficulty passing on narrow stretches of road.
Where Can I Rent a Car in Costa Rica?
Renting a car is one of the best ways to explore Costa Rica at your own pace, especially if you plan to visit beaches, national parks, and rural areas.
Our Top Rental Car Choice: Adobe Rent-a-Car
- 10% discount for Costa Rica Vibes readers!
- Free second driver
- 0% deductible on Liability Protection Insurance
- New fleet of well-maintained vehicles
- Reliable customer service & multiple pickup locations
Not comfortable driving long distances? You can also take a private or shared transfer to your destination and then rent a car locally for day trips!
You can pick up a rental car at the San Josรฉ (SJO) and Liberia (LIR) International Airports or in major tourist towns like La Fortuna, Tamarindo, and Manuel Antonio.
Here is a map of all the Adobe offices throughout the country.

If you don’t feel comfortable driving long distances you can always opt to take a private transfer and then rent a car in your destination for day-to-day exploration.
Crossing Costa Ricaโs International Land Borders

Costa Rica shares land borders with Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south.
The two easiest places to cross the border are in Sixaola (if heading to Panama) and in Penas Blancas (if heading to Nicaragua).
For more information, we suggest checking our guide to the Nicaragua border and our guide to the Panama border crossing.
Map of Costa Rican Resorts
If youโre looking for an all-inclusive resort experience, Costa Rica has plenty of options.
We included our favorite 15 places throughout the country in this map.
For more options check out our guide to Costa Rice resorts.
Costa Rica Beach Map
Costa Rica has over 800 miles (1,290 km) of coastline with stunning beaches on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
Keep in mind that by law all beaches in Costa Rica need to be free to enter and have access to the public.
That means the thousands of miles of coastline are yours for the taking!
This map shows some of our absolute favorite beaches in the country. Some places are great for surfing, some for swimming, and some for relaxing.
For more beach tips, check out our Costa Rica beach guide.
Costa Rica Map of National Parks
Costa Rica has 30 national parks located throughout the country which encompasses 25% of the land in the country.
These national parks consist of volcanoes, sea turtle breeding grounds, areas of dense wildlife, waterfalls, and more.
Click on the map above to find out more about the national parks in the area you are visiting.
We also have a guide to national parks to give you more info.
Map of Costa Rica Waterfalls
This waterfall map of Costa Rica includes the most popular falls to visit.
Keep in mind that sometimes you will get lucky and find waterfalls on private properties or in other parks throughout the country.
For more information check out our waterfall guide.
Map of Costa Rica Volcanoes
Costa Rica is filled with impressive active and dormant volcanoes.
For the best volcano pictures, head to Arenal Volcano in La Fortuna.
For active volcanoes in which you can see the crater up close, we suggest Poas or Irazu in the Central Valley region.
Map of Costa Rica Golf Courses
If golfing is your thing, here is a map of all the major golf courses in the country. Keep in mind that some of these are located in private resorts and may not be open to non-guests.
You can find out more with our guide to golfing.
FAQ: Costa Rica Maps
Where is Costa Rica on the world map?
On a world map, Costa Rica is the country directly north of Panama and south of Nicaragua. It is located in Central America and has an extensive Pacific and Caribbean coast.
Does Google Maps work in Costa Rica?
Yes, Google Maps is great for driving directions within Costa Rica. However, the preferred GPS app for most people in Costa Rica is Waze.
What side of Costa Rica is nicer?
That depends on your preference. The Pacific coast is more popular with tourists and is known for having nicer beaches. But, the Caribbean coast has a more raw authentic feel.
Is Costa Rica an island?
No, Costa Rica is not an island. The country is located in Central America and has land borders with Nicaragua and Panama.
If you have more questions regarding Costa Rica maps please leave them in the comment section below.
We are always happy to help you out!


You Might Also Like:
Costa Rica Travel Details: What You Need to Know
๐ Should I rent a car in Costa Rica?
Having a rental car will give you the most flexibility when traveling in Costa Rica. This will also allow you to take fun day trips on your own.
- Save 10% Plus Other Perks with Our Adobe Rental Car Discount
- You might also consider; shared shuttle services or private transfer services
๐๐ฝ How can I book things to do?
We find that Viator tends to have the most comprehensive selection of activities with secure booking and good cancellation policies.
๐ I’m overwhelmed with planning. Can you help?
Of course! I suggest joining our Facebook group for specific questions and head to our Start Here Page to get started planning.
โ๏ธ What is the best way to book a flight?
Usually, we have the best luck finding great prices with Skyscanner. Check for flights to both San Jose Airport (SJO) and Liberia Airport (LIR).
๐๏ธ What is the best way to book my Costa Rica hotels?
We highly suggest Booking.com for hotel bookings and typically use VRBO for Costa Rica vacation rentals.
๐ฃ๏ธWhat is the main language in Costa Rica?
The main language in Costa Rica is Spanish. Most people working in tourism speak at least some English.
๐ฐ What is the currency in Costa Rica?
The currency used in Costa Rica is the Costa Rican colรณn (CRC). However, the US dollar is widely accepted in most tourist areas
๐ What is the best way to stay connected?
An eSIM from Airalo is the easiest way to get 4G data while traveling in Costa Rica.
๐ด Is Costa Rica safe?
Generally, Costa Rica is considered safe for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it’s best to use caution and be aware of your surroundings.
๐ Do you need a passport to go to Costa Rica?
Yes, Costa Rica is its own country. You will need a passport to visit.

Hi! Weโre Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er)
We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and since 2016 we have lived in sunny Costa Rica.
It was a spontaneous decision to move here, but it was the best decision!
Now we spend our days roaming the country to bring you the very best in Costa Rica travel here on Costa Rica Vibes.
Sarah is the writer. Thomas is the one keeping it all together.
Want the whole crazy story?

Sarah McArthur
Sarah McArthur is the co-founder and main writer of Costa Rica Vibes.
She is originally from the United States but has lived in sunny San Jose, Costa Rica since 2016.ย
She has traveled all over the country and now considers herself a self-proclaimed Costa Rica travel expert.ย
Want the whole crazy story?