Where is Costa Rica located? Discover this tropical paradise on the Map

Costa Rica — a name that instantly brings to mind lush rainforests, golden beaches, and the iconic “Pura Vida” lifestyle. But if you’ve ever wondered where exactly Costa Rica is located, you’re not alone. Many travelers hear about this Central American gem without realizing its small yet strategic position on the world map.

In this guide, we’ll explain where Costa Rica is located, what countries border it, its geography and climate, and why its location makes it one of the most unique and biodiverse destinations on Earth.

So, Where Is Costa Rica Located?

Costa Rica is located in Central America, the narrow strip of land connecting North America and South America.

More precisely, it lies between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south, with coastlines on two oceans:

• The Caribbean Sea to the east

• The Pacific Ocean to the west

This gives Costa Rica more than 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) of coastline, offering travelers access to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and surf spots.

Geographic Coordinates: Costa Rica is situated between 8° and 11° North latitude, and 82° and 86° West longitude — just north of the equator.

That means the country enjoys tropical weather year-round, with no true winter season!

Where Is Costa Rica on the World Map?

If you look at a world map, you’ll find Costa Rica right in the heart of the Americas — a small green country nestled between the Caribbean and the Pacific.

It’s roughly the size of West Virginia (USA) or Switzerland, yet its biodiversity rivals that of much larger countries. Costa Rica’s strategic location also makes it easily accessible from North America — just a few hours’ flight from major U.S. cities like:

• Miami (~3 hours)

• Houston (~4 hours)

• Los Angeles (~6 hours)

• New York (~5 hours)

That’s part of why Costa Rica has become such a popular destination for travelers seeking nature, adventure, and relaxation close to home.

Borders and Surrounding Countries

Costa Rica shares land borders with two countries:

• Nicaragua (north) – Known for its volcanoes and lakes.

• Panama (south) – Famous for its canal and tropical islands.

To the east, the Caribbean Sea offers turquoise waters, coral reefs, and laid-back coastal towns like Puerto Viejo. To the west, the Pacific Ocean features long stretches of surf-friendly beaches and dramatic sunsets in destinations like Santa Teresa, Nosara, and Manuel Antonio.

This dual-coast setup gives travelers the best of both worlds — Caribbean charm and Pacific adventure, all within a day’s drive.

Costa Rica’s Geography and Natural Wonders

Despite its small size, Costa Rica’s geography is incredibly diverse. You’ll find:

• Rainforests and Cloud Forests – Like Monteverde and La Fortuna, home to toucans, sloths, and hummingbirds.

• Volcanoes – Including the majestic Arenal Volcano and Poás Volcano.

• Beaches – From white-sand tropical beaches on the Caribbean to volcanic black-sand shores on the Pacific.

• Rivers and Waterfalls – Perfect for rafting, swimming, and photography.

Nearly 25% of Costa Rica’s territory is protected by national parks and reserves, making it a global leader in ecotourism and conservation.

Climate and Seasons

Because Costa Rica is located near the equator, it doesn’t experience the traditional four seasons. Instead, there are two main seasons:

• Dry Season (December to April) – Known locally as verano, this is the best time for sunshine and beach days.

• Green Season (May to November) – Lush landscapes, afternoon rain showers, and fewer crowds.

Temperatures vary depending on altitude. The beaches are warm year-round (around 30°C / 86°F), while the mountain towns like Monteverde and San José are cooler and refreshing.

How to get to Costa Rica?

Costa Rica has two main international airports:

1. Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) – Located near San José, the capital.

2. Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) – Located in Liberia, the gateway to the Pacific coast and Guanacaste beaches.

Both airports have direct flights from the U.S., Canada, and Europe, making Costa Rica easy to reach for travelers from around the world.

Fun Facts About Costa Rica’s Location

• Costa Rica has no army — it abolished it in 1949 and invests in education and sustainability instead.

• It sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, giving rise to its many volcanoes.

• You can watch the sunrise over the Caribbean and see the sunset on the Pacific — on the same day!

• Despite its small size, Costa Rica is home to over 5% of the world’s biodiversity.

Why Costa Rica’s location makes It so special

Costa Rica’s unique position between two oceans and its tropical latitude create microclimates and ecosystems found nowhere else on Earth.

From surfing in Santa Teresa, to hiking in Arenal Volcano National Park, to birdwatching in Monteverde, everything is within a few hours’ drive — thanks to the country’s compact size and well-connected roads.

Its location also makes it a safe and convenient hub for exploring the rest of Central America, with easy access to Nicaragua, Panama, and nearby islands.

Final Thoughts: A Small Country with a Big Heart

So, where is Costa Rica located? It’s right in the middle of the Americas — a bridge between two continents and two oceans, where biodiversity thrives, and Pura Vida is a way of life.

Whether you’re dreaming of exploring volcanoes, rainforests, or pristine beaches, Costa Rica’s unique geographic location makes it the perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Ready to plan your trip? Explore our travel guides and discover the best things to do in Costa Rica at Pura Vida Traveling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Costa Rica part of Mexico or South America?

No. Costa Rica is an independent country in Central America, not part of Mexico or South America.

Is Costa Rica part of the United States?

No. While it’s a popular travel destination for Americans, Costa Rica is a sovereign nation with its own government and currency (the Costa Rican colón).

What continent is Costa Rica in?

Costa Rica is located on the North American continent, in the region known as Central America.

What ocean is Costa Rica on?

Costa Rica borders both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

How far is Costa Rica from the equator?

It’s only about 8–11 degrees north of the equator, which is why the climate is warm and tropical year-round.

What time zone is Costa Rica in?

Costa Rica follows Central Standard Time (CST) and does not observe daylight savings time.

Is Costa Rica easy to travel around?

Yes! The country is small, with well-developed roads connecting popular destinations within a few hours’ drive.

What’s the capital of Costa Rica?

The capital is San José, located in the country’s central valley.