Travel blog, tips and advice for
Costa Rican travelers 

Tamarindo is one of Costa Rica’s most popular beach towns—and while it’s known for surfing, nightlife, and great restaurants, you don’t need a big budget to enjoy it. Whether you’re backpacking through Costa Rica, traveling with family, or exploring solo, Tamarindo offers plenty of free things to do  that let you experience the town’s natural beauty and laid-back pura vida vibe. At Pura Vida Traveling , we help travelers make the most of Costa Rica—so here’s our list of the t

Samara Costa Rica is one of the most welcoming and easygoing beach towns in the country. Known for its calm waters, friendly community, and relaxed pace of life, Samara attracts a wide range of travelers — from families with young children to solo travelers, digital nomads, and couples looking for a stress-free beach escape. Samara offers something that’s becoming increasingly rare in Costa Rica: a beautiful beach with safe swimming conditions , plenty of local character, an

Planning a trip to Costa Rica? You’re in for a treat! This country is a vibrant mix of lush rainforests, stunning beaches, active volcanoes, and incredible wildlife. Whether you’re a backpacker, traveling with family, or going solo, this ultimate 10-day Costa Rica itinerary will help you make the most of your adventure. We will share our favorite spots, practical tips, and a day-by-day plan that balances adventure, relaxation, and culture. Ready? Let’s dive in! Itinerary pl

Planning your first trip to Costa Rica? You probably have a lot of questions — about safety, transportation, costs, weather, and where to go. At Pura Vida Traveling , we help travelers navigate Costa Rica with ease — from getting around the country to finding the best tours, hotels, and restaurants. In this guide, we answer the most common questions first-time visitors ask, so you can plan confidently and make the most of your trip. Let’s dive in! General Costa Rica Travel Qu

If you’re looking for an authentic Costa Rica experience surrounded by jungle, wildlife, and meaningful community projects, Santa Juana Lodge  is one of the country’s best-kept secrets. Located in the lush hills above the Central Pacific coast, this eco-lodge offers travelers the chance to disconnect from mass tourism and reconnect with nature, culture, and purpose. The impression of being in Monteverde Cloud Forest, far from Monteverde. Just a short drive from Manuel Antonio

Tamarindo, Costa Rica, is famous for its golden beaches, lively surf culture, and unforgettable sunsets—but it’s also one of the country’s top foodie destinations. Whether you’re craving an elegant beachfront dinner, a laid-back bistro with cocktails, or a hearty, budget-friendly casado  at a family-run soda, Tamarindo has it all. To he lp you plan where to eat, we’ve put together a guide to the best restaurants in Tamarindo , split into fine dining, casual dining, and budget

Costa Rica is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world — and for good reason. From volcanoes and rainforests to beach towns and vibrant local culture, this small Central American country offers an incredible variety of experiences. But before you visit Costa Rica, there are some important and interesting facts you should know. Understanding the country’s culture, geography, transportation, and lifestyle will help you travel smarter, avoid surprises, and truly

Hiking Cerro Chirripo , Costa Rica's highest mountain at 3,820 meters (12,536 ft), is one of the most rewarding and physically demanding adventures in Central America. Located inside Chirripo National Park , this iconic peak offers dramatic landscapes, rare biodiversity, and — on clear days — views of both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Whether you are planning a classic two-day trek or a more remote expedition through Uran, every Cerro Chirripo hike  requires preparati

Hiking  Cerro Chirripo  through the Uran route inside  Chirripo National Park  was probably one of the most intense experiences of our lives. It was beautiful. It was painful. It was humbling. And it pushed us far beyond our comfort zone. If you’re deciding which version of the Cerro Chirripo hike  to do, this honest experience about our hike to Cerro Chirripó via the Uran Route may help you choose wisely. If you’re looking for a full overview of routes, permits, and preparat

Manuel Antonio is best known for its world-famous national park, with stunning beaches and lush rainforest. While the park itself only offers a few snack stands, the town just outside is a treasure trove for food lovers. From cozy cafés serving Costa Rican coffee to elegant restaurants with breathtaking views, there’s something for every taste and budget. In this guide, we share our favorite Costa Rican-owned restaurants near Manuel Antonio National Park , so you can enjoy t

If you’re planning a vacation in Central America or North America , you may find yourself choosing between two incredible destinations: Costa Rica vs. Mexico . Both countries offer stunning beaches, rich culture, amazing food, unforgettable adventures, and warm hospitality — but the travel experience in each place can feel completely different. At Pura Vida Traveling , we help thousands of travelers plan trips to Costa Rica every year, and we often speak with visitors who are

Dominical Costa Rica is a laid-back surf town located on the southern Pacific coast, where jungle-covered mountains meet powerful ocean waves. Known for its relaxed vibe, black-sand beaches, waterfalls, and access to some of Costa Rica’s most beautiful national parks, Dominical is a favorite stop for backpackers, digital nomads, families, and nature lovers. Whether you’re traveling through Costa Rica on a budget, planning a family adventure, or exploring solo, this guide cove

If you’ve ever dreamed of waking up to birdsong, watching monkeys swing through the canopy, or sipping your morning coffee above the rainforest floor, then staying in a Costa Rica treehouse hotel  is an experience you can’t miss. From rustic eco-retreats to luxurious treetop villas, Costa Rica offers some of the most unique and unforgettable stays in the world. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about staying in a treehouse hotel—plus recommendations, tips, an

Las Catalinas Costa Rica is unlike any other destination in the country. Designed as a car-free beach town , Las Catalinas blends Mediterranean-style architecture with Costa Rica’s natural beauty, offering a walkable, peaceful, and community-focused travel experience. Located on the northern Pacific coast in Guanacaste, this thoughtfully planned town attracts travelers seeking relaxation, outdoor adventure, and a refined atmosphere away from mass tourism. Whether you’re visit

If you’re planning a trip to Central America , one of the most frequent questions we hear at Pura Vida Traveling  is: “Nicaragua vs. Costa Rica — which one should I visit?”  Both countries are beautiful and packed with adventure, nature, culture, and memorable experiences… but they each offer very different kinds of travel. From volcanic landscapes and colonial cities in Nicaragua to lush rainforests, beaches, and well-developed tourism services in Costa Rica, your perfect de

If you’ve ever dreamed of catching waves in a tropical paradise, Costa Rica is calling your name! This vibrant country is a surfer’s haven, offering warm waters, consistent waves, and stunning beaches. Whether you’re a total beginner or looking to sharpen your skills, learning to surf in Costa Rica is an unforgettable adventure. I’m here to share everything you need to know about surfing courses, the best spots, and how to make the most of your time riding the waves. Why cho

Traveling around Costa Rica doesn’t have to be stressful. Whether you’re landing at San José Airport or Liberia Airport , heading to the jungle, the beach, or anywhere in between, a shuttle service is one of the easiest ways to move around Costa Rica . In this complete guide, we’ll explain how shuttles work, the difference between private and shared services, tips for booking, and why choosing a reliable shuttle provider will make your trip better from start to finish. What

Costa Rica is a dream destination for adventure lovers, road trippers, and nature seekers. From misty cloud forests and hidden waterfalls to remote beaches and rugged mountain roads, the country rewards travelers who are willing to explore beyond the main highways. To do that safely and comfortably, renting the right vehicle is essential. If you’re wondering where to rent 4x4 vehicles for Costa Rica adventures , the short answer is: choose a reliable rental company, book thro

Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, home to nearly 6% of the planet’s wildlife despite covering less than 0.03% of its surface. From slow-moving sloths and colorful toucans to migrating whales and nesting sea turtles, the country offers year-round wildlife encounters that few destinations can match. But while Costa Rica has wildlife all year long, the best time to visit Costa Rica for wildlife viewing depends on what animals you want to see, where yo

If you’re planning a trip to Central America , you may be deciding between two of the region’s most popular destinations: Panama vs. Costa Rica . Both countries offer beautiful beaches, tropical landscapes, rich culture, and exciting adventures — but the travel experience in each place is surprisingly different. At Pura Vida Traveling , we help travelers plan unforgettable trips to Costa Rica every day, and we’re often asked how Costa Rica compares to Panama. While these neig

Understanding Costa Rica weather by month  is one of the most important steps when planning your trip. While Costa Rica is a year-round destination, the experience can vary greatly depending on rainfall, temperatures, wildlife activity, and crowds. At Pura Vida Traveling, we help travelers plan their trips with practical, up-to-date information about transportation, tours, accommodations, and the best times to visit each region. In this guide, we break down Costa Rica weather

One of the best things about visiting Manuel Antonio  is how easy it is to reach from nearby Quepos . Whether you’re heading to the Manuel Antonio National Park for the day, checking into a jungle hotel, or just chasing sunset views by the beach, this short trip is simple and stress-free. These two neighbors are only a short ride apart, and travelers have a couple of great ways to make the journey — whether you want something fast and private, or cheap and local. Below, we br

Planning a trip to Costa Rica in February ? You’re choosing one of the best months of the year to explore the country. February falls right in the heart of Costa Rica’s dry season, offering sunny days, warm temperatures, lush landscapes, and ideal conditions for beaches, wildlife watching, and adventure activities. At Pura Vida Traveling, we help backpackers, families, and solo travelers plan unforgettable trips across Costa Rica. In this guide, you’ll find everything you nee

Corcovado National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic and biodiverse destinations — a place where lush rainforest meets wild Pacific beaches, and wildlife thrives in one of the most untouched ecosystems in the world. National Geographic once called it “one of the most biologically intense places on Earth,”  and for good reason. If you're a true nature enthusiast looking for the ultimate wildlife experience, Corcovado National Park  is the hidden gem that will take your C