Travel blog, tips and advice for
Costa Rican travelers 

If there's one local ritual that perfectly captures the soul of Uvita, Costa Rica, it's Mercado Bahía Ballena — the beloved twice-weekly market that brings the community alive with color, aromas, and the kind of honest, unpretentious energy that makes this stretch of the Southern Pacific coast so special. Whether you're a long-term expat, a digital nomad, or a traveler passing through on your way to Marino Ballena National Park, Mercado Bahía Ballena is not just a place to sh

Granada is one of Nicaragua’s most beautiful colonial cities, known for its colorful architecture, rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning location on the shores of Lake Nicaragua. For travelers arriving at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia, Costa Rica, reaching Granada is relatively straightforward thanks to the proximity of the Nicaragua border at Peñas Blancas. The journey covers approximately 190 kilometers (118 miles) and can take anywhere f

Playa Flamingo is one of Guanacaste's most beautiful beach towns, famous for its soft white sand, crystal-clear water, luxury marina, and incredible sunsets. While the area has attracted several upscale resorts, you'll also find charming boutique hotels, locally owned guesthouses, and hidden gems that offer authentic Costa Rican hospitality. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a budget-friendly beach escape, here are our favorite places to stay i

Corcovado National Park is often called the crown jewel of Costa Rica's national park system, and once you set foot on its trails, it's easy to understand why. National Geographic has described it as "the most biologically intense place on Earth," and with over 500,000 acres of pristine rainforest sheltering jaguars, tapirs, scarlet macaws, and all four Costa Rican monkey species, that title is well earned. But unlike many of Costa Rica's more accessible attractions, Corcovad

Peñas Blancas is Nicaragua's main border crossing with Costa Rica and an important gateway for travelers continuing to destinations such as Liberia, La Fortuna, Monteverde, and San José. Located approximately 135 kilometers (84 miles) south of Managua, the journey to Peñas Blancas is relatively straightforward and can be completed in as little as two hours by private transportation or around three to four hours by public bus. Whether you're traveling on a backpacker's budget

If you've been scrolling through travel photos of misty volcanoes, howler monkeys swinging through the canopy, and beaches where the jungle meets the sea, chances are Costa Rica has already made its way onto your bucket list. And honestly? It deserves the hype. At Pura Vida Traveling, we've helped backpackers, families, and solo travelers plan trips all over this tiny but mighty country, and we can say with confidence: there is no single "right" way to experience Costa Rica.

Costa Rica has no true "bad" season if you know what to expect — but it does have a season that trips up unprepared travelers more than any other. If you're planning a trip and searching for the worst time to visit Costa Rica, you're asking the right question before you book flights. And if your travel dates happen to fall in the fall, you're probably also wondering, is October a good time to visit Costa Rica, given its reputation as the rainiest month of the year. At Pura Vi

Few destinations in Costa Rica pack as much drama into a single landscape as the Arenal Volcano region near La Fortuna. Rising 1,670 meters above the lush lowlands of the Northern Highlands, Arenal's perfectly conical silhouette has become one of the country's most iconic images — and the trails that wind through its rainforests, lava fields, and hanging bridges are among the most rewarding hikes in all of Central America. Whether you're a backpacker on a tight budget, a fami

Monteverde is one of Costa Rica’s most famous cloud forest destinations, known for its incredible biodiversity, hanging bridges, ziplining adventures, and cooler mountain climate. If you're traveling from Granada, Nicaragua, reaching Monteverde requires crossing the Nicaragua–Costa Rica border at Peñas Blancas before continuing into Costa Rica's mountains. Fortunately, there are several transportation options available depending on your budget, comfort level, and travel style

Traveling from Liberia, Costa Rica, and the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) to Managua, Nicaragua, is a popular route for travelers exploring Central America. The two destinations are connected by the Peñas Blancas border crossing, making overland travel relatively straightforward. Whether you are looking for the fastest option, the most comfortable experience, or the most budget-friendly journey, there are several transportation methods to consider. This gui

Liberia, Costa Rica, and the nearby Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) are the main gateways to Guanacaste's beautiful beaches, national parks, and resorts. If you're traveling from Managua, Nicaragua, you'll find several transportation options ranging from budget-friendly public buses to convenient private transfers and flights. The journey covers approximately 215 kilometers (134 miles) and requires crossing the Peñas Blancas border between Nicaragua and Costa

So you've decided to visit Costa Rica for the first time — ¡Pura Vida! You've made an excellent choice. Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse, welcoming, and breathtaking countries in the world. But like any destination, a great trip starts with great preparation. Whether you're a backpacker counting every colón, a family looking for safe adventure, or a solo traveler chasing wildlife and sunsets, this guide covers everything you need to know — from the moment you land to

Visiting a waterfall should be on almost every traveler's wish list. But for those heading to the northwestern part of Costa Rica, especially the beaches of Guanacaste, finding one of these magnificent cascades can be difficult. That's because this region of the country is known to be flatter and drier — not exactly ideal conditions for a waterfall. Luckily, though, there are some spectacular waterfalls hidden away like this gem near Liberia: Llanos de Cortez Waterfall, also

Traveling from Granada, Nicaragua, to San José and Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) in Costa Rica is a popular route for travelers continuing their Central American adventure or catching an international flight. Located approximately 320 kilometers (200 miles) apart, the journey crosses the Nicaragua –Costa Rica border and offers several transportation choices depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style. Whether you prioritize comfort, affordability, or sp

Nestled on the edge of the Osa Peninsula, Drake Bay may be best known for its wildlife, Corcovado National Park adventures, and world-class snorkeling, but the food scene here is also worth exploring, even though the choice is rather limited. Here are our favorite restaurants, cafés, and coffee shops in Drake Bay, from upscale dining experiences featuring fresh-caught seafood to local sodas serving authentic Costa Rican dishes. Fine Dining Restaurants Kalaluna Bistro General

Peñas Blancas is the main border crossing between Nicaragua and Costa Rica and an important gateway for travelers continuing toward destinations like Liberia, La Fortuna, Monteverde, and Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast. Located approximately 45 km south of Granada, Peñas Blancas is relatively easy to reach and offers several transportation options depending on your budget, schedule, and comfort preferences. This guide covers the best ways to travel from Granada to Peñas Blancas, i

If there's one local ritual that perfectly captures the soul of Quepos, Costa Rica, it's La Feria — the beloved weekly farmers market that brings the community alive with color, aromas, and the kind of honest, unpretentious energy that makes this Pacific coast town so special. Whether you're a long-term expat, a digital nomad, or a traveler passing through on your way to Manuel Antonio National Park, La Feria is not just a place to shop — it's a place to live like a local, ev

If you’re searching for a quiet beach in Guanacaste away from the crowds of Tamarindo and the busy resorts, Playa Ardilla may become your new favorite hidden paradise. Located near the upscale beach towns of Playa Flamingo and Potrero in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste province, Playa Ardilla is a small, secluded beach with turquoise water, jungle surroundings, and a peaceful atmosphere that still feels untouched. Unlike many famous beaches in Costa Rica, Playa Ardilla remains relati

If you are looking for the perfect mix of adrenaline, rainforest scenery, and unforgettable outdoor adventure, white water rafting in Manuel Antonio should be at the top of your Costa Rica itinerary. Costa Rica is famous worldwide for its incredible biodiversity and eco-adventures, but many travelers are surprised to discover that the country is also home to some of the best white water rafting rivers in the world. From gentle family-friendly rapids to heart-pounding canyon d

If you are looking for an adventure that combines powerful rapids, lush rainforest scenery, and serious adrenaline, the Sarapiqui River (Río Sarapiquí) should be high on your Costa Rica bucket list. Located in Costa Rica’s northern lowlands, the Sarapiquí River is famous for delivering an exciting rafting experience surrounded by tropical jungle and incredible wildlife. It is especially popular among travelers staying in La Fortuna, Arenal, and the Central Valley, offering on

If there is one river in Costa Rica that consistently leaves travelers speechless, it is the Pacuare River (Río Pacuare). Flowing through untouched rainforest, deep canyons, and waterfall-lined gorges on Costa Rica’s Caribbean slope, the Pacuare is far more than a rafting destination. It is a journey into one of the country’s wildest and most beautiful landscapes. Whether you are an adrenaline seeker, a nature lover, or simply searching for an unforgettable day trip, white wa

Getting from Uvita up into the cloud forests of Monteverde is like trading warm Pacific breezes for misty mountain air — and the journey itself becomes part of your Costa Rican story. You’ve got options depending on your vibe: private shuttles let you relax and travel door‑to‑door at your own pace with views changing from rainforest to rolling hills; shared shuttles are a great balance of comfort and value with hotel pick‑ups and drop‑offs along the way; and if you’re on a ti

Located on Costa Rica’s laid-back Caribbean coast, Cahuita National Park is one of the country’s most accessible and rewarding national parks. Known for its coastal rainforest trails, abundant wildlife, and vibrant coral reefs, it is also one of the best places for snorkeling on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. If you’re looking for a destination where you can combine wildlife spotting, beautiful beaches, and underwater exploration, snorkeling in Cahuita is an experience you

Costa Rica is famous for its tropical beaches, volcanoes, waterfalls, wildlife, and pura vida lifestyle. But beyond the adventure tours and postcard-perfect sunsets, the country also has a rich cultural identity shaped by religion, history, family traditions, and national pride. If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica, understanding the country’s national holidays can completely change your travel experience. Some holidays bring colorful parades, fireworks, and cultural fest