Travel blog, tips and advice for
Costa Rican travelers 

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

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

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

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

Costa Rica is one of the world’s safest and most exciting destinations for families. With wildlife encounters, kid-friendly beaches, volcano adventures, chocolate making, and endless nature tours, it’s the perfect place to spark curiosity in children of every age. Whether you're traveling with toddlers, teens, or multigenerational families, Costa Rica offers activities that are fun, safe, and educational. We want to present you our Top 10 Family-Friendly Activities in Costa R

If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica , congratulations — you’re about to explore one of the most breathtaking and biodiverse countries on Earth. From lush jungles and hidden waterfalls to endless beaches and volcano views, Costa Rica has something for everyone. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a group of friends, you’ll find countless ways to experience the magic of Pura Vida . But with so many options, destinations, and adventures to choose from, you might be

If you’ve been dreaming of lush rainforests, silky sand beaches, volcano-views and exotic wildlife, then a visit to Costa Rica is high on the list. But you might also ask: can this be done affordably?  The good news: yes, you can enjoy a rich experience in Costa Rica without breaking the bank. Let’s explore how, what to expect, and how you can make your next Costa Rica inexpensive adventure a reality. And if you’d like to dive deeper into budgeting ideas, check out our detail