Travel Tips
30 articles from people who actually live in Costa Rica.
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How many days do you need in Costa Rica? A complete trip-length guide
Costa Rica packs an astonishing amount of scenery into a small footprint — cloud forests, active volcanoes, jungle rivers, and two very different coastlines all within a few hours of each other. That variety is exactly why "how many days do I need in Costa Rica?" is one of the most common questions travelers ask before booking a flight. The honest answer: it depends on what you want to see and how you like to travel. But if you're looking for a number, most travelers find that 10 to 14 days...
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The worst time to visit Costa Rica (and why October might surprise you)
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 Vida Traveling, we...
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Visiting Costa Rica for the first time? The Ultimate Guide
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 the moment you...
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Is Uber Legal in Costa Rica?
If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, chances are you’ve asked yourself this question: “Can I use Uber in Costa Rica?” The short answer is: Yes, Uber works in Costa Rica — but technically, it operates in a legal gray area. That answer confuses many travelers, so this guide explains everything you need to know before using Uber in Costa Rica in 2026. Is Uber Officially Legal in Costa Rica? Uber has operated in Costa Rica since 2015, but the government has never fully legalized or regulated...
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What to Do in La Fortuna in 48 Hours?Perfect Itinerary + Budget Tips
If you’re wondering what to do in La Fortuna, you’re in the right place. This small town at the base of the iconic Arenal Volcano is one of the most exciting destinations in Costa Rica—packed with waterfalls, jungle adventures, volcano hikes, and natural hot springs. But what if you only have 2 days in La Fortuna? Good news: that’s more than enough time to experience the best of it—even on a budget. This 48-hour itinerary mixes must-do activities + hidden free spots, so you can enjoy the...
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Monkeys in Costa Rica: where to see them (Best Spots + Travel Tips)
Costa Rica is one of the best destinations in the world for wildlife lovers—and spotting monkeys in Costa Rica is often at the very top of every traveler’s bucket list. Whether you’re backpacking, traveling with family, or exploring solo, seeing monkeys swinging through the jungle is one of those unforgettable “pura vida” moments. The good news? Monkeys are relatively easy to see in Costa Rica—if you know where to go. In this guide, we’ll break down the best places to see monkeys in Costa...
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Costa Rica Questions and Answers: complete FAQ for first-time visitors
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 Questions Where is...
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Cerro Chirripó Hike Guide: Everything you need to know
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 preparation, permits, and...
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Costa Rica vs. Mexico: which country should you visit?
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 deciding whether...
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Nicaragua vs. Costa Rica: Which Country Should You 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 destination depends...
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Best time to visit Costa Rica for wildlife viewing
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 you plan to go, and...
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Panama vs. Costa Rica: Which country should you visit?
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 neighbouring...
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