Travel blog, tips and advice for
Costa Rican travelers 

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 c

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 mon

Costa Rica may look small on the map, but traveling around the country can take more time than most visitors expect. Mountain ranges, winding coastal roads, rural villages, and rainforest terrain all impact travel time. If you are planning your trip, one of the most important questions to answer is: How do you get around Costa Rica efficiently and affordably? Whether you’re a backpacker traveling on a tight budget, a family looking for comfort, or a solo traveler wanting fle

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

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

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