Travel blog, tips and advice for
Costa Rican travelers 

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 short on time but don’t want to miss one of Costa Rica’s most unique destinations, a Tortuguero 2 day tour (1 night) is the perfect solution. Often called the Amazon of Costa Rica , Tortuguero National Park is famous for its lush canals, incredible wildlife, and remote Caribbean atmosphere. In this guide, we’ll explain what to expect from a 2-day Tortuguero tour, who it’s best for, what you’ll see, and why booking with Pura Vida Traveling makes your trip easy and st

Monteverde is one of the most famous destinations in Costa Rica—and for good reason. Known for its mystical cloud forests, rich biodiversity, and strong commitment to conservation, Costa Rica is also one of the best places for birdwatching. With more than 400 bird species recorded in the region, birdwatching in Monteverde is a must-do activity for backpackers, families, solo travelers, and anyone interested in wildlife and nature. Whether you’re an experienced birder or simp

If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, one of the country’s most famous wildlife spots is Crocodile Bridge Costa Rica , located along the Tarcoles River   on the Pacific Coast. Known for its enormous population of American crocodiles, this spot is a must-visit for wildlife lovers, photographers, and anyone looking to witness Costa Rica’s incredible biodiversity up close. One of the favorite free things to do near Jaco. Whether you’re a backpacker seeking an adventurous stop

When the sun drops behind the cloud forests of Costa Rica, a whole new world awakens. Welcome to the realm of nocturnal wonders — welcome to the Monteverde Costa Rica night tour . In this guide, we’ll dive deep into what makes a night tour in Monteverde so extraordinary, what to expect on your adventure, the wildlife you may see, tips to prepare, and how you can reserve your spot on a top-rated guided experience. If you’re ready to explore the forest after dark, check out our

When the sun dips below the horizon in Costa Rica, the jungle doesn’t go quiet—it wakes up. The forest hums, croaks, chirps, and rustles with life that most travelers never get to witness. If you’ve already explored Costa Rica’s waterfalls , beaches, and zip lines, a Jungle Night Tour should absolutely be on your list. This tour isn’t just another “optional” activity. It’s one of the best ways to discover the country’s hidden biodiversity and experience nature in a completel

Costa Rica is a land of remarkable biodiversity . From lush rainforests to misty cloud forests and coastal mangroves to mountain ridges, the entire country hums with life. Sloths rest high in the trees, howler monkeys echo across jungle canopies, and toucans glide between branches with bursts of color. For many travelers, seeing wildlife is one of the trip's highlights. And rightly so; there’s something deeply moving about watching a sloth in its natural habitat or catching a

When planning your trip to Costa Rica, you’ll likely think of lush rainforests, volcanoes, surf beaches, and rich biodiversity. But what many travelers don’t realize is that one of the most surreal and magical experiences awaits after the sun goes down. Welcome to the world of bioluminescence in Costa Rica —a nighttime light show performed by nature itself. And there’s no better place to witness it than Paquera , in the Gulf of Nicoya. We recently had the chance to experience

Whale watching in Uvita, Costa Rica, is an unforgettable experience that brings nature lovers and adventure seekers face-to-face with one of the ocean’s most majestic creatures. With stunning coastal views, abundant marine life, and the chance to witness humpback whales, sperm whales, and dolphins in their natural habitat, Uvita offers a rare and incredible opportunity to connect with the wild. Whether you’re a seasoned wildlife enthusiast or someone just looking for an incre