Travel blog, tips and advice for
Costa Rican travelers 

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

If you’re looking to uncover one of Costa Rica’s most serene and wildlife-rich ecosystems, our Mangrove Boat or Kayak Adventure near Manuel Antonio is the perfect choice. Whether you prefer a relaxing boat ride or a more active kayak experience, this outing puts you into the heart of the mangrove forests—gliding through calm canals, spotting monkeys, sloths, birds and more. It’s ideal for families, solo travelers and backpackers wanting nature, peace and a unique Costa Rica

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

As a lifelong resident of Quepos, if there's one trail that captures the essence of our beautiful coastline, it's the Reto M.A.E. This isn't just a hike; it's an adventure that weaves through the heart of Manuel Antonio's lush jungles and secluded beaches. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just someone looking to experience the raw beauty of Costa Rica, let me take you through this unforgettable journey. But make sure to be ready! What is the Reto M.A.E.? "Reto M.A.E." stand

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