Travel blog, tips and advice for
Costa Rican travelers 

Having lived in Quepos, right next to Manuel Antonio , for over 10 years, my family and I have spent more weekends than I can count...

In recent years, solo female travel has surged in popularity. Increasingly, women are packing their bags and embarking on their own...

Ready for the trip of a lifetime? This 10-day Costa Rica itinerary blends volcanoes, cloud forests, and Pacific beaches. It’s perfect for...

When you think of Costa Rica, you probably imagine lush jungles, pristine beaches, colorful wildlife, and pura vida vibes. However, where you stay can significantly impact your entire experience. If you want more than just a place to sleep and crave authenticity, charm, and a genuine connection to the local culture, then boutique hotels are the way to go. What is a boutique hotel? A boutique hotel is a small, independently owned property that offers a personalized, often one-

Are you a vegan or vegetarian planning a trip to Costa Rica? You might be wondering: Is Costa Rica vegan-friendly? Will I be able to find...

During your stay in Manuel Antonio, you’ll likely explore its stunning national park, enjoy its beaches, and spot monkeys in the trees. But between adventures, you might be wondering: where’s a good spot to eat, relax, and explore something local? A new addition to the best restaurants in the area , Mercadito Gastronómico Manuel Antonio is an open-air food and lifestyle market located on the main road between Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. It brings together local r

Santa Teresa and Samara are two of Costa Rica’s most beloved beach destinations, each offering its own slice of tropical paradise. While...

If you're an adventure lover traveling through Costa Rica and looking for an unforgettable, adrenaline-fueled experience, mark your...

Traveling from Tortuguero to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is an adventure in itself, as it involves combining boat and land transportation through some of Costa Rica’s most stunning natural landscapes. While these two Caribbean gems aren’t far apart geographically, getting from one to the other requires a bit of planning. In this post, we’ll explore five main transportation options: rental car or taxi, air, shared shuttle, private shuttle, and bus, to help you choose the one tha

Planning a trip to Costa Rica? You've probably already started dreaming about surfing in Tamarindo, hiking to hidden waterfalls, or spotting sloths in Manuel Antonio. But before you start packing your bags, there's one thing every traveler — backpacker, family, or solo explorer — needs to sort out first: travel insurance for Costa Rica. We know. Insurance isn't the most exciting part of trip planning. But trust us: after years of helping travelers explore this beautiful count

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

Jacó , a vibrant beach town on Costa Rica’s Central Pacific Coast, is best known for its consistent surf, lively nightlife, and proximity...

If you're looking for an unforgettable, thrill-packed day in Costa Rica’s lush rainforest, Rainforest Adventures Jaco is a must. On a recent trip, Aurélise and I had the chance to explore this exhilarating eco-adventure park with my twin sister Helen and Clara and what a day we had! We signed up for the 5-in-1 Adrenaline Extreme Zipline - Full Day Pass , and from start to finish, it was nothing short of epic . Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or just looking for a way to

Traveling between two of Costa Rica’s most beloved beach towns, Samara and Tamarindo, offers several transportation options, each with...

Dreaming of an unforgettable adventure? A 2-week road trip through Costa Rica is the perfect way to experience the country’s lush...

Planning a trip to Costa Rica and wondering if you'll find delicious vegan food along the way? You're in luck! One of our Pura Vida Traveling team members is vegan, so we've explored the country through a plant-based lens to help you find the most satisfying eats and experiences. Whether you're fully vegan, vegetarian, or just enjoy eating plant-based food, this article will help you discover the best vegan restaurants in Costa Rica. For quick and easy navigation, jump strai

Manuel Antonio and Quepos are among Costa Rica’s most popular destinations, known for stunning beaches, rich biodiversity, and the...

Uvita , nestled on Costa Rica's stunning southern Pacific coast, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers, surfers, and anyone seeking a more laid-back experience after time in Manuel Antonio or Quepos. Whether you’re heading to the famous Whale’s Tail in Marino Ballena National Park, catching some waves, or simply looking to unwind, getting from Manuel Antonio or Quepos to Uvita is relatively easy with several transportation options to suit different travel styles and

San José may not be the first place travelers think of for gastronomy in Costa Rica, but the capital city is full of hidden gems waiting...

San José might not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a trip to Costa Rica, but this vibrant capital city is full of...

Costa Rica surfing is world-famous—and for good reason. With over 800 miles of coastline, warm water year-round, and consistent swells on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, this tropical paradise offers waves for every level of surfer. Whether you’re catching your very first wave or chasing powerful barrels, Costa Rica delivers an unbeatable mix of surf, scenery, and pura vida lifestyle. Why is Costa Rica surfing so popular? Costa Rica has become one of the top surfing de

Jacó, Costa Rica, is a vibrant beach town known for its surf culture, lush rainforests, and warm hospitality. For travelers seeking accommodations that reflect the local charm and are owned by Costa Ricans, we've curated a list of the best hotels in Jaco across three categories: luxury, midrange, and budget. Each selection emphasizes boutique, mom-and-pop establishments that offer unique experiences and exceptional service.​ Luxury Boutique Hotels $$$ Hotel Villa Caletas Emai

Planning to head from the laid-back beaches of Dominical to the bustling surf town of Jacó , the marina village of Herradura, or the...

Are you a vegan traveler dreaming of lush jungles, peaceful beaches, and delicious plant-based meals? Welcome to Costa Rica—a haven for all nature and animal lovers, and for those who want to stay true to their ethics also when it comes to choosing what to eat and where to stay, thanks to its growing number of 100% plant-based retreats. As Pura Vida Traveling—your trusted travel partner in Costa Rica—we’ve gone beyond just food. More than a simple (yet selected) accommodation