Travel blog, tips and advice for
Costa Rican travelers 

If you want to experience Costa Rica’s lush rainforest and peaceful countryside uniquely, a Horseback Riding Tour near Manuel Antonio is an unforgettable adventure. Located just outside the popular beach town of Manuel Antonio, this scenic horseback ride takes visitors along forest trails and through the beautiful landscapes of the Naranjo River Biological Corridor. Riding a gentle horse through tropical nature allows travelers to explore areas that are difficult to reach by

There’s a big difference between seeing the coastline of Manuel Antonio… and actually riding along it on a jet ski. On a jet ski tour, you’re not just looking at the scenery—you’re moving through it. One minute you’re speeding past rugged cliffs, the next you’re slowing down as dolphins surface nearby or pulling into a remote, quiet beach with no crowds in sight. If you're planning a trip to Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, this is one of the most exciting ways to explore the coas

Isla Tortuga in Costa Rica, is one of the most beautiful islands you can visit on the Nicoya Peninsula. With turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, great snorkeling, and easy access from Montezuma and Santa Teresa, it’s a perfect day trip for backpackers, families, and solo travelers. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Isla Tortuga, including how to get there, what to expect, the best time to visit, and how to choose the best Isla Tortuga tour dependi

If you are looking for meaningful things to do in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica , visiting Kids Saving the Rainforest (KSTR) should be at the top of your list. Yesterday, we visited this incredible wildlife rescue center with my cousin, his wife, and their 7-year-old daughter, Mila. What we expected to be a simple animal visit turned into a powerful and emotional experience about Costa Rica’s wildlife conservation efforts. Unlike a zoo or tourist attraction, KSTR is a real wild

If you want to discover Costa Rica’s rich agricultural traditions while visiting the Pacific Coast, a Chocolate Farm Tour in Manuel Antonio is a fantastic experience. This cultural tour takes visitors into the world of cacao, coffee, and sugarcane—three products that have shaped Costa Rica’s history and economy. And speaking from personal experience, it’s absolutely worth it. I (Aurélise) did this tour on a slightly rainy Sunday with my cousin, his wife, and his 7-year-old da

If you’re visiting the lively beach town of Jacó and looking for a unique cultural and culinary experience, the Chocolate Experience Tour is a delicious activity you shouldn’t miss. Costa Rica has a rich cacao history dating back centuries, and this immersive tour allows visitors to discover the fascinating journey of chocolate—from tropical cacao fruit to the sweet treat loved around the world. Located at Vista Los Sueños Adventure Park, this Chocolate Tour near Jaco comb

Traveling from the laid-back beach towns of Sámara and Puerto Carrillo to the misty cloud forests of Monteverde is a classic Costa Rica journey that takes you from the Pacific coast into the mountains. While the distance isn’t huge, the route involves winding roads and elevation changes, so planning your transportation wisely can make a big difference in your overall experience. Below, we break down the five main ways to make this trip, including travel times, costs, and he

Traveling from Dominical on the South Pacific coast to the laid-back Caribbean towns of Puerto Viejo de Talamanca or Cahuita requires crossing the country from west to east. Although the distance is not particularly long, the journey typically takes 7 to 10 hours, depending on the mode of transportation you choose. Travelers can make the trip by rental car or taxi, by domestic flight, by shared shuttle, by private shuttle, or by public bus. Each option offers different trav

If you’re visiting La Fortuna and looking for an exciting outdoor activity, an ATV or 4x4 tour around Arenal Volcano is one of the best adventures you can experience. The region surrounding Arenal Volcano is famous for its lush rainforest, rugged trails, volcanic landscapes, and incredible wildlife. Exploring these landscapes on an ATV allows you to access remote areas while enjoying breathtaking views. Whether you're an adrenaline lover or simply want to discover Costa Ric

If you want to experience the authentic culture of Costa Rica beyond beaches and wildlife, a Costa Rican cooking class in Manuel Antonio is a fantastic way to do it. Costa Rican cuisine is simple, fresh, and full of flavor. By joining a Native Foods Cooking Class , travelers can discover the ingredients, traditions, and cooking techniques that make local dishes so special. This interactive culinary experience invites visitors into a welcoming kitchen where experienced chefs

Traveling from the luxurious Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo to the adventure capital of La Fortuna and the iconic Arenal Volcano is a journey many visitors include in their Costa Rica itinerary. While the Four Seasons sits along the Pacific coast in the Papagayo Peninsula, La Fortuna lies inland at the base of Arenal Volcano, surrounded by rainforest, waterfalls, hot springs, and outdoor adventures. Fortunately, several transportation options connect t

If you’re visiting La Fortuna and want more than just adventure, Don Juan Tours La Fortuna offers one of the most immersive cultural experiences in Costa Rica. Nestled at the base of the Arenal Volcano, this hands-on farm tour takes you deep into the world of coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane production—three of the country’s most iconic exports. This isn’t just a tasting tour. It’s a farm-to-cup and bean-to-bar journey where you’ll see, touch, and taste every step of the pro

If you're visiting the beautiful Pacific Coast of Manuel Antonio and looking for an exciting outdoor activity, an ATV adventure tour is one of the best ways to explore the region. The lush rainforest landscapes surrounding Quepos and Manuel Antonio offer incredible terrain for off-road exploration. Riding an ATV allows you to venture beyond the main roads and discover jungle trails, scenic viewpoints, and hidden countryside areas. Perfect for adrenaline seekers and nature l

From Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport or the nearby Liberia area, it is quick and easy to get to the Golfo de Papagayo and the Four Seasons Hotel . The Papagayo Peninsula is located about 47km from the airport, and the drive typically takes 45 minutes to 1hour depending on traffic and the security checkpoint at the peninsula entrance. The route follows well-paved highways through the dry tropical landscapes of Guanacaste before turning toward the scenic hills of th

Traveling from the laid-back beach towns of Sámara and Puerto Carrillo to the lush rainforest region of La Fortuna and the iconic Arenal Volcano is one of the most rewarding journeys in Costa Rica. While the distance isn’t huge, the mountainous terrain means travel times can vary depending on your transportation choice. The best option depends on your priorities. Shared shuttles and public buses are best for budget travelers. Rental cars or domestic flights are ideal for f

If you’re looking for an authentic cultural experience in Costa Rica’s cloud forest region, the Farm and Cheese Making Tour in Monteverde is a wonderful activity for travelers of all ages. This immersive experience takes place on a family-run sustainable farm where visitors can discover the traditions of rural Costa Rican life. Surrounded by rolling green hills and the lush environment of the nearby Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve , guests can interact with farm a

Traveling from San José International Airport (SJO) to Manuel Antonio is one of the most common routes in Costa Rica—and for good reason. Manuel Antonio combines lush rainforest, stunning beaches, abundant wildlife, and a relaxed coastal vibe that appeals to backpackers, families, and solo travelers alike. But once you land at SJO, one big question comes up quickly: What’s the best way to get to Manuel Antonio? Among all transportation options, booking a private shuttle fro

Traveling from Puerto Viejo and Cahuita to Jacó requires crossing the country, typically passing through San José. The journey covers roughly 280–300 km and can take 6-10 hours, depending on your mode of transportation. Whether you’re looking for the fastest option, the most budget-friendly route, or the most comfortable experience, there are several ways to make the trip from Costa Rica’s laid-back Caribbean to the lively Pacific beach town of Jaco, including rental car or

If you’re looking for one of the most exciting adventure activities in Costa Rica , canyoning near La Fortuna is an experience you won’t forget. Surrounded by lush rainforest and located near the iconic Arenal Volcano , this waterfall rappelling adventure takes thrill-seekers deep into hidden canyons where powerful waterfalls cascade down cliffs. The Canyoning Adventure Tour in La Fortuna combines adrenaline, breathtaking scenery, and outdoor exploration as participants ra

If you're searching for one of the most thrilling outdoor adventures in Jacó, the Extreme Canyoning Tour at Vista Los Sueños delivers an unforgettable adrenaline rush. This experience takes you deep into Costa Rica’s lush rainforest, where you’ll rappel down powerful waterfalls, hike along jungle riverbeds, and immerse yourself in some of the wildest landscapes on the Pacific coast. Unlike many typical adventure tours, canyoning combines hiking, climbing, rappelling, and swi

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

If you're planning a trip to Costa Rica, chances are you’ve come across two iconic destinations: Monteverde and Arenal (La Fortuna). Both are famous for lush rainforest landscapes, incredible wildlife, and unforgettable outdoor adventures. But they offer very different experiences. So the big question is: Should you go to Monteverde or Arenal ? The answer depends on what kind of traveler you are — backpacker, family, solo explorer — and what you’re hoping to experience in Co