Travel blog, tips and advice for
Costa Rican travelers 

Getting from Uvita up into the cloud forests of Monteverde is like trading warm Pacific breezes for misty mountain air — and the journey itself becomes part of your Costa Rican story. You’ve got options depending on your vibe: private shuttles let you relax and travel door‑to‑door at your own pace with views changing from rainforest to rolling hills; shared shuttles are a great balance of comfort and value with hotel pick‑ups and drop‑offs along the way; and if you’re on a ti

Located on Costa Rica’s laid-back Caribbean coast, Cahuita National Park is one of the country’s most accessible and rewarding national parks. Known for its coastal rainforest trails, abundant wildlife, and vibrant coral reefs, it is also one of the best places for snorkeling on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. If you’re looking for a destination where you can combine wildlife spotting, beautiful beaches, and underwater exploration, snorkeling in Cahuita is an experience you

Costa Rica is famous for its tropical beaches, volcanoes, waterfalls, wildlife, and pura vida lifestyle. But beyond the adventure tours and postcard-perfect sunsets, the country also has a rich cultural identity shaped by religion, history, family traditions, and national pride. If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica, understanding the country’s national holidays can completely change your travel experience. Some holidays bring colorful parades, fireworks, and cultural fest

If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, chances are you’ve asked yourself this question: “Can I use Uber in Costa Rica?” The short answer is: Yes, Uber works in Costa Rica — but technically, it operates in a legal gray area. That answer confuses many travelers, so this guide explains everything you need to know before using Uber in Costa Rica in 2026. Is Uber Officially Legal in Costa Rica? Uber has operated in Costa Rica since 2015, but the government has never fully legali

Traveling around Costa Rica is one of the most exciting parts of planning your trip. From tropical beaches and volcanoes to cloud forests and jungle towns, the country is packed with unforgettable destinations. But figuring out how to move between them can feel overwhelming for first-time visitors. That’s where private and shared shuttle transportation in Costa Rica becomes the perfect solution. Whether you are traveling from San José to Manuel Antonio, heading from La Fortun

If you're wondering what airlines fly into Costa Rica, you’ll be happy to know that the country is extremely well-connected, with dozens of international carriers serving both Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) and Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR). From major U.S. hubs to Europe and Latin America, Costa Rica receives hundreds of international flights every month, making it one of the easiest destinations to reach in Central America. Full list of Airli

Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Booking your flight is the very first (and often most important) step. The good news: getting to Costa Rica has never been easier—or cheaper—thanks to increased airline competition, new routes, and frequent deals in 2026. In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about flights to Costa Rica, including the best airports, airlines, routes, prices, and insider tips to score the cheapest fares. Why is Costa Rica easier (and ch

Renting a car in Costa Rica is one of the best ways to explore the country at your own pace—but it’s also one of the most confusing parts of planning your trip. Between mandatory insurance, hidden fees, road conditions, and rental requirements, many travelers feel overwhelmed before even landing. This complete 2026 guide breaks everything down clearly so you can rent with confidence, avoid surprises, and enjoy the freedom of the road. Why renting a car in Costa Rica is differ

If you're searching for the best hotels in Cahuita, there’s one important thing to understand first: Cahuita is not a luxury destination. Unlike places like Manuel Antonio or Guanacaste, Cahuita is all about authentic Caribbean culture, nature, and laid-back vibes. You won’t find big 5-star resorts or $300/night hotels here—and that’s exactly why travelers love it. Instead, Cahuita offers something better: locally owned boutique hotels, eco-lodges, and budget-friendly stays,

If you're planning a trip to Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, Cahuita National Park is one of those places you simply can’t skip. With its unique combination of tropical rainforest, white-sand beaches, and coral reefs, it offers one of the most accessible and rewarding nature experiences in the country. Whether you’re a backpacker on a budget, a family looking for an easy wildlife adventure, or a solo traveler craving authentic Costa Rica, this guide will help you plan the perfe

If you're searching for Costa Rica's top-rated resorts, you're in the right place. Costa Rica is home to some of the most incredible luxury, eco-friendly, and beachfront resorts in the world—ranging from jungle lodges to five-star oceanfront escapes. What makes Costa Rica stand out is its unique blend of luxury + nature. Many of the country’s best resorts are designed to immerse you in rainforests, volcanoes, and pristine beaches while still offering world-class service and a

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

If you’re planning a trip to Manuel Antonio National Park, you’re about to visit one of the most iconic destinations in Costa Rica. Famous for its lush rainforest, white-sand beaches, and incredible wildlife, Manuel Antonio is often ranked among the most beautiful national parks in the world. If you want to truly make the most of your visit—from spotting incredible wildlife to enjoying the park’s best beaches—having the right information beforehand makes all the difference. A

If you’re planning a trip to Nosara, one experience you truly shouldn’t miss is sunset horseback riding along the Pacific coast. Blending adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery, it’s one of the most memorable ways to experience the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Whether you’re a couple searching for a romantic sunset activity, a family looking for something unique, or a solo traveler wanting to connect with nature, a sunset horseback riding tour in Nosara offers an un

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