Travel blog, tips and advice for
Costa Rican travelers 

Planning a trip to Costa Rica in February ? You’re choosing one of the best months of the year to explore the country. February falls right in the heart of Costa Rica’s dry season, offering sunny days, warm temperatures, lush landscapes, and ideal conditions for beaches, wildlife watching, and adventure activities. At Pura Vida Traveling, we help backpackers, families, and solo travelers plan unforgettable trips across Costa Rica. In this guide, you’ll find everything you nee

Corcovado National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic and biodiverse destinations — a place where lush rainforest meets wild Pacific beaches, and wildlife thrives in one of the most untouched ecosystems in the world. National Geographic once called it “one of the most biologically intense places on Earth,”  and for good reason. If you're a true nature enthusiast looking for the ultimate wildlife experience, Corcovado National Park  is the hidden gem that will take your C

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

Santa Teresa , Costa Rica isn’t just famous for its surf and sunsets—it’s also a top fishing destination on the Nicoya Peninsula. With rich Pacific waters, experienced local captains, and year-round fishing opportunities, Santa Teresa is perfect for beginners, families, and experienced anglers alike. At Pura Vida Traveling, we help travelers find the best fishing tours in Costa Rica, whether you want a relaxed inshore trip or a full offshore deep-sea adventure. Why Go Fishing

Puerto Viejo de Talamanca is famous for its laid-back Caribbean vibe, golden-sand beaches, reggae rhythms, and rich Afro-Caribbean culture. But beyond the surf breaks and colorful beach towns, there’s another unforgettable experience waiting for you: a chocolate tour in Puerto Viejo . Costa Rica has a long and fascinating relationship with cacao, and the Caribbean coast is one of the best places in the country to discover how chocolate is grown, harvested, and transformed —

If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure in Costa Rica that combines adrenaline, nature, and hidden waterfalls, the Pilas Blancas ATV Waterfall Tour in Nosara  should be at the top of your list. This tour is one of the best ways to explore Costa Rica’s rugged backcountry while visiting a beautiful jungle waterfall—perfect for backpackers, families with older kids, and solo travelers alike. What is the Pilas Blancas ATV Waterfall Tour? The Pilas Blancas ATV Waterfall T

If you’re planning a trip to Tamarindo, Costa Rica, one of the most unforgettable experiences you can add to your itinerary is a catamaran sailing and snorkeling tour. Whether you’re a backpacker seeking adventure, a family looking for a fun beach day, or a solo traveler wanting that Pura Vida  moment on the water, this cruise delivers breathtaking ocean views, tropical wildlife, and perfect moments to relax and explore. What to Expect on a Tamarindo Catamaran Tour? A typical

Visiting the Nicoya Peninsula and looking for an unforgettable adventure? One of the best ways to experience Montezuma Waterfall  is by joining an ATV Waterfall Tour from Santa Teresa . This tour combines jungle trails, river crossings, local villages, and one of Costa Rica’s most famous waterfalls — all in one epic half-day adventure. Whether you’re a backpacker chasing adrenaline, a family looking for a fun outdoor activity, or a solo traveler wanting to explore beyond the

Explore Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast by Sea — Wildlife, Snorkeling, Sunset Views & Pure Pura Vida! If you’re planning a trip to Manuel Antonio or Quepos , one of the best ways to experience Costa Rica’s breathtaking coastline is on a catamaran boat tour  departing from Marina Pez Vela . Whether you’re a backpacker, a family traveler, or a solo adventurer, this half-day sailing adventure offers something unforgettable for everyone. Why a Catamaran Tour is a must-do in Manuel Ant

Nosara is one of Costa Rica’s most captivating beach towns — a place where lush jungle meets sandy shores, surf vibes blend with pura vida spirit, and adventure beckons around every corner. One of the best ways to explore this diverse terrain is on an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle), giving you freedom, fun, and access to hidden gems off the beaten path. Whether you’re a backpacker with a thirst for exploration, a family seeking unforgettable experiences, or a solo traveler chasin

Santa Teresa is one of Costa Rica’s most popular beach destinations, known for its surf culture, jungle surroundings, and relaxed vibe. But one thing often surprises visitors: getting around isn’t always easy. Roads are dusty, uneven, and spread out—making ATV rental in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, one of the best transportation options for travelers. Why rent an ATV in Santa Teresa? Santa Teresa’s roads are unlike those in the rest of Costa Rica. Many are unpaved, bumpy, dusty

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

Costa Rica is world-renowned for its stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and adventure-filled experiences—but there’s another side to this tropical paradise that travelers are increasingly discovering: its craft beer scene. Whether you’re a backpacker exploring on a budget, a solo traveler seeking local experiences, or a family seeking fun activities, visiting  Costa Rica's breweries  is a delicious way to immerse yourself in the country’s culture. From traditional lagers to

When people think of Manuel Antonio , they picture white-sand beaches, wildlife-packed national parks, and adrenaline tours like rafting or zip lining. But just outside Quepos lies a completely different kind of adventure—one that’s fragrant, delicious, peaceful, and perfect for curious travelers. The Villa Vanilla Spice Farm Tour  is one of the most unique things to do near Manuel Antonio. This working organic spice plantation grows vanilla, cinnamon, cacao, pepper, and doze

Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations, a place where lush rainforest meets powdery white-sand beaches  and wildlife is never far away. Whether you’re wandering through jungle trails, spotting monkeys and sloths, relaxing on the beach, or seeking adrenaline-filled adventures like ziplining, surfing, or white water rafting, Manuel Antonio truly has something for everyone. Here is all our favorite activities if you're wondering what to do during 1 week i

Located in the heart of Herradura Bay, just minutes from Jaco Beach, Los Sueños in Jaco  is one of Costa Rica’s most luxurious and adventure-filled destinations. Known for its world-class marina, stunning scenery, top-tier dining, and easy access to rainforest and ocean activities, it’s a must-visit spot for families, backpackers, groups, and solo travelers alike. Whether you’re dreaming of a relaxing day by the beach, a high-adrenaline offshore fishing charter, or exploring

If you’ve ever struggled to find the perfect gift, you know the feeling: Another sweater… Another candle…Another gadget that ends up forgotten in a drawer… But the gifts that truly matter aren’t things — they’re experiences . This year, give someone something they’ll never forget : the chance to experience Costa Rica. With our new Pura Vida Traveling digital gift cards , you can gift the magic of adventure, connection, wellness, nature, and memories that last a lifetime. How

If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica and wondering whether you should rent a car, you’re not alone. Driving in Costa Rica is one of the most commonly researched topics for travelers—and for good reason. The country’s incredible beaches, volcanoes, waterfalls, and national parks are often spread out, and having your own wheels gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. But Costa Rica is also known for winding mountain roads, sudden tropical rain, and routes that som

Costa Rica continues to evolve as a top destination for all-inclusive travel — but here, “all-inclusive” isn’t just giant chain resorts. For 2026, we carefully curated a mix of boutique , local , and eco-conscious  stays, plus a few classic all-inclusive favorites travelers still love. Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts (2026)   Secrets Papagayo, Costa Rica Email:   spgp.club@secretsresorts.com Phone Number:  +506 2672 0000 Location:  Papagayo, Guanacaste Hotel Type:  Luxury Adults

Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, has become one of the world’s top surf towns—and for good reason. With consistent waves, stunning beaches, warm water, and a laid-back vibe, it’s a paradise for beginners, intermediates, and advanced surfers alike. If you’re planning a surf trip, this is your ultimate guide to Santa Teresa surf . Best Surf Spots in Santa Teresa Here are the top locations for Santa Teresa surf : Playa Santa Teresa : The main beach—long, spacious, and ideal for all le

Costa Rica is one of the world’s safest and most exciting destinations for families. With wildlife encounters, kid-friendly beaches, volcano adventures, chocolate making, and endless nature tours, it’s the perfect place to spark curiosity in children of every age. Whether you're traveling with toddlers, teens, or multigenerational families, Costa Rica offers activities that are fun, safe, and educational. We want to present you our Top 10 Family-Friendly Activities in Costa R