Costa Rica is one of my favorite countries in the world. It was the first country I ever traveled to — and it was the country that sparked my wanderlust. These days, Costa Rica is one of the most popular destinations in Central America. It’s popular with expats, luxury travelers, and backpackers alike. While it […]
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Is Costa Rica Safe to Visit?
Last Updated: 8/25/2023 | August 25th, 2023 Tropical jungles bursting with wildlife, mountainous landscapes extending into the horizon, picture-perfect beaches on both sides of the country, and a never-ending supply of fun activities no matter your budget. Costa Rica is a nature lover’s paradise — and it’s one of my favorite countries in the world. […]
The Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Costa Rica
Posted: 1/25/24 | January 25th, 2024 I love Costa Rica. It was the first place I visited by myself over 15 years ago and the country that set me on my nomadic journey. From its stunning beaches to its lush jungles, this biodiverse nation is popular with backpackers, honeymooners, and expats alike. And while it’s […]
The Cost of Traveling Costa Rica
Last Updated: 5/15/2023 | May 15, 2023 Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful and naturally-diverse countries in Central America. Unfortunately, it’s also the most expensive. Due to its natural beauty, amazing outdoor activities, safety, friendly locals, and well-established expat community, prices in Costa Rica have been rising higher year after year. For that […]
Do You Need Travel Insurance for Costa Rica?
Posted: 8/12/2023 | August 12th, 2023 Known for its lush forests, active volcanoes, white-sand beaches, and incredible wildlife, Costa Rica is a favorite among travelers. It was the place that ignited my wanderlust (so it holds a special place in my heart). Sandwiched between the Caribbean and Pacific Oceans, this small country has a lot […]
The Best Tour Companies in Costa Rica
Last Updated: 2/8/23 | February 8th, 2023 The first country I traveled to outside of the United States was Costa Rica, which was immensely popular back then with US travelers. It was beautiful, it was safe, and English was widely spoken. It enabled Americans who weren’t used to traveling a way to wade into the […]
The Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica
Last Updated: 2/22/24 | February 22nd, 2024 Costa Rica is one of the most visited countries in Central America. American tourists have been flocking to the country for years, and it’s become a hot spot for retirees and expats due to its cheap living, great weather, amazing beaches, and friendly locals. I love Costa Rica. […]
Learning Pura Vida in Costa Rica
Updated: 02/05/2019 | February 5th, 2019 This is a guest post by Abby Tegnelia, a former expat living in Costa Rica. “Pura vida” is a common expression in Costa Rica, roughly translated to “the pure life” in English. Abby’s time in Costa Rica was full of pura vida life experiences. She lived in a one-room […]
The 8 Best Hostels in San José, Costa Rica
Last Updated: 5/11/23 | May 11th, 2023 Costa Rica was the very first place I ever visited, kick-starting a journey that would eventually take me around the world and launch my career as a travel writer. Since that first trip, I’ve returned a few times, lured in by the friendly people, cloud forests, wildlife, and […]
The Best Places on Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast
Last Updated: 3/17/21 | March 17th, 2021 Most travelers visiting Costa Rica think the Pacific side of the country is the better coast to visit. The remote Osa Peninsula, the monkey-filled area of Manuel Antonio, the surfing near Santa Theres, and the touristy Nicoya coast make it the superior choice. After all, the Caribbean coast […]
How to Visit Costa Rica’s Cahuita National Park
Updated: 3/17/21 | March 17th, 2021 The Caribbean coast of Costa Rica is usually dominated by two places: the Amazon-like jungle of Tortuguero in the north and the party/beach paradise of Puerto Viejo in the south. But traveling the Caribbean coast, there was one place I liked best: Cahuita. Located an hour north of Puerto […]
Getting Lost Hiking in a Jungle in Costa Rica
Updated: 11/11/2018 | November 11th, 2018 “Let’s go hiking in Arenal,” I said one early morning at breakfast. “OK, we’ll go after lunch,” said Gloria and Lena. Gloria was a thirty-something olive skinned Spanish woman and her friend Lena, a short Latino with jet black hair from Chicago. Both were the only native Spanish speakers […]