Family Travel

Costa Rica is well known for its impressive wildlife, but some places offer notably better viewing than others. One such spot is the Cano Negro Mixed Wildlife Refuge near the …

If you’re traveling with kids or just want a local experience, Finca El Paraiso is a great activity for your time in Monteverde. Our family recently did their farm and …

La Fortuna Waterfall is an icon in the Arenal Volcano area. This grand waterfall plunges 230 feet (70 meters) into a deep green pool. The surrounding jungle is thick and …

La Fortuna and the surrounding Arenal Volcano area is one of the best places in Costa Rica for zip lining. Here, you’ll find many tour operators offering exhilarating experiences that …

If you’re in the San Jose area and would like to see a wildlife rehabilitation center, the Toucan Rescue Ranch is a great option. We recently visited and it was …

Costa Rica is an ecotourism destination filled with a variety of jungle creatures. But have you ever thought about what happens to these animals when they are injured in the …

Last Updated: June 8, 2023 Just a few minutes from Uvita’s bustling town center is one of the area’s must-do activities. The Uvita Waterfall (Catarata Uvita) is the perfect mix …

Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations, and there’s no shortage of things to do. Wildlife viewing, zip lining, and other adventure tours are must-dos for many …

Surfing is definitely the number one watersport in Costa Rica. And while we have lived here for many years, we’ve only tried it a couple of times. With our kids …

Exploring Monteverde’s cloud forest by day will let you enjoy views of mossy trees, twisted roots, and misty horizons. Wildlife, however, can be hard to find in these dense woodlands. …

Most visitors to the Jaco area head to the beach for sun or surf. But for those interested in experiencing a taste of the culture, there’s a wonderful chocolate tour …

Many visitors to Costa Rica want to see hummingbirds. While these tiny birds are indeed abundant in Costa Rica, when viewing them in the wild, you typically catch little more …

One of the best ways to explore Costa Rica’s unique cloud forest environment is by walking along hanging bridges. These suspension bridges literally bring you through the treetops where you …

Most people visiting Costa Rica want to see a sloth. These adorable creatures are native to Costa Rica but only live in certain regions. Even in those places where it …

Costa Rica holds about 25% of its land in protected areas. There are 32 national parks and many more private reserves. These vast stretches of jungle, mountain, mangrove, and other …

You’ll no doubt see lots of wildlife when visiting the Dominical area of Costa Rica. There are exotic birds, monkeys, and even whales to check off your list. But if …

If you’re looking to keep the kids entertained while visiting Costa Rica’s capital of San Jose, the Children’s Museum is the perfect stop. This giant museum has everything kids love …

At the base of an active volcano, nestled in thick jungle and alongside a cascading waterfall, is Dino Land. Here, you will hear the roars and trumpets of all your …

Seeing glowing bioluminescence in person is one of those things in nature that just makes you go, wow! Witnessing it in Costa Rica, on a kayak, in the dark, under …

Last Updated: January 22, 2023 Costa Rica translates to “Rich Coast” in Spanish. But it’s not just the palm-lined beaches that offer such biodiverse wildlife. The Pacific Ocean itself is …

Chances are if you don’t live in Costa Rica or visit regularly, you have never heard of Playa Carrillo. But for those that frequent the country, you have probably discovered …

Playa Grande draws experienced surfers with its big, consistent waves. We aren’t surfers (yet), but on a recent visit to Playa Grande wanted to give it a try. We did …

One of the best things about Costa Rica is the variety of things to do. One day you can be zip lining through the forest canopy or rafting on a …

Many people visiting Jaco stay right in town and don’t venture far from the main beach. With tons of restaurants, tour shops, and things to do right there, it’s easy …

If you are visiting Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, a fun stop between destinations is the famous Tarcoles River crocodile bridge. This bridge has giant crocodiles sunbathing and swimming below. …

Last Updated: June 15, 2023 While much of Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast has larger waves for surfing, there are a few beaches with nice calm water. One such place …

A great way to explore Costa Rica’s many diverse ecosystems is by walking along hanging bridges through the treetop canopy. The amazing view paired with the adventure of crossing a …

We have several articles on this site about traveling to Costa Rica with kids. In this post, we’re going to get super specific and focus on traveling with young kids …

One activity that many people want to do on their trip to Costa Rica is walk along hanging bridges. Trekking through the forest canopy and viewing it at eye level …

Last Updated: February 23, 2023 If you are visiting La Fortuna to explore the jungle and see wildlife, hiking is a great way to do it. But you don’t necessarily …

Last Updated: January 6, 2023 Coffee and chocolate are two of the crops that Costa Rica is most famous for. In fact, Costa Rica’s fine Arabica beans have won competitions …

If you are traveling to Costa Rica to see wildlife, a night tour should definitely be on your list. We have done night tours in many spots around the country, …

Last Updated: July 10, 2023 A unique way to see some of Costa Rica’s best wildlife is on a river float tour. Many animals are attracted to water sources. Gently …

La Fortuna/Arenal Volcano is one of the best places in Costa Rica for hiking. With tons of thick rainforest all around, you’ll find dozens of parks and reserves to explore. …

Vacation rentals like Airbnbs can be a great option in Costa Rica. They fit big groups, give you more space, and let you cook in if you want. Since many …

While many destinations in Costa Rica are far off, a little careful planning can let you experience some of the country’s best attractions without spending too much time in the …

If you’re visiting the towns of Santa Teresa and Mal Pais on the Nicoya Peninsula, there is one spot you will not want to miss. The Mal Pais tide pools, …

Costa Rica is known for its impressive diversity of wildlife. To see species like sloths and monkeys, you can book excursions into the country’s most remote regions. But it doesn’t …

One of the most alluring activities to do in Costa Rica is soak in natural hot springs. While the most popular hot springs resorts are in La Fortuna near Arenal …

Last Updated: March 13, 2023 The Rincon de la Vieja area in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province has plenty of gorgeous waterfalls. Many of these tropical cascades, though, are harder to …

You’ve heard all about Costa Rica’s amazing wildlife and lush rainforest, and have booked your family’s flights to Costa Rica. You know you’re ready to create some amazing memories together …

Costa Rica has an amazing diversity of wildlife, though sometimes it can be hard to find. This is especially true in the Guanacaste region. Many visitors arrive in this part …

Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region is well known for its beaches. Although places like Tamarindo and Playa Flamingo get most of the hype, there are some amazing lesser known beaches as …

Some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica require a bit more effort to visit. Their remote location keeps away the average beachgoer and gives those willing to explore …

Traveling to Costa Rica with young kids takes a little extra planning. You have to think about what to pack, how best to get around, and other important logistics. One …

Last Updated: February 28, 2023 As any parent knows, taking a trip with the kids is always an adventure. Routines are inevitably disrupted and everything that is familiar changes. But …

Costa Rica’s rainforests are amazing to hike through, and if you have read some of our national parks’ posts, you’ll see why. But viewing the rainforest, in all its grandeur, …

In Part 1 of our virtual field trip to Costa Rica, we had you discover wildlife through guidebooks and trail cameras, taught you how to make homemade beans (yum!), planted …

At home wishing you were in Costa Rica? Even from afar, there are meaningful ways to connect with and learn about the country’s rich culture, abundant wildlife, and diverse ecosystems. …

Last Updated: August 11, 2023 If you’re visiting Manuel Antonio during your Costa Rica vacation, get ready for fun! Manuel Antonio is best known for its amazing wildlife and there …

Costa Rica is famous for its miles of coastline along both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. While most visitors want to experience the country’s tropical beaches, many don’t realize …

If you’re coming to Costa Rica to see as much wildlife as possible, there are several ways to do so. Our favorite always has been to trek through as many …

If you’ve been considering taking the kids overseas for the first time, you may have some reservations. We often hear from parents asking if Costa Rica is a good destination …

Last Updated: January 21, 2020 If you’re visiting Manuel Antonio on your next trip to Costa Rica, you’re no doubt looking forward to spotting wildlife in the national park, doing …

Monteverde has several reserves to take in the area’s abundant nature, but one of the most popular is the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve (Reserva Biologica Bosque Nuboso Monteverde). This reserve …

Even though Monteverde is a remote destination, hundreds of thousands of tourists still visit each year. In fact, during the height of the dry season, its parks and reserves can …

Part of Costa Rica’s allure are the many off-the-beaten-path activities that can be found with a little bit of exploring. One such activity is the Belen Waterfall near Samara. This …

Last Updated: September 28, 2020 Packing for your vacation can be stressful in itself but adding a baby to the picture takes it to a whole new level. Luckily, Costa …

The town of Samara in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region is probably best known for being a chilled-out beach destination. But in the hills above the sand-sprinkled streets is an amazing …

Last Updated: September 28, 2020 Since having kids, we have learned a lot about family travel in Costa Rica. We have a series of articles on family travel on this …

If you’re visiting Montezuma on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, chances are you’ll be heading to the Montezuma Waterfalls at some point during your trip. This set of three waterfalls is …

  One of the things that makes Costa Rica unique is the amount of protected land it holds. Beginning in the 1960s, Costa Rica started putting parcels of land aside …

In a recent post, we let you know about a fantastic rural tourism project in the town of Dos Brazos de Rio Tigre on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula. While the …

On our most recent trip to Puerto Jimenez on Costa Rica’s remote Osa Peninsula, we found ourselves with very few options for day trips, especially hiking. The Herrera Botanical Gardens …

Last Updated: October 15, 2021 Nature works in mysterious ways. And one really interesting oddity of nature is the so called whale tail that juts into the Pacific Ocean on …

Last Updated: May 4, 2022 La Fortuna and Monteverde are two of Costa Rica’s top destinations, and many people visiting one will often travel to the other. But those who …

Last Updated: March 13, 2023 Early one morning in July 1968, an unassuming green mountain in northern Costa Rica suddenly awoke and became the legendary Arenal Volcano. If you are …

Last Updated: May 10, 2021 Dominical is probably best known for its waves, which draw surfers from all around the world. But there’s a lot more to this quirky beach …

Long before eco-tourism vans took to the roads of Costa Rica, there was another much simpler mode of transportation: the oxcart. Brightly painted with intricate designs, these original wagons or …

Costa Rica is probably best known for its wildlife on land. Monkeys, sloths, birds, and butterflies often steal the show and for good reason. But what some forget is that …

  One thing that continuously amazes us about Costa Rica is the amount of biodiversity packed into this small country. Even after living here for over two years, we still …

Many of Costa Rica’s natural wonders are hidden among remote tangles of jungle or at the end of long dirt roads. But sometimes these magnificent attractions are sitting right in …

If you’ve read our destination guide on Drake Bay, you know that it is a nature-lover’s paradise where the jungle meets the sea. And while guided excursions and tours are …

Costa Rica has nearly 30 national parks, but if you’re a wildlife enthusiast, there’s one that stands out against all the rest. Tortuguero National Park, located in the northeastern-most part …

Only a short drive from one of Costa Rica’s most popular and developed beach towns is an oasis of nature. Carara National Park, just north of Jaco, not only has …

Last Updated: December 17, 2020 Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province in the northwestern part of the country is a popular spot for surfers and beachgoers alike. But many visitors to this …

Last Updated: February 3, 2023 Manuel Antonio is one of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations. With a gorgeous beach, lush rainforest, and tons of wildlife, it is no surprise that …

  Over the last 21 months, we’ve been fortunate to see some incredible waterfalls in Costa Rica. At times, it seems there’s one around every corner. Even just a simple …

Hidden among the quiet forests of San Gerardo de Dota lies a little-known waterfall, the San Gerardo Waterfall. Sometimes called the Rio Savegre Waterfall, this beautiful cascade is just an …

Last Updated: May 20, 2021 As the sun sets on the jungle of Drake Bay, the forest comes alive. Where only a few hours earlier there were birds and monkeys …

Last Updated: June 15, 2023 When you think of beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, you probably think of the shell-filled Playa Conchal, the pristine Playa Flamingo, and maybe even Playa …

Among fields of pineapple and palm is a different kind of farm trying to bring back a lost art: the art of making chocolate. La Iguana Chocolate, set in the …

Last Updated: October 4, 2019 Everyone knows about Manuel Antonio’s famed national park, but if you’re looking for something more off-the-beaten path, there’s another great option. Rainmaker Conservation Project located …

Last Updated: August 21, 2019 The Tárcoles River winds from the mountains of the Central Valley down the Pacific slope and eventually drains into the Gulf of Nicoya. Though spanning …

Last Updated: October 3, 2019 Visiting a waterfall is on almost every traveler’s wish list. But for those heading to the northwestern part of Costa Rica, especially the beaches of …

Last Updated: January 5, 2021 Costa Rica is home to six different kinds of wild cats. Although thousands of visitors take to the country’s hiking trails each day, the chances …

When our friend Lauren (a.k.a. the Altecocker) was visiting Costa Rica on her 55th home exchange last year, we knew that we had to make the trip to San José …

Last Updated: February 17, 2021 Costa Rica has many amazing waterfalls but we know of only one with a secret cave where you can stay the night. Located in Costa …

As we cover more of Costa Rica, our travel planning has become much more spur of the moment. This was especially true for our most recent road trip. The weekend …

Last Updated: August 5, 2022 If you’re visiting Poas Volcano or the northern lowlands around Puerto Viejo de Sarapiqui, be sure to take a day trip to the stunning Catarata del …

Costa Rica has plenty of stunning waterfalls but probably the most spectacular, in our eyes, are the Nauyaca located in the mountains of the southern zone. With two sets of …

Set in the mountains in rural northwestern Costa Rica, the Rio Celeste (Blue River) and waterfall is a breathtaking natural wonder that one has to see to believe. The brilliant …

If you’re visiting Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast, be sure to plan a trip to Hacienda Barú. This wildlife refuge, which encompasses an impressive 330-hectare swath of land along the …

Looming over the town of La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s five active volcanoes. Originally thought to be dormant, this volcano unexpectedly sprang to life in 1968. …

Last Updated: August 11, 2023 If you’re looking for picturesque beaches, wild jungle, and up-close encounters with wildlife, Manuel Antonio National Park is for you. Our first visit to Manuel …