Family Travel

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 of peacefulness and adventure. Here, …

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: March 2, 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, …

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 coasting down the river lets …

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. …

If you’re visiting Manuel Antonio during part of your Costa Rica vacation, get ready for fun! Manuel Antonio is best known for its amazing wildlife and there are excellent tours …

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 of the things that Costa Rica is best known for is its spectacular wildlife. Just about everywhere around the country you can see a myriad of neotropical birds and …

  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: March 2, 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 …

Known as the largest lowland rainforest remaining on Central America’s Pacific coast, Corcovado National Park is a must see for the dedicated nature enthusiast. The 161-square mile parcel hosts 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: September 8, 2022 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 …