Costa Rica’s Exchange Rate: Quick Tips and Tricks

When traveling to a foreign country, one big question is always what is the currency and exchange rate? In this post, we’ll give background on Costa Rica’s exchange rate and …

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Best Restaurants in Samara

A big part of visiting any destination is its food. In this post, we’ll give our top picks for restaurants in Samara, Costa Rica. This beach town may be small, …

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Transportation Options in Costa Rica: Car, Shuttle, Uber & More

If you are early in your trip planning and starting to wonder how to get around, this article is for you. Here, we’ll explain the different transportation options in Costa …

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Best Restaurants in Uvita

The small town of Uvita on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast is quickly turning into a culinary hotspot. Spread out among the thick rainforest are over 75 restaurants. You can …

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Using the Puntarenas-Naranjo Ferry

Last Updated: August 22, 2024 Taking a ferry to cross Costa Rica’s wide Gulf of Nicoya is a fun way to break up a long drive. In this article, we’ll …

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Cano Blanco Boat Taxi to Tortuguero

One of the most important things to know about visiting Tortuguero is that you’ll need to take a boat or small plane to get there. This village on Costa Rica’s …

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Why to Get Travel Insurance When Visiting Costa Rica

Many people are unsure why they need travel insurance for their trip to Costa Rica. In this post, we’ll explain why travel insurance is a good idea both to protect …

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Using ATMs and Credit Cards in Costa Rica

One of the biggest questions people have when traveling to Costa Rica is how they will pay for things once they arrive. In this post, we’ll explain where and when …

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Sustainable Hotels in Costa Rica

If you’re interested in making your trip to Costa Rica more sustainable, you should know about Costa Rica’s sustainable tourism program. The Certification of Sustainable Tourism allows businesses in the …

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Which Costa Rica Airport to Fly Into

Costa Rica is a small country, but it still takes a while to get from place to place. When designing an itinerary, choosing the right airport to fly in and …

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Traveling to Costa Rica: The Basics

Last Updated: June 5, 2024 If you’re just getting started with your trip planning, you may have some basic questions about Costa Rica. Where exactly is it located? What are …

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First-Time Visit to Costa Rica: Why You Should Go, What to Expect & Tips to Plan

Last Updated: June 5, 2024 We will never forget our first visit to Costa Rica. We were nervous, excited, and didn’t quite know what to expect. After a week of …

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International Driving Permit in Costa Rica

Most tourists traveling to Costa Rica can use their license from their home country to drive. But visitors from some countries will need an international driving permit. Likewise, people who …

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Testing Positive for Covid in Costa Rica

Last Updated: June 15, 2022 With Covid spreading due to the omicron variant, many people are wondering what happens if you test positive for Covid in Costa Rica. In this …

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Getting a SIM Card for Travel in Costa Rica

If you’re like most people, your phone is an important extension of your daily life. And while you may be able to turn off work emails during your vacation, you …

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Departing from SJO: Airport Info

Last Updated: May 20, 2024 If you are departing from Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaria International Airport (SJO) and wondering what the experience will be like, this post is for you. …

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Arriving at SJO Airport in Costa Rica

Last Updated: May 20, 2024 If you’re arriving at Costa Rica’s San Jose Airport (SJO) and are wondering what the experience will be like, this post is for you. Here, …

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Rainy Season Driving in Costa Rica

If you have read our post, Driving in Costa Rica: What to Know Before You Go, you have probably picked up some tips for your upcoming trip. But how about …

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Naturalist Guides in Costa Rica: When You Need Them and How to Find One

Last Updated: June 7, 2024 In Costa Rica, you can do hundreds of different tours. Of course, some activities require an expert guide, like waterfall rappelling, zip lining, or whitewater …

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Manuel Antonio Hotel Guide: Ocean Views, Rainforest, and Wildlife

Manuel Antonio is known for its amazing ocean views and plentiful wildlife. Depending on where you stay, you can wake up to monkeys calling outside your room or see sunset …

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Rainy Season in Costa Rica: How Wet Is It?

You probably know that Costa Rica has two distinct seasons, dry season and rainy season. But what is rainy season really like? After living in Costa Rica for almost a …

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Vacation Rentals in Costa Rica: Safety and What to Look for

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 …

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Bugs, Spiders, and Snakes in Costa Rica: What to Expect

Traveling to Costa Rica and exploring its many ecosystems can be an amazing experience. But we get a lot of questions from people who are uneasy about something pattering across …

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Planning a Long-Term Visit to Costa Rica

Last Updated: August 17, 2022 In this new era of work from home, many people are interested in spending extended periods of time abroad. If you’re comfortable traveling, it’s certainly …

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Preflight Testing for Departing Costa Rica: Logistics and Tips

Last Updated: June 15, 2022 IMPORTANT UPDATE As of June 12, 2022, the United States no longer requires a negative Covid test to fly into the country. The CDC has eliminated …

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Christmas and New Years in Costa Rica: A Festive Time

Each year we get many questions about what it is like during Christmas and New Years in Costa Rica. People want to know about the weather, local traditions, and which …

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Where to Get a Covid-19 Test in Costa Rica

Last Updated: June 15, 2022 Many people have been asking where you can get a Covid-19 test in Costa Rica, for purposes of onward travel. In this post, we will …

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Car Seats in Costa Rica

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 …

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Costa Rica’s Southern Pacific Coast: Regional Snapshot

If you’re looking for peaceful seclusion and abundant nature, Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast is the perfect place to find it. With lush rainforest, spectacular biodiversity, and generally little development, …

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Planning a Family Vacation to Costa Rica: Essential Tips and Info

Last Updated: June 7, 2024 As any parent knows, taking a trip with the kids is always an adventure. Routines are disrupted and everything that is familiar changes. But that …

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Costa Rica’s Central Valley: Regional Snapshot

Home to almost three-quarters of the country’s population, the Central Valley is Costa Rica’s cultural and economic center. Long ago, farmers used oxcarts and horses to traverse the surrounding green …

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Costa Rica’s Caribbean Coast: Regional Snapshot

While often overlooked, Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast has a lot to offer visitors. It has some of the country’s most scenic beaches, with turquoise water and a wild jungle backing. …

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Traveling to Costa Rica During Covid-19: Entry Requirements, Protocols & What to Expect

Last Updated: June 15, 2022 With the Covid-19 pandemic, travel as we know it has certainly changed. But what is traveling to Costa Rica like right now? With some key …

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Central Pacific Coast, Costa Rica: Regional Snapshot

With miles of beach, lush rainforest, and abundant wildlife, Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast is a favorite among visitors. Some come for surfing, which is plentiful up and down the …

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Guanacaste, Costa Rica: Regional Snapshot

Guanacaste is a region in northwestern Costa Rica famous for its beaches and plentiful amenities. Sometimes called the “Gold Coast,” this area has some of the country’s most beautiful beaches. …

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Costa Rica and the Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Last Updated: February 24, 2023 The novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has continued to be a hot topic for travelers. We’ve had many readers and clients inquire about how Costa Rica is …

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Jaco Restaurant Guide

Last Updated: April 17, 2024 Jaco is a beach town with a lot going on. For first timers, the options for restaurants can be almost overwhelming. You’ll find everything from …

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Family Travel: Why Costa Rica is the Perfect Destination

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 …

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Renting a Car in Costa Rica: Clearing Up the Confusion

Last Updated: August 13, 2024 If you’ve looked into renting a car for your trip to Costa Rica, you may be uneasy about the details. Maybe you’re unsure about the …

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Mosquito-Repellent Clothing for Costa Rica

Post Updated: May 21, 2019 Along with Costa Rica’s gorgeous tropical environment comes some unfortunate pests. Mosquitoes and other biting insects are found throughout the country and are particularly bothersome …

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Shuttles in Costa Rica: How They Work and When to Use Them

Last Updated: June 12, 2024 Transportation is one of the most stressful parts of a planning a trip to Costa Rica. There is so much conflicting information about road conditions, …

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La Fortuna Hotel Guide: Where to Stay Near Arenal Volcano

Last Updated: February 22, 2024 La Fortuna is a destination for almost every type of traveler. It offers a huge selection of lodging that ranges from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range …

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Paso Canoas: Costa Rica and Panama’s Biggest Border Crossing

Last Updated: October 17, 2022 There are several reasons why you may be planning to cross the border between Costa Rica and Panama. Many people do this just to explore …

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Manuel Antonio Restaurant Guide

Last Updated: April 19, 2023 Deciding where to eat in Manuel Antonio can be overwhelming. With over 75 restaurants tucked away in town and dozens more in nearby Quepos, knowing …

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10 Daypack Essentials for Costa Rica

Whether you are hiking one of Costa Rica’s rugged jungle trails or planning a relaxing walk in a national park, having what you need readily available can make a good …

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Road Conditions of Specific Routes in Costa Rica

Last Updated: April 17, 2024 If you’ve read our article on Driving in Costa Rica, then you’ve already learned the basics of what to expect when out on the road. …

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Driving to Monteverde: Best Routes and Road Conditions

Updated: February 2, 2020 Monteverde is one of Costa Rica’s most unique destinations. This humble mountain town, best known for its cloud forests, is far removed from any other tourist …

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Monteverde Hotel Guide

Last Updated: March 8, 2024 Monteverde may be a remote destination, but once you arrive, you’ll find a long list of things to do and places to stay. In this …

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Packing List for Traveling with a Baby to Costa Rica

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 …

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Traveling with a Baby in Costa Rica

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 …

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Taking the Puntarenas-Paquera Ferry

Last Updated: September 11, 2024 With Costa Rica’s zigzagging roads and spread out destinations, getting from point A to point B can be either half the fun or the most …

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Safety Tips for Your Next Trip to Costa Rica

Many people visiting Costa Rica are uneasy about safety. They have heard about violence in other areas of Central America and are unsure of what to expect. Rest assured that …

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Best National Parks in Costa Rica

  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 …

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Costa Rica and Mosquitoes: Tips to Prevent Zika, Dengue, and More

Last Updated: May 21, 2019 Although Costa Rica has some amazing wildlife, not all creatures in its rainforests are postcard worthy. In fact, some, like the mosquito, are dreaded because …

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A Taste of Costa Rica: 7 Traditional Foods to Try

Last Updated: May 7, 2020 For many, traveling means not only visiting somewhere new, but also diving into the culture. And food is one of those defining parts of a …

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Crossing the Rio Sereno Border Between Costa Rica and Panama

If you plan on traveling to Costa Rica’s neighboring countries by foot, bus, or car, you’ll want to know about its border crossings. Costa Rica has several borders or fronteras …

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Best Time to Visit Costa Rica

Last Updated: June 15, 2020 If you live somewhere that gets cold, you probably can’t wait to plan your getaway to Costa Rica. But when is a good time of …

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Simple Spanish for Visiting Costa Rica

If you are worried about not speaking Spanish for your upcoming trip to Costa Rica, you’re not alone. We remember those days too and hear from lots of others who …

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Money Matters: Currency, Exchanging Money, and Tipping in Costa Rica

Last Updated: April 5, 2024 If you’re a first-time visitor to Costa Rica, you probably have some questions related to money. Maybe you’re wondering about the best way to exchange …

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Best Hotels Near SJO Airport

Last Updated: March 22, 2024 With crazy flight schedules and lengthy drives between most destinations and the airport, sometimes an overnight near Costa Rica’s SJO (Juan Santamaria International) Airport is …

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Weather in Costa Rica: What You Need to Know

Last Updated: September 29, 2020 So your favorite weather app is telling you that in Costa Rica, it is pouring buckets and shooting lightning bolts every single day. Of course …

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Costa Rica Wildlife Guides: Our Picks

  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 …

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Driving in Costa Rica: What to Know Before You Go

Last Updated: February 9, 2023 Driving in Costa Rica can be intimidating for a first- or even second- or third-time visitor. When we traveled to Costa Rica as tourists, we …

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Cost of Traveling in Costa Rica

Last Updated: April 17, 2024 Traveling to Costa Rica may cost more than you think. A lot of people expect that because Costa Rica is in Central America, it will …

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Getting to Tortuguero

Last Updated: March 22, 2024 In our post Tortuguero Off the Resort, we share some amazing things to do in Tortuguero and also suggest where to stay and eat. But …

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How to Spend 1 or 2 Days in San Jose, Costa Rica

Last Updated: March 15, 2021 San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica, is filled with rich history and culture. Not only that, but it has a hip urban vibe …

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Best Waterfalls in Costa Rica

  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 …

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Packing for Costa Rica: The Essentials

Last Updated: April 2, 2024 If you’re reading this post, you’ve probably bought your tickets and are getting excited for your trip to Costa Rica! You likely have a good …

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10 Gifts for the Costa Rica Lover

Last Updated: November 21, 2023 Wondering what gifts to buy for that special person in your life who is obsessed with Costa Rica? You know, the one who always insists …

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Why You Should Visit Costa Rica in the Rainy Season

Most people traveling to Costa Rica come during the dry season. When we visited as tourists, we did the exact same thing. All we wanted was sun and clear blue …

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Sigma 18-250mm: A Great All Around Travel Lens

What would a travel website be without captivating photos? We wondered that ourselves recently when we found our go-to zoom lens suddenly out of commission. It all happened on a …

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6 Great Eats Around Lake Arenal

Anyone who has driven around Lake Arenal on their way from La Fortuna to Monteverde knows about all of the crazy signs. Every couple of miles, there’s a random, handmade …

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How to Save on Travel in Costa Rica

Although Costa Rica is less expensive than many destinations in North America, Europe, and the South Pacific, it isn’t as budget friendly today as it once was. Like all great …

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