Travel and Moving Blog
If you are visiting the Pacific coast near Jaco, one activity you’ll want to add to your list is a catamaran tour to the famous Tortuga Island. This fun boat …
Read MoreWhen Costa Rica city dwellers want a relaxing time away, they often drive into the nearby hills to find a slice of nature. In this post, we’ll share one popular …
Read MoreIf you’re visiting the Puerto Jimenez area on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula, you’ll want to check out the King Louis Waterfall. This gorgeous, little-known cascade is near the end of …
Read MoreManuel Antonio has been made famous for its national park and easy wildlife viewing. But one activity that shouldn’t be missed is a boat tour along the coast. From the …
Read MoreCosta 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 …
Read MoreCosta Rica has its fair share of coffee farms, and each offers a slightly different experience. While some well-known plantations like Cafe Britt and Starbucks are larger and more commercial, …
Read MoreJust 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, …
Read MoreManuel 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 …
Read MoreMost of Costa Rica’s natural hot springs are found in the mountains, close to the country’s volcanoes. However, for those traveling to the central Pacific coast, there is one rustic …
Read MoreCosta Rica’s southern Pacific coast has dozens of almost empty beaches. One hidden gem is Playa Dominicalito near the town of Dominical. This beach has calmer water at lower tides …
Read MoreSurfing 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 …
Read MoreExploring 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. …
Read MoreMost 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 …
Read MoreNot far off the Pacific coast highway lies a scenic viewpoint unlike any other in Costa Rica. El Penon de Guacalillo is a dramatic rocky cliff that rises about 40 …
Read MoreMany 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 …
Read MoreOne 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 …
Read MoreMost 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 …
Read MoreWith more surfing than swimming beaches, Costa Rica is not a destination known for glassy, see-through waters. Many beaches are stunningly beautiful but have crashing waves and strong currents. There …
Read MoreGuanacaste is home to many beautiful beaches. This section of coastline along the northern Pacific coast is carved with inlets and coves. The topography makes for calm water, great swimming, …
Read MoreIf you are visiting Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province, you no doubt have beaches on your list. This part of the country has all types. From sandy expanses to rocky coves …
Read MoreCosta 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 …
Read MoreYou’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 …
Read MoreThe beaches of Costa Rica’s southern Pacific are already just about picture perfect. Most have backdrops with lush green mountains, swishing waves, and rows of palm trees for shade. But …
Read MoreThe Bajos del Toro area has some of Costa Rica’s most magical waterfalls. While many are hidden deep in the rainforest, Pozas La Presa are much more accessible. This set …
Read MoreHaving done more than a half-dozen coffee tours in Costa Rica, we must admit, Starbucks was low on our list. After all, with dozens of local farms and authentic experiences …
Read MoreIf 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 …
Read MoreIf you are visiting Bajos del Toro, you’re no doubt in search of some beautiful waterfalls. One of our favorites in this area is the Rio Agrio. To see this …
Read MoreAt 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 …
Read MoreLast Updated: August 18, 2022 Poas Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic volcanoes. At almost a mile (1.5 kilometers) wide and 900 feet (300 meters) deep, this crater …
Read MoreBajos del Toro is the land of waterfalls in Costa Rica. You could visit a different waterfall every day for weeks in this small town. But one of the most …
Read MoreCosta Rica has thousands of waterfalls, from towering cascades and wispy veils to churning jets and relaxing trickles. Each one is unique. But there is something about a bright blue …
Read MoreSitting casually along the roadside on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula is the Curu National Wildlife Refuge. Marked by a few simple signs, most travelers race past this reserve on their …
Read MoreFrom the cafe-colored shores of Tambor Bay, a white-sand oasis lies in view just to the east. Intrigued, we recently made the trip to explore this beach, Playa Muertos, during …
Read MoreSeeing 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 …
Read MoreLast 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 …
Read MoreChances 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 …
Read MorePlaya 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 …
Read MoreWhile Playa Grande is famous for its consistent surfing waves and stunning sunsets, there are a couple of other beaches in this small community to visit. Today, we’ll tell you …
Read MoreMany of Costa Rica’s beautiful beaches have sand that ranges in color from light to dark gray. Fewer are tan, a handful are almost white, and one or two even …
Read MoreOne 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 …
Read MoreMany 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 …
Read MoreIf 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. …
Read MoreLast 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 …
Read MoreA 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 …
Read MoreWe 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 …
Read MoreIf you are visiting Bijagua in Costa Rica’s Northern Zone, you are probably already looking for an authentic experience. Within the small town are quaint local restaurants and farm fields …
Read MoreOne 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 …
Read MoreLast Updated: March 13, 2023 When hiking Arenal Volcano, you have a lot of different trail options. All go around the base of the impressive volcano, giving you different vantage …
Read MoreLa Fortuna/Arenal Volcano is well known for its hot spring resorts. Some are large, elaborate facilities with many pools and amenities, while others are more rustic and simpler. In this …
Read MoreLast 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 …
Read MoreLast 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 …
Read MoreIf 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, …
Read MoreA 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 …
Read MoreLa 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. …
Read MoreCosta Rica has a strong Catholic heritage. In fact, Catholicism is the country’s official religion. About three out of four Costa Ricans identify themselves as Catholic. Catholicism runs deep in …
Read MoreCosta Rica is known for its many volcanoes, which come in all shapes and sizes. Some, like the famed Arenal Volcano, are cone-shaped and best explored by hiking around the …
Read MoreIf you are visiting the Orosi Valley, southeast of San Jose, a coffee tour is a must-do activity. Costa Rica has many different regions that grow coffee, and each one …
Read MoreLush mountains surround you, while you sit immersed in soothing hot water. A light mist falls and creates a cloud effect in the sky. The cool air contrasts against the …
Read MoreLast Updated: April 18, 2023 Each of Costa Rica’s national parks has something different to offer. And while some feature wildlife up close or show you the power of a …
Read MoreWhile popular tourist towns have a lot to see, Costa Rica also has hundreds, if not thousands, of smaller attractions hidden in the middle of the countryside. In this post, …
Read MoreCabo Blanco Nature Reserve (Reserva Natural Absoluta Cabo Blanco), located just south of Montezuma, is a special place. It was Costa Rica’s first nature reserve, created back in 1963. In …
Read MoreIf 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, …
Read MoreCosta 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 …
Read MoreOne 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 …
Read MoreLast 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 …
Read MoreCosta 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 …
Read MoreCosta 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 …
Read MoreSome 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 …
Read MoreCosta 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, …
Read MoreIn 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 …
Read MoreAt 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. …
Read MoreIf 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 …
Read MoreIf 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 …
Read MoreLast 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 …
Read MoreMonteverde 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 …
Read MoreCosta Rica is said to hold as much as five percent of the world’s total biodiversity. For such a small country, that means that around every corner you can see …
Read MoreOne of the best things about visiting Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast are the many beaches that remain nearly deserted. You can pull off the highway in places between towns …
Read MoreAs people who love hiking, we are always on the lookout for the next great trek. When considering the possibilities in Guanacaste, the Lomas Barbudal Biological Reserve piqued our interest. …
Read MoreNot far from Costa Rica’s capital city of San Jose is the Botanical Orchid Garden. This little-known garden in La Garita may not see a ton of visitors, but is …
Read MoreEven 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 …
Read MorePart 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 …
Read MoreDrive north from the busy beach towns of Guanacaste and you will find a quiet countryside of fields and shrubby forest. Although this lazy landscape may not seem to offer …
Read MoreThe 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 …
Read MoreIf 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 …
Read MoreOne 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 …
Read MoreIn 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 …
Read MoreOn 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 …
Read MoreLast 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 …
Read MoreLast 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 …
Read MoreLast 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 …
Read MoreOutside the world of ornithology (the study of birds), the name Alexander Skutch might not be at all familiar. But much of what the world knows today about neotropical birds …
Read MoreLast 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 …
Read MoreLong 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 …
Read MoreCosta 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 …
Read MoreLast Updated: May 5, 2023 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 …
Read MoreMany 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 …
Read MoreIf 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 …
Read MoreCosta 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 …
Read MoreOnly 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 …
Read MoreLast 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 …
Read MoreLast 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 …
Read MoreJust a short drive from the hustle and bustle of San Jose is a vast expanse of pristine primary and secondary rainforest teeming with wildlife. Braulio Carrillo National Park is …
Read MoreMost people who visit La Fortuna, Costa Rica go to see Arenal Volcano, the famed cone-shaped giant that put this sleepy agricultural town on the map. But there’s another intriguing …
Read MoreOver 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 …
Read MoreWe recently had the opportunity to go whitewater rafting down the Sarapiqui River in Costa Rica’s northern lowlands. Most people who make this trip go with one of the country’s …
Read MoreHidden 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 …
Read MoreLast 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 …
Read MoreLast 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 …
Read MoreAmong 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 …
Read MoreLast 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 …
Read MoreLast 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 …
Read MoreLast 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 …
Read MoreLast 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 …
Read MoreSet on the jungle-rich slopes of the Turrialba Volcano is one of Costa Rica’s most important archaeological sites, the Guayabo National Monument. Thought to have been first inhabited more than …
Read MoreIt’s that time again! Another year is coming to an end and 2015 is upon us. Hopefully 2014 took you to some amazing places around the world and you have …
Read MoreWhen 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 …
Read MoreLast 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 …
Read MoreEven before moving to Costa Rica, we had wanted to visit Poas volcano. Considered to be the largest active crater in the world at almost a mile (1.5 kilometers) wide …
Read MoreAs 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 …
Read MoreLast 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 …
Read MoreNosara has loads of adrenalin-pumping adventure activities from touring the mountains in a military-grade TOMCAR to flying through the rainforest on one of the world’s longest zip-lines. But, remember, part …
Read MoreSince before we moved to Costa Rica, we have been closely following an organization called the Ara Project and their efforts to breed and release endangered Scarlet and Great Green …
Read MoreCosta Rica’s Guanacaste region no doubt hosts some great beach destinations. But for those looking to do some hiking, the terrain, which consists of rolling farm fields and patchwork forests, …
Read MoreCosta 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 …
Read MoreSet 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 …
Read MoreIf you’re visiting one of Costa Rica’s many beach towns on the Central Pacific Coast, like Manuel Antonio, Uvita, or Dominical, check out Los Quetzales National Park for a chance …
Read MoreIf 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 …
Read MoreLast Updated: May 5, 2023 Known as the largest lowland rainforest remaining on Central America’s Pacific coast, Corcovado National Park is a must-see for the nature enthusiast. The untouched wilderness …
Read MoreThe ARA Project Must Relocate Their Facility Two Weeks in Costa Rica is donating all book proceeds between December 1st and 7th to this important cause. For over …
Read MoreLooming 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. …
Read MoreLast Updated: May 9, 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 …
Read MoreLooking for adventure on your trip to Costa Rica? Try a canopy zip-line tour. Canopy or zip-line tours can be found throughout Costa Rica—in the cloud forest, near volcanoes, or …
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