Things to Do

La Fortuna and Monteverde are two of Costa Rica’s most popular destinations, but getting between these towns involves a bit of driving. If you’re looking to break up the trip, …

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 …

There’s always something new to discover when traveling around Costa Rica. Usually, it is a hidden waterfall or amazing wildlife encounter. But on a recent visit to Nuevo Arenal, we …

If you’re headed to the Lake Arenal area and want to do an off-the-beaten path hike, El Jilguero Ecotourism Project may be the perfect fit. This little-known ecotourism project is …

Costa Rica has long been known as an excellent sportfishing destination. Bordering both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea, there are many opportunities to hook up to some amazing trophy …

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 …

Costa Rica’s protected forests are the heart of its environmental splendor. But the country’s network of national parks don’t do it alone. Dozens of private reserves combine to safeguard an …

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 …

Behind every good cup of coffee there is a story to be told. Years of hard work, thoughtful planning, coordination, perseverance, and execution. On the mountainside in San Ramon, not …

Not far from San Jose, on the outskirts of the city of Heredia, is a beautiful, little-known botanical garden. El Arca Botanical Garden has several gardens with everything from medicinal …

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 …

When 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 …

If 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 …

Manuel 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 …

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 …

Costa 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, …

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 …

Most 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 …

Costa 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 …

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 …

Not 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 …

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 …

With 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 …

Guanacaste 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, …

If 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 …

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 …

The 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 …

The 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 …

Having 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 …

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 …

If 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 …

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 …

Last 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 …

Bajos 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 …

Costa 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 …

Sitting 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 …

From 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 …

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 …

While 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 …

Many 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 …

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 …

If 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 …

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: 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 …

La 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 …

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. …

Costa 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 …

Costa 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 …

If 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 …

Lush 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 …

Last 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 …

While 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, …

Cabo 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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Costa 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 …

One 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 …

As 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. …

Not 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 …

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 …

Drive 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 …

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 …

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 …

Outside 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 …

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 …

Last 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 …

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 …

Just 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 …

Most 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 …

  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 …

We 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 …

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 …

Set 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 …

It’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 …

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 …

Even 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 …

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 …

Nosara 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 …

Since 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 …

Costa 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, …

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 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 …

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 …

Last 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 …

The 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 …

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 …

Looking 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 …