FOR YOU, FOR FREE: 17 years' worth of firsthand Costa Rica trip planning and travel advice compiled into hundreds of articles, plus exclusive discounts. Created by a Costa Rican and a four-time published Costa Rica guidebook author. Welcome, amigos, and as we say in Costa Rica, pura vida!
We describe the most memorable aspects of the Tortuguero National Park (Cerro Tortuguero Sector) in Tortuguero, Costa Rica, plus share photos from our visits.
We describe the most memorable aspects of the Tortuguero National Park’s Cuatro Esquinas Sector in Tortuguero, Costa Rica, plus share photos from our visits.
Not sure whether La Pavona or Cano Blanco is the best dock to use to get to Tortuguero? We compare and contrast the two docks and provide photos from our visits to each!
We describe the most memorable aspects of Costa Rica’s National Theater in San Jose, Costa Rica, plus share photos from our visits.
We describe the most memorable aspects of the traditional Hacienda Doka Coffee Farm near Alajuela, Costa Rica, plus share photos from our visits.
We list the Costa Rica hours of operation for national parks, biological reserves, wildlife refuges, and other attractions!
We describe the most memorable aspects of the Monteverde Orchid Garden in Monteverde, Costa Rica, plus share photos from our visits.
We provide photos of Playa Tropical Costa Rica (Nicoya Peninsula), plus info about beach features, safety, location, parking, and more!
We describe the most memorable aspects of the Carara National Park in Tarcoles, Costa Rica, plus share photos from our visits.
We describe the most memorable aspects of the family-run El Toledo Coffee farm in Atenas, Costa Rica, plus share photos from our visits.
Watch Nikki Solano cover 10 of the most sought-after Costa Rica destinations (and standout experiences at each) on Rick Steves’ Monday Night Travel Show.
We describe the most memorable aspects of Vandara Hot Springs and Adventure in Rincon de la Vieja, Costa Rica, plus share photos from our visits.
We describe the most memorable aspects of the Rescate Wildlife Rescue Center (formerly ZooAve) in Alajuela, Costa Rica, plus share photos from our visits.
Looking for the best Arenal hanging bridges? We compare and contrast the Mistico Park bridges and the Arenal Sky Walk bridges.
Want to visit one of the Osa Peninsula beaches in Costa Rica? Don’t miss these noteworthy beaches!
Want to visit one of the Caribbean beaches in Costa Rica? Don’t miss these noteworthy beaches!
In honor of Costa Rica’s bicentennial (200-year) birthday, we compiled 100 photos and 100 top experiences to have in Costa Rica. Enjoy, amigos!
Our helpful charts illustrate the cost to go to Costa Rica according to activities, hotels, transportation services, meals, souvenirs, and more!
See our master list of Costa Rica destinations for photos of 70+ places to consider when narrowing down where to go in Costa Rica.
We quickly cover Costa Rica Covid requirements, including what you need to do before entering Costa Rica and returning to the US or Canada.
Our free Monteverde hotel guide explores hotels we’ve stayed at in the Monteverde region.
We provide photos of Playa Herradura Costa Rica (Central Pacific), plus info about beach features, safety, location, parking, and more!
Our free La Fortuna hotel guide explores hotels we’ve stayed at in the Arenal region.
Everything you need to know about all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica (and non-all-inclusive resorts) that deliver a luxury travel experience.
✓ We choose not to display ads, sponsored content, or affiliate marketing on our blog. Because we prioritize your privacy, we don't earn money when you visit us, when you sign up for our e-course, or when you click on our links, which means the time and work we put into this blog is entirely voluntary.
✓ Ricky is a born-and-raised Costa Rican and Nikki (married to Ricky) has explored Costa Rica since the mid-2000s.
✓ We've operated our Costa Rica-based business, Pura Vida! eh? Inc., for 16 years (and counting!).
✓ Our Costa Rica guidebooks are published by the prestigious Moon Travel Guides brand.
✓ We only ever write about experiences we know firsthand, and we never stuff our blog with general information about Costa Rica that is widely available elsewhere.
✓ We never copy or plagiarize other writers' content. How we wish other writers would show us the same respect!
✓ Unless stated otherwise, every photo displayed on our blog was taken by us, and with our own two hands. (Unlike some other bloggers, who rely on drones to travel and conduct research for them, we actually visit and explore the places we write about.)👍🏽
✓ We're active in promoting Costa Rica around the world. We've written about Costa Rica for Wanderlust Magazine (UK), presented Costa Rica on Rick Steves' Monday Night Travel Show and podcast/radio show (US), and served as a Costa Rica Destination Editor for Essentialist (Spain).
✓ Our work is backed by hundreds of positive reviews and testimonials (read some here)
✓ We are not overly active on social media. Instead of fixating on our own popularity, we spend the majority of our time exploring and researching Costa Rica, updating our various Costa Rica resources, and working with travelers one-on-one. We're focused on the quality of your travel experience, not the quantity of our followers. ❤️
