Costa Rica Off The Beaten Path: Where To Go And What To Do
We detail (with photos!) which destinations and beaches to pick, and things to do if you want to experience Costa Rica off the beaten path!
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!
Browse our Costa Rica blogs to learn everything you need to know about hot springs in Costa Rica, including where to soak in hot springs in Costa Rica and why you should experience the activity.
We detail (with photos!) which destinations and beaches to pick, and things to do if you want to experience Costa Rica off the beaten path!
We explain when and why you should (or shouldn’t) reserve Costa Rica tours and activities in advance, with recommendations month by month.
Curious if you need a tour guide in Costa Rica? We explore whether Costa Rica guided tours or unguided tours are better, and why.
We describe the most memorable aspects of the Rio Negro Hot Springs in Rincon de la Vieja, 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.
Our Costa Rica guidebook, Moon Costa Rica, is full of tips, recommendations, photos, maps, and itineraries. Learn more!
Looking for the best La Fortuna hot springs in Arenal Costa Rica? We compare and contrast all 12 and offer discounts for hot springs passes!
We have soaked in most Costa Rica hot springs! Read our answers to popular Costa Rica hot springs questions to prepare for your visit!
We’ve experienced all 12 hot springs in La Fortuna Costa Rica. Here’s everything you need to know about the Tabacon Hot Springs!
We’ve experienced all 12 hot springs in La Fortuna Costa Rica. Here’s everything you need to know about the Springs Resort Hot Springs!
We’ve experienced all 12 hot springs in La Fortuna Costa Rica. Here’s everything you need to know about the EcoTermales Hot Springs!
We’ve experienced all 12 hot springs in La Fortuna Costa Rica. Here’s everything you need to know about the Baldi Hot Springs!
We’ve experienced all 12 hot springs in La Fortuna Costa Rica. Here’s everything you need to know about the Paradise Hot Springs!
We’ve experienced all 12 hot springs in La Fortuna Costa Rica. Here’s everything you need to know about the Los Lagos Hot Springs!
Looking for free things to do in Arenal Costa Rica? Check out the free hot springs La Fortuna. We outline where they are and what to know before visiting!
Our free La Fortuna city guide covers everything we’ve learned from living in and exploring La Fortuna Costa Rica for years.
Interested in visiting Club Rio Costa Rica in La Fortuna? We provide information, helpful tips, and a free Club Rio discount!
We detail the 30 most popular things to do in Costa Rica (with photos) and describe the attractions, beaches, cities, and towns that offer them!
Want to experience Costa Rica without a guide? We outline which tours and activities do and do not allow for unguided adventures. Learn more!
Plan to travel to Costa Rica with kids? We outline the best things to do and provide child and student discounts!
✓ 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. ❤️