Nikki Solano

Hi Lisa!

We would love to be able to call out all of the companies that produce the red flags we touch on above, but it’s tough to do so because operations change daily. There isn’t a set list of Costa Rican tour companies and agencies that are good and fair, and another of Costa Rican tour companies and agencies that are bad and sketchy. Truthfully, the companies that we’ve heard negative stories about could shape up at any time just like those with solid reputations could cross the line at any moment. Since business operations and customer service are fluid and ever-changing, it wouldn’t be right for us to state (and state permanently) which companies can or cannot be trusted. Instead, we hope that by highlighting some of the ways we’ve seen companies take advantage of travelers, the majority of readers will be better informed and able to recognize vacation package scams before they become a victim of one.

Pura vida! 🙂

Hi Jeremy Sell!

Great tip! Vehicle rentals definitely provide travelers with more flexibility and freedom to explore, as you mention. I also love that you mentioned “wherever possible and practical.” Practicality is key; some areas of Costa Rica are more challenging to drive than others (the time of year is an important consideration too), so whether or not it would be practical to drive when and where you plan to go is a vital question worth asking. For more information about this topic, don’t miss our related blog post:

Renting A Car In Costa Rica: Should You Do It?

Pura vida! 🙂

Hello Hotels in Managua!

Come visit, neighbor! 🙂 Quick question: are you connected to Hotel Mozonte in Managua? We’d love to visit Nicaragua one day, and when we go, we’ll be sure to check out Managua.

Pura vida!

lamrcc –
You are more than welcome! It is true what they say about a picture saying 1,000 words – we enjoy your random thoughts as expressed through your photos. 🙂
Pura vida!

joseisa –
Great question, but also a difficult one to answer! 🙂 Every traveller differs in their interests, preferences, and budget, but if we had to average out the top 3 most-requested activities we receive amongst the masses who visit Costa Rica each year we would say canopy tours (ziplining), white water rafting tours, and national park visits (including volcano tours) would be at the top of the list. Canyoneering, hanging bridge tours, surfing, hot spring visits, waterfall tours, hiking, and plantation tours would round-out the top 10 if you are looking for extra trip inspiration. For a list of all popular activities (including discounts for the majority of tours/activities that the country has to offer) feel free to visit http://puravidaeh.ca/search-all-tours-by-type/ or for a list of Costa Rica’s most popular tours (including many of those mentioned above) check out http://puravidaeh.ca/resources/popular-tours/
Pura vida!