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!
Want to skip the Costa Rica all-inclusive resort? Great! Here’s how to do so without sacrificing your “inclusive” vacation. Learn more!
Interested in the mangrove tour Costa Rica? We outline who should go, what you’ll learn, which guides to trust, and offer a free mangrove tour discount too!
Want to know where to stay in San Jose Costa Rica? We recommend Hotel Buena Vista and we offer a free discount promotion code for the hotel too!
Looking for all-inclusive resorts in Costa Rica? We list some, but we also explain why the country is not an all-inclusive resort destination. Learn more!
We compare the most popular hanging bridges in Costa Rica and offer discounts for hanging bridge tours and entrance fees!
Want to know which is the best river for rafting in Costa Rica? We compare and contrast a number here, and offer discounts and savings for each!
Avoid confusion, frustration, and travel mistakes by learning how to correctly identify similarly named Costa Rica destinations, including towns and beaches.
Debating when to go to Costa Rica? We outline the best times to visit if you want to save money, have great weather, see wildlife, and more!
Use our Costa Rica Destination Tool to filter 66 Costa Rica destination recommendations according to nearly 150 different criteria. Learn more!
Most travellers who choose to visit Costa Rica do so with the intent to immerse themselves in a culture different than their own. With tourism booming in Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean, part of Costa Rica’s appeal is its rawness, evidenced by its many pristine …
Looking to convert colones to dollars? Use our handy dollars to colones currency exchange charts and tips to maximize understanding and minimize money loss!
Want to know our best Costa Rica hotel tip? If you plan to visit La Fortuna (Arenal) or Monteverde, don’t miss this critical advice!
Travellers interested in experiencing two of Costa Rica’s greatest tours – cruises through the Tortuguero Canals and rafting on the Pacuare River – are faced with the challenge of best incorporating both activities into their trip plans without wasting precious vacation time and money. Although …
Want to visit one of the Northern Pacific / Guanacaste beaches in Costa Rica? Don’t miss these noteworthy beaches!
Looking for the best zipline in Costa Rica? We compare and contrast a number here, and offer free discounts for ziplining tours!
Wondering which Costa Rica airport you should fly to? We compare SJO vs LIR based on location, size, dining, design, airlines, tax, parking, and WiFi access.
Will you be driving in Costa Rica? Our charts outline the distance (kilometers) and duration (hours/minutes) for each popular route!
Looking for a Costa Rica vacation rental recommendation? We recommend Villas La Paz Costa Rica nearby Playa Conchal. Here’s why!
Everything you need to know about touring the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park with or without a guide, plus free discounts!
Want to know about tipping in Costa Rica? We tell you if you should tip, who you should tip, and how much you should tip in Costa Rica. Learn more!
Our list of Costa Rica do’s and don’ts (compiled over 14 years of Costa Rica travel) will maximize your Costa Rica travel experience.
We’ve visited both sectors of the Arenal Volcano National Park in Costa Rica several times. Here’s everything you need to know, plus free Arenal Volcano tour discounts!
Going to Monteverde? You may be visiting Santa Elena Costa Rica instead. We separate the two and help you decide which is the best to stay in and why.
Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Our #1 piece of advice is based on the top Costa Rica trip planning mistake travelers make. It’s the opposite of what you’d expect!
September 2024 edition
