Travel Tips

The Ultimate Guide to IVF in Costa Rica

Hola 👋 Welcome to a different type of post on Ultimate Pura Vida. This is the story of our fertility journey, and an inside look at what it's been like navigating IVF, or in vitro fertilization treatment in Costa Rica. This is something Anna and I went back and forth...

Liberia Airport LIR Priority Pass Lounge – Now Closed

Welcome Flying out of Liberia Airport and hoping to use your Priority Pass? Unfortunately, you’re out of luck. The Priority Pass lounge at Liberia Airport (LIR) is permanently closed, and as of 2025, there is no replacement lounge for travelers using the popular...

Taking the Puntarenas Paquera Ferry

Hola 👋 If you're traveling to Nicoya Peninsula destinations like Paquera, Montezuma, or Playa Tambor, taking the Puntarenas to Paquera Ferry is one of the most scenic and efficient ways to get there. Instead of driving all the way around the Gulf of Nicoya, a trip...

Taking The Monkey Trail

Hola 👋 The Monkey Trail is one of those classic Costa Rican roads. Officially Highway 911, this well-known backroad shortcut connects Liberia to Playa Flamingo and neighboring beach areas via the town of Potrero. For travelers looking to avoid the longer paved route...

The Best Scuba Diving in Costa Rica

Hola, diver 🤿 Scuba diving in Costa Rica is always on our shortlist of activities when we have the opportunity. I’ve been diving since 2015 and finally convinced Anna to get certified down in Sámara in December of 2023. Shout out to Nick and Jackie from Sámara Dive...

The Ultimate Guide To Craft Beer in Costa Rica

Hola 👋 So, I'm guessing the only reason you clicked on this post is because you enjoy a frosty craft beer on a hot day. Love that. We’re from California's West Coast and craft beer is our DNA. So naturally, we made the ridiculous goal to check out EVERY CRAFT BREWERY...

5 Things to Know Before You Go to Costa Rica

Hola 👋 Planning your first trip to Costa Rica? Do it. It's a dream destination, but there are a few things that many travelers forget when going down the Instagram and TikTok inspiration rabbit hole. Before you jet off, here are our 5 things to know before you go to...

Pura Vida: The Basics of Costa Rican Culture

Welcome When you're traveling to a new country, it's always good to have a sense of the local customs and etiquette. Costa Rica and the 'Pura Vida' lifestyle are no different. Below are some of our helpful tips on navigating the country for the first time and the...

The Best Travel Bag for Digital Nomads

The best travel bag for digital nomads Digital nomads have gear. Often, lots of delicate camera gear. That’s why finding the perfect travel bag setup is a must for your adventures. The bag needs to be adaptable, durable, and capable of holding all your gear safely...

The Best Time To Visit Costa Rica: The Green Season

The Best Time To Visit Costa Rica: The Green Season

Welcome So when is the best time to visit Costa Rica? It's time to consider staying in the off-season, better known as the "Green Season". The Green Season spans from May to November and offers unique experiences and advantages to travelers. While we don't pass up any...

Our Top 5 Costa Rica Travel Tips

Welcome Setting off to Costa Rica for the first time? We've got your back with our top five travel tips. With frequent trips from California throughout the year, Anna and I have nailed down a routine that maximizes our adventure time. This short list of practical tips...

Costa Rica for Digital Nomads and Remote Working

Costa Rica for Digital Nomads and Remote Working

Hola 👋 From catching the sunrise over a tropical rainforest to wrapping up a workday with a sunset surf session, Costa Rica provides a unique experience for digital nomads. The pandemic years became a boon for remote working, and much of that has stuck around...

Cody & Anna

Cody and Anna Traxler

We’re Cody and Anna. We’ve spent the past decade exploring Costa Rica, and this is where we share what we’ve learned. These days we live in Playa Flamingo, where we also run a small rental and tours company, Colibri Hospitality. Pura Vida 🤙

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