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Everything we’ve written about Costa Rica, newest first. Use the search up top if you’re looking for somewhere specific.
The Guide To Poás Volcano National Park
Hola 👋 Visiting Poás Volcano National Park took us three tries. Anna and I had planned to see the crater twice before, and both times the weather shut the park down. Heavy rain and thick clouds meant no visibility and no access. On our third attempt, everything lined...
The Guide To Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge
Hola 👋 Gandoca-Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge is one of the best ways to spend a day in the Puerto Viejo area. Whether you want to hike through dense jungle, relax on wide open Caribbean beaches, or combine both into a solid half day adventure, this refuge...
The Quick Travel Guide To Rio Celeste
Hola 👋 There are so many beautiful places in Costa Rica that it’s surprisingly easy to keep pushing some of them down the list. That’s exactly what happened with Rio Celeste for us. When we finally made the trip, it just so happened to be during the two days that...
The Ultimate Guide to San Jose
Hola 👋 Welcome to our Ultimate Guide to San José, Costa Rica. This guide looks a little different than our other Ultimate Guides, simply because San José is HUGE compared to most destinations we cover on Ultimate Pura Vida. Instead of our standard format, we’re...
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...
The Ultimate Guide To Santa Teresa
Welcome to Santa Teresa Our guide to Santa Teresa highlights one of Costa Rica’s most iconic beach towns. This destination, like its northern neighbor Tamarindo, is known for its surf culture and laid-back vibes. Located on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula,...
The Quick Travel Guide To Manzanillo
Hola 👋 Costa Rica has multiple towns named Manzanillo, and the more well-known is on the Caribbean Coast near Puerto Viejo. However, this guide to Manzanillo is for the town on the Nicoya Peninsula, located just north of Santa Teresa. Unlike its loco neighbor,...
The Quick Travel Guide To Paquera
Hola 👋 Paquera is a small, off-the-radar town on the Nicoya Peninsula, best known as the landing point for the Puntarenas to Paquera Ferry. While many travelers pass through on their way to Santa Teresa, Montezuma, or north, Paquera has a few hidden gems that make it...
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...
El Tigre Waterfalls
Hola 👋 The El Tigre Waterfalls and nature park were the highlight of our last trip to Monteverde. It was on my short list of activities, and I'm so happy we made it work the morning we departed before heading to Paquera by way of the Puntarenas Car Ferry. In our...
The Ultimate Guide To Monteverde
Welcome to Monteverde Hola, and welcome to our Ultimate Guide to Monteverde and Santa Elena. It's no surprise that this mountainous region is one of Costa Rica's most visited destinations. The natural beauty is just surreal, but more on that below. This guide...
The Ultimate Guide to Jaco
Hola 👋 Welcome to our guide to Jaco Beach and Playa Hermosa. Jaco is a high-energy beach town on the Central Pacific Coast. Due to its abundant nightlife, it has a reputation as a place for younger travelers, but it still has activities for everyone. If you want to...
The La Fortuna Waterfall
Hola 👋 The La Fortuna Waterfall is a must-do activity when you're visiting the area. Anna and I were driving up to the park entrance when it began downpouring. We sat there for a few minutes wondering if it was worth it in the rain, not because of the water, but...
The Guide To Arenal Volcano National Park
Hola 👋 Arenal Volcano National Park is one of the most visited and recognizable destinations in Costa Rica. Rising above the town of La Fortuna, this classic cone shaped volcano has become a symbol of adventure travel in the country. It's an active and moody andesitic...
The Guide To Cahuita National Park
Hola 👋 Cahuita National Park is located on Costa Rica's Caribbean coast, just north of Puerto Viejo. The park offers the perfect one-two punch of unspoiled natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Anna and I first visited in September 2023 and have returned as recently...
Exploring The BriBri Waterfalls
Hola 👋 So, you've planned a trip to Puerto Viejo and the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. Now it's time to fill the trip with some fun activities and there's one fact that no one can deny. Waterfalls are epic. Visiting the BriBri Waterfalls is a great partial-day...
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...
The Ultimate Guide to Tamarindo
Welcome to our Ultimate Guide to Tamarindo. There’s a lot to think about when planning an international trip, so we’ve highlighted the helpful details for Costa Rica’s busiest beach towns.
The Ultimate Guide To La Fortuna
Welcome to La Fortuna Hola, and welcome to our Ultimate Guide to La Fortuna and Arenal. This small town and majestic volcano create a remarkable duo that's perfect for travelers seeking both adventure and tranquility. Below are many of the area’s popular restaurants,...
The Ultimate Guide to Playa Flamingo, Potrero, Brasilito
Welcome to our Ultimate Guide to Playa Flamingo, Potrero, and Brasilito. Planning a trip is already hectic enough, so we’ve done our best to highlight the most helpful details of some of Costa Rica’s best northern beach towns.
The Ultimate Guide To Puerto Viejo
Welcome to Puerto Viejo Thinking about planning a trip to Puerto Viejo? Do it! We finally branched out from the Pacific Coast for our first time in August 2023, and love going back whenever we can. Puerto Viejo is an under-the-radar beach town on the Caribbean side of...
The Ultimate Guide Manuel Antonio
Hola 👋 Planning a trip to Manuel Antonio? We’re here to help. Manuel Antonio holds a special spot in our hearts. I've been coming to Costa Rica for almost 2 decades, but Anna and I set off on our very first trip to Costa Rica together in 2021. Guess where we headed?...
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
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...
A Day of River Rafting in Manuel Antonio
Hola 👋 Nestled in the lush rainforests, Manuel Antonio is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. As former kayak tour guides, there's one adventure activity that Anna and I can't get enough of every time we visit. And that's river rafting in Manuel Antonio! It's home to some...
A Day Trip to Biesanz Beach
Hola 👋 The coastline of Manuel Antonio is full of little hidden beaches and coves. We were staying at Tulemar and saw a little strip of sand on the other side of the bay. Naturally, I had to go investigate. It turned out to be Playa Biesanz, a popular spot for...
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
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...
The Guide To Manuel Antonio National Park
Hola 👋 Manuel Antonio National Park is a special place in Costa Rica, but it may frustrate you if you're not prepared. For example... buy your entry tickets before you get there! It's all digital now unless you've pre-booked a tour. This Pacific Coast park is full of...
9 Things NOT to do in Costa Rica
Hola 👋 Traveling is all about creating new experiences, but sometimes, there’s a learning curve when visiting a new place. This post actually started as a guide for travelers staying at our condo in Playa Flamingo. Guests often ask us for tips for visiting Costa Rica...
The Best Vacation Rental in Playa Flamingo
Welcome 👋 We're so excited to share our two vacation rentals in Playa Flamingo. We call them Flamingo Dream and Ballena Vida, and they are what started our Costa Rica travel blog. I began writing guides for our renters about the best restaurants, day trips, and our...
Tips On Renting A Car In Costa Rica
Hola 👋 Renting a car in Costa Rica is hands down the best way for most travelers to explore the country. It gives you the freedom to go at your own pace while avoiding the hassle and cost of taxis or shuttles. In this guide, we’ll break down key cost considerations,...
The Best Day Trips From Playa Flamingo
Prepare yourself for the most exciting day trips from Playa Flamingo and its neighboring regions. Immerse yourself in nature’s beauty as you explore waterfalls, volcanoes, wildlife, and stunning beaches.
The Ultimate Costa Rica Packing List
Hola 👋 Getting ready for your trip to Costa Rica and not sure what to bring? We’ve got you covered. Packing for Costa Rica might seem a bit challenging at first. After all, this tropical paradise offers a range of climates and unpredictable weather. We’ve put together...
The Guide To Marino Ballena National Park
Hola 👋 Marino Ballena National Park is located in the town of Uvita on Costa Rica's Pacific Coast. About an hour south of Manuel Antonio, this marine sanctuary is home to empty beaches, coral reefs, and some amazing marine life. We timed it to get there on low tide (a...
The Best Hotels in Manuel Antonio
Hola 👋 Manuel Antonio is internationally recognized for its lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and abundant wildlife. I visited for the first time in 2012 and immediately fell in love with the town. To help you plan the perfect getaway, we've curated a list of the...
A Day Trip To Nauyaca Falls
Hola 👋 Tucked away in the lush rainforests of Costa Rica's southern Pacific coast, Nauyaca Falls is a breathtaking, two-tiered waterfall that offers travelers an unforgettable experience. We've been there a couple times now and it's always special. The hike in can be...
