Discover Costa Rica

Rainforests, wildlife, volcanoes, and tropical coastlines.

Sunset over a Costa Rica all-inclusive resort with terraces and pool

2026-07-03

2026 Costa Rica All Inclusive Resorts by Traveler Type

Most Costa Rica trips work best as a split stay: 3-4 resort nights plus Arenal or Monteverde. Compare costa rica all inclusive resorts, updated for 2026.

Samara's coastline, highlighting untouched beaches and secret spots.

2026-07-03

Things to Do in Samara Costa Rica: A Local Guide

The best things to do in Samara Costa Rica, ranked by detour value: a 30-minute kayak to Isla Chora, Werner Sauter hikes, Gusto Beach sunsets.

Costa Rica transit: buses lining a park gateway, traveler with a backpack studying a map

2026-07-03

Public Transport Costa Rica: Routes, Fares, Parks

From San Jose's scattered terminals to $13 rides to Tamarindo, this public transport Costa Rica guide shows how the buses really work.

Costa Rica eco-lodge along a rainforest river, emphasizing sustainable travel

2026-06-16

Costa Rica Wildlife Safety: 8 Habits to Know

With 20+ venomous snake species, Costa Rica wildlife safety hinges on eight habits, not fear; most bites come from accidental contact off-trail.

Costa Rica on a budget: jungle, coast, and simple lodgings in one frame

2026-06-16

Cheap Accommodation in Costa Rica: $8-$80 by Town

October rates run 42% below the annual average and 1 km off the beach saves $20-$40 a night: cheap accommodation in Costa Rica is about when and where.

Costa Rica adventure gear laid out on a dock with jungle and ocean in the background.

2026-06-16

Costa Rica Gear Rentals: Prices, Where, When to Book

Surfboards run $15-30 a day but quality hiking boots are nearly unrentable in Costa Rica. Gear clusters by activity not city, so plan rentals by route.

Juxtaposition of Costa Rica luxury and budget eco-lodges in a single spread, with rainforest backdrop

2026-06-16

Best Eco Lodges in Costa Rica: CST Leaves and Costs

Costa Rica's best eco lodges run $60 to $1,200 a night, but only 4-5 leaf CST ratings prove they're genuinely green, not greenwashed marketing.

Tamarindo coastline with palm silhouettes and distant surfers

2026-06-15

Things to Do in Tamarindo Costa Rica: An Honest Guide

Five experiences and three skips: this things to do in Tamarindo Costa Rica guide ranks surf, markets, and boat trips by what's worth your limited time.

Costa Rican rainforest trail with hikers from behind

2026-06-15

Hiking in Costa Rica: Footwear, Water, Maps Guide

Rainforest trails stay muddy over half the year, so hiking in Costa Rica punishes the wrong shoes. Pack grip boots and 2-3 liters before you go.

Costa Rica beach safety flags and lifeguard setup

2026-06-15

Swimming in Costa Rica: Beach Flags and Safety

Rip currents cause 80% of lifeguard rescues, not sharks. Before swimming in Costa Rica, learn the flag colors that vary by beach and how to escape a rip.

Panoramic Costa Rica landscape combining rainforest, volcano, cloud forest, and beach

2026-06-15

Costa Rica Itinerary: 5, 7, or 10 Days by Region

A 'two-hour' map distance runs 3-4 hours on mountain roads, so this Costa Rica itinerary plans travel legs as half days and one base per stop.

Costa Rica's diverse landscapes: rainforest, river, volcano, and hikers as silhouettes

2026-06-14

Costa Rica Wildlife: Where and When to See It

With 900-plus bird species and 25% of land protected, Costa Rica wildlife rewards planning: sloths daily, jaguars almost never, frogs peak May-November.