Explore North America

National parks, coastlines, cities, and road trip itineraries.

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.

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.

Costa Rica adventure montage: waterfalls, Tortuguero kayaking, and coffee plantation horseback riding

2026-06-14

Costa Rica Waterfalls: 7 Ranked by Worth the Detour

Most Costa Rica waterfalls cluster into three drivable circuits, so you can pair La Fortuna, Rio Celeste, and Nauyaca with costs and 4x4 needs.

Costa Rica coast with surfers and locals walking along a palm-fringed beach, seen from behind

2026-06-14

Costa Rica Surfing: Spots, Costs, and Local Life

Pay $40-$65 for group lessons, then cook gallo pinto with a host. This costa rica surfing guide covers seasons, access, and hazards, updated for 2026.

Family silhouette overlooking Costa Rica rainforest with cacao fields in foreground

2026-06-13

7-Day Costa Rica Family Vacation Wildlife and Cacao Plan

Budget reality: $3,500-$6,000 for 7 days for 4. This costa rica family vacation uses two bases to cut drives and boost sightings, updated for 2026.

Wide Costa Rica immersion landscape with rainforest, distant volcano, and a lone backpacker walking along a dirt road at dawn

2026-06-13

3-Week spanish immersion costa rica plan and costs

Reality check: expect A2 to B1 in 3-4 weeks with 15-25 class hours. This spanish immersion costa rica guide budgets it fast, updated for 2026.

A group of people whitewater rafting on a river surrounded by dense jungle and rocky cliffs.

2026-06-12

Pacuare to Sarapiquí: Costa Rica White Water Rafting

Most trips fail on logistics, not rapids. This costa rica white water rafting guide matches river, season, and base with prices, updated for 2026.