Posts
September 7, 2025 / September 7, 2025 by Zachary Ellison
Looking for Costa Rica’s most accessible rainforest experience? Braulio Carrillo National Park sits just 20 kilometers from San José, making it the perfect day trip for travelers wanting to experience primary rainforest without the long journey to more remote destinations. Despite being Costa Rica’s third-largest national park, Braulio Carrillo remains surprisingly undervisited compared to Manuel […]
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Planning a trip to Costa Rica and can’t figure out when to visit where? You’re not alone. Costa Rica packs an incredible 12 different microclimates into a country smaller than West Virginia. The weather in Guanacaste can be completely different from what’s happening just a few hours away in the Central Valley. After years of […]
Planning a family trip to Costa Rica? Let me share something most travel guides won’t mention: Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes and tropical climate create unique challenges that require more than just standard family vacation planning. Here’s the good news though. Costa Rica is genuinely one of the world’s most family-friendly destinations once you understand how […]
Landing at Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport puts you right in the heart of Guanacaste province, Costa Rica’s driest and sunniest region. Unlike arriving at San José where you face mountain roads and unpredictable weather, Liberia Airport gives you direct access to some of the country’s most stunning Pacific coast destinations and adventure hotspots. The […]
September 5, 2025 / September 5, 2025 by Zachary Ellison
Planning to drive in Costa Rica? Smart choice for exploring this incredible country! But here’s what most rental companies won’t tell you – that “easy 2-hour drive” from San José to Manuel Antonio becomes a white-knuckle mountain adventure if you’re not prepared for the reality of Costa Rican roads. The difference between a stressful vacation […]
August 29, 2025 / September 1, 2025 by Zachary Ellison
Landing at Juan Santamaría International Airport puts you right in the heart of Costa Rica’s adventure possibilities. While most travelers think about getting to their first destination, smart road trippers see SJO as the perfect launching pad for exploring multiple regions in a single trip. The routes from SJO offer the best combination of spectacular […]
After helping thousands of travelers navigate Costa Rica’s diverse landscapes over the years, I can tell you that choosing the right rental vehicle makes the difference between a smooth adventure and a frustrating struggle with impassable roads. The compact car that works perfectly for your European city break won’t get you to that hidden waterfall […]
As Costa Rica’s primary international gateway, Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) welcomes over 5 million travelers annually. Despite bearing San José’s name, the airport actually sits in neighboring Alajuela, about 20km northwest of the capital city. Having guided countless travelers through this airport over the years, I can tell you that understanding its quirks and […]
Ever soaked in steaming hot springs while gazing at a perfectly cone-shaped volcano? That’s just a typical Tuesday in Arenal, one of Costa Rica’s most fascinating destinations. The thing about Arenal is it offers that rare combination of natural wonder, adrenaline-pumping activities, and pure relaxation all within a compact area. No wonder travelers keep coming […]
You know that feeling when you look at a map of Costa Rica and think “it’s so small, we can drive everywhere!”? Then you start researching actual drive times and realize that a 100km journey somehow takes 4 hours? Yeah, that’s when domestic flights start looking pretty attractive. I’ve spent years helping travelers figure out […]
August 21, 2025 by Zachary Ellison
Planning a Costa Rica trip between December and April? You’re picking the season with the most reliable sunshine and perfect conditions for pretty much everything. But here’s what nobody tells you – this popularity creates its own set of challenges that can catch you off guard if you’re not prepared. Whether you’re dreaming of spotting […]
August 18, 2025 / September 7, 2025 by Zachary Ellison
Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast hits different. Forget the marimba music you’ll hear on the Pacific side – here it’s all about reggae beats floating through humid air. Instead of gallo pinto for breakfast, you’re eating rice and beans cooked in coconut milk. And that famous “pura vida” philosophy? It somehow gets even more relaxed when […]
Beyond the beaches and rainforests that draw most visitors to Costa Rica lies a region of extraordinary beauty and diversity—the Central Valley. While many travelers rush through on their way to coastal destinations, this highland heartland offers volcanic wonders, coffee plantations, colonial towns, and cultural experiences that shouldn’t be missed. Those who take time to […]
August 15, 2025 / September 7, 2025 by Zachary Ellison
Planning your first time in Costa Rica feels like preparing for several vacations rolled into one — from misty cloud forests and active volcanoes to pristine beaches and vibrant wildlife habitats. After helping thousands of travelers discover the magic of this compact yet incredibly diverse country, I can tell you that smart preparation makes all […]
Many travelers to Costa Rica view San José as simply a jumping-off point—a place to land before heading to beaches or rainforests. But here’s what I’ve learned after years guiding visitors through this vibrant capital: overlooking San José means missing a genuine slice of Costa Rican culture and history that the resort areas simply can’t […]
Posts Quick Reads
July 10, 2025 / July 25, 2025 by Zachary Ellison | Leave a Comment
Where is Costa Rica Located? A Complete Guide for First-Time Visitors Costa Rica is located in Central America, positioned between Nicaragua to the north and Panama to the south. Despite common misconceptions, it’s not in South America or the Caribbean. This small country serves as a bridge between North and South America, with coastlines on […]
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July 9, 2025 / August 21, 2025 by Zachary Ellison
Thinking about visiting Costa Rica between May and November? You might have heard this called the “rainy season” or “low season,” but locals know it as “green season” – and for good reason. After guiding thousands of travelers through Costa Rica year-round, I can tell you that the green season offers a completely different (and […]
July 9, 2025 / July 28, 2025 by Zachary Ellison | Leave a Comment
Are you planning a visit to Costa Rica and wondering what all the hype is about the Arenal Volcano? Look no further because we have got you covered with our ultimate guide to exploring the breathtaking natural wonder. From understanding its unique characteristics to preparing for your visit, we have covered everything you need to […]
July 7, 2025 / July 25, 2025 by Zachary Ellison | Leave a Comment
Welcome to the mystical journey through Venado Caves, where nature’s art is unleashed in full glory. The caves are located in the Arenal region of Costa Rica and offer a unique experience that will leave you in awe. In this blog, we will take you through the mile-and-a-half-long series of caves, preparing you for the […]
July 6, 2025 / July 25, 2025 by Zachary Ellison | Leave a Comment
Monteverde, Costa Rica, is a hidden gem tucked away in the northwestern part of the country. This small mountainous region, known for its breathtaking beauty and pristine natural landscapes, attracts nature enthusiasts from around the world. Monteverde’s geography encompasses towering mountain ranges, dense forests, and unique cloud forests, creating a diverse ecosystem that supports a […]
Monteverde, located in the lush cloud forest of Costa Rica, is not only known for its breathtaking natural beauty but also for its vibrant culinary scene. This charming town offers a plethora of authentic and diverse dining experiences that are sure to delight food lovers from around the world. From traditional Costa Rican dishes to […]
Uncover the best Lake Arenal activities for thrilling adventures. Explore our blog for exciting experiences and unforgettable memories. Lake Arenal, located in Costa Rica, is a paradise that offers visitors many activities. From adrenaline-pumping sports to relaxing hot springs, there is something for everyone. In this blog post, we will unravel the wonders of Lake […]
Welcome to the ultimate guide to exploring Arenal Volcano! Arenal is one of the most famous and beautiful landmarks in Costa Rica, with its iconic cone shape and natural hot springs. However, there’s more to Arenal than just its beauty. It is a unique place where you can experience nature at its rawest, with thrilling […]
What are the Arenal Hot Springs, and where are they located? The Arenal Hot Springs are a collection of natural hot springs located near the Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. These hot springs are heated by geothermal activity, offering visitors a relaxing and therapeutic experience amidst the beautiful natural surroundings. Are you looking for a […]
