Stories & tips
Costa Rica, from the road
Guides, destination spotlights and practical travel tips from the drivers who know the routes, everything you need to plan an easy trip.
The Ultimate Tamarindo Travel Guide: Sun, Surf, and Paradise in Guanacaste
A guide to the best things to do in Tamarindo, from surf lessons to sea turtle tours, plus how to get to this Guanacaste beach town stress-free.
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Costa Rica Microclimates Explained: What to Expect from the Beach to the Cloud Forest
Why the weather in Costa Rica can change in a matter of miles, and what to expect region by region from the beaches of Guanacaste to the cloud forest of Monteverde.
Costa Rica Travel Seasons Explained: High Season vs. Green Season vs. Peak Season
A breakdown of Costa Rica's High Season, Peak Season, and Green Season, and how each one changes pricing, crowds, and road conditions.
Costa Rica Travel Logistics: Everything You Need to Know About Water and Electricity
What travelers need to know about Costa Rica's tap water safety, electrical outlets and voltage, and how to handle the occasional tropical power outage.
How to Pack for Costa Rica: The Ultimate Eco-Friendly Travel Guide
An eco-friendly packing checklist for Costa Rica, from reef-safe sunscreen to zero-plastic essentials required inside the national parks.
Costa Rica Wildlife Guide: What to See and What NOT to Do in Paradise
What animals you're likely to see in Costa Rica, and the five rules every visitor needs to know to keep both themselves and the local wildlife safe.
Costa Rica Travel Guide: Local Culture, Must-Try Food, and the Reality of Driving Pura Vida
A practical guide to Costa Rican culture, the local dishes worth trying, and why the country's roads make a rental car a risky way to see it.
Liberia LIR Airport Guide: Your Ultimate Gateway to the Guanacaste Beaches
Everything you need to know about landing at Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport (LIR) and getting from the runway to your Guanacaste beach resort, including why a shuttle beats the final unpaved stretch of road.
How to Get Around Costa Rica: The Ultimate Route & Transportation Guide
A route-by-route breakdown of Costa Rica's most common transfers, from San Jose to Manuel Antonio to the Nicoya Peninsula, and why a shuttle beats a rental car on each one.
Costa Rica Nightlife and Dining Guide: Best Restaurants & Evening Hotspots
A guide to Costa Rica's best dining and nightlife towns, from Tamarindo's beach clubs to La Fortuna's craft beer pubs, and how to get to and from them safely after dark.
Top Kid-Friendly Activities in Tamarindo: The Ultimate Guide for Every Age Group
Kid-friendly activities in Tamarindo broken down by age group, from estuary boat tours for toddlers to sunset catamaran cruises for teens.
Is Tamarindo Safe for Kids? The Ultimate Family Safety & Activity Guide
What parents need to know about beach safety, traffic, and medical care in Tamarindo, and where the water is safe (and unsafe) for swimming with kids.
The Ultimate Playa Avellanas Travel Guide: World-Class Surf, Saltwater Bridges, and Laid-Back Pura Vida
A guide to Playa Avellanas' six surf breaks, its famous mangrove bridge, and what to know about the unpaved roads before you book a rental car.
The Ultimate Sámara Travel Guide: Costa Rica's Safest Family Beach & Hidden Gem
A guide to Sámara's calm, reef-protected bay, its family-friendly beaches, and what the winding drive down the Nicoya Peninsula means for how you should travel there.
Costa Rica Shuttle Guide: Everything First-Time Visitors Need to Know
A complete first-timer's guide to Costa Rica shuttle transportation: shared vs. private shuttles, popular routes, and answers to the most common questions.
The Complete Guide to Getting from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Tamarindo
Everything you need to know about getting from Liberia Airport (LIR) to Tamarindo: distances, transportation options, and local tips for a smooth arrival.
Packing for Two Coasts
A trip covering more than one coast doesn't have to mean a second suitcase. Tips for packing light while covering both the beach and the mountains.
Surf Towns Worth the Drive
Santa Teresa, Nosara, and Pavones are worth the longer transfer from Guanacaste. Here's what makes each surf town different, and how to plan the trip.
Rainy Season, Done Right
Costa Rica's rainy season has a reputation problem. Here's why it might be the better time to visit, and how to plan around the afternoon showers.
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