One of the main reasons travelers are traveling is for that unique experience. Sure you can buy mangoes at your local supermarket anywhere in the U.S. but they don't come with cross-cut inside-out opening demonstrations as they might from a roadside stand in Costa Rica. The first rule for … [Read more...]
Archives for January 2015
Phone Emergencies
No, we don't mean when you haven't been able to get signal on your i-phone for sixteen hours to update the Facebook status of your sunburn... These are a few suggestions to help you make a phone call when you urgently need to - for example if your driver and van haven't arrived to pick you up … [Read more...]
The Twenty Five Pound Packing List
Trek, Fly, Boat Version of the Packing List for Travel to Costa Rica. Small planes and small boat transfers have weight limits ranging from 15 lbs to 40 lbs so if you plan to travel off the beaten path in Costa Rica you’ll need to plan a packing list for a smaller version of your stuff in a … [Read more...]
Tirimbina Rainforest National Wildlife Refuge
Quite possibly our favorite place to visit the rainforest on a budget. If Finca Verde aka Finca Gavilan and Heliconias Lodge at Bijagua between Tenorio and Miravalles national parks weren't so incredible there wouldn't be any competition. Under $120 (okay so it's $119 - $59.50 each) for two … [Read more...]
Nature Air Unlimited Flight Pass
Note: Updated July 1, 2018 – It is evident that Nature Air will not be resuming operations. If you are holding tickets, coupons or vouchers for future flights they are probably worthless...see details NOTE: Nature Air discontinued their unlimited flight pass - we're keeping this page … [Read more...]
Professional Traveler?
I’ve traveled around the world for decades, but I’ve never felt quite as incompetent and uncomfortable as a traveler as in my first few days as a professional traveler. Our Costa Rica map and travel guide company can finally afford to pay it’s first two employees a little, so on this research and … [Read more...]
Activities & Adventures
The main attractions in Costa Rica are the tropical forests and beaches, but there are hundreds of other adventures and activities to explore. Choose from the menu or browse through the options below to get some ideas. (Click a symbol to jump to that … [Read more...]
Rice Tico Style Recipe
Rice Tico style is the base for many meals including half of the ingredients for gallo pinto, stuffing for tamales and found on every casado plate. 3-5 sprigs cilantro (coriander leaf) 1 small or half a medium onion ½ small red or yellow sweet pepper (optional) 3 cups (700 ml) chicken … [Read more...]
Central Pacific Coast
The Central Pacific region is distinguished by the abrupt meeting of half a dozen small mountain ranges with the Pacific Ocean to their south. The Virilla River has its headwaters above San José and after flowing through the capitol follows a wide arc around the Cerros de Escazú and Turrubares … [Read more...]
Food is Average
Out of hundreds of travel reviews we’ve gotten we’ve never had one that spontaneously raved about the food in Costa Rica. Occasionally someone will mention a particular restaurant or resort, but on average they find the food pretty average and prices high. It's hard to make much of an … [Read more...]
Wilson Botanical Gardens
Robert and Catherine Wilson started this garden in 1963 and ten years later control was transferred to the Organization for Tropical Studies. There are more than a thousand species of plants on the grounds, and the gardens serve several purposes. They are used as a training ground for … [Read more...]
Gouge the Gringo
The Myth of the Costa Rican Credit Card Swindle There is a misconception among expatriates and travelers that Ticos are out to take advantage of Gringos. The myth has diverse origins but one of the most persistent is the extra charges at hotels, restaurants and tours for using a credit card. Other … [Read more...]
Patience Mañana
I'll be Patient Tomorrow but I Want My Rental Car Today... In a country where the national slogan is mañana, mañana… mañana it’s not surprising that sometimes service is not the same as in northern climes where not collecting the firewood in time for winter once meant freezing to death. As a … [Read more...]
Environmental Costs
How Much Environmental Impact Do Different Forms of Transportation Have? It will probably surprise you to know that environmentally it's about the same or maybe better to fly than take a bus in Costa Rica. Amazingly flying burns less fuel per person transported, creates less pollutants and carbon … [Read more...]