One positive, useful story a day from Costa Rica. Tourism, families, surf, wellness and bleisure. Never bad news.
United Airlines will launch a direct flight from Washington Dulles to Guanacaste this high season, making it easier to explore Costa Rica’s Pacific beaches and the Arenal region.
A warm, honest guide to the best coffee and chocolate tours near La Fortuna, with tips on what to expect and how to choose.
A practical guide to five rewarding day trips from La Fortuna, from waterfalls and volcanoes to wildlife and hot springs.
A practical guide to family friendly adventures in Arenal and La Fortuna, from toddlers to teens, with honest tips for a smooth trip.
A field guide to enjoying Arenal and La Fortuna on a budget, from free river swims and volcano views to affordable hikes and hot springs.
A straightforward, practical ranking of the hot springs around Arenal Volcano, from free river pools to developed resorts, with honest notes on what each offers.
A practical guide to choosing night tours in Arenal, covering frog walks, snake spotting, and stargazing with honest advice on what to expect.
A practical, honest guide to enjoying La Fortuna when the rain rolls in, with indoor and covered activities that still let you experience the region's beauty.
A warm, honest field guide to the top 12 activities in Arenal and La Fortuna, from hiking volcanoes to soaking in hot springs, with practical tips for first time visitors.
Discover lesser known waterfalls near La Fortuna that offer peaceful swims, fewer crowds, and the same lush beauty as the famous La Fortuna Waterfall.
A practical guide to choosing a zipline or canopy tour in the Arenal area, with honest advice on what to expect and how to pick the right experience for your group.
A honest comparison of Arenal and Monteverde to help you choose the right destination for your Costa Rica trip based on activities, weather, and travel style.
A practical field guide to visiting both Arenal Volcano and Rio Celeste in one day, with honest advice on timing, routes, and trade-offs.
A practical, honest comparison of guided tours and self-driving in the Arenal area, based on operator information and local sources, to help you choose the right approach for your travel style.
A honest field guide to choosing between the rainforest of La Fortuna and the surf of Tamarindo for your Costa Rica trip, with tips on how to visit both.
A practical comparison of morning and afternoon tours in Arenal, helping you choose the best time for wildlife, weather, and your energy.
A practical, honest breakdown of the trade-offs between private and small group tours in Arenal, so you can choose what fits your travel style and budget.
A warm, honest comparison of the Balsa River’s family friendly class 2-3 rapids and the Sarapiqui’s more adventurous class 3-4 runs near La Fortuna, with tips for choosing your ideal trip.
A warm, honest comparison of the two main ways to soak in Arenal’s geothermal waters: resort day passes and the free thermal river, with tips for choosing what fits your trip.
A practical comparison of flying into San Jose or Liberia for visiting Arenal and La Fortuna, with honest advice on drive times, road conditions, and what to expect.
A practical guide to choosing between hiking the Arenal Volcano trails and walking the hanging bridges, based on your interests, fitness, and time.
A practical, honest guide to experiencing Arenal and La Fortuna without overspending, using local tips and free or low-cost activities.
A practical guide to picking a combo tour in Arenal that fits your interests and budget, without falling for upsells or hidden costs.
A practical, honest guide to exploring La Fortuna and Arenal using shared shuttles, taxis, bikes, and your own two feet.
A straightforward guide to all the ways to travel from San Jose to La Fortuna, with honest pros and cons for each.
A practical, carefully researched guide to spotting wild sloths in the Arenal region, with honest tips on where to look, when to go, and what to expect.
A practical, carefully researched guide to visiting La Fortuna Waterfall, covering the trail, swim conditions, and best times to go.
A practical, honest guide to planning a day trip from La Fortuna to Rio Celeste, covering transport, timing, and what to expect at Tenorio Volcano National Park.
A relaxed, practical three day plan for exploring Arenal and La Fortuna with honest advice on hiking, waterfalls, hot springs, and wildlife.
A calm, no rush two day plan to see the volcano, the waterfall, and the hot springs in Arenal and La Fortuna.
A practical, honest packing list for Arenal and La Fortuna, based on operator guidance and local sources for Costa Rica’s rainforest.
Learn the quietest, most affordable weeks to visit Arenal and La Fortuna based on seasonal patterns, with honest advice on weather and crowds.
A practical guide to visiting Arenal and La Fortuna during the holiday season, covering weather, crowds, closures, and tips for a smooth trip.
A warm, honest field guide to the best spots and times for sunrise and sunset around Arenal and La Fortuna, with practical tips for catching the light.
June, July, and August bring lush green landscapes, fewer crowds, and reliable morning weather for hiking, waterfalls, and hot springs around Arenal.
Arenal and La Fortuna are absolutely worth visiting in rainy season, offering lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and a different kind of magic if you plan for afternoon showers.
A practical guide to navigating Easter week in Arenal and La Fortuna, with honest tips on crowds, holiday closures, and the local celebrations that make this time unique.
A guide to understanding the shifting weather patterns in the Arenal Valley, from the lake to the mountains, so you can plan your days with confidence.
A practical guide to capturing Arenal’s lush green season with tips on mist, moss, and soft light for photographers of all levels.
A warm, honest guide to the main festivals and community events in La Fortuna, from local saint days to national holidays, with tips on how to join in.
A practical, honest guide to the best times and conditions for seeing Arenal Volcano, based on local weather patterns and published climate data.
A straightforward breakdown of what Arenal combo tours actually include, so you can choose wisely without the hype.
A practical guide to planning a genuine, low-key honeymoon in Arenal and La Fortuna, focusing on shared experiences that feel natural rather than staged.
A practical guide to understanding day passes at Arenal’s thermal springs, including what to expect, how to choose, and a simple next step for your visit.
A clear guide to the two main entrances of Arenal Volcano National Park, helping you choose the right one for your visit.
A practical, honest guide to visiting Arenal and La Fortuna with children, covering what works for different ages, how to stay safe, and which tours actually deliver.
An honest, carefully researched look at a canyoning trip in Arenal, from the morning gear-up to the final rappel, with practical tips for a safe and memorable day.
A practical guide to visiting Arenal's hanging bridges, covering ticket options and whether to go with a guide or explore on your own.
A practical guide to visiting La Fortuna Waterfall, including ticket prices, opening hours, and key rules for a safe and enjoyable hike.
A practical guide to choosing a safe, responsible white water rafting trip in the Arenal region, covering river grades, safety gear, environmental practices, and what to look for in a tour.
A practical guide to the best ways to see wildlife around Arenal and La Fortuna, from morning hikes to river floats and guided night walks.