Nature & wildlife
27 articles from people who actually live in Costa Rica.
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The ultimate guide to hiking near Arenal Volcano (La Fortuna, Costa Rica)
Few destinations in Costa Rica pack as much drama into a single landscape as the Arenal Volcano region near La Fortuna. Rising 1,670 meters above the lush lowlands of the Northern Highlands, Arenal's perfectly conical silhouette has become one of the country's most iconic images — and the trails that wind through its rainforests, lava fields, and hanging bridges are among the most rewarding hikes in all of Central America. Whether you're a backpacker on a tight budget, a family looking for...
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Snorkeling in Cahuita National Park: everything you need to know.
Located on Costa Rica’s laid-back Caribbean coast, Cahuita National Park is one of the country’s most accessible and rewarding national parks. Known for its coastal rainforest trails, abundant wildlife, and vibrant coral reefs, it is also one of the best places for snorkeling on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. If you’re looking for a destination where you can combine wildlife spotting, beautiful beaches, and underwater exploration, snorkeling in Cahuita is an experience you shouldn’t miss....
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Cahuita National Park, Costa Rica: The Complete Travel Guide (2026)
If you're planning a trip to Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, Cahuita National Park is one of those places you simply can’t skip. With its unique combination of tropical rainforest, white-sand beaches, and coral reefs, it offers one of the most accessible and rewarding nature experiences in the country. Whether you’re a backpacker on a budget, a family looking for an easy wildlife adventure, or a solo traveler craving authentic Costa Rica, this guide will help you plan the perfect visit. What...
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What to Do in La Fortuna in 48 Hours?Perfect Itinerary + Budget Tips
If you’re wondering what to do in La Fortuna, you’re in the right place. This small town at the base of the iconic Arenal Volcano is one of the most exciting destinations in Costa Rica—packed with waterfalls, jungle adventures, volcano hikes, and natural hot springs. But what if you only have 2 days in La Fortuna? Good news: that’s more than enough time to experience the best of it—even on a budget. This 48-hour itinerary mixes must-do activities + hidden free spots, so you can enjoy the...
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Monkeys in Costa Rica: where to see them (Best Spots + Travel Tips)
Costa Rica is one of the best destinations in the world for wildlife lovers—and spotting monkeys in Costa Rica is often at the very top of every traveler’s bucket list. Whether you’re backpacking, traveling with family, or exploring solo, seeing monkeys swinging through the jungle is one of those unforgettable “pura vida” moments. The good news? Monkeys are relatively easy to see in Costa Rica—if you know where to go. In this guide, we’ll break down the best places to see monkeys in Costa...
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Sunset horseback riding in Nosara, Costa Rica
If you’re planning a trip to Nosara, one experience you truly shouldn’t miss is sunset horseback riding along the Pacific coast. Blending adventure, relaxation, and breathtaking scenery, it’s one of the most memorable ways to experience the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Whether you’re a couple searching for a romantic sunset activity, a family looking for something unique, or a solo traveler wanting to connect with nature, a sunset horseback riding tour in Nosara offers an unforgettable...
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Horseback Riding Tour in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.
If you want to experience Costa Rica’s lush rainforest and peaceful countryside uniquely, a Horseback Riding Tour near Manuel Antonio is an unforgettable adventure. Located just outside the popular beach town of Manuel Antonio, this scenic horseback ride takes visitors along forest trails and through the beautiful landscapes of the Naranjo River Biological Corridor. Riding a gentle horse through tropical nature allows travelers to explore areas that are difficult to reach by car or on foot....
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Tortuga Costa Rica Tours: The Ultimate Guide to Isla Tortuga
Isla Tortuga in Costa Rica, is one of the most beautiful islands you can visit on the Nicoya Peninsula. With turquoise waters, white-sand beaches, great snorkeling, and easy access from Montezuma and Santa Teresa, it’s a perfect day trip for backpackers, families, and solo travelers. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Isla Tortuga, including how to get there, what to expect, the best time to visit, and how to choose the best Isla Tortuga tour depending on your travel...
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Visiting Kids Saving the Rainforest (KSTR) near Quepos and Manuel Antonio
If you are looking for meaningful things to do in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica , visiting Kids Saving the Rainforest (KSTR) should be at the top of your list. Yesterday, we visited this incredible wildlife rescue center with my cousin, his wife, and their 7-year-old daughter, Mila. What we expected to be a simple animal visit turned into a powerful and emotional experience about Costa Rica’s wildlife conservation efforts. Unlike a zoo or tourist attraction, KSTR is a real wildlife rescue and...
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Best time to visit Costa Rica for wildlife viewing
Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries on Earth, home to nearly 6% of the planet’s wildlife despite covering less than 0.03% of its surface. From slow-moving sloths and colorful toucans to migrating whales and nesting sea turtles, the country offers year-round wildlife encounters that few destinations can match. But while Costa Rica has wildlife all year long, the best time to visit Costa Rica for wildlife viewing depends on what animals you want to see, where you plan to go, and...
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Corcovado National Park: The Complete Guide (from someone who slept inside the jungle)
We'll be honest with you: we almost didn't go. Corcovado National Park is remote, it's not cheap, and sleeping in a jungle dormitory without a fan while howler monkeys scream at 4 AM doesn't exactly sound like a vacation. But standing outside the Sirena Station at 9 PM, watching a wild Baird's tapir emerge from the darkness and walk calmly past us after dinner? That's the moment you realize there is nowhere else on Earth quite like this. We visited Corcovado on June 1st and 2nd with our...
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Tortuguero 2 Day Tour: The perfect short escape into Costa Rica’s Amazon
If you’re short on time but don’t want to miss one of Costa Rica’s most unique destinations, a Tortuguero 2 day tour (1 night) is the perfect solution. Often called the Amazon of Costa Rica , Tortuguero National Park is famous for its lush canals, incredible wildlife, and remote Caribbean atmosphere. In this guide, we’ll explain what to expect from a 2-day Tortuguero tour, who it’s best for, what you’ll see, and why booking with Pura Vida Traveling makes your trip easy and stress-free. Why...
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