One of the most beautiful things about living here is how deeply we love and celebrate our culture. Every year on September 15, Costa Ricans — or Ticos, as we call ourselves — come together to celebrate Independence Day. For us, this date isn’t just a holiday. It’s a chance to honor our history, teach […]
Chifrijo: Costa Rica’s Favorite Bar Food
Costa Rica is a country where food is more than nourishment—it’s a way of life. While traditional dishes like Gallo Pinto and Casado fuel everyday routines, there’s one dish that has become the star of nightlife, gatherings, and soccer matches: Chifrijo. This flavorful combination of rice, beans, fried pork, and pico de gallo, usually served […]
Olla de Carne: Costa Rica’s Hearty Beef and Vegetable Stew
Costa Rica is known for its beaches, volcanoes, and pura vida spirit—but its food also tells the story of its people. Among the many traditional dishes, one stands out as the soul of Costa Rican comfort food: Olla de Carne. This slow-cooked beef and vegetable stew isn’t just a recipe—it’s a tradition. Families across Costa […]
Casado: Costa Rica’s Classic Lunch Plate
If you’ve spent any time in Costa Rica, you’ve probably seen (or eaten) a Casado. Served at roadside sodas, family kitchens, and even upscale restaurants, the Casado is Costa Rica’s most traditional lunch dish—a filling, affordable, and perfectly balanced meal that reflects the country’s agricultural roots and culture of simplicity. A Casado isn’t just food—it’s […]
Gallo Pinto: Costa Rica’s National Dish and the Soul of Pura Vida
If you ask any Costa Rican what dish best represents their country, chances are they’ll answer with two simple words: Gallo Pinto. At first glance, it looks like a humble plate of rice and beans. But take one bite, and you’ll understand why this dish is at the heart of Costa Rican cuisine. Gallo Pinto […]
Volcán Barva, Costa Rica: Hiking Through Cloud Forests and Hidden Craters
Costa Rica is famous for its active volcanoes like Arenal and Poás, but hidden in the mountains of Heredia Province lies a quieter treasure: Volcán Barva. Rising to 2,906 meters (9,534 ft) above sea level, Barva is an extinct stratovolcano that forms part of the Cordillera Central. Instead of fiery eruptions or hot springs, Barva […]
Volcán Turrialba, Costa Rica: Adventure at One of the Country’s Most Active Volcanoes
Costa Rica is famous for its volcanoes—Arenal, Poás, and Irazú—but if you’re looking for something more wild and less touristy, head to Volcán Turrialba. Rising to 3,340 meters (10,958 ft), this volcano in Cartago Province is Costa Rica’s second-highest volcano and one of its most active. For years, Turrialba was off-limits due to eruptions that […]
Volcán Irazú, Costa Rica: Standing on the Summit of the Country’s Highest Volcano
When it comes to dramatic landscapes, few places in Costa Rica compare to Volcán Irazú. Rising to 3,432 meters (11,260 feet) above sea level, it’s the highest volcano in Costa Rica and one of the most accessible. With its eerie craters, turquoise-green lakes, and panoramic views stretching across the country, Irazú is a must-see for […]
Playa Ballena, Costa Rica: Where Whales and Waves Meet in Uvita
Costa Rica has no shortage of breathtaking beaches, but few combine marine wonders, raw natural beauty, and eco-conscious tourism quite like Playa Ballena. Located in the South Pacific’s Marino Ballena National Park, this beach is not just a tropical paradise—it’s a place where humpback whales migrate, dolphins leap offshore, and a sandbar shaped like a […]
Playa Avellanas, Costa Rica: Surf, Sunsets, and Pura Vida Vibes in Guanacaste
Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province is home to some of the country’s most famous beaches—Tamarindo, Conchal, and Flamingo. But just 30 minutes south of Tamarindo lies a quieter gem that surfers and beach lovers treasure: Playa Avellanas. With its five surf breaks, golden sands, and rustic beach bars, Playa Avellanas has earned a reputation as one […]