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    Arenal Volcano and rainforest, La Fortuna, Costa Rica

    Travel Journal

    Costa Rica Travel Guides

    Expert advice, local tips, and in-depth guides to help you plan the perfect Costa Rica adventure.

    • 34 articles
    • Written by local guides

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    Stories & practical guides

    Liberia (LIR) vs San José (SJO): Which Airport?

    Travel Tips

    Liberia (LIR) vs San José (SJO): Which Airport?

    Flying to La Fortuna & Arenal? Liberia (LIR) vs San José (SJO): driving times, 2026 transfer prices and pros and cons from local guides.

    • 2026-07-26
    Best Sloth Tour in La Fortuna: Honest 2026 Guide

    Wildlife

    Best Sloth Tour in La Fortuna: Honest 2026 Guide

    Bogarín vs Mariolas vs Sloth Territory vs Danaus: where sightings are near-guaranteed, best time of day, prices, and which trail suits you.

    • 2026-07-17
    Where to Stay in Boca Tapada: Best Wildlife Lodges

    Destinations

    Where to Stay in Boca Tapada: Best Wildlife Lodges

    Laguna Lagarto, Maquenque, Iguanitas and Boca Tapada Lodge compared for bird photography — Agami Heron, King Vulture and specialist guides.

    • 2026-07-06
    Best Night Tours in La Fortuna: An Honest Local Guide (2026)

    Wildlife

    Best Night Tours in La Fortuna: An Honest Local Guide (2026)

    Red-eyed tree frogs, glass frogs and tarantulas: which La Fortuna night reserves are worth it, what you actually see, and why private wins.

    • 2026-06-10
    Macro Night Photography in Costa Rica (2026)

    Photography

    Macro Night Photography in Costa Rica (2026)

    Complete guide to macro night photography in Costa Rica's rainforest: camera settings, flash technique, species to look for, and how our private sessions work.

    • 2026-06-03
    King Vulture Photography: The Boca Tapada Hide

    Photography

    King Vulture Photography: The Boca Tapada Hide

    Photograph the King Vulture up close at Boca Tapada's dedicated hide — the most reliable location in Costa Rica for close-range King Vulture shots.

    • 2026-06-02
    Royal Flycatcher: Where to See It in Costa Rica

    Wildlife

    Royal Flycatcher: Where to See It in Costa Rica

    The Royal Flycatcher has one of the wildest crests in the bird world. Where to find and photograph it in Costa Rica — Boca Tapada is your best bet.

    • 2026-06-01
    Best Costa Rica Wildlife Tours — Local Expert Guide (2026)

    Wildlife

    Best Costa Rica Wildlife Tours — Local Expert Guide (2026)

    Costa Rica wildlife tours by local naturalist guides: sloths, monkeys, toucans and macaws — where, when and how to see them.

    • 2026-05-20
    Costa Rica Photography Tours — The Complete 2026 Guide

    Photography

    Costa Rica Photography Tours — The Complete 2026 Guide

    Private photography expeditions in Costa Rica with specialist guides, scopes and hides — including Boca Tapada, home of the Great Green Macaw.

    • 2026-05-20
    Where to See the Quetzal in Costa Rica: Best Months

    Wildlife

    Where to See the Quetzal in Costa Rica: Best Months

    Complete guide to seeing the Resplendent Quetzal in Costa Rica. Best locations, timing, breeding season tips, and how to plan your trip from Arenal or San José.

    • 2026-05-15
    Night Tours in La Fortuna: Which One to Book (2026)

    Wildlife

    Night Tours in La Fortuna: Which One to Book (2026)

    Ecocentro Danaus vs Papa's Place vs Mistico compared: wildlife, difficulty, price, and which La Fortuna night tour to book if you only do one.

    • 2026-05-12
    Costa Rica Hummingbird Photography Guide (2026)

    Photography

    Costa Rica Hummingbird Photography Guide (2026)

    Where and how to photograph hummingbirds in Costa Rica. Multi-flash setups, natural-light tips, and the 8 species you can expect around Arenal and Boca Tapada.

    • 2026-05-08
    Perfect 3-Day La Fortuna Family Itinerary (Kids 5–14) — 2026

    Travel Tips

    Perfect 3-Day La Fortuna Family Itinerary (Kids 5–14) — 2026

    Family-tested 3-day La Fortuna itinerary for kids 5–14: sloths, hanging bridges, hot springs and night frogs, with real timings and child pricing.

    • 2026-05-08
    Macro Photography in Costa Rica: 2026 Field Guide

    Photography

    Macro Photography in Costa Rica: 2026 Field Guide

    Macro photography in Costa Rica: best La Fortuna sites, gear list, lighting, red-eyed tree frog behavior and where to book a specialist guide.

    • 2026-05-05
    Boca Tapada Bird Photography Guide (2026)

    Photography

    Boca Tapada Bird Photography Guide (2026)

    Boca Tapada is Costa Rica's top lowland bird photography spot: Great Green Macaw, Royal Flycatcher, Agami Heron. When to go and how to prepare.

    • 2026-05-01
    Rainy Season in La Fortuna: What to Expect (2026)

    Travel Tips

    Rainy Season in La Fortuna: What to Expect (2026)

    Visiting La Fortuna May–November: what works, best tours for wet weather, packing list and how to plan around afternoon showers.

    • 2026-05-01
    Best Hot Springs Near Arenal Volcano: 2026 Comparison Guide

    Adventure

    Best Hot Springs Near Arenal Volcano: 2026 Comparison Guide

    Compare the best hot springs near Arenal Volcano. Baldi, Tabacón, Los Lagos, and Ecotermales. Prices, atmosphere, pool temperatures, and which to choose.

    • 2026-04-15
    Alajuela & Central Valley Travel Guide (2026)

    Destinations

    Alajuela & Central Valley Travel Guide (2026)

    Travel guide to Alajuela and Costa Rica's Central Valley. Poás Volcano, La Paz Waterfalls, coffee tours, climate, what to pack and SJO airport tips.

    • 2026-04-15
    San Carlos & Northern Costa Rica Guide (2026)

    Destinations

    San Carlos & Northern Costa Rica Guide (2026)

    Complete travel guide to San Carlos and Costa Rica's northern zone. Arenal Volcano, La Fortuna, Boca Tapada, Caño Negro, climate, what to pack and best season.

    • 2026-04-15
    Puntarenas Costa Rica Travel Guide (2026)

    Destinations

    Puntarenas Costa Rica Travel Guide (2026)

    Complete guide to Puntarenas province, Costa Rica. Gulf of Nicoya islands, Tortuga Island, Jacó, climate, what to pack and ferry tips to Nicoya Peninsula.

    • 2026-04-14
    Nicoya Peninsula Guide: Santa Teresa & Sámara

    Destinations

    Nicoya Peninsula Guide: Santa Teresa & Sámara

    Complete guide to the Nicoya Peninsula: Santa Teresa, Montezuma, Sámara, Nosara, Mal País. Climate, blue zone longevity, what to pack, surf and yoga retreats.

    • 2026-04-14
    La Fortuna Waterfall: Complete Visitor's Guide 2026

    Adventure

    La Fortuna Waterfall: Complete Visitor's Guide 2026

    Everything you need to know about visiting La Fortuna Waterfall. Trail difficulty, best time to go, what to bring, swimming tips, and how to get there.

    • 2026-04-13
    Osa Peninsula & Corcovado Travel Guide (2026)

    Destinations

    Osa Peninsula & Corcovado Travel Guide (2026)

    Osa Peninsula and southern Costa Rica: Corcovado National Park, climate, what to pack, best months and how to reach this remote region.

    • 2026-04-13
    Quepos & Manuel Antonio Travel Guide (2026)

    Destinations

    Quepos & Manuel Antonio Travel Guide (2026)

    Complete travel guide to Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. Climate, best beaches, sloths and monkeys, what to pack and the best months to visit.

    • 2026-04-13
    Private vs Shared Tours in Costa Rica: Which Is Worth It?

    Travel Tips

    Private vs Shared Tours in Costa Rica: Which Is Worth It?

    Private tours mean your own naturalist guide, private A/C vehicle and drinks included — for 2 people or 12. Here is when private is worth it.

    • 2026-04-12
    Caribbean Coast Costa Rica Travel Guide (2026)

    Destinations

    Caribbean Coast Costa Rica Travel Guide (2026)

    Costa Rica Caribbean coast guide: Puerto Viejo, Cahuita and Tortuguero — weather, culture, what to pack and the best season to visit.

    • 2026-04-12
    Best Time to Visit Arenal Volcano (2026 Guide)

    Travel Tips

    Best Time to Visit Arenal Volcano (2026 Guide)

    When is the best time to visit Arenal Volcano? Month-by-month weather guide, wildlife seasons, crowd levels, and pricing tips for 2026.

    • 2026-04-11
    Guanacaste Costa Rica: Weather & Packing Guide 2026

    Destinations

    Guanacaste Costa Rica: Weather & Packing Guide 2026

    Everything to know about Guanacaste, Costa Rica: dry tropical climate, best beaches (Tamarindo, Conchal, Flamingo), what to pack and the best months to visit.

    • 2026-04-11
    Costa Rica Weather & Seasons: Complete 2026 Guide

    Travel Tips

    Costa Rica Weather & Seasons: Complete 2026 Guide

    Costa Rica weather by month and region: dry vs rainy season, microclimates, temperatures and the best months to visit each area.

    • 2026-04-10
    Costa Rica Wildlife Photography: 12 Field Tips

    Photography

    Costa Rica Wildlife Photography: 12 Field Tips

    Wildlife photography tips from guides with 15+ years in the field: light windows, gear setup and species techniques for Arenal and Boca Tapada.

    • 2026-04-07
    How to Get from San José to La Fortuna: Complete 2026 Guide

    Transfers

    How to Get from San José to La Fortuna: Complete 2026 Guide

    All transportation options from San José to La Fortuna, Costa Rica. Private transfers, shared shuttles, public bus, and driving. Times, costs, and tips.

    • 2026-04-05
    Top 5 Must-Do Activities in Arenal Volcano Area (2026)

    Adventure

    Top 5 Must-Do Activities in Arenal Volcano Area (2026)

    Plan your Arenal adventure with the top 5 must-do activities. Volcano hikes, hanging bridges, safari floats, hot springs, and night walks. Local expert picks.

    • 2026-04-03
    Best Birdwatching Spots in La Fortuna & Arenal (2026)

    Wildlife

    Best Birdwatching Spots in La Fortuna & Arenal (2026)

    500+ species around La Fortuna and Arenal. Local guides on the best trails, key species, and the right season for each. Private birding tours.

    • 2026-04-01
    Top 10 Things to Do in La Fortuna & Arenal

    Adventure

    Top 10 Things to Do in La Fortuna & Arenal

    • 2026-03-26