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    Family celebrating on a lava rock with Arenal Volcano behind them on the 1968 lava trail, La Fortuna

    Travel Journal

    Costa Rica Travel Guides

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

    Latest

    Stories & practical guides

    7 Things I Wish More Visitors Knew About Wildlife in Arenal

    Wildlife

    7 Things I Wish More Visitors Knew About Wildlife in Arenal

    A local naturalist shares honest advice on Arenal wildlife: when to go, why night walks matter, what guides notice and how to plan a slower day.

    • 2026-09-19
    Family celebrating on a lava rock with Arenal Volcano behind them on the 1968 lava trail, La Fortuna

    Wildlife

    Are There Jaguars in La Fortuna? Big Cats of Arenal

    Do jaguars and pumas live around Arenal and La Fortuna? A grounded, honest look at big cats in the region and what visitors realistically encounter.

    • 2026-09-15
    Two-toed sloth mother with her baby in La FortunaPhoto: VIVO Expeditions

    Wildlife

    Wildlife of La Fortuna & Arenal: What You'll Really See

    A realistic overview of the wildlife around La Fortuna and Arenal — sloths, monkeys, birds, frogs, reptiles and insects — habitats, seasons and expectations.

    • 2026-09-15
    Family taking photos at the foot of Arenal Volcano during the La Fortuna Classic Combo tour

    Travel Tips

    Tipping & Money in Costa Rica: Guides & Drivers

    Money and tipping in Costa Rica: colones vs. USD, cards, restaurant service charge and tax, ATMs, and optional tipping for guides and drivers.

    • 2026-09-15
    Photographer with tripod and spotting scope on the Arenal 1968 lava flowPhoto: VIVO Expeditions

    Photography

    Cinchona: The Hummingbird Cafe That Rebuilt Itself

    The story of Colibri Cafe in Cinchona — destroyed by the 2009 earthquake, rebuilt by hand, and now one of Costa Rica's best close-range bird photography stops.

    • 2026-09-08
    Family celebrating on a lava rock with Arenal Volcano behind them on the 1968 lava trail, La Fortuna

    Travel Tips

    Best Time to Visit Costa Rica in 2027 (Month by Month)

    Month-by-month guide to visiting Costa Rica in 2027: weather, wildlife, crowds, prices and how early to book Arenal, Boca Tapada and Manuel Antonio.

    • 2026-09-05
    Great Green Macaw perched in Boca TapadaPhoto: VIVO Expeditions

    Photography

    Costa Rica Birding & Photography Season 2027

    Plan a 2027 Costa Rica birding or photography trip by species: quetzal, king vulture, great green macaw, hummingbirds and frogs, month by month.

    • 2026-09-05
    Family celebrating on a lava rock with Arenal Volcano behind them on the 1968 lava trail, La Fortuna

    Travel Tips

    SJO or LIR: Plan Your Costa Rica Route From Each Airport

    San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR)? Real drive times, 2026 private transfer prices and two proven route plans from a local La Fortuna operator.

    • 2026-08-26
    Family celebrating on a lava rock with Arenal Volcano behind them on the 1968 lava trail, La Fortuna

    Transfers

    SJO Airport Transfers to La Fortuna: FAQ (2026)

    Everything about private transfers from SJO airport to La Fortuna: drive time, 2026 prices, meeting point, late flights, car seats and luggage.

    • 2026-08-26
    Family with a VIVO guide on a Mistico hanging bridge above the Arenal rainforest canopy

    Transfers

    LIR Liberia Airport Transfers: FAQ & Logistics

    Private transfers from Liberia (LIR) airport: drive times to La Fortuna and Guanacaste beaches, 2026 prices, pickup point and luggage rules.

    • 2026-08-26
    Costa Rica Transfer Times & Prices 2026 (SJO & LIR)

    Transfers

    Costa Rica Transfer Times & Prices 2026 (SJO & LIR)

    Real drive times and 2026 private transfer prices between SJO, LIR, La Fortuna, Monteverde and Manuel Antonio — plus how to plan travel days.

    • 2026-08-26
    Family celebrating on a lava rock with Arenal Volcano behind them on the 1968 lava trail, La Fortuna

    Destinations

    Private Tours La Fortuna vs Monteverde: Complete 2026 Guide

    La Fortuna or Monteverde in 2026? Real prices, drive times, wildlife odds and which private tours are worth it — from a local operator.

    • 2026-08-13
    Photographer with tripod and spotting scope on the Arenal 1968 lava flowPhoto: VIVO Expeditions

    Photography

    Wildlife Photography in Costa Rica: Definitive 2026 Guide

    Gear, settings, best locations and 2026 prices for wildlife photography in Costa Rica — hides, macro nights and private photo guides in Arenal.

    • 2026-08-13
    Guests with their VIVO guide at the Arenal Observatory Lodge deckPhoto: VIVO Expeditions

    Wildlife

    Birdwatching in Arenal: The Definitive 2026 Guide

    Birdwatching Arenal 2026: 500+ species, the 7 best sites, month-by-month timing, target species and private guide prices from La Fortuna.

    • 2026-08-13
    Family Tours La Fortuna: 5 Tested Itineraries for 2026

    Travel Tips

    Family Tours La Fortuna: 5 Tested Itineraries for 2026

    Five family itineraries for La Fortuna in 2026, by kids' ages: sloths, volcano, hot springs, safari float. Real prices and timing that works.

    • 2026-08-13
    Liberia or San José Airport for La Fortuna? (2026-2027)

    Travel Tips

    Liberia or San José Airport for La Fortuna? (2026-2027)

    Honest local answer: real driving times to La Fortuna from LIR and SJO, 2026-2027 private transfer prices, and which airport wins for beaches vs volcano.

    • 2026-07-26
    Two-toed sloth mother with her baby in La FortunaPhoto: VIVO Expeditions

    Wildlife

    Best Sloth Tour in La Fortuna: Honest 2026 Guide

    Bogarín vs Mariolas vs Sloth Territory vs Danaus: where sloths are seen on most walks, best time of day, prices, and which trail suits you.

    • 2026-07-17
    Top 5 Best Boca Tapada Lodges 2026 | Photography & Wildlife

    Destinations

    Top 5 Best Boca Tapada Lodges 2026 | Photography & Wildlife

    Compare the 5 best Boca Tapada lodges for 2026: wildlife photography, Agami Heron, King Vulture hides and private guided tours with a local team.

    • 2026-07-06
    Group with flashlights on a guided night walkPhoto: VIVO Expeditions

    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 see, and how to choose a Private Tour or Group Tour.

    • 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 Guide | Boca Tapada Costa Rica

    Photography

    King Vulture Photography Guide | Boca Tapada Costa Rica

    Field guide for King Vulture photography in Boca Tapada: hide setup, lens choice, timing, behavior and how to plan the session ethically.

    • 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
    Two-toed sloth mother with her baby in La FortunaPhoto: VIVO Expeditions

    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 Quetzals in Costa Rica: Spots & Best Months

    Wildlife

    Where to See Quetzals in Costa Rica: Spots & Best Months

    The exact places quetzals are seen in Costa Rica, month by month: 70-90% odds in season (March-June), pre-dawn timing, and what a guided morning costs.

    • 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
    Family with a VIVO guide on a Mistico hanging bridge above the Arenal rainforest canopy

    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 | Hides & Species

    Photography

    Boca Tapada Bird Photography Guide 2026 | Hides & Species

    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
    Bare-throated Tiger-Heron on the riverbankPhoto: VIVO Expeditions

    Travel Tips

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

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

    • 2026-05-01
    Arenal Volcano Hot Springs: Best 4 Compared + Prices (2026)

    Adventure

    Arenal Volcano Hot Springs: Best 4 Compared + Prices (2026)

    Arenal Volcano hot springs compared by a local operator: Baldi, Tabacón, Los Lagos and Ecotermales — real 2026 prices, pool temperatures and who each suits.

    • 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
    Three-toed sloth mother with her baby at Ecocentro DanausPhoto: VIVO Expeditions

    Travel Tips

    Private vs Group 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
    Family celebrating on a lava rock with Arenal Volcano behind them on the 1968 lava trail, La Fortuna

    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. Plan with local guides.

    • 2026-04-10
    Photographer with tripod and spotting scope on the Arenal 1968 lava flowPhoto: VIVO Expeditions

    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
    Family with a VIVO guide on a Mistico hanging bridge above the Arenal rainforest canopy

    Transfers

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

    Private transfer, rental car, shuttle, bus or ride-hailing from San José to La Fortuna: an honest comparison of times, tradeoffs and what fits your trip.

    • 2026-04-05
    Family celebrating on a lava rock with Arenal Volcano behind them on the 1968 lava trail, La Fortuna

    Adventure

    Things to Do in Arenal Volcano: Top 5 Activities (2026)

    The 5 best things to do in Arenal Volcano, picked by a local operator: 1968 lava trail, hanging bridges, safari float, hot springs and night walks.

    • 2026-04-03
    Two-toed sloth mother with her baby in La FortunaPhoto: VIVO Expeditions

    Wildlife

    Best Birdwatching in La Fortuna & Arenal (2026-2027)

    Several hundred bird species are recorded around Arenal. A local guide ranks the trails, the birds you can realistically see and the best morning hours.

    • 2026-04-01
    Family celebrating on a lava rock with Arenal Volcano behind them on the 1968 lava trail, La Fortuna

    Adventure

    Top 10 Things to Do in La Fortuna & Arenal

    • 2026-03-26
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