Costa Rica is often called the “Switzerland of Central America,” not only for its remarkable political stability but also for the deep Costa Ricans value: liberty, peace, and personal independence. These ideals are not abstract concepts—they are alive in the daily lives of Costa Ricans, from their approach to family life to their environmental stewardship. […]
Reasons Costa Ricans Are Happiest People in World
Uncover the reasons Costa Ricans are happiest people! Learn the secrets behind Pura Vida, universal healthcare, no army, and strong social ties.Costa Rica is a small country in Central America with three million citizens. They have posters in the San Jose international Airport stating Costa Ricans are the happiest people in the world. Having lived […]
Why Visit Arenal Volcano National Park
A Bright April Morning: The Adventure Begin It’s a bright sunny day in April when my best friend Paulette and I set out in our small Suzuki SUV to explore the mighty Arenal Volcano. As we drove, memories flooded back to me. I remembered coming here many years ago as a young bride, with my […]
A Great Two Days In and Around Arenal Volcano National Park
Arenal Volcano National Park is one of Costa Rica’s most iconic destinations—a place where dramatic landscapes, tropical wildlife, soothing hot springs, and adventure activities come together in perfect harmony. Spending just two days in and around Arenal can feel like stepping into a living postcard, especially when the volcano reveals itself in all its majestic […]
Hot Springs around Arenal Volcano Costa Rica
In this region, you do not have to dig very far to reach hot water—geothermal energy flows freely here, creating some of the most celebrated Hot Springs around Arenal Volcano. At the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano, deep beneath layers of ancient lava and fertile soil, the Earth quietly releases one of its greatest […]
A Costa Rica Vacation-Visit A Primary Rainforest
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to take a vacation to Costa Rica and experience one of her greatest natural treasures—the primary rainforest? Costa Rica is one of the very few countries in the world where travelers can still walk through vast areas of untouched, pristine rainforest, ecosystems that have existed for hundreds and even thousands of […]
Wonderful Day Along the Blue River Costa Rica
Costa Rica has a way of revealing itself slowly, layer by layer, until one day you realize it has wrapped itself gently around your heart. My journey along the Blue River (Río Celeste Azul) in north-central Costa Rica was one of those moments—quiet, meaningful, and deeply personal. It was not simply a day of sightseeing; […]
Playa Grande and Tamarindo Estuary, Northwest Costa Rica
My Costa Rica Journey – a continuing series dedicated to those who love nature and seek educational, enriching travel experiences – brings us today to Playa Grande and the Tamarindo Estuary, two of the most fascinating natural destinations in northwest Costa Rica. From leatherback turtles to exotic birds, mangroves to pristine beaches, this area of […]
Smiles and Patience-Facts About Living and Retiring in Costa Rica
Helpful facts about living and retiring in Costa Rica, shared by Charlotte Nina Cabezas Creed, a farm girl from down-home Alabama, United States of America. A Southern Farm Girl Meets Costa Rica I first came to Costa Rica in 1968, a newlywed, starry-eyed young bride. I did not speak a single word of Spanish—not one. […]
Retiring in Costa Rica, Insurance thru "Caja"
Retiring in Costa Rica is a dream shared by thousands of North Americans and Europeans each year. The images are seductive: lush green landscapes, volcanoes rising above misty valleys, affordable fresh food, friendly people, and a slower pace of life. One of the most frequently asked—and misunderstood—questions among future retirees is about health care, specifically […]