How to Celebrate Easter in Costa Rica
All about Easter in Costa Rica: Semana Santa myths, seafood feasts, and why San José shines when the beaches pack out.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica
Switzerland of Central America
73
The number of years since army was abolished in Costa Rica.
2,925,128
The number of foreign visitors who visited Costa Rica pre-pandemic.
27.44
The percentage of protected land in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica Stories, Information, and Opinion
Should I Get Costa Rica Residency or Do the Visa Run Shuffle?
Is it better for expats to get Costa Rica residency or do visa runs every six months? In an increasingly toxic situation, the answer still depends on you.
The Strong Costa Rican Colón: Pros and Cons
How the Costa Rican colón’s ongoing strengthening against the dollar affects tourism, imports, and everyday life. Who wins and who loses?
Fighting Gentrification in Costa Rica: Some Possible Solutions From Around the World
Costa Rica’s beach communities face a gentrification crisis as rents skyrocket, pricing out locals. We look at how other countries tackle similar struggles with innovative policies to balance tourism’s boom with the soul of ‘pura vida.’
Is Perpetual Tourism Really Destroying Costa Rica? Unpacking Social Media Reactions to Costa Rica’s Proposed Visa Run Bill
We examine the facts about perpetual tourism in Costa Rica, taxes, jobs, and why they’re being scapegoated for deeper economic issues.
The Proposed Costa Rica Visa Run Bill: A Complete FAQ
An FAQ about Costa Rica’s proposed visa run bill, its potential impacts on tourists and residents, and the broader context of immigration and gentrification issues.
Comparing the 2024 Costa Rica Homicide Rates With the Rest of Central America (and the Wider World)
Explore the 2024 Costa Rica homicide rate in context of regional trends. While Costa Rica saw modest improvement, it ranks third highest in Central America as other countries show significant progress.
Costa Rica vs Panama: What Made Expats Choose One Over the Other?
Costa Rica vs Panama through expat/immigrant eyes. Real experiences and honest comparisons from those who chose one country over the other for their new home.
Five Reasons Why Chiliguaro is Costa Rica’s Favorite Drink
Discover why chiliguaro is Costa Rica’s favorite drink! Learn about its unique taste and why it’s a must-try for anyone visiting Costa Rica.
Tourist Visas in Costa Rica: How Long Can I Stay Before Before Having To Leave?
How long can you expect to stay in the country with a Costa Rica tourist visa? Is the 180-day stay a given?