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The Journal archive
Search matches titles, excerpts, locations and categories in loaded Journal pages. Blog and Gear have their own directories.
Land Adventures · Orosí, Cartago Province
Saddle up for a 1.5–2 hour climb from coffee fields to ridge-top panoramas above Costa Rica’s Orosí Valley. Calm horses, big volcano views, and a farm-fresh finish make this ride equal parts adventure and immersion.
Read the story →Land Adventures · Orosi, Cartago
Follow a late-day horseback route through forest, pasture, and a shallow river to a ridge where the Central Volcanic Range lines the horizon. Time it right for blue hour, then cap the ride with a four-course, locally inspired dinner at La Fonda del Alto.
Read the story →Land Adventures · Bijagua, Alajuela
A brisk, rewarding day trip from Guanacaste that pairs the surreal blue of Río Celeste with attentive sloth watching. Plan for wet trails, early starts, and a guide who knows where the quiet animals hide.
Read the story →Land Adventures · La Fortuna, Alajuela
Hike the slopes of Arenal, descend to the thunderous La Fortuna Waterfall, then sink into mineral hot springs. This full-day circuit balances geology, wildlife, and restorative downtime for travelers seeking a complete Costa Rica adventure.
Read the story →Water Activities · Dominical, Puntarenas
Spend two focused hours with a local instructor at Playa Hermosa and walk away with more than a memory—you’ll have the fundamentals to keep surfing. This guide explains what to expect, how to prepare, and why Dominical’s sand-bottom breaks are perfect for beginners.
Read the story →Boat Charters · Puntarenas, Puntarenas Province
Twelve nautical miles from Puntarenas lies Tortuga Island: a Blue-Flag protected beach and reef that delivers a day of calm waters, easy snorkeling and clear conservation practices. Here’s what to expect and how to plan the perfect catamaran escape.
Read the story →Water Activities · Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste
A five-hour escape from Playa Flamingo into the Catalina Islands’ clear waters—two guided 40-minute snorkels, high likelihood of rays and turtles, and a concise lesson in Costa Rica’s coastal ecology. Perfect for families and day-trippers.
Read the story →Water Activities · Bagaces, Guanacaste
A wide, moss-lined curtain of water and a cool swimming hole make Llanos de Cortés an irresistible stop in Guanacaste. Pair a morning dip with a hike to Rio Celeste or a visit to a sloth sanctuary for a full day of contrast: water, wildlife and rainforest.
Read the story →Land Adventures · La Fortuna, Alajuela
Short, tight passages, ancient limestone, and the hush of underground rooms: Venado Caves offers an intimate caving experience near La Fortuna. Guided tours combine geology, local knowledge, and hands-on exploration for an accessible subterranean adventure.
Read the story →Water Activities · Matapalo, Guanacaste
Matapalo Beach isn’t about glossy resorts or crowded shorelines. It’s a place for tide-pool science, slow surf sessions, and honest local seafood—an ideal stop for travelers who want the Pacific’s quieter side without sacrificing activity.
Read the story →Boat Charters · Los Chiles, Alajuela
Glide along the Río Frío and into one of Costa Rica’s most vital wetlands—Caño Negro delivers intimate wildlife encounters, superb birdwatching, and small-boat safaris that feel both wild and responsibly managed.
Read the story →Water Activities · Jaco, Puntarenas
Sunrise at Jaco flattens the horizon and sharpens possibility: surf lessons, zip lines through primary forest, waterfall swims and horseback rides—all within striking distance. Here’s how to get the most from this compact Pacific adventure hub.
Read the story →Land Adventures · La Fortuna, Alajuela
A 70-meter ribbon of water crashes into a jade pool beneath Arenal’s watchful silhouette. This guide takes you down the 500-step trail, into the spray, and through how to plan a safe, rewarding visit—plus smart combos with hanging bridges, volcano hikes, and hot springs.
Read the story →Wildlife Nature · Santa Teresa, Puntarenas Province
Where the Nicoya Peninsula narrows, Cabo Blanco stitches forest to sea. Spend a morning on a guided nature walk among giant trees and an afternoon on a Santa Teresa charter targeting roosterfish and mahi-mahi.
Read the story →Water Activities · Playa Flamingo, Guanacaste
A short stretch of bright sand on Costa Rica’s Gold Coast, Playa Flamingo mixes powder-soft beaches with high-energy options—jet skis, ATVs, zipline and sunset charters—making it an ideal spot for travelers who want both repose and adventure.
Read the story →Land Adventures · Bijagua, Guanacaste
Río Celeste is a rare mix of science and spectacle: a volcanic-fed river that turns an impossible turquoise where two streams meet. Hike the rainforest trails, spot wildlife, tube private river stretches, and visit sloth sanctuaries for a full-day of northern Costa Rica adventure.
Read the story →Water Activities · Liberia, Guanacaste
Slide quietly down the Tempisque and watch the wetlands do their work: crocodiles sunning, monkeys in the canopy, and migratory flocks sweeping the mudflats. Palo Verde is a boat-first park that pairs wildlife viewing with Chorotega pottery and local flavors.
Read the story →Land Adventures · San Gerardo de Rivas, San José Province
Cerro Chirripó is Costa Rica’s roof: a high-elevation hike through moss-draped cloud forest to wind-swept páramo and a summit with ocean views. This practical, immersive guide helps you prepare for the two-day climb and the surprises of alpine tropical weather.
Read the story →Wildlife Nature · Quepos, Puntarenas
A pocket of rainforest and reef where sloths snooze above tide-swept coves: Manuel Antonio delivers jungle wildlife and beachfront snorkeling in one accessible day trip. Here’s how to get the most from it.
Read the story →Wildlife Nature · Tortuguero, Limón
Glide through narrow rainforest canals, watch green turtles nest under starlight, and wake to toucans calling—the canals of Tortuguero are a living classroom of Caribbean biodiversity. Discover how to see it respectfully and practically.
Read the story →
