Culture in Costa Rica is Rich - Howlers Costa Rica Real Escapes

Discover the Fusion of Culture, Art, and Entertainment in Costa Rica

Costa Rica offers a captivating blend of culture, art, and entertainment that promises an enriching experience. Immerse yourself in the enchanting rhythm of traditional music, where the echoes of the past harmonize with modern innovation. The visual landscape is equally mesmerizing, as artists bring to life a vivid tapestry of colors and shapes, showcased in both galleries and open-air exhibitions.

Click to explore this section of the interactive digital magazine:

Chocolate from the Rainforest: Costa Rica’s Sweet Contribution to the World

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Deep in the lush rainforests of Costa Rica, a treasure grows that has enchanted the world for centuries—cacao, the source of all chocolate. This small...

Resilience and Ritual: The Enduring Culture of the Cabécar in Eastern Costa Rica

[vc_row][vc_column width="1/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text] Doña Angela (front cover photo) does not speak Spanish, only her native Cabecar. At 92 years old, she lives on her farm in the mountains, works...

Mirame Fine Art: Six more featured artists

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text] Ana Elena Fernandez Ana, a member of the Costa Rican Association of Watercolor Artists, continues a long tradition of Costa Rican watercolour...

The Basilica of Cartago: Costa Rica’s Sacred Gem

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text] Nestled in the heart of Cartago, the Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, or "Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles," stands as a testament to...

The Myth and History of Virgen de Los Angeles in Cartago, Costa Rica

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]In the picturesque city of Cartago, Costa Rica, the legend of the Virgen de Los Angeles, lovingly known as La Negrita, captivates the hearts of the...

A Journey of Two Million: Faith and Unity on Virgen de Los Angeles Day

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Celebrating Virgen de Los Angeles Day in Costa Rica Every year on August 2nd, Costa Rica comes alive with the spirit of devotion and celebration...

Costa Rica’s Journey Through the Olympics: A Historical Timeline

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Costa Rica boasts a compelling history in the realm of international sports, particularly the Olympics. Although it may not be one of the dominant...

Catching Waves and Preserving Tales: Tom Knight’s Reflections on Flamingo and Tamarindo

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Hello, I'm Tom Knight, a long-time resident of Tamarindo, Costa Rica. In the mid-90s, I made my first of several visits to this beautiful country, and...

Flamingo or Spoonbill? Exploring the Origins of Flamingo Beach’s Name

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]This article was inspired by Tom Knight who is a long time resident of Tamarindo. Nestled on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, Flamingo Beach is famous...

The Annexation of Guanacaste: A Historical Overview

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Guanacaste, is an integral part of Costa Rica today. However, its journey to becoming a Costa Rican province is a tale of historical significance,...

Symbols of Guanacaste: Emblems of Heritage and Pride

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text] Guanacaste, a province located in the northwestern part of Costa Rica, is rich in culture, history, and biodiversity. Known for its lush landscapes...

200 Years of Guanacaste: A Timeline of Evolution and Significance

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Guanacaste, a region that embodies the heart and soul of Costa Rica, has a storied history stretching back over 200 years. This timeline highlights key...

Celebrating 200 Years: The Bicentennial of Guanacaste’s Annexation

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Historical Context of the Annexation The bicentennial of the Annexation of Guanacaste marks a monumental milestone in the history of Costa Rica. This...

Exploring Costa Rica: The 10 Best Casino Experience’s

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]One of the most beautiful countries in Central America, Costa Rica is strikingly noticeable with amazing landscapes and a colorful culture fuller than...

Join the Festivities: 200th Anniversary of the Nicoya Annexation with a Special Concert at the National Museum

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text] Concert at the Museum celebrates 200 years of the Annexation Prepare the chonete, scarf and typical costume, join us to celebrate with music and...

Dive into Art and Nature at Playa Blanca Underwater Museum

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Discover the Wonders of Playa Blanca Underwater Museum Nestled off the picturesque coast of Playa Herradura, Costa Rica, the Playa Blanca...

Stones of History: The Cairns of Piedra Colorada and the Fight for Costa Rica’s Nature

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]A Beach Transformed by Tradition: The Legacy of Jake and the Cairns of Piedra Colorada a Tribute to Conservationist Nicolas Wessberg Decades ago, Jake...

Mirame Fine Art – CHRISTIAN and OLGA

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Why MIRAME? Join us in celebrating the beauty, diversity, and cultural richness of Costa Rican art. Support local artists: By purchasing artwork from MIRAME Fine Art, you're not just acquiring a work of art, you're also supporting...

Mirame Fine Art – OUBAÏDA and ALONSO

Why I Enjoy Costa Rica Old Photographs

[vc_row][vc_column width="5/6" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]I absolutely love old Costa Rican photographs because they offer a unique glimpse into the country's rich history and culture. I find it fascinating to...

Bright Sparks: How San José Became a Global Pioneer in Electrification

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Costa Rica, a beacon of innovation in Central America, made headlines in the late 19th century for its pioneering steps in the world of...

Spirited Heritage: Exploring the Rum Traditions of Costa Rica

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Costa Rica, a country known for its lush landscapes and rich biodiversity, also boasts a noteworthy tradition in rum production. The history of rum in...

Rolo’s History Collections

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text] San Jose, Costa Rica National Theatre. Old photo collected in group "Old Photos of Costa Rica". Old photograph restored by don Marco Roldán. Comparison Edition 2024: Rolando Alpizar (Rolo). ...

The Making of Lake Arenal

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] The Making of Lake Arenal: Life-Changing Upheaval for Two Small Communities. Forty years ago, Costa Rica inaugurated the largest public works project in its history — damming a river and flooding a valley to create the...

Mirame Fine Art – Susan and Milo

Snapshots of Costa Rica History continues

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Someone a long time ago had an old-style camera and stopped to take a photograph. Not knowing that a hundred years later, they would be shared on...

Bob’s Cultural Escapades in San José: A Museum Marathon Full of Mirth and Missteps

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]San José, Costa Rica, a city where history and culture are as rich as a cup of locally brewed coffee. But get ready, folks, because this isn't your...

Imperial Beer Turns 100: Celebrating Costa Rica’s Beloved National Beverage

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Born in the vibrant heart of San José, the story of Costa Rica's Imperial Beer unfolds like a well-aged brew, steeped in history and rich in flavor....

Mirame Fine Art – Carolina and Miguel

The Golden Legacy of Costa Rica: A Journey Through Time and Treasure

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Delving into the heart of Costa Rica's history is akin to embarking on a thrilling adventure, one that leads us to the shimmering allure of gold. This...

Pura Vida Show

[vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/4"][vc_column_text] Perfect for the whole family Discover true stories of real pirates and lost treasure and dreams of dinosaurs. Feel the mystery of the “Las Bolas”, the massive spherical balls found...

Semana Santa Spectacle: Gastronomy and Rituals in the Heart of Latin America

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Semana Santa, or Holy Week, is a time when Latin America transforms into a vibrant canvas, each country painting its own unique strokes of tradition...

Rolo’s Now and Then Photographs

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text] 1921 and 2024 San Jose, Costa Rica Archbishop's Palace of the Metropolitan Cathedral. Old photo collected in Historical Photographs of Central...

Pilsen in Costa Rica: A Journey from European Origins to ‘Ruby’ Renown

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Pilsen, a celebrated beer in Costa Rica, not only carries a rich history but also a unique local touch in its colloquial reference. In Costa Rica, when...

Sauce of Legends: Uncovering the Mystery of Lizano’s Costa Rican Origins

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Lizano salsa! That delightful, zesty concoction has tantalized taste buds and sparked culinary controversies for decades. Let's embark on a saucy...

Museums of Costa Rica

[vc_row][vc_column width="5/6"][vc_column_text]Not surprisingly, Costa Rica’s abundance of nature-infused riches tends to eclipse its indoor attractions. This leaves much about the nature of Costa Ricans themselves undiscovered behind the walls of history in museum...

The Magic of Music

[vc_row css=".vc_custom_1693776675499{background-color: #18b7be !important;}"][vc_column width="1/4"][vc_column_text]I had the good fortune to grow up with music. From singing in the kid's choir to leading worship at my church. I have been known to sing some Billy...

Snapshots of Costa Rica History

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]The priceless photographs are preserved in binders, boxes, drawers and frames. Sometimes forgotten then found. Now published thanks to Facebook groups...

El Farallon Petroglyphs

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]There is a place right outside Cañas, Guanacaste, where you can be transported not once, but twice, back in time and many would say that you can even have a spiritual connection to the past and nature. El Farallón...

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Costa Rican Culture: A Rich Blend of Tradition, Family, and ‘Pura Vida’

by John Quam | February 1, 2026 | Arts Culture Entertainment | 0 Comments

Costa Rica, though small in size, boasts a culture that’s vibrant, warm, and deeply rooted in both indigenous heritage and Spanish colonial influence. Whether you’re strolling through a lively town during a festival or enjoying a home-cooked casado meal, Costa Rican...

American Crocodile

by Vern Veer | January 30, 2026 | Wildlife | 0 Comments

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] American Costa Rica Crocodile: Visitors in Costa Rica can view the American crocodile at one of several prime spots, about 50 miles (85 km) west of San José, on the Tarcoles River. Here, they can be seen in abundance from the...

What Circle Of Hell Is This?

by John Quam | January 30, 2026 | Arts Culture Entertainment | 0 Comments

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text The circle of life so lovingly narrated on nature documentaries plays out daily in Costa Rica. Toucans raid nests like feathered burglars. Iguanas—those smug, sunbathing “vegetarians”—will absolutely nibble the wrong...

The Tigrillo (oncilla) of Costa Rica: A Secretive Wild Cat You’ll Rarely See

by Vern Veer | January 30, 2026 | Wildlife | 0 Comments

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Costa Rica creature feature oncilla: Oncilla, often referred to as the little spotted cat, or in Costa Rica as the tigrillo. This Costa Rica cat is the smallest species of wildcat in this country. Living in the mountain forests at...

Costa Rica Whitewater Rafting Guide: Which River Should You Choose (and When)?

by Terry Carlile | January 30, 2026 | Travel & Adventure | 0 Comments

“During high water, the ‘Aye, mami!’ rapids become ‘Oh, crap!’ rapids,” my guide informed me — and honestly, that’s the most accurate river forecast you’ll ever get in Costa Rica. Whitewater rafting here is a beautiful contradiction. One minute you’re folded into the...

Protecting One Species at a Time

by Howler Staff | January 30, 2026 | Wildlife | 0 Comments

Protecting One Species at a Time. The theme of Earth Day 2019 is “Protect our Species.” With over 500,000 wildlife species in Costa Rica, it is vital to keep the biodiversity alive and thriving in this Central American isthmus. Thanks to the preservation efforts of...

What Brings People to Live In Costa Rica

by Howlers Staff | January 30, 2026 | Real Estate | 0 Comments

Costa Rica living – what draws people to this country? Let’s look at just a few of the many things that make people decide Costa Rica is where they want to call home. 1. Sand and sea Because the country is so small, you’re never too terribly far from one of its...

Chasing Costa Rica’s Green Flash: The One-Second Sunset Secret

by Terry Carlile | January 30, 2026 | Pura Vida | 0 Comments

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text] What is the green flash? The green flash is a brief burst of green light that can appear on the very top edge of the sun for roughly one to three seconds as it meets the horizon. It’s most often spotted at sunset over...

Costa Rica Cacao and Dark Chocolate: A Local Story With Global Flavour (and Real Health Perks)

by John Quam | January 30, 2026 | Cover Stories, Pura Vida | 0 Comments

Cacao in Costa Rica isn’t just “the ingredient before chocolate” — it’s a living thread that runs through rainforest ecology, Indigenous heritage, smallholder livelihoods, and the modern obsession with seriously good dark chocolate. If you’ve ever snapped a square of...

Stand-Up Paddle Surfing: From Ancient Watercraft to Modern Wave-Riding

by Valarie K Taylor | January 30, 2026 | Travel & Adventure | 0 Comments

...historically, humans have regarded paddling small watercraft while standing up as an efficient and ergonomic way to fish and travel in the ocean... Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) looks modern, but the idea is ancient: humans have been standing to paddle small craft...

Diamante Eco Adventure Park: Ziplining, Wildlife and 10% Off With Code HOWLER

by John Quam | January 30, 2026 | Travel & Adventure | 0 Comments

Planning a trip to Guanacaste or staying near Liberia, Coco, Hermosa or the Riu hotels? Diamante Eco Adventure Park is the one place where you can tick off Costa Rica adrenaline, wildlife, beach time and proper food in a single day – and when you book directly or pay...

Torunes: Founded by Fatigue, Fueled by Coffee, Haunted by Excellence

by John Quam | January 30, 2026 | Arts Culture Entertainment, UP FRONT | 0 Comments

(and Now Buzzing with Bees, Beans, and Global Bragging Rights) Let’s rewind to 1897, when a man named Jacinto Avila Araya decided to climb a hill in Palmares so steep even the local goats looked up and said, “Hard pass.” After dragging himself up from the...

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February’s Howler Real Escapes is Costa Rica as it’s actually lived: a “quick drive” that turns into a roadside saga near Liberia—smoke, standstills, single-lane bridges, and the choice to honk…or help. We walk Rohrmoser’s layered story from coffee fields to 1960s planning to today’s high-rise rhythm, then head to Palmares for Torunes Farms—volcanic Arabica, stubborn founders, and Melipona bees turning blossoms into liquid gold. Cacao takes the spotlight too, linking sacred traditions and Caribbean resilience to modern fine-flavour chocolate and smarter bar choices.

Adventure runs through every page: SUP history and beginner-proof tips, ziplining and wildlife at Diamante Eco Adventure Park (code HOWLER saves 10%), and rafting picks from Río Pacuare to Río Tenorio by region, season, and nerve. Surfers get plain-English swell angle, the Galápagos energy effect, and Papagayo winds that can polish waves—or steal your towel. Practical life guides cover ATM mishaps, verdurería shopping, packing kids, fiesta-season style, epiphanies, decluttering, and self-respect that doesn’t feel cheesy. Business and real estate get clarity on RTBF filing changes, who powers the economy, beachfront rules, and financing paths. Food and wildlife round it out: micheladas, mamón chino ceviche, special-diet travel, the elusive oncilla, American crocodiles, and conservation inside private reserves. Plus: brass coffee fichas, telenovelas, Lake Arenal Condos, organic shrimp, and the green flash

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