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.

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Snapshots of Costa Rica History – More!

[vc_row][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Timeless photographs capture the people, cities, cars, farms, and history of Costa Rica. Make sure to follow these Facebook groups: Costa Rica History Costa Rica...

The Global Journey of the Pineapple: How it Became the Face of Warm Welcome and Hospitality

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]The pineapple as a symbol of hospitality is a curious, enduring symbol that has traveled through time and across cultures. Originally native to South...

Meet the Underdogs and Champions of Costa Rican Soccer

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Have you ever been to a jam-packed bar where every eye is glued to the screen and the air's electric with anticipation? Yeah, that's Costa Rica during...

Sipping Tradition: The Cultural Journey of Costa Rica’s Cacique

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Cacique Guaro, often simply called Cacique, is more than just a traditional drink in Costa Rica; it's a cultural icon. Its history is as rich and...

Marching to the Rose Parade Beat

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]The young musicians who make up the Municipal Band of Zarcero (BMZ) in Alajuela have given Costa Ricans a resounding reason to celebrate, as they prepare to showcase their talents...

The Galloping Heart of Costa Rica: What to Expect at San José’s Tope Event

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text] Experience Tope: Unveiling San José's Annual Horse Festival, Día del Caballista Nacional On December 26th, the bustling streets of San José, Costa...

12 Grapes, 12 Wishes: Understanding Costa Rica’s New Year Good Luck Ritual

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]In Costa Rica, the grape is associated with good luck, especially during New Year's Eve celebrations. The tradition is influenced by Spanish customs...

Snapshots of Costa Rica History

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]The study of history is akin to a compass for humanity, guiding us through the intricate maze of the present and into the future. It offers invaluable...

Passion, Refuge, Strength, and Dreams: The Artistic Journey of Alejandra Acuña

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Discovering Alejandra Acuña's World of Fine Art Alejandra Acuña, a vibrant and passionate artist from Costa Rica, has been captivating audiences with...

Holiday Gifts 2023

[vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="52856" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" title="Click for Amazon Magazine"...

Mystery of the Ruins of Cartago

Let's explore a remarkable tale that hails from the beautiful country of Costa Rica! The Cartago Ruins, officially known as the Ruins of the Parish of Santiago Apostol, are a beguiling story woven with history, culture, and a sprinkle of the mystical situated in...

Why Guatil Pottery is a Must-Have for Artisanal Craft Lovers

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]The story of Guaitil pottery is both enchanting and culturally enriching, offering a glimpse into the traditions and craftsmanship deeply rooted in the...

The Mystical Side of Costa Rica: Understanding Superstitions and Good Luck Practices

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Unveiling the Mysteries: Superstitions and Good Luck Traditions in Costa Rica When you find yourself enveloped by the stunning biodiversity of...

Travel Talks 1947 Costa Rica

[vc_row][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text] Can you imagine living during the Depression and going to your only entertainment venue, the movies and watch an exciting film about some country far away before...

Snapshots of History

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]The people are long gone, and the buildings, landscape, and structures may remain. But someone took the time to push a button and capture a photograph. Perhaps never realizing that in 2023 the print would be displayed to...

Equestrian Ballet in Costa Rica: The Vibrant Narrative of Doma Vaquera con Garrocha

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Certainly, connoisseurs and mere enthusiasts of equine grace will find themselves engrossed in the visual banquet presented through Eugenio Garcia's...

Unveiling the Rich Heritage of Carnaval del Limón in Costa Rica

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1691013008333{background-color: #f9ecc5 !important;}"][vc_column_text]Unveiling the Cultural Opulence of Costa Rica’s Carnaval del Limón Are you ready for the Carnival in Limon, Caribbean Costa Rica? Beginning October...

The Festive Costa Rican Dance

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text] The native Costa Rican festive dance is a magnificent celebration of rich traditions and exuberant culture that fills the heart with sheer exhilaration. The dancers, adorned in vibrant traditional costumes, ignite an...

Celebrate Costa Rica Independence Day: Fascinating Facts and Traditions

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Discover a few interesting facts about Costa Rica Independence Day and rejoice with the country for its years of freedom on September 15! You’ll notice businesses, homes and vehicles are proudly displaying blue, white and...

Coffee & Gifts Costa Rica

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text] We Love Coffee Our Family Legacy is Torunes Organic Coffee since 1897, it's the perfect gift to take home with you.Visit our Souvenir and Furniture Store. At JyG Furniture in Huacas, Guanacaste Drop in and Say ...

Unveiling Longevity Secrets: A Deep Dive into the “Secrets of the Blue Zones” Netflix Series

[vc_row][vc_column width="3/4"][vc_column_text] Unveiling Longevity Secrets: A Deep Dive into the "Secrets of the Blue Zones" Netflix Series In a digital age where information abounds, uncovering the keys to a long and vibrant life remains an evergreen quest. We look...

Costa Rica Rich History Snapshots

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]We'll select a variety of photographs that are a snapshot of days gone by. The rugged lifestyle, the rich culture, and the history can all be seen with these selections. Make sure to follow Fotografias Antiguas Indigenas...

Reggae’s Infectious Rhythm of Costa Rica

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Reggae music has undeniably become a significant part of Costa Rican culture, captivating the hearts of enthusiasts across the country. While Costa Rica is primarily known for its lush rainforests, stunning beaches, and...

Castillo de Lilo

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]This is the story of a young Costa Rican woman, Ericka Villalobos, who was determined to find her way in the world and take care of her family in the process. This is also the story of Klaus Jung, a German engineer who...

Kid’s Rock at Camp Experiences

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Rock Camp for Kids: Unforgettable Musical Experience in Guanacaste Studio '71 and Good Vibes Rock School joined forces in July to offer some unforgettable experiences for aspiring young musicians at Rock Camp for Kids....

Costa Rica’s Unwavering Love for Soccer: A Passionate Soccer Nation

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Costa Rica is known for its stunning natural landscapes, diverse wildlife, and vibrant culture. However, one aspect that truly sets Costa Rica apart from other nations is its unwavering love for soccer. Soccer, or futbol...

Coldplay Sets a New Standard of Sustainability in the Music Industry

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text] Coldplay, the renowned music band, has recently made history by becoming the first music band ever to release an Annual Sustainability report. This report, in line with their "Music of the Spheres" World Tour that...

Protecting the Indigenous Tribes of Costa Rica

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Costa Rica's indigenous tribes have inhabited the country for centuries. The government of Costa Rica has committed itself to the protection of these tribes in order to ensure their survival and preserve their traditional...

Sebastian Kaya Salgueiro

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Sebastian Kaya Salgueiro is a reggae musician from Uruguay, who has been living in Costa Rica for 10 years. After catching one of his recent performances in Tamarindo, we reached out to him with an invitation to tell...

Muralist Returns to Restore Atenas Mural

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Early in his career, Mexican artist Diego Rivera copied the classical art of his European contemporaries. Wanting to capture the history of the pre-Hispanic people that were his ancestors, none of whom were reflected in...

The Language of Wood

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]For Costa Rican sculptor Heiner Guido, wood is much more than the raw material he uses to create captivating works of art. It’s a communication medium — something solid and immobile that speaks to him before being brought...

Hidden Garden Art Gallery

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_single_image image="50235" img_size="full"][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text] The Best of Guanacaste Expressed Through Art Featured photo "Dia de la Lava Ropes," Artist: Susan Adams Guanacaste is an amazing province of Costa...

Guaitil: The Real Deal

Written by Debbie Bride & Marian Paniagua To be sure, the tiny village of Guaitil is off the beaten path, but not too far off. Nor is it a difficult drive or hard to find, and the trip takes you through a particularly scenic area of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste...

Earth Without Humans

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Imagine a world where the human population vanished. We've seen movies and read stories with different media adaptations about living in a futurist apocalyptic world. “The Last of Us” is a popular video game with an...

Allan Murillo

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Welcome once more to our Artist Spotlight series called “Making a Scene.” In this issue, we feature the selected works of Costa Rican artist Allan Murillo, who was profiled in the January 2021 Howler article entitled...

Liquor Factory Legacy

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]The construction of the building that now houses the National Center of Culture (CENAC) began in 1853, by mandate of the then President of the Republic Juan Rafael Mora Porras, which makes it one of the oldest in San...

Dreams Come True for Costa Ricans in Science and Technology

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Reaching for the stars can refer to any kind of lofty ambition, but sometimes it can be taken literally. An impressive number of Costa Ricans have launched careers that found them closer to outer space than most of us...

Coming Up: Comic Con Costa Rica

[vc_row][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Fandoms of comic and pop culture conventions alike will converge for Comic Con Costa Rica (C2CR), May 5, 6 and 7, 2023 at the National Convention Center in San José. The country’s largest pop culture event promises...

Miles and Decades Apart

[vc_row][vc_column width="5/6"][vc_column_text] Photos courtesy of Facebook Group: Fotografias Antiguas Indígenas de Costa Rica - CLICK HERE Talamanca, 1912. Located in the extreme southeast of the province of Limón, this canton today has the highest percentage of...

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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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