John Quam

Colone vrs the Dollar in Costa Rica

Colone vrs the dollar affects travel, real estate, and daily life in Costa Rica. Here’s what visitors, expats, and investors should know now.

Sloths in Costa Rica: Slow, Strange, Beloved

Sloths are among Costa Rica’s most loved wildlife. Learn where to spot them, how they live, and why protecting their habitat matters.

Costa Rica’s Reptiles, Lizards, Snakes, Frogs and Toads Found Nowhere Else

Which reptiles and amphibians are found only in Costa Rica? Costa Rica has dozens of reptiles and amphibians found nowhere else on Earth, especially frogs, toads, salamanders, anoles and small forest snakes. These are called endemic species, meaning their wild home is...

Trees Found Only in Costa Rica: The Quiet Giants With No Backup Home

Are there trees only found in Costa Rica? Yes, Costa Rica has tree species found nowhere else on Earth, although they are far less famous than the country’s monkeys, toucans and orchids. These are endemic trees, meaning their natural wild range is limited to Costa...

Birds Found Only in Costa Rica: The Rare Winged Originals of a Small Green Giant

Lead photo suggestion: A coppery-headed emerald hummingbird hovering beside a bright cloud forest flower, with soft mist, mossy branches, and a blurred Costa Rican mountain forest behind it. What birds are only found in Costa Rica? Costa Rica has a small but...

The Secret Mammals of Costa Rica: Tiny Creatures Found Nowhere Else

Are there mammals only found in Costa Rica? Yes, Costa Rica has mammals found only within the country, but most are small, shy and rarely seen by visitors. Unlike the famous sloths, howler monkeys, jaguars and tapirs, Costa Rica’s truly country-exclusive mammals are...

Costa Rica’s One-Country Wonders: Plants Found Nowhere Else on Earth

Lead photo suggestion: A misty Costa Rican cloud forest close-up showing a tiny endemic orchid growing on a moss-covered branch, with soft morning light and blurred green canopy behind it. What plants are only found in Costa Rica? Plants only found in Costa Rica are...

White-Faced Capuchins Kidnapping Baby Howler Monkeys: The Strange Primate Story Shaking the Forest Canopy

A disturbing new behaviour has been documented among young male white-faced capuchin monkeys: they have been carrying away infant howler monkeys from another species, often with fatal results. Researchers studying tool-using capuchins on Jicarón Island, off Panama’s...