Green Mango with Chilero: A Zesty Costa Rican Favourite

Green Mango with Chilero: A Zesty Costa Rican Favourite

What is green mango with chilero? Green mango with chilero is a classic Costa Rican street snack made from unripe mango slices topped with a vinegar-and-chilli mix. This tangy, spicy treat balances sourness from the mango with the heat of the chilero, creating a...

The Joy of Saying ‘Mae’: Cracking the Code of Costa Rican Slang

The Joy of Saying ‘Mae’: Cracking the Code of Costa Rican Slang

You’ll hear it on the bus, in a shop, or shouted across a football pitch—“¡Mae, qué es esta vara?!” And if you're scratching your head, don’t worry. You're not lost—just not fluent in the fine art of Costa Rican slang. Chief among the tools of Tico expression is “mae”...

The Magic of Machetes: More Than a Tool, It’s a Way of Life

The Magic of Machetes: More Than a Tool, It’s a Way of Life

In Costa Rica, you’ll spot it strapped to a belt, slung over a shoulder, or leaned against a banana tree. The machete isn’t just a tool here—it’s practically family. Passed from grandpa to grandson, sharpened daily, and spoken of with the same reverence usually...

Shadow Kings: Tracking Costa Rica’s Jungle Royals

Shadow Kings: Tracking Costa Rica’s Jungle Royals

What are Costa Rica’s jungle apex predators? The top predators in Costa Rica’s jungles are jaguars, pumas, ocelots, and jaguarundis. These big cats rule the tropical terrain with stealth and power. As the rainy season reaches its peak in August and September, the...

Joan McDonald Vernon: Fishing Tournaments with a Purpose

Joan McDonald Vernon: Fishing Tournaments with a Purpose

Joan McDonald Vernon has cast a long line of influence across sportfishing in Central America and beyond. For over two decades, she’s been the driving force behind some of the most respected billfish tournaments in the region — from laid-back “fishing rodeos” to elite...

Seasonal Sips: July’s Best Tropical Cocktails

Seasonal Sips: July’s Best Tropical Cocktails

Local bartenders share drink recipes that balance sun, humidity, and beachside bliss. What makes a perfect July cocktail in the tropics? A great July cocktail should be cooling, fruity, and easy to sip under the sun. The best drinks in Costa Rica during this time...

Mini Summer, Mega Activity: Wildlife You’re More Likely to See

Mini Summer, Mega Activity: Wildlife You’re More Likely to See

From howler monkeys to toucans, the dry break draws out more than just tourists. What is Costa Rica’s “mini summer”? Mini summer, or "veranillo de San Juan", is a brief dry spell that usually occurs between late June and mid-July, interrupting the otherwise rainy...