Travel & Adventure keeps the emphasis on less familiar ways to explore Costa Rica. Whether you are a first-time tourist or already have visited the country’s best-known attractions, there’s good chance of finding some untried experiences on our list of nine cool and unusual things to do. Useful tips for bus travel are suggested. Also find out where to climb Costa Rica’s five highest mountain peaks and ways to do your part in supporting sea turtle conservation efforts.

Surfing CR takes you out to Witch’s Rock with the legendary Robert August and his daughter, Christine. We also feature Esterillos Oeste as a popular surf spot and home of the mysterious mermaid statue. Adaptive surfer Dean Bushby is profiled, and the story told of an unusual surf trek to Ollie’s Point in the aftermath of a devastating tropical storm.

Arts-Culture-Entertainment (ACE) expands your knowledge about Semana Santa’s importance as a jubilant holiday in Latin America, and highlights some intriguing superstitions tied to the occasion. One of Costa Rica’s greatest unsolved mysteries is explored at the site of pre-Columbian stone spheres that remain untouched by time.

Our Pura Vida section provides insight into the medical subspecialty of oculoplastic surgery and the anti-aging benefits of walking. Read about the animal rescue efforts of Barbara Deppe in Playa Flamingo, and the odds that were overcome by a severely injured baby howler monkey at Refuge for Wildlife in Nosara. Consider the influence of deeply ingrained beliefs and early life experiences on your health and well-being today. You’ll also find helpful fashion tips for planning your next family photo shoot.

Howler’s CR Biz cover story takes to the skies with historical background and current statistics for Costa Rica’s airways, for both international and domestic travel. We preview the innovative W Residences coming to Reserva Conchal and feature the breathtaking landscapes of Reserva Camaronal near Samara. The expansion of Costa Rica’s free zone regime is another CR Biz topic, along with the backstory and modern status of agriculture in the local and export economy. We look at the community partnerships being formed and strengthened through Jacó Impact.

Our Mar / Apr Dining Guide serves up a recipe for enjoying Costa Rica’s most famous beverage, the chiliguaro. As you’ll find a wide variety of restaurant listings for the Gold Coast and Jacó, along with our Dining Guide map.

Costa Rica’s premier English-language magazine delivers all this and much more on business, lifestyle and other topics.