Why Costa Rica Is a Global Hotspot for Sportfishing and Sustainability
When most people picture Costa Rica, they think of misty volcanoes, chirping toucans, and sloths in the treetops. But if you ask any angler worth their salt, they’ll tell you the real Costa Rica magic happens offshore, where the ocean boils with life, and the thrill...
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...
CR Luxury Lifestyle Featured Property
Exclusive Luxury Home Casa Faro Azul Casa Faro Azul is a private luxury residence in Costa Rica perched at the edge of the rainforest on a small cliff above the Pacific Ocean on Faro Escondido, an exclusive community near Marina Los Suenos. This palace-like home was...
A Heartbreaking Loss: A Call to Protect Our Howler Monkeys
On the morning of June 11th, my son and I were forever changed by a heart-wrenching scene. As we were traveling up the hill from Playa Hermosa toward the Waldorf Hotel around 7:30 AM, a piercing cry shattered the morning calm. High above, on tangled power lines...
The Chisme Café: Why Gossip Is Practically a National Sport
What does “chisme” mean in Costa Rica? In Costa Rica, chisme means gossip—but not the malicious, behind-your-back kind. It’s more like social glue, a warm cup of verbal espresso that connects neighbours, relatives, and strangers in the queue at the pulpería. “Chisme”...
Tico Proverbs You’ll Use: Forget Your Tourist Phrasebook—Here’s What Locals Say
Why should you learn Tico proverbs? Tico proverbs are the key to sounding local, getting smiles, and sometimes even better prices or service. Speaking Spanish is one thing. Speaking Tico Spanish is another level entirely. If you’ve ever been in a sodita and wondered...
The Lost Art of Hammock Living: A Humorous Ode to the Hammock Life
Why do hammocks still matter in the modern world? Hammocks are more than just beach décor—they're horizontal sanctuaries for serious napping, lazy reflection, and expert-level loafing. While the world races ahead with smart homes and AI-generated calendars, Costa...
July Swells and Secret Breaks
Where Experienced Surfers Go in Costa Rica During the Mini Summer to Escape Crowds and Chase Monster Sets Where are the best waves in Costa Rica during the mini summer? During Costa Rica’s short dry spell in July, known as the veranillo de San Juan, the Pacific coast...
Why Ticos Love July (and You Should Too): The Cultural Magic of Costa Rica’s Mini Summer
What is the “Veranillo” and why does it matter in Costa Rica? The Veranillo de San Juan is a short dry spell in July that breaks up Costa Rica’s rainy season, giving locals and travellers a burst of sunshine. This unexpected patch of blue skies and golden sun is more...
Crypto in the Jungle: Who’s Accepting Bitcoin in Costa Rica—And Is It Sustainable or Just Hype?
Who in Costa Rica is accepting Bitcoin? A growing number of businesses in Costa Rica are now accepting Bitcoin, but the reality is that usage remains highly localised and mostly tied to tourism. In places like Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, Nosara, and Puerto Viejo, you’ll...