Route Pura Vida

Travel Resources

Helpful guides for planning your Costa Rica adventure

Taking a Shuttle in Costa Rica: Private vs. Shared, and What to Expect

Taking a Shuttle in Costa Rica: Private vs. Shared, and What to Expect

What it's like to ride shuttles between Costa Rica's destinations: the experience, trade-offs, and how to choose between shared and private.

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Driving in Costa Rica: What to Expect on the Road

Driving in Costa Rica: What to Expect on the Road

A Local's Guide to Road Conditions, Safety Tips, and What to Expect Behind the Wheel

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Flying in Costa Rica: What to Expect

Flying in Costa Rica: What to Expect

What It's Like Flying Sansa and Green in Costa Rica

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How to Rent a Car in Costa Rica

How to Rent a Car in Costa Rica

Everything you need to know about renting a car in Costa Rica, from choosing the right vehicle to insurance and driving tips.

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Costa Rica National Parks: How to Visit, Reservations, and Which Ones Matter

Costa Rica National Parks: How to Visit, Reservations, and Which Ones Matter

A practical guide to Costa Rica's most-visited national parks: which to prioritize, how reservations work, what each one is actually like, and how to avoid crowds.

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Rental Car Insurance in Costa Rica: What You Actually Have to Buy

Rental Car Insurance in Costa Rica: What You Actually Have to Buy

Costa Rica's mandatory rental car insurance, the CDW upsell, credit card coverage that does and doesn't work here, and how to handle the counter.

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Money in Costa Rica: Colones, Dollars, Cards, and ATMs

Money in Costa Rica: Colones, Dollars, Cards, and ATMs

How to actually pay for things in Costa Rica: USD vs colones, where each works, ATM fees, card pitfalls, and how much to tip.

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When Is the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica?

When Is the Best Time to Visit Costa Rica?

A month-by-month guide to Costa Rica's seasons, regional weather quirks, prices, crowds, and what each window is actually good for.

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Cell Phone Coverage in Costa Rica: eSIMs, SIM Cards, and What Actually Works

Cell Phone Coverage in Costa Rica: eSIMs, SIM Cards, and What Actually Works

What it takes to stay connected in Costa Rica: international eSIM vs. local SIM, where to buy, and coverage realities.

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Driving with Kids in Costa Rica: Car Seats, Family Logistics, and Real Talk

Driving with Kids in Costa Rica: Car Seats, Family Logistics, and Real Talk

What family travelers need to know about driving with kids in Costa Rica: car seat laws, rental seat options, road realities, and how to pick a vehicle for the trip.

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Uber in Costa Rica: How It Works, Where It Works, and When to Take a Taxi Instead

Uber in Costa Rica: How It Works, Where It Works, and When to Take a Taxi Instead

Using Uber in Costa Rica: the legal gray area, where the app actually works, what it costs, and how it compares to the official taxis.

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About Route Pura Vida

About Route Pura Vida

From Pura Michigan to Pura Vida

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