Costa Rica Archives ⋆ The Passenger

March 1, 2025March 1, 2025

Puente terrestre

Parque Arqueológico y Ruinas de Quiriguá, Las Viñas

Centro America typically consists of seven countries: Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama. This region, nestled between North and South America, offers a diverse range of attractions, from ancient Mayan ruins to lush rainforests and pristine beaches. It is an area of the world less known to the average European, but especially Spanish, German and French travelers are showing an increasing interest in Centro America. The region’s appeal lies in its rich cultural heritage, including 20 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as its focus on sustainable tourism and biodiversity. However, concerns about political instability in some countries and lingering effects of the pandemic may deter some tourists.

February 18, 2025March 1, 2025

Tica Bus

Bus travel in Centro America offers a diverse range of options, from the iconic ‘chicken buses‘ to modern, long-distance coaches. Chicken buses, repurposed and vibrantly painted former U.S. school buses, serve as the backbone of local transportation in many Centro American countries. These colorful vehicles, known for their crowded interiors and frequent stops, provide an affordable and authentic travel experience, connecting rural areas to urban centers. In contrast, companies like Tica Bus offer more comfortable, long-distance travel options with air-conditioned coaches. These modern buses typically operate between major, providing a more convenient and faster alternative for travelers covering longer distances.

February 17, 2025March 1, 2025

Playas del Coco

Coco (or Playas del Coco) is a charming coastal town in Costa Rica‘s Guanacaste province. Unlike many popular tourist destinations, Playas del Coco remains relatively uncrowded, offering visitors a more relaxed and authentic experience. The beach itself is not the most picturesque, but its tranquil atmosphere and calm waters make it an ideal spot for those seeking a laid-back beach vibe. The beachfront promenade features a variety of amenities, including local vendors selling coconuts, adding to the casual charm of the area. Despite its understated appeal, Playas del Coco is well-equipped for both relaxation and adventure.

February 16, 2025March 1, 2025

Termalitas

In for some hot springs? The Termalitas del Arenal in La Fortuna offer a unique outdoor bathing experience with multiple pools of varying temperatures. Visitors can enjoy everything from ice-cold plunge pools to steaming hot springs reaching up to 42 or 50 degrees Celsius. The facility also features two exhilarating water slides and a sauna, though the latter differs from traditional European saunas in its atmosphere and intensity.

February 16, 2025March 1, 2025

Arenal

Volcán Arenal, an iconic stratovolcano in Costa Rica, dominates the landscape near the town of La Fortuna. Standing at 1,633 meters, this once highly active volcano has been in a resting phase since 2010 but remains a breathtaking sight and a major draw for tourists. La Fortuna itself is a small, relatively unremarkable town that serves primarily as a base for exploring the surrounding natural wonders. While the town offers basic amenities and accommodations, visitors typically spend little time there, instead focusing on the numerous outdoor activities in the area.

February 15, 2025March 1, 2025

Sloths

Sloths are fascinating creatures known for their slow-moving lifestyle and unique adaptations to life in the treetops. These arboreal mammals spend most of their time hanging upside down from branches, using their long claws to grip tightly onto tree limbs. Sloths have an incredibly slow metabolism, which allows them to conserve energy and move at a leisurely pace. They sleep for up to 20 hours a day and only descend to the forest floor about once a week to defecate. Their diet consists mainly of leaves, buds, and occasionally fruits, which they digest slowly over the course of several days.

February 14, 2025March 1, 2025

Poás

Parque Nacional Volcán Poás is a wonderful natural attraction in Costa Rica, featuring one of the world’s largest active volcano craters. To visit the volcano itself, visitors must book a timeslot in advance online, as access is carefully regulated to protect both the environment and visitors’ safety. This system ensures a more organized and less crowded experience while exploring the otherworldly landscape of the crater and its surrounding areas.

February 14, 2025February 28, 2025

La Sabana

The Museo de Arte Costarricense, located in San José, Costa Rica, is a significant cultural institution that opened its doors in 1978. The museum is housed in the former terminal building of La Sabana International Airport, which operated from 1940 to 1974. This unique setting adds historical value to the museum, as it preserves the architectural heritage of Costa Rica while showcasing a diverse collection of over 6,000 artworks spanning from the mid-19th century to the present day.

February 13, 2025March 1, 2025

Pura vida

San José, the capital of Costa Rica, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1737. Originally a small settlement, it became the capital in 1821 after Costa Rica gained independence from Spain. The city grew significantly in the 19th century, fueled by the prosperity of coffee barons who built many fine buildings. Today, San José is a vibrant capital city that seamlessly blends its historical charm with modern urban life.

February 13, 2025February 28, 2025

Cuartel Bellavista

The Museo Nacional de Costa Rica, located in San José, is housed in the historic Cuartel Bellavista, a fortress-like structure with a rich and complex history. The construction of the Cuartel began in 1917 under the regime of Federico Tinoco, who sought to strengthen the military institution after his coup d’état. The building served as military barracks for decades, and its exterior walls still bear bullet holes from Costa Rica‘s 1948 civil war. Following the abolition of the army by José Figueres Ferrer in 1948, the Cuartel Bellavista was symbolically transformed into the National Museum in 1950, marking a significant shift from military to cultural purposes.