James Dyde

James Dyde is a British immigrant to Costa Rica and the editor of this website. He has lived in Central America since 2000 and retains a deep love for the region. He lives in Escazu, Costa Rica.

A Rough Guide to the 2025 Belize Election

by James Dyde
March 12, 2025
Belize, Daily Life

Today is election day in Belize! Here’s a rough guide for expats, foreigners, and the uninitiated.

Irish Bars in Central America: Where to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

by James Dyde
March 11, 2025
Drinking, Travel

If you’re in Central America searching for a place to wet your whistle this coming St. Patrick’s Day, look no further. Here are five Irish bars in Central America to celebrate in 2025 (plus honorary Irish places for the day in Belize and Nicaragua).

“What’s the Best Central American Country to Live In?”: How Five Different AI Platforms Respond

by James Dyde
March 2, 2025
Daily Life, Living, Opinion

We asked AI platforms ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Gemini, and Grok the same question: “What’s the best Central American country to live in?” Their answers reveal fascinating differences in analysis style and accuracy.

Comparing the 2024 Costa Rica Homicide Rates With the Rest of Central America (and the Wider World)

by James Dyde
February 27, 2025
Costa Rica, Safety

Explore the 2024 Costa Rica homicide rate in context of regional trends. While Costa Rica saw modest improvement, it ranks third highest in Central America as other countries show significant progress.

English speaking countries in Central America

English Proficiency in Central America: A Country-by-Country Guide

by James Dyde
February 21, 2025
Business, Daily Life

We list the most “English-speaking countries in Central America” from the easiest and most obvious on down. If you’re finding Spanish difficult, this article might be for you.

Five Reasons Why Chiliguaro is Costa Rica’s Favorite Drink

by James Dyde
February 19, 2025
Costa Rica, Drinking, Opinion

Discover why chiliguaro is Costa Rica’s favorite drink! Learn about its unique taste and why it’s a must-try for anyone visiting Costa Rica.

Where Can I Watch the Super Bowl in Central America?

Where are the best places to watch the Super Bowl in Central America today? Here’s our annual guide to the best spots around the region.

Creating the Perfect Costa Rica Itinerary: A Travel Expert’s Guide

by James Dyde
January 17, 2025
Costa Rica, Travel

Planning a Costa Rica vacation? This article offers insider tips from a former travel consultant on creating the perfect itinerary to make the most of this beautiful country, no matter how much time you have.