Switzerland of Central America
73
The number of years since army was abolished in Costa Rica.
2,925,128
The number of foreign visitors who visited Costa Rica pre-pandemic.
27.44
The percentage of protected land in Costa Rica.
Costa Rica’s beach communities face a gentrification crisis as rents skyrocket, pricing out locals. We look at how other countries tackle similar struggles with innovative policies to balance tourism’s boom with the soul of ‘pura vida.’
We examine the facts about perpetual tourism in Costa Rica, taxes, jobs, and why they’re being scapegoated for deeper economic issues.
An FAQ about Costa Rica’s proposed visa run bill, its potential impacts on tourists and residents, and the broader context of immigration and gentrification issues.
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.
Costa Rica vs Panama through expat/immigrant eyes. Real experiences and honest comparisons from those who chose one country over the other for their new home.
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.
How long can you expect to stay in the country with a Costa Rica tourist visa? Is the 180-day stay a given?
A guide to duty-free shopping in Central America. Learn about the Golfito and Corozal Free Zones in Costa Rica and Belize, plus airport and frontier shopping.
Expert advice on buying a car in Costa Rica from long-term residents. Learn about popular models, pricing expectations, and why vehicle choice matters.
Is the Costa Rica rainy season really that bad? Current residents share their uncensored thoughts about living through the green season.
