The world’s environmental grades have been posted by Yale University. So, which countries are really “walking the talk” with their national environmental policies and actions? European nations are at the top of the world class, with a lone contender from the Americas – Costa Rica, placing 5th best in the world for its...

It was a bit like playing bumper cars in the middle of Roaring Rapids. There I was, perched very alert in my high-tech individual rafting tube, bouncing off a rock to my left only to spin off a rock on my right and now speeding backwards down the chute to smack the huge wave in the “Coca Cola” rapid dead-on. Facing the...

Are you happy? That seems to be the question being asked in recent times, from boardrooms to bars, international conference centers to offices of government leaders, business schools to book stores. Are we happy? Following our bliss? Living our passion? Are we “me-focused” or “others-focused”? The tiny Himalayan kingdom...

Connecting poverty eradication and environmental sustainability is the “make or break” for the world’s future, according to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). In this realm, small countries such as Costa Rica can rise to be world leaders. “Small countries can pick up new ideas for sustainable development...

Would you be happier living in a greener area? A UK study says you would. New research from the University of Exeter Medical School and the European Centre for Environment & Human Health in England has found that “people living in urban areas with more green space tend to report greater well-being than city dwellers that...

When I used to guide nature tours in Costa Rica, people would always ask me, “Are we going to see monkeys (or a sloth, toucan, etc.)?” I would always respond, “Well, it’s possible, but not guaranteed; it’s not like we put the animals out in their positions in the morning!” When we talk about the Curú Wildlife...

Summer school breaks are coming up for North America and Europe, and with that the opportunity for student groups to enjoy educational trips. The Neotropical rainforest of Costa Rica in Central America, part of one of the most important reserves of biodiversity on Earth, is fertile ground for study disciplines such as Ecology,...

They call it the “ultimate waterfall rappel”. Frommer’s calls it “a bigger rush than a canopy tour.” I’m talking about the Pure Trek Canyoning tour near Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica. Canyoning is a mixture of rappelling down waterfalls and hiking in a canyon. Noted by TripAdvisor as one of the top 10 activities to...

One thing about Costa Rica is the country loves a good party! Costa Ricans are known for being gregarious and fun-loving and their enthusiasm is contagious when the country celebrates its numerous fiestas, festivals and horse parades. Plan your travel to Costa Rica during these cultural events and experience first-hand the...

The onset of Costa Rica’s “green season” means it is whitewater rafting time! Rainwater flows into Costa Rica’s tropical rivers this time of year, making the rapids bigger and more exciting. What could be more fun than splashing down a warm-water tropical river on a hydro-powered rollercoaster? Costa Rica is one of the...

Melodious bubbling of the river below combines with the metallic “clink” of Common Tink Frogs and the hum of crickets to lull me to sleep. My soft, cushy bed in my modern, comfortable bungalow is just steps from the wild Costa Rican rainforest. I make out the dark outline of large vine-covered trees out the window, and...

Trending in recent years among brides and grooms is leaving behind the traditional, large, 250-person, fancy church, banquet hall wedding in favor of a fun, exotic destination wedding that adds the adventure of a sunny honeymoon vacation. Couples choose to go out-of-town for many reasons, including basic economics. You would...

Summer break, for all of those in the north, is nearly here. This year, do something really unique and different for your family vacation! Go on a family surfing vacation in warm, tropical Costa Rica. Really get away from your daily routine of life, have fun on an adventure, experience new places, make new friends, create...

I don’t know about you, but I’m doing a happy dance this week along with the rest of nature in Costa Rica. The rains have returned! The land here welcomes the beginning of “Green Season” like a parched traveler finally reaching a watering hole after a long dry desert-crossing. My gardens are thrilled … if I can get a...

Costa Rica’s greatly varied terrain, from beaches to jungle to rugged mountains, makes for a fun playground for ATV tours. Officially known as All-Terrain Vehicles, or “Quads” in North America and “Quad Bikes” in England and Australia, ATVs can be an exciting way to access Costa Rica’s beautiful landscapes where...

Besides amazing looks, tropical architecture is all about working with the elements of nature to achieve thermal comfort in hot and humid climates. Tropical architecture, whether traditional, ultramodern or high-tech, uses passive design elements like sunshades, cavity walls, light shelves, overhangs, roof and wall insulation,...

They bring life to rainforests, both with their brilliant colors and with the magnificent flowers they help to pollinate. Everyone loves butterflies – these delicate creatures flit and fly gracefully, brightening our gardens and wild spaces. Their beauty and allure has given butterflies a special place in both ancient and...

Costa Rica is known for its adventures. One that draws adventure enthusiasts from all over the world is scuba diving in Costa Rica’s warm and beautiful waters. The “Rich Coast” in Central America offers under-the-sea adventures ranging from impressive coral reefs to vast schools of fish and other marine life to...

Travelers to Costa Rica’s northern province of Guanacaste – home to outstanding tropical beaches, world-class all-inclusive resorts, volcanoes and beautiful tropical forest – can rest easy knowing that Guanacaste is also home to premium medical care services. Costa Rica is an exceptionally healthy place to live, according...

Paradise and social responsibility – in recent years, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a buzzword in mainstream tourism all over the world. Travelers are seeking destinations that uphold sustainable environmental and community values, and hotels, resorts, tour companies and the like are doing their best to...