Costa Rica guides & insights

Practical reading for your move, residency application, and life in Costa Rica.

Guanacaste coastline with Liberia Airport access roads leading toward nearby Costa Rica beaches

Beaches Near Liberia Airport, Costa Rica: Distances and Drive Times

Alan Parker / October 9, 2026

The closest beaches to Liberia airport (LIR) are Playa Hermosa and Playa Panamá, about 30 minutes away, followed by Playas

Two adults greet each other at the doorway of a home.

Costa Rica Living, Moving to Costa Rica

How Many Americans Live in Costa Rica? Where They Live and How to Move

Alan Parker / October 9, 2026

Nobody actually knows how many Americans and Canadians live in Costa Rica — the official figures differ by a factor of six and the 2022 census reached only 60.7% of homes. But how Costa Ricans feel about them has been measured.

Costa Rica Family Life, Costa Rica Living

The Costa Rica Education System: A Guide for Moving Families

Alan Parker / October 9, 2026

Education in Costa Rica is highly regarded and offers a unique and comprehensive structure that caters to the needs of its students. With a literacy rate of 95% for individuals ove

A Costa Rican town plaza decorated with national flags and blue, white and red bunting for a public holiday

Costa Rica Living, Expat Life in Costa Rica

Public Holidays in Costa Rica: 2026 and 2027 Dates and Full List

Alan Parker / October 9, 2026

Costa Rica has a variety of public holidays that show its strong cultural and religious heritage. Since it’s mostly Catholic, these days are celebrated with a lot of excitement. Th

An adult reviews a small product bottle and its packaging indoors.

Costa Rica Law, Costa Rica Living

CBD in Costa Rica: What Is Legal in 2026

Alan Parker / October 9, 2026

What Costa Rican law really says about CBD and cannabis — the 1% THC hemp line, medical prescriptions since June 2025, and why the “personal use” gram figures online are fiction.

A small red frog with blue legs sits on a wet green leaf in a rainforest.

Costa Rica Living, Expat Life in Costa Rica

Dangerous Animals in Costa Rica: What You Need to Know

Alan Parker / October 9, 2026

An honest ranking of Costa Rica’s dangerous wildlife — which species genuinely pose a risk, which are wildly overstated, and what actually keeps you safe.