Shellfish SHOCKER! Health Alert Rocks Costa Rican Beaches! Sun-kissed paradise faces a tiny troublemaker! Local beachgoers flip their flip-flops as harmless-looking mollusks pack a surprising punch. But don’t cancel your vacation just yet—officials are on the case faster than you can say “ceviche”! … Read More
Author Archives: Benjamin Charbonneau, CFA
Danger in Paradise? U.S. Issues WARNING for Costa Rica Travelers!
Danger in Paradise? U.S. Issues WARNING for Costa Rica Travelers! Sun-soaked beaches, lush jungles, and… a travel advisory? Fear not, intrepid wanderers! While the U.S. State Department recently raised eyebrows with its Level 2 advisory for Costa Rica, this tropical haven still remains one of Central America’s safest destinations. Consider this less of a red light and more of a friendly yellow—a reminder to pack your common sense alongside that sunscreen! … Read More
Is Costa Rica Too Expensive Now? The TRUTH Revealed!
Is Costa Rica Too Expensive Now? The TRUTH Revealed! Sunshine, sloths, and sticker shock? Let’s dive into the vibrant reality of Costa Rica’s prices today! While paradise has never been pocket change, the secret lies in knowing where to splurge and where to save. Beyond the tourist traps, authentic Tico experiences still await the savvy traveler! … Read More
Costa Rica’s Dream Turning Nightmare? Why Tourists Might Skip 2025!
Costa Rica’s Paradise Pause: A Temporary Hiccup in Tourism Heaven! The land of “Pura Vida” faces a brief cloud over its sunny disposition, but don’t cancel those tickets just yet! This tropical paradise is simply catching its breath before welcoming you with even more vibrant adventures in 2026. … Read More
Spot the Spectacled Gem: The Scaly-throated Foliage-Gleaner
Here at the Costa Rican Retreat, nestled amidst the emerald embrace of the mountains, we share our haven with a dazzling array of birds. Today, we turn our binoculars to a little acrobat of the forest, the aptly named Scaly-throated … Read More
A Flash of Rust: The Ruddy Woodcreeper Visits Our Mountain Retreat
High in the Costa Rican mountains, where the air is crisp and the trees reach for the sky, a flash of rusty red catches your eye. It’s the ruddy woodcreeper, a charismatic resident of our retreat grounds and a fascinating … Read More
A Flash of Red in the Canopy: The Red-Faced Spinetail
High in the mountain mists of our Costa Rican retreat, a vibrant splash of color might catch your eye flitting amongst the leaves. This is the Red-faced Spinetail, a captivating little songbird with a personality as bold as its plumage. … Read More
The Unassuming Acrobat: A Look at the Plain-brown Woodcreeper
High in the canopy, a flash of brown catches your eye. It flits upwards, clinging vertically to a thick tree trunk with impressive agility. This, my friends, is the plain-brown woodcreeper, a common sight (and sound) for those venturing into … Read More
The Unassuming Acrobat: A Look at the Plain Xenops
High in the canopy of Costa Rica’s mountain forests, a flash of cinnamon and black might catch your eye. It’s the Plain Xenops, a tiny acrobat that frequents our retreat here in the heart of the Cordillera Mountains. Though unassuming … Read More
The Unassuming Acrobat: Spotting the Olivaceous Woodcreeper in the Costa Rican Canopy
High up in the lush Costa Rican rainforest, a tiny acrobat silently scales the towering trees. This is the Olivaceous Woodcreeper, a common yet unobtrusive resident of the mountain forests surrounding our retreat. While not as brightly colored as some … Read More
