Costa Rica Travel Blog & Guides
Local-knowledge travel guides, things to do, wildlife and adventure tips for Manuel Antonio, Jacó and Quepos, written by the family team at Tucanes Tours, on the ground since 2011.
From the Tucanes Tours team
Your Costa Rica Central Pacific travel resource
Twenty-eight guides and counting, everything from how to get to Quepos and Manuel Antonio from San José, to choosing a whitewater rafting river, to the best spots to see sloths. Jump to a topic below or scroll the full archive.
Costa Rica Travel Guides
Planning, transportation and trip-comparison guides for the Central Pacific.
Ultimate Travel Guide to Quepos
Beaches, wildlife and adventures await in Quepos, Costa Rica, your complete gateway to Manuel Antonio.
How to Get to Quepos & Manuel Antonio from San José
Bus, car, flight or private transfer, the easy transportation guide from San José.
Savegre vs. Naranjo vs. El Chorro: A Whitewater Rafting Guide
Compare the best rafting rivers near Manuel Antonio and Jacó to pick the right run for your group.
Michael Jordan in Quepos: The Pelagic Rockstar Tournament
How Quepos is making waves on the global stage, hosting icons at a world-class fishing tournament.
Manuel Antonio
Wildlife, the national park, food tours and romance in Costa Rica's most beloved beach town.
Best Spots to See Sloths in Manuel Antonio
Where to find Costa Rica's most famous resident, fully immersed in the area's diverse wildlife.
5 Reasons to Hire a Guide for Manuel Antonio
Make the most of your visit to Manuel Antonio National Park, here's why a guide matters.
Bean to Bar: Chocolate, Vanilla & Coffee Tour
Learn the bean-to-bar process, taste handcrafted chocolate, and try recipes to recreate at home.
Local Flavor: Traditional Costa Rican Recipes
A hands-on cooking experience, achiote chicken, seasoned beans and handmade tortillas.
Romantic Escapes: Experience Love in Manuel Antonio
Nature's embrace, romantic dinners and sunset serenades for an unforgettable couples getaway.
What to Do on a Rainy Day in Manuel Antonio
Rain in Manuel Antonio? Here are the top 5 things to do when the skies open up.
Manuel Antonio Lowers Daily Capacity
The park now limits visitors to 1,200 per day, what it means and how to plan your guided visit.
Choose Your Own Adventure
Tailored experiences and sustainable tours that fit your pace, your group and your interests.
Jacó & Day Trips
Adventures, wildlife and excursions based out of the surf town of Jacó.
Discover the Best Tours in Jacó, Costa Rica
From waterfalls to zip lines, island escapes and jungle safaris, adventure at its best.
Manuel Antonio Park: A Day Trip from Jacó
Guided hikes, beach stops and expert wildlife insights on a memorable day trip from Jacó.
Unforgettable Crocodile Tour from Jacó
Ready for an adventure? Book your crocodile tour and make memories that last a lifetime.
Things to Do, Fishing & Nature
Activity round-ups, sport fishing, mangroves, rivers and the wild side of the Central Pacific.
Things to Do in Manuel Antonio, Jaco & Quepos
The best beaches, wildlife and adventure along Costa Rica's Central Pacific Coast.
Things to Do in Manuel Antonio and Jacó
A short list of everyone's favorite activities if you're visiting the area.
Things to Do While Visiting Quepos
Beautiful beaches and local cuisine in this picturesque Pacific port town.
Kayak Isla Damas Mangrove Estuary
Paddle the tranquil mangrove channels of Isla Damas in search of birds and wildlife.
Exploring the Enchanting Isla Damas Mangrove
A nature lover's paradise, explore Costa Rica's mangrove ecosystem by boat.
Natural Beauty of the Savegre & Naranjo Rivers
Clear water, lush vegetation and abundant wildlife on two of the area's prettiest rivers.
Best Saltwater & Freshwater Fishing in Costa Rica
Where to land the big one, the top inshore and offshore fishing in the Central Pacific.
Fishing Tournaments in Quepos, Costa Rica
Quepos is a world-class billfishing hub, here's what the tournament scene looks like.
Bisbee's Costa Rica Offshore 2026 Results
Team Pura Vida's stunning $713,100 payout, and why Quepos keeps winning.
The Thrill of Sport Fishing in Golfito & Golfo Dulce
World-class sport fishing with the best captains and guides on the South Pacific.
Discover the Thrills of Golfito & Golfo Dulce
Why this corner of Costa Rica is so special, sport fishing, kayaking and much more.
Tucanes Top Tours & the Adventure Plus Farm Experience
Explore Costa Rica's top tours and add a farm visit for nature, wildlife and culture.
Exploring Horse Behavior: What Every Rider Should Know
Understand horse behavior to deepen your connection on your horseback riding tour.
Good to know
Costa Rica travel blog, frequently asked questions
We're a family-owned tour operator based on Costa Rica's Central Pacific coast, running tours from Manuel Antonio, Quepos and Jacó. Many of our guides also cover the southern zone, Golfito and Golfo Dulce, for world-class sport fishing.
The dry season (roughly December-April) brings the most reliable sunshine, while the green season (May-November) delivers lush jungle, fuller rivers for rafting and fewer crowds. Wildlife is excellent year-round, our rainy-day guide covers what to do when it pours.
You can travel by public bus, rental car, domestic flight or private transfer. Our complete transportation guide breaks down the time, cost and comfort of each option.
Absolutely. Message us on WhatsApp and we'll build a tailored day-by-day plan around your dates, group and interests, from rafting and kayaking to wildlife and food tours.
Start here
Reader favorites & where to go next
Ultimate Travel Guide to Quepos
The one-stop guide to the gateway town for Manuel Antonio.
Best Spots to See Sloths in Manuel Antonio
Find Costa Rica's most famous resident on your visit.
Savegre vs. Naranjo vs. El Chorro Rafting Guide
Pick the right whitewater river for your group.
Ready to turn reading into doing? Browse our full Costa Rica tours and destinations, or learn more about visiting Costa Rica from the official tourism board.
