Every city has its secrets, every history its dark side. Scandals! Crimes! Duels! But there are also hidden treasures and heroes. Walking tours of Alajuela with historian…

SANTA ANA, San José — In a town once known for onions, the biggest growth industry today appears to be condos. Condominiums for sale, apartments for rent,…

SANTA ANA, San José — Just south of Lindora’s Miami-style “Golden Mile,” past the coming-soon Maserati dealership, the Quizno’s, the Taco Bell and the Caterpillar lot, there’s a…

SAN JOSÉ — As the bus rolled through Barrio Amón, our tour guide pointed out the former home of Costa Rican dictator Federico Tinoco, who seized power…

HEREDIA — While Costa Rica is undoubtedly more famous for natural landscapes than man-made attractions, it doesn’t mean the country is bereft of cosmopolitan offerings. Heredia, a…