In the Tilarán Mountains, Monteverde, Costa Rica is known for its biodiversity and ecotourism. However, rising rents and land prices are driving gentrification, forcing...

Expat Living

Panama Tops Costa Rica as 2025 Retirement Destination

Tico Times - April 15, 2025

Panama has claimed the top spot in International Living’s Annual Global Retirement Index for 2025, unseating Costa Rica, which dropped to third place behind...

Expat Living

Costa Rica’s Bold New Tourist Trap: Where Beaches Meet Bars

Don Mateo - April 14, 2025

I don’t know about you, but I was very excited to read that Costa Rica has expressed interest in getting into one of the...

Expat Living

Costa Rica Retirement Dreams and Realities: A Tale of Tin Roofs and Tough Choices

Don Mateo - April 9, 2025

A few days ago, an old friend from the States gave me a call. He’d recently retired, gotten divorced, and was dreaming of a...

Expat Living

Why Expats Are Trading Costa Rican Residency For Tourist Status

Tico Times - April 3, 2025

After over 20 years of residing legally in Costa Rica, a friend recently chose to renounce his residency. It was not an easy decision....

Expat Living

The Thrilling and Dangerous Reality of Motorcycles in Costa Rica

Don Mateo - March 30, 2025

They roar through the barrio at all hours, muffler optional. They show up suddenly in my side view mirror at an askew angle when...

Expat Living

Barrio Dogs: The Street-Smart Canines of Costa Rica

Don Mateo - March 24, 2025

In a quiet neighborhood in Costa Rica, a daily drama unfolds when local street dogs leave unwelcome deposits outside one homeowner's gate. While his...

Expat Living

30 Years in Costa Rica and Heading to a High School Reunion

Don Mateo - March 17, 2025

I am planning on attending my high school reunion this year, which means I will be seeing people I haven't seen in decades, and...