--- title: Costa Rica Travel Blog | costa rica description: costa rica | Hundreds of articles on Costa Rica trip planning, Costa Rica travel, and saving money in Costa Rica! --- [CALL 1-844-694-4557 FOR MORE INFORMATION](tel:1.844.694.4557) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/ArenalHillsLand/) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/ArenalHills) - [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/arenalhills/) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC15ANeTrvUz77KVj5Floeyg) - [Google+](https://plus.google.com/114921431580018746298) [![Arenal-Hills](https://blog.arenalhills.com/hubfs/ArenalHills_December2018/Image/Arenal-Hills-Desktop-Logo-178x78.png)](http://arenalhills.com) [![Arenal-Hills](https://blog.arenalhills.com/hubfs/ArenalHills_December2018/Image/Arenal-Hills-Mobile-Logo-148x66.png)](https://arenalhills.com/) - [BLOG](https://blog.arenalhills.com/) - [SCHEDULE TOUR](https://arenalhills.com/schedule-a-tour/) ## Costa Rica Travel Blog ## [A Guide to Tipping in Costa Rica](https://blog.arenalhills.com/guide-tipping-costa-rica) Posted by [shieldwatch](https://blog.arenalhills.com/author/shieldwatch) on Jun 12, 2017, 2:23:04 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) When visiting a foreign land, it is the smallest details that can be surprisingly confusing. One such thing is tipping. How much should you tip? On what services? Should you tip at all? If you are a first-timer to Costa Rica, you will find the following helpful. [Read More](https://blog.arenalhills.com/guide-tipping-costa-rica) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.arenalhills.com/guide-tipping-costa-rica#comments-listing) Topics: [arenal hills](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/arenal-hills), [costa rica](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/costa-rica), [tips](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/tips), [Visit in Costa Rica](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/visit-in-costa-rica) ## [WHAT MAKES COSTA RICA ONE OF THE HAPPIEST COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD?](https://blog.arenalhills.com/makes-costa-rica-one-happiest-countries-world) Posted by [shieldwatch](https://blog.arenalhills.com/author/shieldwatch) on May 15, 2017, 4:12:36 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Wealth has nothing to do with happiness, which explains why a developing country like Costa Rica has grabbed the top spot in the Happy Planet Index (HPI) rankings, not only once but many times with a substantial lead. The HPI, which ranks 140 nations according to "what matters most – sustainable well-being for all" using such parameters as life expectancy, well-being, inequality, and ecological footprint, doesn’t consider the standard success criterion like GDP. No wonder, some of the wealthiest nations like the USA, the UK, and even Switzerland fare poorly in the HPI list. This leaves us wondering, what is it that makes Costa Rica the happiest nation on the planet? Does it have something to do with its ravishing beauty? Is it their love for the environment? Does the culture and food hold the secret? Let's find out; this could be a revelation for you. **No Army** Instead of spending zillions on feeding an extra-large army and buying military equipment, Costa Rica invests itsmoney on what matters – health and education of its people. Health and knowledge breed happy people – it is easy to see the connection. **Love for the Environment** Costa Rica is one of a few countries that strives to become carbon neutral by 2021. Unlike many other tourist destinations in the world that willingly lose their lands and ecological balance to the aggressive property developers and hoteliers, Costa Rica focuses on converting forests into park lands and nature preserve. The pride of having a green, well-kept country translates into happiness. **Philosophy of Letting Go** Costa Rican traditions forbid their people from holding grudges against another person for more than three days. Now, isn’t that wonderful? How can you remain sad or unhappy when you have no complaint against anything or anybody? **Healthy Eating Habits** Costa Rica has no soda, junk, or additives in the form of refined sugar and sodium; only a diet comprising fresh fruits, vegetables, fiber-rich rice and beans. The result? A regiment of healthy people that are strong from within and to whom the concept of food-induced mood swings is completely unknown. It is this healthy eating habit that gives Costa Ricans a high life expectancy of 78.5 years on average. **Slow Pace, Low Stress** By Costa Rican standards, rushing is synonymous with rudeness. A slow-paced lifestyle, on the other hand, allows them to relax, look around, and appreciate the nice things around them. **Living to Please Others** When you are surrounded by people who are eager to please you and are careful not to hurt other’s sentiments even unknowingly, what can you expect other than complete bliss? Wouldn’t you like to visit this paradise called Costa Rica at least once in your lifetime? The happiness here is contagious. We won’t be surprised if you never wish to leave the place and if you decide to make Costa Rica your second home, contact us. Our luxurious single-family villas will make every bit of your Costa Rica experience even more memorable. Call Arenal Hills at [1-844-MY-HILLS](tel:1-844-694-4557) today. [Read More](https://blog.arenalhills.com/makes-costa-rica-one-happiest-countries-world) 1 Comment [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.arenalhills.com/makes-costa-rica-one-happiest-countries-world#comments-listing) Topics: [arenal hills](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/arenal-hills), [costa rica](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/costa-rica), [Costa Rica In The News](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/costa-rica-in-the-news) ## [3 SPECIES OF MONKEYS TO SEE IN COSTA RICA](https://blog.arenalhills.com/3-species-monkeys-see-costa-rica) Posted by [shieldwatch](https://blog.arenalhills.com/author/shieldwatch) on May 3, 2017, 3:14:38 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Costa Rica is the land of rainforests, waterfalls, lakes, and volcanoes. One look around and you will be convinced that the best of nature conspired to create this lovely place on the planet. It comes as no surprise that you can find animals of many species in Costa Rica. However, if you are in the mood for monkey business, consider catching the Capuchin Monkeys, Squirrel Monkeys, and Spider Monkeys in action. Learn more about these species here: [Read More](https://blog.arenalhills.com/3-species-monkeys-see-costa-rica) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.arenalhills.com/3-species-monkeys-see-costa-rica#comments-listing) Topics: [Arenal Area Attractions](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/arenal-area-attractions), [arenal hills](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/arenal-hills), [costa rica](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/costa-rica), [monkeys](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/monkeys) ## [Try a Trication in Costa Rica](https://blog.arenalhills.com/try-trication-costa-rica) Posted by [shieldwatch](https://blog.arenalhills.com/author/shieldwatch) on Apr 25, 2017, 3:49:02 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) If your idea of fun is running, biking and swimming more than a hundred miles in a day, chances are you aren’t going to lay on a beach somewhere when it’s time to unwind. Costa Rica is the perfect option for those who want to train hard and unwind even harder. [Read More](https://blog.arenalhills.com/try-trication-costa-rica) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.arenalhills.com/try-trication-costa-rica#comments-listing) Topics: [arenal hills](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/arenal-hills), [costa rica](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/costa-rica), [Life In costa Rica](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/life-in-costa-rica), [trication](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/trication) ## [Costa Rica is a Hummingbird’s Idea of Paradise](https://blog.arenalhills.com/costa-rica-hummingbirds-idea-paradise) Posted by [shieldwatch](https://blog.arenalhills.com/author/shieldwatch) on Apr 12, 2017, 10:16:08 AM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) Birdwatchers and novice wildlife watchers alike tend to catch their breath at the site of the bejeweled fliers who can hover indefinitely and fly backwards—making them unique among all other birds of the world. In Costa Rica, they range from very small to surprisingly large, with tail streamers, bright colorations and fancy head plumes. [Read More](https://blog.arenalhills.com/costa-rica-hummingbirds-idea-paradise) 0 Comments [Click here to read/write comments](https://blog.arenalhills.com/costa-rica-hummingbirds-idea-paradise#comments-listing) Topics: [Arenal Area Attractions](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/arenal-area-attractions), [arenal hills](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/arenal-hills), [costa rica](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/costa-rica), [humminghbirds](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/humminghbirds) [All posts](https://blog.arenalhills.com/all) ## Costa Rica Travel Blog ### Tips for the Costa Rica Traveler Hundreds of articles on Costa Rica trip planning, Costa Rica travel, and saving money in Costa Rica! Topics include: - Tipping in Costa Rica - Traditional foods in Costa Rica - Buying and owning land in Costa Rica - Building your dream home in Costa Rica ### Subscribe Here! ### Recent Posts ### Posts by Tag - [Life In costa Rica (14)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/life-in-costa-rica) - [Costa Rica In The News (9)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/costa-rica-in-the-news) - [Arenal Area Attractions (8)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/arenal-area-attractions) - [arenal hills (7)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/arenal-hills) - [Arenal Hills luxury villas (5)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/arenal-hills-luxury-villas) - [Visit in Costa Rica (5)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/visit-in-costa-rica) - [costa rica (5)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/costa-rica) - [Arenal Volcano (4)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/arenal-volcano) - [Arenal Volcano National Park (4)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/arenal-volcano-national-park) - [Arenal Spring Resorts (2)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/arenal-spring-resorts) - [Costa Rican Cuisine (2)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/costa-rican-cuisine) - [Ecotourism in Costa Rica (2)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/ecotourism-in-costa-rica) - [Tabacon Hot Springs (2)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/tabacon-hot-springs) - [planning a costa rican vacation (2)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/planning-a-costa-rican-vacation) - [traveling to Costa Rica (2)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/traveling-to-costa-rica) - [Arenal Hills Vacation Villas (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/arenal-hills-vacation-villas) - [Editus (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/editus) - [Expats (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/expats) - [Fresh Seafood (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/fresh-seafood) - [Global Recession (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/global-recession) - [Guanacaste Gold Coast (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/guanacaste-gold-coast) - [Happy Planet Index (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/happy-planet-index) - [Healthcare (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/healthcare) - [Healthy Eating (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/healthy-eating) - [Hiking in Costa Rica (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/hiking-in-costa-rica) - [Investment Opportunities (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/investment-opportunities) - [La Paz Waterfall Gardens (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/la-paz-waterfall-gardens) - [Monteverde Cloud Forest (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/monteverde-cloud-forest) - [Moving to Costa Rica (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/moving-to-costa-rica) - [Renewable Energy (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/renewable-energy) - [Renewable Energy in Costa Rica (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/renewable-energy-in-costa-rica) - [Rice & Beans (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/rice-beans) - [The Bachelor (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/the-bachelor) - [The Springs Resort & Spa (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/the-springs-resort-spa) - [Vegetable Medleys (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/vegetable-medleys) - [Visiting Costa Rica (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/visiting-costa-rica) - [Wildlife in Costa Rica (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/wildlife-in-costa-rica) - [arenal hills spring resorts (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/arenal-hills-spring-resorts) - [club vida (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/club-vida) - [humminghbirds (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/humminghbirds) - [monkeys (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/monkeys) - [tips (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/tips) - [trication (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/trication) - [vacation villa (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/vacation-villa) - [where to stay in arenal costa rica (1)](https://blog.arenalhills.com/tag/where-to-stay-in-arenal-costa-rica) See all ### CONTACT 1.844.694.4557 ###### ADDRESS 1km South of the Escuela de Abanico, Tres Esquinas San Ramón, Costa Rica ###### FOLLOW US - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/ArenalHillsLand/) - [Twitter](https://twitter.com/ArenalHills) - [Pinterest](https://www.pinterest.com/arenalhills/) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC15ANeTrvUz77KVj5Floeyg) - [Google+](https://plus.google.com/114921431580018746298) [![Arenal-Hills](https://blog.arenalhills.com/hubfs/ArenalHills_December2018/Image/Arenal-Hills-Mobile-Logo-148x66.png)](http://arenalhills.com/?__hstc=125685269.67f909ab41d067a9141f90d08eb1cf0a.1545284762647.1545366291424.1545368157173.6&__hssc=125685269.1.1545368157173&__hsfp=1188821749) Come be a part of the simplicity, ease and pura vida luxury in Arenal. 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