Into The Arms Of America

The Presentes, a group of sculptures by Fernando Calvo, in front of the National Bank in San Jose, Costa Rica

Quick travel guide to San Jose, Costa Rica

on November 25, 2020December 11, 2023 by Bas San Jose, Costa Rica

Yes, one of those Central American capitals usually avoid. In contrast to some other cities (did anyone say Guatemala City?), San Jose is actually pretty safe. And it has some good urban vibes, full of nightlife, street art and street culture. There was this great saturday afternoon where dozens of ... View Post

University building in San Jose, Costa Rica

Costa Rica Photos

San Jose Costa Rica in pictures

on November 30, 2020December 31, 2019 by Bas San Jose, Costa Rica

The capital of Costa Rica is skipped by most tourists. Beautiful it ain't, but it is a vibrant city with plenty of nice areas (Barrio Amon, Los Yoses) to explore. View Post

Costa Rica Photos

Santa Elena cloud forest in pictures

on November 5, 2020July 7, 2020 by Bas Santa Elena, Costa Rica

It is the little sister of the Monteverde cloud forest. Santa Elena is younger, more quieter still. Visiting the protected area of Santa Elena is an almost magical experience that I tried to capture in images. (there is also an article about visiting Santa Elena) View Post

Monkey near Punta Cathedral part of Manuel Antonio national park

Costa Rica Photos

Manuel Antonio national park in pictures

on March 20, 2020July 7, 2020 by Bas Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

Even for Costa Ricans, the Manuel Antonio national park is such a treat they visit it in droves. The small peninsula is beautiful, but also runs the risk of falling victim to its own success. (also read the report on visiting Manuel Antonio park) View Post

Costa Rica Photos

Street art in San Jose

on March 10, 2020May 1, 2020 by Bas San Jose, Costa Rica

Having lots of street art is usually a sign of a sprawling urban environment. Judged by that criterium, San Jose is doing pretty well. Street art can be found almost any where... and it's alive! (Oh, and I gave the artworks little names) View Post

Playa Espadilla Sur in Manuel Antonio national park

Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio: an ecological Disney World?

on March 25, 2020July 7, 2020 by Bas Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica

It was a mission impossible from the outset. When Costa Rica in 1972 decided to preserve the unique habitat of Manuel Antonio and make it into a national park, it had to marry mass-tourism with biology doing its slow evolutionary work. The result is an ecological Disney World for some, ... View Post