Las Catalinas is home to many species of Costa Rican birds, which include the pericos (parakeets) that make their homes here in dry season, the rabihorcado (frigatebirds) that are often spotted offshore, the grandes kiskadees (great kiskadees) whose bright yellow plumage marks a striking sight, and...

In addition the 42km of single track mountain biking trails in Las Catalinas, which cover much of the tropical dry forest reserve and function as multi-use trails for both hiking and biking, there are also five trails in town that are dedicated exclusively to hiking.

The appreciation for fresh air is something ingrained deeply into many cultures and groups. Surfers, mountaineers, skiers, long distance hikers, any adventure sportsmen list fresh air as one of the best health benefits of their activity. Cultures from all climates value walks in fresh air, or...

Mountain bikes come in many shapes in sizes with many different components, and keeping each in top condition helps make riding a joy. A carefully tuned suspension, well-adjusted shock absorbers, responsive and powerful brakes, well-oiled gear shifters, and perfectly-inflated tires can make climbs...

Paddle board yoga is an activity that combines two sports that happen often into one.

LaPula Shop and Studio was founded by Ivan and Mhairi, two longtime friends of Las Catalinas, out of a passion for design and art, as a non static and welcoming space that is part shop, part living room and part office.

Isla Murciélago is located just off the North Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, in Guanacaste’s Santa Rosa National Park. This protected marine area is home to much of Guanacaste’s marine life, including many species of ray, an intersection of reef and open ocean fish, and the tortuga golfina (Olive...

The world is coming around to walkability, with many urban areas looking to walkable solutions as a new direction from high-traffic, car-heavy design. Organizations like Toronto-based Sidewalk Labs are researching clean mass transport and mobility that’s pedestrian and bike friendly. Cities like...

The Santarena Hotel is a tropically elegant oasis inspired by a palette of people and places, located between two of Costa Rica's loveliest Pacific beaches at the heart of Las Catalinas. This tropical car-free town on the Guanacaste Coast aims to inspire visitors and locals to connect with nature...

ConnectOcean Expeditions is a PADI certified diving school and Marine Ecology Center that offers an Open Water Certification Course with access to some of the best diving experiences in Costa Rica and education about the conservation of the country's vibrant aquatic ecosystem. For travelers looking...

Since the opening of the hotel, Santarena has hosted events like XPT’s Waterman Experience in June, the Culinary Institute of America’s Costa Rican visit, as well as a mix of dinners, celebrations, weddings, retreats, meetings, yoga sessions, wine tastings, and more.

Passionate biker Jason Abernathy from Pura Vida Ride lives on two wheels. A competitive road racer back in his twenties, he now rides a Trek Pro Caliber 9.8 SL cross-country race bike and prefers long gravel rides and the sport of MTB in Costa Rica. Jason is enthusiastic to share his love of the...

When towns are built to be walkable and to the scale of people, they change fundamentally. Brought within sight and touch to passersby, pedestrian street-facing facades in walkable towns allow for thoughtful detail and design so that simple elements like doors add character to the street. Shops,...

One of the easiest places to visit as a vegan is Costa Rica. The entire country is an ecological paradise for people who enjoy food, no matter their nutritional preferences. It is known for the varied fresh ingredients used in its cuisine while staying true to its sustainable roots, and an...

A core belief that has helped shaped the town of Las Catalinas in Costa Rica is that towns are best visited, enjoyed, and lived in when they coexist in harmony with nature. Las Catalinas’ style of urban development is inherently better for both nature and the human condition and intrinsically...