Boyero Travel & Tours

20/03/2025

Want to Sound Like a Local in Costa Rica? Say "¡Buenas!" 🇨🇷

One of the easiest ways to speak like a local in while visiting Costa Rica is by using the greeting "¡Buenas!" It’s a simple, friendly way to say hello at any time of the day—morning, afternoon, or evening (instead of “Buenos días” or “Buenas tardes”) when passing by or entering an establishment.

Costa Ricans (Ticos) love shortening common phrases while keeping things warm and welcoming. “¡Buenas!” is an informal, efficient, yet friendly way to greet someone without specifying the time of day.

💡 Pro tip: Pair it with a smile, and you’ll get a friendly response every time!

13/03/2025

Some people skip taking all their paid time off, thinking they don’t need it. But everyone benefits from a change of scenery now and then. In fact, a 2018 study found that even a short vacation can boost well-being for up to 45 days after returning to work.

At Boyero Travel, we specialize in crafting personalized trips designed for you to rest, relax, and recharge.

So why wait? Let’s start planning your dream Costa Rica getaway today!

11/03/2025

One of the most commonly recommended traditional dishes in Costa Rica is the “casado”. This affordable and customizable yet standard dish includes:

-White rice and black or red beans: A classic Costa Rican staple and the constant base of the casado plate.

-Protein: Each restaurant offers different options including grilled chicken, beef or fish. The cooking methods and options will vary between restaurants. For a vegetarian variation you can request cheese or steamed vegetables.

-Fried Plantains: Sometimes sweet ripe plantains called “maduros” and other times savory green plantains called “patacones”

-Salad and/or vegetables: Your meal’s serving of veggies may come sauteed or in the form of a small green salad.

-Add-ons: Sometimes a casado will come with fries or you may be lucky enough to get a homemade tortilla.

Complete your order with a refreshing fruit drink "fresco natural” or soft drink “gaseosa”.

What drink is your favorite to order in Costa Rica? What Spanish phrases have been important when ordering a casado?

08/03/2025

Did you know that taking shells from the beach can harm marine ecosystems? While they may seem like simple souvenirs, shells are vital for coastal habitats. Many species, like hermit crabs and small marine organisms, depend on them for shelter or food.

When we remove shells, it disrupts the ecological balance and impoverishes the landscape. By leaving them where they belong, we help preserve the natural beauty of Costa Rica’s beaches and ensure they thrive for generations to come.

Next time you’re at the beach, capture the moment with a photo instead and let the shells continue their life cycle in the wild.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhxXu2ryteo

Each year, millions of seashells are taken from our beaches. This is the story of how we brought them back to where they belong. 🌊🐚 Share this video and he...

05/03/2025

Costa Rica is more than breathtaking landscapes – it’s a hub of creativity and sustainability! Local artisans craft unique souvenirs that allow you to take a little piece of pura vida home while supporting communities and the environment.

-Handmade Jewelry: Beautiful pieces made from recycled materials, seeds, and natural stones – stylish and sustainable!

-Wooden Crafts: Intricately carved bowls, cutting boards, utensils, and figurines created from fallen or reclaimed wood, showcasing Costa Rica’s love for nature.

-Textiles: Vibrant bags and clothing that celebrate traditional craftsmanship and colorful culture.

-Ceramics: Stunning pottery featuring traditional designs and techniques passed down through generations.

-Locally Grown Coffee: The perfect way to relive your trip with every sip – you can take back ground coffee or coffee beans to grind as you need them.

-Locally Made Chocolate: Indulge in rich, artisanal chocolate made from Costa Rican cacao – a delicious treat that supports local farmers and sustainable production.

By choosing these authentic souvenirs, you’re helping preserve Costa Rica’s cultural heritage and promoting eco-friendly practices. What souvenirs have you brought home and what do you plan to buy after your next trip?

03/03/2025

Mornings in Costa Rica are best enjoyed with a delicious breakfast and a side of stunning scenery. Whether you're craving the classic gallo pinto with eggs, and cheese or a more familiar spread of toast and fresh jam with a side of tropical fruits, Costa Rica’s breakfast spots cater to every traveler’s taste. 🍳🍍

Pair your meal with a cup of locally grown Costa Rican coffee and soak in the sights of lush rainforests, rolling mountains, or ocean waves. 🌊🌿

03/03/2025

Are you ready for an unforgettable 2025 vacation? With Boyero Travel, your Costa Rican adventure is more than just a trip – it's a curated adventure travel experience designed just for you.

Enjoy the freedom of completely custom itineraries tailored to your interests, whether it's lush rainforests, pristine beaches, or thrilling volcano hikes.
Travel effortlessly with your private, bilingual driver, so you can sit back, relax, and take in the stunning scenery.

Immerse yourself in authentic culture with experiences that foster a real connection with local communities – from farm-to-table dining to craft workshops.
Let us craft a bespoke travel experience where every detail is taken care of, so all you have to do is enjoy the pura vida lifestyle. 🌞✨

Contact us today to start planning your personalized Costa Rican escape!

28/02/2025

Parque Nacional Marino Ballena (the Whale National Marine Park) has a rock and sand formation that is literally shaped like a whale’s tail.

Costa Rica’s famous whale tail is located in the small town of Uvita, about an hour east of Manuel Antonio. It is also a great area for whale-watching from July to mid-November and from mid-December to April!

See less

27/02/2025

Did you know Costa Rica is home to some of the most delicious coffee in the world? With its rich volcanic soil, high altitudes, and ideal climate, this small country produces coffee that is both smooth and flavorful.

Costa Ricans (Ticos) often prepare coffee using a “chorreador”, a traditional wooden coffee maker with a cloth filter that lets the flavors fully develop. Want to try it? Just ask for a café chorreado!

Would you like to include a coffee tour on your next Costa Rica trip to learn about the production process, and enjoy a freshly brewed cup with breathtaking views? Let’s make it happen!

15/01/2025

What’s your favorite travel gadget? The one that you can’t leave home without?

Here are a few items that will make your trip easier. Leave your favorites in the comments so we can add them to the list for a stress-free, tech-savvy adventure.

-Portable Charger
When you carry a portable battery pack on your trip you can enjoy the Instagram-worthy moments coming without worrying about a low battery again. Just remember to charge it at your lodging each night.

- E-Reader
The days of carrying tons of books to read in your free time has passed. An e-reader is like having a personal library in your bag, minus the weight of all the books so you have more room for clothes and souvenirs.

-Wall Chargers
Remember to bring the chargers for all your favorite devices as well as an adapter if you are visiting Costa Rica from any countries outside North or Central America.

-External Storage Device
These days we tend to take tons of pictures on each trip with our phones and cameras. Cloud backups will not always work if you are in remote locations so it is best to carry an external storage device to store them. If you see your phone is running low on storage, you can just connect and transfer and start again with space the next day.

It's also a good idea to include a digital copy of your passport itinerary, emergency contacts, and insurance information in case your phone gets lost or someone else needs to have access to it.

It’s amazing what new gadgets become popular every day. These gadgets aren’t for everyone, but can be helpful to make vacations smoother.

🇨🇷

13/01/2025

Costa Rican cuisine is vibrant and diverse. Traditional meals are usually nutritionally well rounded, and nearly always cooked from scratch from fresh ingredients since fresh fruits and vegetables are readily available.

Sadly, many tourists never taste Costa Rica’s best food. Expecting tacos, nachos and burritos, many travelers do not look up foods or ask about other items on the menu and just order a quick hamburger instead. We are happy to recommend the best restaurants and dishes throughout your stay so that you can enjoy authentic Costa Rican meals.

Rice and beans are included in nearly every Costa Rican meal along with fruits and vegetables. For breakfast, gallo pinto is often served with eggs, tortillas, fried plantains, and natilla (a dairy product similar to sour cream). For lunch and dinner, a "casado" is most traditional, made up of rice, beans, a protein like beef, chicken or fish, salad, tortillas and sweet fried plantains. Other popular dishes you might find on a menu include patacones (fried, mashed green plantains), savory beef stew called olla de carne, chicharrón (deep fried pork belly/pork rinds), ceviche ( chunks of raw fish marinated in citrus) and arroz con pollo (chicken mixed with rice and vegetables).

Is there a certain food, dish or tip that you would encourage people traveling to Costa Rica to try? We would love to hear your opinions!



📷 credit to Guarumo Lodge

31/12/2024

Happy New Year, Friends and Travel Enthusiasts!

We are excited to present the year-end edition of the Boyero Travel (formerly Boyero Tours) newsletter, your insider guide to curated travel experiences in the breathtaking paradise of Costa Rica.

To read on, visit this link: https://zc.vg/6JEhw?m=0

May 2025 bring you many new adventures and plenty of pura vida experiences!

-Sarah Joy & Julio
Boyero Travel (formerly Boyero Tours)

P.S. To receive our newsletter, sign up here: https://www.boyerotravel.com/contact

24/12/2024

Costa Rica during Christmas is a magical time filled with warmth, tradition, and delicious treats. The season is all about family, food, and embracing the pura vida spirit! Here’s a glimpse of some cherished Costa Rican holiday traditions:

Christmas Trees & Decorations

Christmas trees are a staple in Costa Rican homes, often decorated with colorful lights and ornaments. Many families also set up portales (nativity scenes), beautifully adorned with moss, sawdust, and figurines to recreate the story of Christmas. Towns often decorate their local parks and have special fairs during the Christmas time.

Rompope

Costa Rica’s version of eggnog, rompope, is a creamy, sweet, and spiced drink. Often enjoyed with or without a splash of rum, it’s the perfect beverage to toast the season and warm up holiday gatherings. There are many small businesses that make rompope but you can also buy it in a carton at the supermarket if you want to try it during your vacation.

Tamales

Tamales are the heart of the Costa Rican holiday season! Made with a mixture of corn dough, seasoned pork or chicken, a variety of vegetables and wrapped in banana leaves, they are lovingly prepared in large batches during family tamaladas (tamale-making parties). Sharing tamales with friends and neighbors is a beloved tradition. Tamales can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner and are delicious with Lizano Sauce.

Whether you’re relaxing on the beach or exploring a local town, Costa Rica offers a tropical twist to the holiday season.

What’s your favorite holiday tradition? Let us know in the comments!

20/12/2024

If you notice you have extra space in your luggage as you prepare for your upcoming trip to Costa Rica, you might think about bringing a little something to share with the local community or your service providers.

What to bring to give back is a question we get asked fairly often, so here are some thoughtful ideas that are easy to pack if you have the space! (If you are packing light, you could alternately plan to visit a mall or shopping center at the beginning of your trip in Costa Rica to pick up some items as mentioned below.) These donations will be greatly appreciated by those you meet during your travels! Boyero Tours can help you to identify the best places to donate or our team can facilitate these donations for you.

1. School Supplies
In many parts of Costa Rica, access to quality educational materials can be limited. Bringing school supplies like backpacks, notebooks, pens, colored pencils, or small educational games can be a wonderful way to support local students. These items can be gifted directly to schools or community centers, making a meaningful contribution to children's education. Dark blue socks are also helpful.

2. Sports Equipment
Costa Ricans are passionate about sports, especially soccer. If you have space, consider bringing a soccer ball, basketball, or even small items like jump ropes or frisbees. These can be a fun addition to local community centers, schools, or even just shared with children in neighborhoods.
3. Small Games or Puzzles
Travel games or puzzles can be a hit with families and children. Items that are bilingual or don’t require much translation like playing cards, board games, or even a simple puzzle can bring joy and encourage social interaction. These can be shared with families you meet or left in community centers.

4. Donations to Local Organizations
While not something you can physically carry, consider setting aside some funds to donate to local charities or community organizations. Research ahead of time to identify causes that resonate with you, such as wildlife conservation, dog rescue, education, or health initiatives.

Each small gift can make a big difference in someone’s day and foster a sense of connection between cultures. So as you pack your bags, think about what thoughtful items you can bring along to share the spirit of kindness and generosity. Happy travels!

16/12/2024

You could fill a one month itinerary with a new activity every day in Costa Rica and never get bored. Between the beaches, rafting, ziplines, snorkeling, bioluminescent kayaking, nature hikes, and so much more, it can be hard to decide which activities to prioritize. But beyond the adrenaline-fueled activities, true adventure lies in risking vulnerability, embracing the unfamiliar, changing our world view and leaving a little piece of ourselves behind in the hearts of those we meet along the way.

When traveling, it is important to be vulnerable in a new place, learn some Spanish words, try new foods, be open to new experiences as well as be willing to connect with the people and places we encounter on our journeys.

Travel changes us and we have to be careful about the impact we leave on the places we visit. Whether wandering through the bustling feria, engaging in conversations with locals during a rural tour, or simply appreciating the beauty of a foreign landscape, the real thrill lies in the subtle but profound impact we have on the places and people we encounter.

14/12/2024

Have you started planning your 2025 getaway?

Green Season also known as the Rainy Season from May to November can be a fantastic time to visit Costa Rica. During this time, everything is lush and green and although it rains more, you can still count on sunny times and warm weather. You can still enjoy your vacation without any worries by making the most of sunny mornings. Don't forget, you might even save some money by traveling during this less busy time.