Miguel Madrigal, Author at Costa Rican Spanish

From Cool to Cranky: Decoding the Word “Chiva” in Costa Rica

If you’re headed to Costa Rica and want to blend in with the locals, there’s one word you’re bound to […]

If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, it won’t take long before you hear someone say tuanis. Whether you’re

If you’ve spent even five minutes in Costa Rica—or Googled anything about it—you’ve probably come across the phrase pura vida.

When you land in Costa Rica, you’ll quickly notice that locals don’t just speak Spanish—they live it. Their version of

If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, one phrase you’ll likely hear is: “¡Jale por birras!” — a friendly

If you’re traveling to Costa Rica and a local invites you over for coffee, don’t treat it like a casual

Every December, as Christmas fades and the New Year approaches, San José transforms into the epicenter of celebration, tradition, and

If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica and want to eat like a local, you’ll quickly learn that the

IIf you’re considering moving to Costa Rica, there’s one thing you should know right away: fútbol isn’t just a sport

Tucked along Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast lies the charming town of Quepos. It’s a vibrant hub for nature lovers,