Entries by Brendan Duffy

Costa Rica Treehouse Hotel

Costa Rica is a country filled with lush tropical landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, and beautiful sunset beaches. What if you could get up close and personal with some of nature’s rarest wonders on Earth, every minute of your stay?  What if you stayed in a treehouse hotel?  What’s A Treehouse Hotel?  In Costa Rica, treehouse hotels […]

Costa Rica Pink Sand Beaches

Pink sand beaches are wondrous sights to behold. Did you know Costa Rica is home to three?  Discover why they’re pink, and which ones you might want to visit yourself.  Which Beaches In Costa Rica Have Pink Sand? Three beaches in Costa Rica have gained international acclaim for their picturesque pink sands.  1. Isla Rosada […]

Sharks In Costa Rica

If you’re a fan of marine wildlife, you might’ve seen the headlines about an exciting recent discovery.  “Fishermen Pulled In an Orange Shark Off Costa Rica: ‘My God, What Is This?’” — The New York Times “This bright orange shark has shocked and delighted scientists.” — CBC “In 2025, Orange is the New Shark.” — […]

What Does Pura Vida Mean?

If you visit Costa Rica, it’s likely you’ll hear the phrase as soon as you arrive: “Pura vida!”  To an outsider, it can seem like a sort of catch-all phrase. Costa Ricans use it as a greeting, akin to “Good morning!” It can be a conversational transition, or even a goodbye.  Once you start paying […]

Syncretic Catholic-Indigenous Traditions of Peru

Peru’s culture weaves together languages, religious practices, and holidays with diverse origins. As Spain conquered the Inca and took over Peru, Jesuit and Dominican missionaries brought Catholicism to the country.  Many Peruvians converted to the new religion. But, rather than discard their earlier traditions, native Peruvians instead integrated Catholic beliefs and practices into their indigenous […]

Quick Guide To Seasons In Peru

As any “seasoned” traveler can tell you, seasons can shape everything from warmth to resort prices. In this bite-size guide, learn about Peru’s three seasons and the impact each one has on the country’s three major regions.  Peruvian Seasons (Overview) Peruvian seasons can be loosely divided into cool, dry winters and warm, rainy summers. However, […]

Smart Traveler’s Guide To Tipping In Peru

Peru’s tipping culture centers on rewarding exceptional service. Tips can also supplement low base income for workers in informal sectors. Yet, they aren’t as socially mandatory as they are in countries like the United States.  In this guide, learn the ins and outs of tipping in Peru. Tipping In Peru FAQs 1. Do You Tip […]

Tipping Culture In Colombia

Like every money-related issue, tipping can be fraught.  In the U.S., about 4.3 million people are employed in tipped wage jobs, while roughly 23 million people are gig workers: contractors on platforms “gig” platforms who often accept tips.  Yet, tipped work isn’t as commonplace in all countries and cultures. As a traveler, it’s wise to […]

Ultimate Guide to Outlets In Peru

Electrical outlets and currents vary from country to country. In this guide, learn about the electrical system in Peru, Peruvian outlets, and how to adapt when visiting from another country.  What Is The Most Common Peru Outlet Type? The International Electrotechnical Commission publishes a standard system of electrical outlets, to make it easier to identify […]

Ceviche, The Ultimate Peruvian Dish

In 2023, UNESCO officially inscribed “ceviche” on The Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The list names cultural traditions and arts important to humanity’s heritage—those worth protecting and preserving on an international level. The inscription defines ceviche as, “a traditional dish in Peru prepared with raw fish marinated in lemon, seasoned with […]