hola {{first_name}} , pura vida?!
first of all, thank you for being here!
welcome to a space created
for those who are curious
about Costa Rica beyond the
travel guides and postcards.
I truly appreciate you taking
the time to share this moment
with me
with love,
ERIKA LOBO
A LETTER FROM ERIKA
this magazine was born from a simple idea: to share the country's stories, culture, remarkable places, inspiring people, and everyday moments that make Costa Rica such an extraordinary place to experience.
whether you already call Costa Rica home, are planning your next visit, considering a new chapter here, or simply enjoy discovering the world through thoughtful storytelling, I hope this leave you feeling informed, inspired, and a little more connected to this beautiful country.
every edition is thoughtfully curated with the hope that you'll discover something new—whether it's a hidden location, a local business, an inspiring story, or simply a different way of seeing Costa Rica.
FEATURE STORY: How Curiosity Has Shaped My Life
Born in San Ramón, Alajuela. The land of poets in Costa Rica. I've called Guanacaste home since 2014. As many of you know, I started Tico Be Like in 2020, during the pandemic, and ever since, I've had the privilege of working with foreigners and expats from all over the world as they begin a new chapter of their lives here in Costa Rica.
But curiosity has always pushed me a little, and sometimes a lot further.
In 2023, I moved to Mérida, México to immerse myself in Mexican and Mayan culture in the Yucatán Peninsula and better understand the language, local expressions, local culture, and everyday life. I didn't go alone —I packed up my life together with my beloved belgian malinois, an awesome boy called Zenko, and my adventurous cat, Rajah (yes, named after princess jasmine's tiger!).
In 2024, I took my very first solo-trip to Europe to spend my birthday and experience snow for the first time in the Swiss Alps. But, what was supposed to be a short vacation unexpectedly became one of the biggest adventures of my life when I ended up moving to Dubai, UAE with no plans and nothing more than a carry-on suitcase full of winter clothes and a handbag.
I had the opportunity to put myself in the shoes of the people I had spent years helping—those who leave everything behind to start over in a completely different country, culture, language, and perhaps even religion. So, I took the chance, and looking back, I can say it was one of the most rewarding and unexpected adventures of my life.
In 2025, life brought me back to Costa Rica, and I once again found myself calling Costa Rica’s Gold Coast home, where new doors opened for me to begin a career in luxury real estate with Wendy Stoneham and a company called Luxury Properties Costa Rica.
Looking back, I realize that every move, every challenge, and every country has shaped not only my life, but also the vision behind Tico Be Like. This magazine is the next chapter of that journey, and over the coming months I'll be sharing more of those stories—and much more about Costa Rica and its people—one letter at a time.
There's so much more to share!
Curiosity has taken me across continents —yet Costa Rica has always been home
Conchal Beach, Guanacaste
Conchal Beach, Guanacaste
Playa Conchal, Guanacaste
Famous for its shimmering shoreline made of millions of crushed seashells, Playa Conchal is one of Costa Rica's most breathtaking beaches—and for good reason. Its calm turquoise waters make it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, or simply spending a relaxing day by the ocean.
Despite its popularity and the stunning sunsets, Playa Conchal still offers moments of tranquility, especially in the early morning. Whether you're visiting for the first time or returning once again, it's one of those places that never loses its magic.
Editor's Tip: Access Playa Conchal from Brasilito and enjoy a scenic 10-minute walk along the beach. Visit during low tide for an easier stroll across the shells, and don't forget your snorkeling gear—you may spot colorful tropical fish just a few meters from the shore.
THE LOCAL EDIT: Convenient and thoughtfully curated
Patagonia del Mar | Playa Brasilito, Guanacaste
Patagonia del Mar Restaurant
Fresh seafood, ocean views, and a relaxed atmosphere make Patagonia del Mar one of my favorite spots in Playa Brasilito, right next to Playa Conchal.
Whether you're stopping by for breakfast before your beach walk, a leisurely lunch after a morning by the ocean, or dinner at sunset, it's the kind of place where exceptional food and Costa Rica's laid-back lifestyle come together beautifully.
Known for its fresh seafood, premium cuts of meat, handcrafted cocktails, and warm hospitality, it's a destination well worth adding to your itinerary while exploring the Gold Coast.
Editor's Tip: Request a table overlooking the ocean, enjoy one of the area's most beautiful sunsets, and take advantage of complimentary pool access while dining.
THROUGH MY LENS: Costa Rica, one frame at a time
Before we part ways,
here are a few moments that caught my eye this month:)
Sunset over Conchal
Conchal from Above
Beyond Conchal
TICO BE LIKE PROGRAM
Helping foreigners design a safe, connected and fulfilling life in Costa Rica.
Moving to a new country is about much more than finding a home —it's about finding your real place.
Tico Be Like is a methodology I created to help foreigners navigate life in Costa Rica with confidence —like a local, or Even Better!
Through local insights, trusted recommendations, cultural guidance and years of firsthand experience, my goal is to help you feel at home even long before you unpack your last box.
Brasilito, Guanacaste
Giving back to the locals,
—one conversation at a time.
Every Saturday, children from
our local community Brasilito
in Guanacaste, come together
to learn and practice English
through conversation, games,
and cultural exchange.
APOYANDO COSTA RICA
The Tico be Like community, is proud to sponsor the Little Bees Program in collaboration with Sagamore Hill Broadcasting LLC because we believe something simple yet very powerful: learning a language opens infinitive amount of doors.
In fact, it opens a new world!
By building confidence, curiosity, and meaningful connections from an early age, we're helping local kids from Pre-K to 6th Grade have tools and prepare for better opportunities.
I personally invite you to learn more about this heartfelt initiative and, if it resonates with you, please consider supporting it by donating.
I’ll be more than happy to give you more information about it because together, we can help create brighter futures for children in Costa Rica just —one conversation at a time.
“The more I explore the world, the more I appreciate calling Costa Rica home”
— ERIKA LOBO
I’d love to hear from you!
ERIKA LOBO
📲 +506 7263 0425
📩 [email protected]
🌐 www.ticobelike.com
📍Guanacaste, Costa Rica