Carlos Mendez
Costa Rica & Panama Specialist
Carlos Mendez is a Costa Rican hospitality consultant and travel writer who has spent over 15 years evaluating hotels across Costa Rica and Panama. A former hotel manager, he brings insider knowledge of what makes a great stay in the region.
Coverage Countries
Recent Work
Best Time to Visit Costa Rica: Seasons, Weather & Travel Tips
Discover the ideal time to visit Costa Rica based on weather, wildlife, surfing conditions, and hotel prices across different regions.
PanamaBest Time to Visit Panama: Weather, Festivals & Seasonal Guide
Find out when to visit Panama for the best weather, lowest prices, and top experiences from the canal to Bocas del Toro.
Costa RicaCosta Rica Travel Budget Guide: What Things Really Cost in 2026
Real costs for traveling in Costa Rica including hotels, tours, food, and rental cars. Budget tips for every travel style.
PanamaPanama Travel Budget Guide: Costs, Tips & How to Save Money
Complete guide to Panama travel costs from Panama City to Bocas del Toro. Daily budgets, transport costs, and insider money-saving tips.
PanamaFinca Lérida Coffee Plantation & Boutique Hotel - Cloud Forest Retreat in Boquete
Stay at Finca Lérida in Boquete, Panama — a historic coffee plantation turned boutique hotel. Bird watching, coffee tours, cloud forest hiking, and highland charm.
Costa RicaHotel Punta Islita - Art-Infused Luxury on Guanacaste's Secluded Coast
Discover Hotel Punta Islita, a 5-star Autograph Collection resort in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Infinity pool, art village, beach club & canopy tours.
Costa RicaHotel & Spa Quelitales - A Cloud Forest Sanctuary in Costa Rica's Highlands
Discover Hotel & Spa Quelitales, a charming eco-lodge in Cartago's cloud forest. Organic gardens, volcanic spa, birdwatching & coffee tours await you.
PanamaIslas Secas Reserve & Lodge - Ultra-Exclusive Private Island Paradise in Panama
Experience Islas Secas Reserve & Lodge, an ultra-exclusive eco-lodge on a private island archipelago in Panama's Gulf of Chiriquí. Maximum 18 guests.
Costa RicaKura Design Villas - Ultra-Luxury Above the Jungle Canopy
Discover Kura Design Villas in Uvita, Costa Rica. Adults-only boutique hotel with infinity pools, whale tail views & world-class design in the South Pacific.
Costa RicaLapa Rios Lodge - Premier Eco-Lodge on Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula
Stay at Lapa Rios Lodge, a National Geographic-recognized 5-star eco-lodge on the Osa Peninsula with rainforest bungalows and incredible wildlife.
Costa RicaTabacón Thermal Resort & Spa - Where Volcanic Waters Meet Tropical Paradise
Experience Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa at Arenal Volcano. Natural hot springs, lush gardens, world-class spa & fine dining in Costa Rica's iconic resort.
PanamaThe Bristol Panama - Timeless Elegance in the Heart of Panama City
Discover The Bristol Panama, a 5-star boutique hotel in Panama City's financial district. English colonial charm, world-class dining at Salsipuedes, and impeccable service.