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 Dive Resorts in Roatán, Honduras (2026 Guide)
Find the best dive resorts in Roatán, Honduras. From all-inclusive dive packages to boutique beachfront hotels on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
HondurasRoatán Diving Guide 2026: Best Dive Sites, Operators, and Tips for the Bay Islands
Complete guide to scuba diving in Roatán, Honduras. Discover the best dive sites on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, top dive operators, certifications, and practical tips for 2026.
Costa RicaBest 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.