Everyone who travels knows that the airlines are mess right now. But when you go through all that (I’ll spare you the grisly details) & still have no regrets you know it is worth any trial or tribulation to get to Experience the Beauty & Wonder of “La Pura Vida” Costa Rica.
It’s the Beauty, The Culture, The People living the simple life, “La Pura Vida” that no other place can rival. Cacao & coffee farms (is there a better combo?), waterfalls so majestic they take your breath away, volcanos, beaches, sea turtles, MONKEYS!, tarantulas (Oh My!), rolling hills, mountains, hiking galore & much more. & I didn’t even mention the FOOD…THE FOOD!! OMG!! La Pura Vida has everything!
So here’s what I know….
There are many fabulous places to visit but Costa Rica is worth your time.
You could easily spend way more than a week…but keep in mind…
- If you are up for an adventure & by adventure I mean willing to transverse winding roads w/ steep drop-offs (keep in mind you will also see some of the most beautiful landscapes ever!), Rent A Car. BUT, do not underestimate how much time it will take to get from here to there…the road infrastructure is not the best. & expect delays. There are other ways to get around: we saw a lot of tour buses
- Your Credit Card will work & the American Dollar works at most places. The Colon is the official currency of Costa Rica. Even though the colon exchange rate works in our favor (see official exchange rate as it changes on a daily basis) Costa Rica is NOT Cheap. It costs to get into all the different parks & attractions.
- There is a Rainy Season but don’t think this is necessarily a bad time to visit. We visited in July during the rainy season & did not encounter the crowds you see during peak season. Most importantly our trip was not ruined by rain. We got to see & do everything we wanted! NOTE: It is rainy in the “RAIN”Forest (what do you expect?;)! Expect this & have your rain jacket. Set expectations accordingly.
- There are 2 main airports…San Jose & Liberia. We flew into Liberia as we really wanted to visit Nosara (laid-back surf beach town very close to a wildlife refuge where you can see the sea turtles during “La Arribada” (“the arrival” more about this later!). I recommend deciding where you want to go & then deciding the best airport b/c it, again, takes a lot of time to get from here to there. (NOTE: you can also see sea turtles on the Caribbean side. Nosara is located on the Pacific side of Costa Rica.)
- BEST TIP: When you travel you want to make the MOST of it. I always buy a map…figure out where I want to go & figure out what it’s gonna take to do it. How much time you need, etc. I use Dry Erase markers. (P.S. The dogs even like to help too.)
Now, let’s talk about where we went….
First stop, La Fortuna!
La Fortuna is home to the Arenal Volcano. This is a majestic mountain peak volcano & visible from almost any vantage point in the town of La Fortuna. It borders on the edge of Lake Arenal & is also home to multiple natural Hot Springs, multiple waterfall hiking trails with hanging bridges, zip lining, night hiking tours (to spot wildlife), canyoning tours, etc. This is the perfect place to go if you have kids & want activities galore!! It was a little too “touristy” for me but we loved Mistico Hanging Bridges & La Fortuna Waterfall!
P.S. We missed part of our journey! I promised not to get into my “airline trials & tribulations” but would be remiss to mention that a great stop over from Liberia Airport on the way to La Fortuna is the Rio Celeste Waterfall (the bluest, most turquoise waters) & getting to see a full operating Cacao Farm & make your own chocolate at La Finca Armistad, https://www.finca-amistad.com/en/home-english/
La Fortuna is about 2.5-3 hours from Liberia airport & Rio Celeste Waterfall & the chocolate farm are 1 hour right on the way! This is a great way to split up your trip & start your adventures early!
Second Stop, Monteverde “The Cloud Forest”…
This was one of my favorite adventures. It does take a good 3-4 hours to get there but the scenery on the way is breathe-taking up & down the verdant mountains. Please Note: that this drive is not for the faint of heart & it very twisty up & down mountains. Switchbacks are common. If you are up for it, it is totally worth it!!
There are many stops along the road….we stopped for a bite a roadside restaurant that was really a home. There were 2 generations of family there…w/ the grandpa entertaining us (he did not speak any English but was oh so kind & used Google Translator so we could communicate) while the grandmother was in the kitchen cooking. All the while we were entertained by their 3 year old grandson.
At one point, the grandfather asked to show us something from our hometown of Ohio in his barn. Low & behold he had 2 Sugar Cane Presses made in Hillsboro, OH & proceeded to chop down sugar cane & press into liquid to make us Limeades (freshly squeezed lime juice, freshly pressed cane syrup, freshly pressed ginger & even a little moonshine in mine). 2 people needed to turn the machine crank manually to press out the cane syrup. WOW! It was Beyond Fresh, Tangy & just the right amount of Sweet!
Our first night in Monteverde we ate at Taco Taco (very good) in the town of Monteverde & did the Night Tour with Monteverde Night Tours, https://monteverdetours.com/night-hike-monteverde.html
I’m not much for having a tour guide. My family & I typically want to go at our pace & can get bored BUT this was worth it! Our guide had been doing these tours for 16 years & was SO…..knowledgeable! He knew exactly what to look for & how to find all the creatures. I don’t think I would have spotted 1 without him! We saw: a tarantula, rainbow toucan, poisonous dart frog, walking sticks, snakes, several different types of caterpillars, spiders, leaf cutters, etc. I did not get bored at all!!
The next day we did El Tigre Hike which is about 5 miles & features 4 big waterfalls & about 10 waterfals all together + 9 hanging bridges! This is arguably the best hike in Monteverde!
The day we sat out the rain was a steady downpour….& I was not that happy about it. It is also quite a bit cooler in Monteverde b/c of the higher elevation in the Cloud Forest. BUT, wow! Am I glad I went! First off you are in the “Rain”Forest so it’s gonna rain but the canopy of trees is so lush that you get wet but know nothing of the “steady downpour” going on in the open areas. Yes bring your rain jacket…you’re in a Rain Forest, but the rain was not on my radar. There are too many beautiful sights around you to care. I was in awe of all & love the “Weeping Walls” (common in rain forests).
NOTE: It is important to dress appropriately for the weather! Bring your rain jacket w/ a hood & hiking shoes. The trails can be muddy as well so be aware. Have your expectations set accordingly & dressing appropriately can help alleviate any issues.
Next Up….Canyoning,….for the super adventurous of souls & those who don’t mind getting VERY WET…
I have to admit I suited up for this adventure & thought I may get a little wet but would wear my rain jacket & be just fine. Boy was I wrong! The guides (who were the friendliest of people ever!) told us not to bother w/ rain jackets as the water would go inside & be everywhere. Upon seeing everyone go down the first “small” waterfall…I was OUT! I did not want water pouring in my face over my whole body BUT my whole crew did & were elated when they were done! This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that you feel a sense of accomplishment when done. & check out the pics!
NOTE: This is an authentic Costa Rican experience w/ guides that are SO knowledgeable, down to earth & possess that “Pura Vida” vibe that Costa Rica is known for. The guide patiently walked me back up after I “chickened out” only after I watched him be the “hype man” & provide detailed instructions, & encouragement to everyone. It was evident that they truly enjoy every moment & grow up climbing up & down waterfalls & enjoying all that Costa Rican nature has to offer. https://www.familiabrenestours.com/es/tour/canyoning-monteverde-costa-rica/
The next day we did one of the Santa Elena Cloud Forest hikes…there are 6 of varying lengths to choose from. It again was wet but again you are in the “Rain”Forest. There are 3 Cloud Forests in Monteverde & this is the less touristy of the 3…the others have more activities like zip-lining, etc. To me this was the most authentic rain forest experience. The flora & fauna was completely different than what I had already seen. It was about the rain forest w/o a lot of the other bells & whistles like waterfalls & hanging bridges.
Lastly, we stopped at Colibri Café (Hummingbird Café) on our way out to our beach adventures in Nosara. My husband was a little peeved as there was not a lot of parking w/ cars lining up & down the dirt gravel roads….he dropped us off & had to find a spot to park.
Upon entering the café area & seeing all the hummingbirds buzzing around everywhere I could see that he couldn’t help but to smile & wander….his mood lifted. I have never seen so many hummingbirds in one place & it is worth the stop AND the parking. The café has drinks (coffees, chocolates, etc) & light pastries (quiches, etc) but the real draw are the Hummingbirds!!
Next Up….Nosara….known as a laid-back Surf Town
It is about 2-3 hours to Nosara on the Pacific Ocean. This town boasts beautiful beaches, sunsets & great surfing & yoga. The town of Nosara in quite charming w/ a lot of laid-back beach eats, & again hotels that cater to surfers & yogis.
I recommend taking a surf lesson & doing some yoga if that is your thing. There are a lot of places to get a surf lesson. I did yoga at Bodhi Tree Resort & was honestly mad that I did not stay here. The resort is beautiful with a wonderful laid-back vibe. I do yoga on all my travels & this one was special.
We also had wonderful food at Luv Burger (vegan), La Luna (best for sunset), 10 Pies & Fish Bar (casual fresh seafood).
While walking the streets of Nosara we witnessed a band (10+!!) monkeys w/ babies hanging out in the trees, doing their thing….it was crazy and beautiful.
Nosara is also only 15 minutes away from Ostional Wildlife Refuge where you can see the “Arribata” arrival of the sea turtles. This adventure required us to meet our guide (you can not enter Ostional w/o a guide) at 4:30am in the lobby of our hotel for the 15 minute drive over. I was skeptical….as I like my sleep! I could not be happier that I dragged myself out of bed…this is an experience like no other! We saw the mother turtles digging their holes to lay their eggs, laying their eggs (about 5 of every 100 each mother lays survives), burying the eggs & then going back out to sea.
This is something I will never forget….Costa Rica I will be back. A country of unparalleled beauty of which I barely scratched the surface.
Te Amo Siempre Costa Rica,
Kelli
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Disclaimer: Only my true opinions will be given.
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