Travel Destination – Costa Rica
Have you ever heard about the expression Pura Vida? It means simple life but it is more a way of life in Costa Rica. Costa Ricans use this term to say hello, goodbye, and cool things. If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica, this is exactly what you will experience there.
Any time of the year could be a good time to visit Costa Rica whatever you are seeking to do during your stay. We chose the dry season, which runs from November through April as the humidity during the rainy season is much more pronounced there. Our focus was relaxation, nature, and gastronomy. We organized our itinerary to be able to visit San Jose, La Fortuna, Monteverde, Santa Elena, and Quepos within a week.
Among the top ten destinations on the rise in 2018 according to TripAdvisor, San Jose ranks number 6! That being said, many travelers to Costa Rica won’t spend time in San Jose because they are too excited to explore the wildlife, the beaches, and the volcanoes. Even if San Jose is not the top destination on your list, we recommend staying at least two days in the vibrant capital.
Packed with some graceful neoclassical and Spanish-colonial architecture, San Jose is a pleasure for the eyes! Booking a central location hotel will allow you to be at the heart of the action. If you spend the weekend in San Jose, do not hesitate to visit the MADC (Museo de Arte y Diseño Contemporáneo) which strives to represent local art, and also presents an outstanding international work. Go to the Mercado Central and try fresh roasted local beans. Walk along the Avenida and the Calle Central where you will find many shops, feel the vibe of the city, and meet locals.
If you are looking for a vegan casual restaurant, we have an excellent suggestion. The name does not sound Costa Rican but LuvBurger is a new and wonderful plant-based franchise offering healthy and tasty food. You should absolutely try one of the following: the avocado toast, the LuvBurger Tacos, or the LuvBurger Tropical.
From San Jose, it will take you at least 3 hours and a half to reach the small village of La Fortuna. The drive into the Arenal area is spectacular but pay attention to the road and watch for potholes and rocks. We choose to rent a SUV to make the drive easier. Alternatively, if you have more time, taking the bus is a cheaper option. No matter what you prefer, plenty of adventure awaits you at the Arenal Volcano: hiking, biking, riding, zip lining, and much more.
During the high season, it is recommended to book your activity online in advance. Trekking through the forest at the Arenal National Park and hiking at the Catarata Rio Fortuna (La Fortuna Waterfall) are two must do. Then, you can relax your body into a volcano-heated pool. Although we were staying at the Hotel Arenal Paraiso which has 13 thermal water pools, we spent a quietness afternoon at the Hotel Paradise Hot Springs to make the most of our stay in La Fortuna.
Santa Elena and Monteverde are the sanctuaries of the ecotourism. In addition to the Cloud Forest, there are many attractions around to experience the wildlife. Also, both villages are packed with friendly farmstays and mountain lodges from affordable to luxurious. We explored the Cloud Forest at Santa Elena with two activities offer by Sky Adventures. The first one is SkyTram, a cable car that floats over the Cloud Forest. On a clear day, you can see from the volcanoes in the east to the Pacific in the west.
If you have ever wanted to cross a suspended bridge like Indiana Jones, you should definitely try the SkyWalk guided tour. During this 2 km trail, you will cross five suspended bridges, observe fauna and flora, and have fun! Once you come back on the ground, make a stop at the butterfly garden in Monteverde. The guide will introduce you to more than 40 species including the famous Blue Morpho. Before leaving the area, we suggest visiting the Don Juan Coffee plantation. During the guided tour, you will learn about how coffee is produced, sugar cane is processed, and how cocoa beans are transformed into irresistible chocolate. Sounds delicious, doesn’t it?
Costa Rican gastronomy is quite diverse but you can’t leave the country without having a taste of a Casado! This is a traditional Costa Rican dish made of rice, black beans, plantains, meat, and a green salad. This exquisite meal gives you a taste of the Costa Rican cuisine, which is influenced by African, Spanish and indigenous cultures. Most of the restaurants have vegetarian Casado and vegan options are also available, just ask if not listed on the menu.
Our last stop was the city of Quepos located in the Puntarenas province of the Pacific coast. What really brought us there were the beaches of the Manuel Antonio National Park. Do not miss the Playa Manuel Antonio with its turquoise water; this beach is amazing for swimming but you have to arrive there early to avoid the crowd! Moreover, pay attention to your belongings because monkeys like to play with them.
We had a really great time in Costa Rica, and the key to enjoy your stay is to prepare your itinerary because there is so much to do and so little time! Please visit our Instagram for more pictures and tips about Costa Rica. Pura Vida 🙂
