Costa Rica might be the perfect tropical getaway, filled with nature, beautiful beaches, adventure, and sloths!
Places Visited: San Jose Monteverde Tamarindo La Fortuna Santa Teresa
Packing for Monteverde, Costa Rica isn’t like packing for destinations in the tropical country. Its inland location and higher elevation creates the stunning cloud forest but it also makes for cooler evenings and wetter days. Pack prepared!
From ziplines and cloud forest walks to coffee tours and sloths, these are the best ways to spend 3 days in Monteverde, Costa Rica
Picture lush green jungles clouded in mist, an abundance of cool wildlife, and the chance to satisfy both the nature lover and the adrenaline junkie in you in one geographic area – that’s Monteverde, Costa Rica. Here’s my guide to the best things to do in the region.
If you’re dreaming Costa Rica dreams, what more could you ask for than endless wildlife, jungles, and beautiful architecture that feels at one with nature. From a stunning historic villa to treehouses here are some of the coolest AirBnBs in Monteverde, Costa Rica.
If you’re dreaming Costa Rica dreams, what more could you ask for than infinity pools, hammocks, ocean views, and beautiful architecture that feels at one with nature. From a stunning personal resort to cozy villas here are some of the coolest AirBnBs in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica.
You just hit Complete Purchase on plane tickets to Costa Rica. Congrats! You’re going to love it! I’ve been to the beautiful little Central American country twice and had amazing experiences both times. But knowing what to pack for Costa Rica can be tricky. Using my 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 packing list method, I’ve put together a guide to help you cover all your activities with style.
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica is mainly known for one thing: surfing. But what if you’re not into surfing? Should you still visit? Sure! There’s still plenty of cool things to do in Santa Teresa that aren’t surfing.
Costa Rica is a great place to relax. It encourages you to slow down and appreciate your surroundings. To enjoy the little things. To go with the flow. But Santa Teresa takes it to a whole other level. For me, it was the town that was all flow, no go.
I have to admit, I wasn’t all that enthused about spending time in San Jose, Costa Rica. I hadn’t heard great things about the capital. I only saw my afternoon there as time that I wasn’t on the beach. But in the end I discovered some cool things and now I actually would like to go back for another visit.
A spider monkey I am not. They run up and down tree limbs with ease, swooping from one branch to another. Meanwhile, I huff and puff and awkwardly hoist myself from one climbing hold to another. I have the upper body strength of a T-Rex but yet seem to prefer to try to pull myself up the tree rather than push myself with my legs. Knowing this, I still signed up to take a go at the Arboreal Climbing Park at Sky Adventures in Monteverde, Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is a stunning country with a lot to offer visitors from a wide range of wildlife to beautiful scenery, pristine beaches to countless adventure opportunities. Despite being located in Central America, don’t expect prices like nearby countries like Nicaragua. Prices often reflect their mature tourism industry and infrastructure. That being said, you can still find some great deals in the tropical paradise.
I wasn’t planning on travelling this winter/spring. I really wasn’t. I told all my friends as much. I made plans for how I’d squirrel away money instead to pad up my savings account. I tried to find ways to convince myself that seeing a slowly growing account would be just as thrilling as tropical adventures. But then came the seat sales.
It’s no secret that Valentine’s Day and I don’t get along. We started off ok, then hit some major bumpy spots. We mostly just exist separately these days. But this year I thought I would make the world my Valentine and write some love letters to all the places I’ve loved before.
It’s been over a year since I was in Costa Rica. On my first morning there I discovered a dish that I now refer to as “breakfast candy” – fried plantains. Starchier than bananas they were sweet and almost melted in my mouth when cooked. I could’ve happily eaten them with gallo pinto, pineapple and coffee every morning for breakfast. What’s been your favourite food discovery while travelling?
This was the view I was greeted with each morning when I opened the door of my room at the Hotel Flores in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. A little oasis among dusty roads. I spent a few hours by the pool trying to get the hang of this “relaxing” thing. I liked the fact that it’s small – only eight rooms – and I would happily stay here again when in Tamarindo. I’ve been longing for Costa Rica lately. I think the cold, wet, North Atlantic winter has something to do with that.
The Arenal Volcano was one of my favourite places I visited this year. It is still listed as an active volcano located in La Fortuna, Costa Rica but it hasn’t spewed any lava in over a year now. In 1968 it erupted violently and unexpectedly, destroying the town of Tabacón and killing 87 people in the process. While the volcano is the reason many tourists visit the area it now boasts a number of other activities including whitewater rafting, zip line/canopy tours, wildlife viewing, hot springs, waterfall rapelling, hiking, caving, and horseback riding.
2012 was another year full of travel. I visited five new countries and even circumnavigated the globe like a boss. I pushed my limits and had some incredible experiences. I worked on learning some new languages and tried lots of great new foods. I can’t wait to see what 2013 will have in store for me.
Paddle, paddle, paddle. Push up. Plant left foot. Plant right foot. Stand up. Oh my god I’m actually doing it… I’m surfing! After proudly hopping off the board in the knee-deep water I looked around expectantly to see who had seen and recognized my brief moment of glory and triumph. Not a bloody soul. Solo travel sucks sometimes. Surfing was something I just had to try while in Costa Rica. Like a good romance, despite some initial frustrations I stuck with it and now I’m hooked.
I knew right away that I’d made a good choice of hotel in La Fortuna when the van pulled up to the entrance and I was immediately greeted with a fizzy mock-tail of delicious tropical juices and a big smile, while someone took my bags. With free wifi, a full restaurant, spa and three bars I knew my needs would be taken care of but it was the private hot springs I was really looking forward to. If you’re traveling to the Arenal Volcano area of Costa Rica and want to feel relaxed and pampered, the Hotel Royal Corin will delight and treat you well.
This week’s photo is actually my first ever video recap. I spent 10 days in Costa Rica in March 2012 and these are a few of the things I saw and did.
Ever wanted to swing through the forest, hopping from tree to tree like an over sized flying squirrel? Zip lining is probably the closest you’ll get to that feeling. The Original Canopy Tour boasts itself to be the original company to offer zipline tours and have been thrilling people for almost 20 years. I had my choice of quite a few outfits while in Costa Rica but I figured, when in doubt, go with the originals!
