Costa Rica Deep Dive: Experiencing Pura Vida in the Jewel of Central America
Nestled in the heart of Central America, Costa Rica is both an adventure travel and eco-tourism capital. Staying true to its national motto, pura vida, which translates simply to “pure life”, this tiny country has a diverse landscape filled with epic volcanoes, stunning beaches and incredible wildlife. Add in some thrilling activities – like ziplining through the jungle and white-water rafting along pristine rivers – to make your Costa Rica vacation unforgettable! and you’ll soon understand why so many travelers call this country the jewel of Central America.
Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Read on to discover why this tropical gem is known as the crown jewel of Central America.
Land of Pure Vida
I got the chance to visit the land of Pura Vida on a belated honeymoon with my wife last spring. My expectations for Costa Rica were high given my previously amazing travel experiences through the rest of Central America. As a self-admitted bird-nerd, avid surfer and die-hard hiker, I was optimistic that this trip would check all of my personal favorite boxes. Fortunately, I was right!
Getting to Costa Rica is easier than ever, with nonstop flights to San José, the capital, from major U.S. cities like Atlanta, Miami, New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and Denver. MT Sobek’s Costa Rica Tortuguero, Pacuare & Arenal Multi-Adventure Tour begins and ends in San Jose, making it a great starting point for any adventure.
After arriving in the capital city of San Jose, we quickly made our way west toward the lush forests of Arenal and the shimmering blue waters of the Pacific. We decided to break up our leisurely road trip with a few stops to better soak up some of the sights, sounds and smells en route to our destination, the world-famous, volcano-fed Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa.
Coffee Culture
First on our list was Hacienda Doka, a coffee farm located in nearby Alajuela, for some delicious local brew. After sampling a few of the incredible varieties that Costa Rica is famous for (including the rare and much sought after Peaberry coffee), we took our steaming cups of freshly made joe and set out along a narrow path to wander the hacienda’s incredible grounds.
Filled with the chirping of brightly colored birds, including the rarely seen toucan, as well as the hum of the surrounding tropical forest, we found ourselves gazing out over a sea of green towards the impressive skyline of San Jose. After finishing our loop (and filling up our reusable mugs with one more round of delicious java for the road) we continued west towards our next stop, La Paz Waterfall Gardens.
Ecological Paradise
A must-see on any wildlife-lovers tour of Costa Rica, La Paz Waterfall Gardens Nature Park is the largest animal sanctuary in Costa Rica with over 100 species of animals and 3.5 kilometers of hiking trails through cloud forest. In addition to the 5 stunning waterfalls that run through the park, you can see sloths, monkeys, hummingbirds, snakes, frogs and sometimes a jaguar or puma if you’re lucky! There is even an entire sanctuary dedicated to butterflies where you can get up close and personal with hundreds of these winged creatures, including the magnificent morpho butterfly. The iridescent morpho is among the largest butterflies in the world, with a wingspan that can reach up to 8 inches!
The Most Important Meal of the Day
Rising early the next morning to the sounds of monkeys searching for food in the nearby branches, we listened to our own rumbling bellies and made our way to breakfast. This meal is somewhat of a specialty in Costa Rica. Gallo Pinto is often called the country’s national dish. Built around rice and beans and flavored with onions, peppers, herbs, spices and special sauce, this heaven-sent combination is both delicious and healthy. Translated to “spotted rooster,” gallo pinto gets its name from the speckled appearance of the dish and is often called the heart and soul of Costa Rica.
Jungle Express and Sky Adventures
Fueled up and ready for action, we headed to Sky Adventures, a nearby zip-lining facility with incredible views of Lake Arenal. After getting our gear and meeting our guides, we proceeded up into the trees via gondola for the first of our 8 ziplines. These “jungle expresses” as our guides liked to call them, were both adrenaline-pumping and also stunning. Zooming through the forest canopy at 20+ miles per hour was an unforgettable experience that I will certainly try to repeat soon!
Ultimate Relaxation
Following our action-packed morning, we decided to shift to relaxation mode for the rest of the day and soak in the nearby thermal hot springs. With temperatures ranging from 72 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the mineral-infused waters, heated underground by the nearby volcano were exquisite. The huge network of naturally flowing thermal springs was a playground of rejuvenation, which we thoroughly enjoyed for the rest of the evening.
Hanging Bridges Surprise
Saying goodbye to the amazing steaming thermal waters, we made our way south towards the second stop on our whirlwind trip, Manuel Antonio National Park. En route, we decided to take the advice of one of our favorite local Ticos, the term used for a native Costa Rican, and visit Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges.
In addition to crossing 6 hanging bridges, each of which swayed over 60 feet above untamed tropical rainforest, we enjoyed a plethora of animal sightings on our self-guided tour of the 3.5km jungle trail. In addition to a peccary, which looks similar to a warthog, we saw monkeys, a variety of tropical birds and reptiles, including a massive green iguana and a vibrant neon pit viper! Fortunately, we had fair warning on the snake from a friendly local guide.
Beach Bound
Following another delicious lunch, we angled southward along the coast. Arriving just in time for sunset (and a surprise sloth sighting in one of the hotel tree’s massive branches), we found ourselves a patch of sand, clinked our ice cold cervezas and smiled as the warm breeze and the setting sun kissed our faces goodnight.
Swell Morning
For most, awakening to crashing waves can be somewhat unnerving. For me, it’s exhilarating. Following another delicious fruit-juice and salsa-filled breakfast, served by our lovely local hosts, my first question (after I finished chewing) was, “Where can we get our hands on some surfboards?” Fortunately for me, the answer was “Go see Pedro 5 minutes’ walk down the beach!” Seeing the circle of surfboards nestled up against the surrounding palm trees made my heart race with excitement.
After selecting my board of choice, a nice, fat blue one, we paddled out into the warm turquoise waters for 3 hours of uninterrupted magic. Fortunately for us, the waves were big enough to be fun, but little enough to be mellow – the perfect combination for an adventurous vacation. Following a post-surf coconut water (sipped directly out of a fresh coconut), we set waved goodbye to our new wave-loving friends and headed back to San Jose to catch our flight home.
Best MT Sobek Costa Rica Adventures
Costa Rica Tortuguero, Pacuare & Arenal Multi-Adventure Tour
Discover the jewel of Central America on this action-packed adventure with magical nights deep in the rainforest. Kayak the jungle waterways of remote Tortuguero National Park, raft the thrilling Río Pacuare, hike the lava fields of Arenal Volcano National Park, and enjoy a stay at the award-winning Rios Lodge. Spot monkeys, sloths, and even jaguars in this tropical utopia—an unforgettable blend of adventure and natural beauty awaits!
Costa Rica Coast to Coast Hiking Tour
Discover the hidden gems of Costa Rica on an epic coast to coast trek, from the Caribbean to the Pacific. Dubbed the “Camino de Costa Rica,” this newly developed trail covers some 174 miles in total; we’ve crafted an MT Sobek exclusive 10-day itinerary that combines the best 40 miles of the route with comfortable, unique lodgings along the way, capping it off with a final day at leisure on the idyllic beaches of the Pacific Coast. More than a hiking adventure, it’s a deep dive into vibrant local communities, enchanting wildlife and ecosystems, and rural traditions.
No Regrets from the Land of Pura Vida
As we sat waiting in the airport, we couldn’t help but wonder, why hadn’t we decided to stay longer in this magical land of animals, jungle paths, delicious food and coffee as well as stellar waves? The answer was quick and unanimous – we’ve just got to come back!
With so many villages to explore, an unrivaled diversity of animals to see and seemingly endless amounts of gallo pinto to eat, Costa Rica met all of my expectations (and then some) as I smiled my salt-chapped lips and boarded the plane.
Join MT Sobek on an Unforgettable trip to Costa Rica!
Discover the hidden gems of Costa Rica on an epic adventure and experience a deep dive into vibrant local communities, enchanting wildlife and ecosystems, and active activities. Whether it’s hiking, paddling, culture, or wildlife that appeals, our experts are ready to help you plan your ultimate warm weather Costa Rica adventure.
