Costa Rica
Discovering Costa Rica: Beautiful Beaches, Breathtaking Waterfalls and Wildlife
Costa Rica is a dream destination that offers an unbeatable combination of stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant culture. I chose Costa Rica as a starting point as I have a few friends and family that frequent there and it felt like it was a good place to start. If you love being outdoors whether it's for adventure, relaxation, or a deeper connection to nature, Costa Rica has something for everyone. Here are some of my must visit destinations. Keep in mind I spent two months here so it's a lot of information.
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I started my adventure in Quepos which is on the Pacific Coast and is a charming town that I called home for 3 weeks. It's known as the gateway to the famous Manuel Antonio National Park.
Iconic Places
Parqué Naomi. A beautiful park with an outdoor gym and gorgeous views, I spent my mornings here enjoying my work out with the sounds of the waves crashing against the rocks in the background. If working out while traveling isn't your thing, it's still worth the trip. Take in the view and just relax with lunch. You will not be disappointed.
Manuel Antonio National Park- is a wildlife paradise, blending pristine beaches with lush rainforests, the park is an amazing all day event with so much to see. Spending the day inside Manuel Antonio should not be missed. I walked around for hours quietly, patiently waiting to see all the wildlife I have heard Manuel Antonio had to offer, I was not disappointed. Howler Monkeys, Red White and Blue crabs, deer, sloths, parrots, you name I saw it! Wow, it was something. But be prepared tho, exploring requires you to climb up and down a lot of stairs... my calves were screaming the next day!
Playa Espadilla- is a free beach across from Manuel Antonio and is a great place to just hang out, get a massage, surf or enjoy a delicious snow cone, the vibe is fantastic and is only a short bus ride away from Quepos that cost about 380 colones/0.60 cents USD. You definitely want to have cash for things like this, and don't worry, you do not need the exact amount. The bus driver will have change. It's only about a 20 minute bus ride from Quepos so I spent most I my days here. Walking around visiting shops and restaurants, chillin on the beach and just relaxing.
Playa Bei Sanz- a hidden beach that cost about a $10 via taxi from Quepos. There is no bus to Playa Bei Sanz but so worth the taxi ride. You get dropped off at an opening in a fence, literally. Walk down a jungle path and at the end is a beautiful beach that has an extremely laid back vibe and is very quiet. You can order drinks and food from a small set up right on the beach and the fish tacos are very tasty. Ask for Rudy! If you want to relax and get a massage, you can do so right on the side of the mountain almost on the waters edge for about $50.00. Just want to relax, rent a chair $10 dollars. This is a great place to just chill, no crowds.
Nayunca Waterfall-is one of Costa Rica’s most stunning natural attractions, located near Dominical, just about an hour from Quepos. Nestled in the lush rainforest, this two-tiered waterfall cascades into large natural swimming pools, perfect for a refreshing dip. For this adventure I booked a tour, something I have learned to do the first couple of days I am at a location. Its a great way to get the lay of the land and meet fellow travelers.
Must Try Food and Drink
1.Casado – A classic Costa Rican meal with rice, beans, salad, fried plantains, and a choice of protein (fish, chicken, beef, or pork)
2.Olla de Carne – A hearty beef and vegetable stew with yucca, plantains, and corn.
3.Ceviche – Fresh fish marinated in lime juice, often mixed with cilantro, onion, and peppers
4.Patacones – Twice-fried green plantains served with guacamole or refried beans.
5.Chicharrón- Fried pork belly. It has a crispy texture and savory flavor. If made correctly it is juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside.
6.Agua de Piña- Coconut water, a refreshing and hydrating drink sold everywhere
7.Coco Loco- A cocktail served in a green coconut, typically with coconut milk, guaro(sugar cane-distilled alcoholic drink)
​Best Places to Eat
Agua Azul-Great place with amazing food and a spectacular view. The tuna and patacones tower is a must! Great prices!
La Luna Restaurant- Located in the Gaia Hotel and Nature Reserve. This is a beautiful upscale dining experience, with a breathtaking view. Whatever you order is like an explosion in your mouth. Fantastic!
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​​Jacó Beach is a lively coastal town that attracts surfers, beachgoers, and night owls alike. It's about an hour and a half bus ride from Quepos and was so easy and only cost $7 USD. This began my commitment to experience public transportation while traveling. And so I began to take public transportation everywhere unless absolutely necessary.(yes, Uber or APPs like it exists everywhere)
Back to Jaco Beach, Its black volcanic sands and consistent waves make it a top destination for surfing.(which I do not do) I stopped there for 2 nights before heading to Puerto Viejo and it was pretty cool. Beyond the beach, Jacó offers a buzzing nightlife scene(I heard rumors of prostitution, saw nothing of the kind.) and easy access to nearby adventures like zip-lining and ATV tours. I wish I stayed longer, I would have loved to hit the trails in the jungle on an ATV. Overall, the town's laid-back vibe and welcoming locals made it an ideal spot for me to soak up Costa Rican culture.
Best Places to Eat
Green Room Cafe Bar-Great atmosphere with even better food. I highly recommend, I sat for hours working and chatting with some really great people.
Lemon Zest- Fabulous food and great drinks. This place is all about presentation. Every dish is thought out and made with love!
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Puerto Viejo de Talamanca- After Jaco I jumped on a bus for a four hour ride to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica to a small town known as Puerto Viejo. It was on this bus that I met a gal I met from Australia that turned out to be a great friend. We talked for four hours, hung out while in Puerto Viejo and have reconnected several times around the world since then. Love you Connie! Puerto Viejo is a cool little town with a unique Afro-Caribbean influence. Reggae beats, colorful streets, and relaxed atmosphere. If you just want to go to the beach and hang out this is the place to do it because that just about all there is to do, lol. It's beaches, like Playa Cocles and Punta Uva, are perfect for swimming, surfing, or simply unwinding under the sun. And the food.. be sure to try something from one of the many street vendors in town as you will love the slow cooked pork along with rice and beans cooked in coconut milk, yummy! If your feeling that you want to venture out? Rent a moped from Mistery Jungle Scooter Rental. and head over to Cahuita National Park for snorkeling and wildlife spotting.
​Iconic Places to Visit
Cahuita National Park is a coastal hike so your calves wont be screaming but it is just as beautiful as Manuel Antonio with just as much wildlife. I came across an yellow python in a tree that sparkled in the sunlight. Monkeys, birds and even raccoons. Raccoons that stroll past you on the path without a care in the world as they call Cahuita home and after all, I am the visitor. After your hike head over to Bribri Waterfall to chill and take in the beauty.
Best Places to Eat
Bread What What- Cute café on the water with fruit drinks that are perfect on a hot day.
​Caribeans Chocolate and Coffee- A great cup of Joe, sweetened with Costa Rican Chocolate along side a delicious breakfast so big that it is enough for 2. Great vibe and free WiFi so you can hang upstairs in a comfy chair and work for hours.
Café Viejo- Delicious Italian Food
Guanacaste is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural richness. The landscape is marked by dense rainforests, winding rivers, and towering mountains. It’s a quieter destination, ideal for those looking to connect with nature and explore off-the-beaten-path gems.
Best Places to Eat/Iconic Places to Visit
​I combined best places to eat and iconic places to visit for this one because this place covers both. The view was so spectacular that I barely even remember the food. Attire is casual elegant, so get dressed up and spoil yourself. Make a reservation around the time the sun sets for amazingpics. It is here I discovered I was a opacarophile. LOL!
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La Fortuna is a haven for adventure seekers, located at the base of the iconic Arenal Volcano. My oldest daughter Madison met me and we spent five days here, so of course I was thrilled! The landscape is a mix of lush rainforests, hot springs, and waterfalls. Activities like hiking, zip-lining, white water rafting and soaking in natural thermal pools make La Fortuna a must-visit destination if you enjoy the outdoors. Be sure to book the white water rafting tour if you are up for it. My daughter and I laughed until our stomaches were soar.
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Iconic Places to Visit
Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park If you are not afraid of heights, (I was terrified) the hanging bridges offer breathtaking views of the jungle canopy, where you can spot toucans and tree frogs, and hear howler monkeys in the distance.
Baldi Hot Springs is the place to go if you want to splurge, pamper yourself and pay NYC prices for a drink. Stay for a night or just get a day pass it's worth it to just take the time to relax here. I was very happy we chose to spend New Year's Eve at the springs. Don't want to pay..you can just walk down the road and relax in the springs for free and its BYOB. Follow the crowd, there are people everywhere. Even a dude in charge of parking.
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​Okay.... let's wrap it up. Costa Rica’s warm hospitality, breathtaking scenery, and abundant wildlife make it a place you’ll want to return to again and again. Whether you’re exploring the serene beaches of Puerto Viejo or hiking through the rainforests of La Fortuna, Costa Rica offers endless opportunities to ignite your sense of adventure. And there are monkeys everywhere! I am so glad I started my World Tour here! Pura Vida!