Living La Pura Vida in Costa Rica
I am back from a short trip in Costa Rica feeling so rejuvenated and refreshed.
I started the trip by renting a Car via Adobe Rental. I highly recommend this reputable company as I’ve read about not so favorable things from other companies. The check in and pickup was seamless and I was not charged any extra fees for insurance coverage. Once I picked up my vehicle I headed to Cañas, a slow moving and relaxing community. I checked into hotel Hacienda La Pacifica, a beautiful sprawling resort with small casitas for each visitor, a restaurant, pool and spa center. I truly enjoyed my traditional Tico breakfast containing of rice and beans, plantains, eggs, sour cream and homemade bread before heading into the mountains every day. Getting a dip in the pool after a hike was truly magical. I visited Volcan Arenal National Park in the rainforest where I saw the waterfall and different pozas (pools). The weather was misty and the trails were a bit crowded, but I managed to hike the entire route in 2 and a half hours. Afterwards I headed to the local gift shop across the street where I got beautiful earrings made by the locals. Once the weather cleared up further down at lower elevation, I stopped by a sloth sanctuary where I got to marvel at these sleepy creatures as well as plethora of monkeys, snakes, frogs, butterflies and super diverse flora.
The following day I headed to Rincon de La Vieja to hike the La Cangreja waterfall. This was my favorite hike as the path was truly challenging and exciting. I’m so glad I rented a 4x4 vehicle as the roads were mostly gravel and I had to deal with the notorious potholes. Unfortunately the wind blew off my beloved RayBans and I lost them. But it was a sign that I needed to buy some new glasses. The waterfall was truly magical and I enjoyed the peace and quiet with no crowds. Afterwards I headed to the Rio Negro hot springs where my muscles relaxed in the hot pools. Back at the hotel I had a yummy arroz con pollo (chicken and rice) dinner and crashed in my comfy bed.
It was day three and already time to move to my next destination in Tamarindo. But before I headed there, I visited Poza los Coyotes and another amazing waterfall called Llanos De Cortes. The emerald pools (pozas) truly took my breath away. I spent a significant amount at both places sitting by the streaming water and meditating and communing with nature. I headed to Tamarindo to settle into my Airbnb in the early afternoon.
I am so glad I picked Cabinas El Labrador in Tamarindo for the rest of my stay. The apartment is situated in a residential neighborhood away from the hustle and bustle of the city, but still only about ten minutes away from the beach. I headed down to it as soon as I dropped off my bags to watch the sunset. There I met a fellow vanlife nomad from Brazil who was selling bracelets to support his travels. I was more than happy to offer him some extra cash as I could tell the road had left him weary. After getting some tacos at a the local food court, I headed to CATA Agave Bar for some salsa dancing. There I met some amazing expats who are digital nomads and had very inspiring conversations while also deeply satisfying my salsa dancing heart.
Thursday I was itching to head to the beach. So I headed to Playa Avellana. The scenery and ambiance was straight out of a postcard. Quaint, serene with the most clear emerald water. I spent the afternoon reading my book under the palm trees and occasionally taking a dip in the cool ocean. In the evening I went to explore the town with another expat conversing about life in Costa Rica, our spiritual paths and our travels.
Friday was another beach day this time on Playa Conchal. But first I got some yummy waffles at Cafe Tico downtown. In the evening I met up with my new friends from Wednesday and we walked around town before stumbling upon a cool concert by a famous local rock band called The Saint Cecilia. The band was accompanied by a fire and aerial silks show.
On my last to final day in Costa Rica I spent the morning indoors as my skin had taken enough sun. In the afternoon I headed to the beach for a sunset catamaran tour. I could not have had a more perfect trip sendoff with a mesmerizing sunset spent in wonderful company, especially the fun spunky bachelorette group and the lively captain and crew.
My trip to Costa Rica helped me to reflect on the growth from this past year especially the commitment to my emotional and mental peace. Getting to meet some incredible people, having deep nourishing conversations and making friendships were the cherry on top. I am returning with a heart full of gratitude, feeling grounded and so loved. I will definitely head back to Costa Rica in the future. I already miss it.
