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Pura Vida! I completely love visiting Costa Rica. I’ve had the pleasure of exploring this wonderful nation twice now, and I’m at all times amazed by its mix of journey and nature. However immediately, my buddy Anthony Cieniewicz is taking the reins to share his best itinerary for every week in Costa Rica, highlighting all the perfect spots for an ideal mix of browsing, rainforests, and hidden waterfalls.
Costa Rica Journey Overview
Right here’s what my one-week itinerary seems like at a excessive stage:
- Fly into Liberia Worldwide Airport to remain alongside the coast of Tamarindo (3 Days)
- Browsing and Seashores
- Journey to Arenal Nationwide Rainforest (La Fortuna) (2 Days)
- Volcanos, Sizzling Springs, and Rainforest
- Journey to Bajos Del Toro (1 Day)
- Off the overwhelmed path waterfalls and Eco Resort
- Fly out of San Jose
- Situated 1 hour from San Jose
Why Go to Costa Rica?
Though Costa Rica is barely smaller than West Virginia, only a few locations on the earth supply the number of nature and journey that Costa Rica does. Since it’s a Central American nation you’ll be able to journey from America by flight in roughly 4 to 5 hours.
The nation depends on tourism so you’ll be able to anticipate to be welcomed with open arms by the 5 million locals and most areas converse English as a second language. You may be delighted to listen to that Costa Rica was ranked thirty second most secure out of 162 nations, making it one of many high locations to dwell and go to in Central America.
Greatest Time to Go to Costa Rica
Costa Rica has wonderful local weather 12 months spherical nevertheless it’s a rainforest so there might be seasons of unusually excessive rain (100 inches a 12 months) it would be best to be aware of. The next two seasons ought to be stored in thoughts:
Dry Season: December to April
- That is the perfect time for seashore lovers and outside adventurers. Count on sunny days and minimal rain, good for exploring the coasts and nationwide parks.
Wet Season: Might to November
- Often known as the “inexperienced season,” the rain brings lush landscapes and fewer vacationers. Best for finances vacationers and people involved in rainforests and waterfalls. Simply be ready for afternoon downpours, particularly in September and October.
Issues To Pack for Costa Rica
Right here’s a snapshot of some private must-haves when visiting CR:
- Rain Jacket
- You by no means know when it’s going to rain in Costa Rica
- Bathing Swimsuit
- Loads of seashores, waterfalls, and scorching springs to swim in
- Mountain climbing Footwear
- A pair you aren’t afraid to get muddy
- Bug Spray
- A DEET spray is greatest for lengthy lasting occasions
- Itch Cream
- You’re going to get bit so give your self one thing to appease the ache
- Passport
- Be certain it isn’t near expiring
- Hammock
- To hold between the bushes on the seashore or within the rainforest
- My private favourite is Smart Owl as you’ll be able to simply sling it up and it suits 1-2 individuals relying on the mannequin.
Really helpful Lodging
1. Tamarindo: Ocho Artisan Bungalows
- Worth: ~$300 an evening
- It is possible for you to to remain in your individual personal bungalow with air con, kitchen and a number of beds. The resort is located proper on the seashore and features a pool you can see the ocean from in addition to a bar and restaurant. I like to recommend going to the bar throughout completely happy Hour the place it is possible for you to to drink with dwell music and watch individuals discover the seashore after taking a sundown booze cruise a The workers are a number of the friendliest individuals who will give you a welcome drink upon arrival.
2. Arenal Volcano Rainforest: Arenal Springs Resort
- Worth: ~$200 an evening
- This scenic lodge is situated on the base of the Arenal Volcano which has been dormant since 2010. It is possible for you to to benefit from the assorted pure scorching springs, eating places and spas on web site. This contains free breakfast and yoga courses. My favourite factor about this resort is everytime you referred to as them they might choose you up in a golf cart to convey you to the swimming pools or essential foyer. The swim up bar additionally served tropical drinks and meals when you soak in the advantages of the recent springs. Usually it’s important to pay an entrance price to enter scorching springs within the space.
3. Bajos Del Toro: El Silencio Lodge & Spa
- Worth: ~$400 an evening
- This eco-friendly resort has all of it in the course of a number of the nation’s most wonderful waterfalls. El Silencio was an imposing keep after an extended journey. Being eco pleasant they’ve a farm to desk restaurant which is sourced from with trout from their pond, produce from their greenhouse, and poultry from their rooster coop. All that is accessible by bike supplied complimentary by their workers. You possibly can even see three secluded waterfalls with out ever leaving the resort as they’re a 1 mile hike away. There are additionally loads of different onsite actions for a price (roughly $50) similar to native rum tasting and horseback using. Final however not least every villa has its personal outside scorching tub. Though on the dearer facet you’ll not be upset in a splurge at this resort.
Transportation in Costa Rica
Costa Rican roads are infamous for being lengthy and windy alongside the nation’s spectacular geographical options. If you need to lease and drive a automobile it’s completely doable as they observe the identical guidelines as America. It would be best to guarantee you’re cautious and have a stable mobile phone service for GPS.
I opted for personal drivers for many of the journey as I used to be capable of plan the choose up occasions to be extra accommodating to my multi metropolis touring. These take advantage of sense when splitting with different individuals in your journey and sometimes price $100-200 between the locations on this itinerary.
Liberia airport additionally provides shuttles to Tamarindo that you’ll find right here on their official web site.
Right here’s how I bought round from place to position:
- Liberia airport -> Tamarindo: Non-public driver 1 hour for ~$80
- Message Johnny on WhatsApp +50685931361
- Tamarindo -> Arenal
- Message Johnny on WhatsApp +50685931361 4 hour drive ~$200
- Arenal -> Bajos del Toro
- Arenal Springs Resort organized transportation for round $100 which took 2 hours
- Bajos del Toro -> San Jose Airport
- Bajos del Toro has a non-public driver for ~$100 which can take round 1 hour to the airport
For journey throughout the cities you’ll be able to take Ubers in most locations for a fraction of the worth in comparison with America.
Coolest Actions & Issues To Do
Listed below are a number of the high experiences in every of the locations on this Costa Rica itinerary.
Location #1: Tamarindo
Tamarindo is without doubt one of the hottest locations in Latin America for vacationers attributable to its nice local weather and multitude of seashores. The strip hosts loads of eating places, bars, lodges and even a on line casino. The actual promoting level although is the miles of seashore with calm waves good for studying to surf, making it one of many high locations to dwell and go to in Costa Rica.
Browsing
As a result of heat water and straightforward rolling waves (1-2 ft) you will note many individuals out on the water studying to surf. I like to recommend renting a big board straight away so you’ll be able to start to get some reps in on the seashore. Browsing is a lifelong talent to grasp nevertheless with these waves and a big board it is possible for you to to rise up and dangle ten on some rollers.
You must lease a rash guard, an athletic shirt that stops chafing in your chest. In any other case you’ll shortly develop a rash that can make it painful to surf. There are many surf shacks you can lease for about $20-$30 a day. The one which I used is Iguana Surf. They may even supply classes that are really useful to your first day trip on the water.
In case you are already a complicated surfer you’ll be able to head over to Witch’s Rock for some bigger waves that you’ll want a ship to ferry you out to.
Turtle Hatching
Simply north of Tamarindo there’s a seashore referred to as Las Baulas Nationwide Marine Park. This seashore is common from November to April the place leatherback turtles will come yearly to put their eggs. These turtles are huge, clocking in at 500-1500 kilos.
Sunsets
Having the seashore lookout in the direction of the west makes for some scenic sunsets. You’ll not be the one particular person on the seashore as you unwind to see the solar set over the horizon. It is a stunning view that’s price bringing a blanket and a drink to look at it from the seashore. There might be many road distributors and eating places providing objects for buy.
The Deck
If you happen to would favor to view the sundown from an elevated stage then The Deck restaurant is the spot to hit. This restaurant/bar has an outside patio that overlooks the entire coast line. The meals is your traditional American bar meals however the views are unbeatable. In addition they will often have dwell music and an outside projector.
Different Distinctive Spots in Tamarindo
- Playa Grande (40 minutes away)
- Playa Avellana (40 minutes away)
Location #2: Arenal Nationwide Rainforest (La Fortuna)
After absorbing the solar at Tamarindo you’ll be able to head inland to the rainforest. The local weather is dramatically totally different with temperatures dropping 10 to twenty levels and rain being a typical incidence. We’re within the rainforest afterall. In Arenal it is possible for you to to choose your poison between journey or rest.
La Fortuna Waterfall
La Fortuna Waterfall is without doubt one of the essential points of interest in Arenal and one of many gorgeous locations in Costa Rica. It’s a effectively developed organic reserve created in 1969 to assist fund the event throughout the La Fortuna group by way of tourism income. The waterfall is accessible by way of 500 steps which can take 10 minutes to descend to the bottom of the 70 meter excessive waterfall.
As soon as on the base you’ll be able to swim close to the falls with a lifeguard on obligation. The water might be chilly as it’s fed from a close-by mountain vary. Entry to the waterfall and the orchid gardens will price $18 per particular person. Convey some water, a washing swimsuit and a snack to eat whereas down there.
Arenal Volcano
The Arenal Volcano is the centerpiece of all points of interest within the space. A as soon as dormant volcano that first erupted in 1968 and claimed the lives of 87 individuals. It remained energetic till 2010 making it the tenth longest energetic volcano on the earth. There are many hikes that you are able to do as much as Arenal Volcano, such because the 1968 path, however I might advocate spending your time finishing the opposite actions that can have the volcano viewable from a distance. The Arenal Springs Resort has a number of the greatest views of it proper out of your lodge room.
Hanging Bridges
The hanging bridges are an eco sanctuary arrange by the household that beforehand owned the land and needed to share it with the world. For an entrance price of about $25 it is possible for you to to discover the panorama and traverse over 20 suspended hanging bridges. There are buzzing fowl sanctuaries and majestic vantage factors all through the two hour lengthy path. Maintain an eye fixed out for wildlife and you could come throughout some leaf cutter ants recreating a scene from a bugs life.
Get a Therapeutic massage
After an extended day of adventuring and mountain climbing you could need to unwind. Most of the lodges within the space will supply massages you can guide an appointment for that can run you round $100-200 per hour. My advice is to assist a number of the native small companies within the city and obtain a therapeutic massage from them at a fraction of the worth. Bamboo Massages in downtown La Fortuna will price solely $65 for 75 minutes and you may be welcomed into a chilled resort model outside therapeutic massage pavilion. The masseuses there’ll make sure to are inclined to your weak and sore factors.
Sizzling Springs
Being close to Arenal Volcano ends in vital geothermal exercise which creates pure scorching springs within the surrounding space. If it is a excessive precedence bucket record merchandise for you I might advocate planning to guide your lodging at a resort that has scorching springs on web site. The most well-liked scorching springs are at Baldi Sizzling Springs Resort. A each day entry into these springs for non friends will run $50-100. On the really useful lodge choice, Arenal Springs Resort, they’ve a large number of scorching spring swimming pools at various temperatures. The recent springs even feed into the swim up bar so it is possible for you to to soak into the magical therapeutic properties of the springs whilst you sip a drink.
Arenal Spring Resort Actions
If you find yourself staying on the really useful lodge choice make sure to take a look at the each day actions supplied on web site. On sure mornings they may supply a morning yoga class led by an teacher on one in every of their outside deck pavilions. It’s an extremely enjoyable expertise that places you in the best mindset to soak up the character that can encompass you. Afterwards, we have been capable of benefit from the free continental breakfast which included many native cuisines. This will prevent some cash in your journey and get you up early so you’ll be able to take full benefit of the actions Arenal has to supply.
Different Arenal Spots
- Tabacon Sizzling Springs (By the resorts in Palma)
- Soda Viquez (In La Fortuna 10 minutes from Resorts)
- Soda = Native Costa Rican Restaurant, Household owned inexpensive meals
- Arenal Lake (1hr from resorts)
Location #3: Bajos del Toro
Bajos del Toro is a quaint city nestled simply an hour north of San Jose, Costa Rica’s capital metropolis. This space is understood for its stunning waterfalls (one in every of them being the most important in Costa Rica). In case you are coming to Bajos del Toro I do advocate splurgin on the El Silencio Resort ($400 – $500 an evening per villa). This lodge positions itself as an eco resort with the amenities being layered into the rainforest. The paths might be muddy as you trek to the waterfalls however mixed with the luxurious El Silencio Resort you should have the proper yin and yang in Bajos del Toro.
El Silencio Resort
El Silencio Resort is a luxurious eco resort situated inside a 500 acre cloud forest. The facilities and repair are really world class. The resort has 20-30 standalone suites and villas every coming with its personal personal outside scorching tub. The rooms can match 3 individuals beginning at $420 an evening.
On the resort grounds you will see a gorgeous farm to desk restaurant sourced with produce from their greenhouse, poultry and eggs from their rooster coop, and recent trout from the pond and stream. The resort will cater to your must personalize every expertise providing good touches similar to a welcome drink and a tree to plant on the grounds.
The on web site actions are quite a few and embrace the next:
- 3 waterfalls on the resort which might be reachable in a 2 mile hike
- Horseback using by way of the cloud forest ($50 an individual)
- Native rum tasting ($50 an individual)
- Yoga and Spa Services
- Bike trails
- Fishing alongside the stream no matter you catch is cooked on the restaurant ($50 an individual)
- Hummingbird backyard
- Transportation to native waterfalls
Waterfalls (Catara del Toro and Blue Falls)
Each waterfalls are situated in the identical space 20 minutes away from the resort and might be accomplished in someday
Catara del Toro
One of many largest waterfalls in Costa Rica. You’ll are available on the high of it then journey down the path and stairs to the bottom of the waterfall. No swimming is allowed however you’re going to get some mist on you from the falls. The surroundings and native fauna is kind of distinctive to this location as effectively. There are many different trails and a restaurant that may be explored as effectively. The value for Catarata Del Toro is $14 per grownup. You will get a combo pack with Catarata Del Toro and Blue Falls for $25.
Blue Falls
Blue falls is a gem in Costa Rica that has a number of world class waterfalls. This path might be slightly extra off the overwhelmed path and require some mountain climbing by way of mud and steep inclines. I consider the additional effort and seclusion makes for a extra distinctive expertise. You may be paired up with a information when you attain the realm the place the paths fork off. This information may be very useful in exhibiting you the easiest way to traverse by way of the forest and throughout waterways.
I like to recommend doing blue falls – “Gentle Path” which would be the 2-3 hour path the place you’ll hit Las Gemlas, Blue Rapids, Blue Pool, Tepezquintle and La Celestial. The distinctive factor about most of those waterways is the blue colour to the water. The explanation it comes by way of as such a gorgeous blue colour is as a result of excessive content material of aluminum sulfate within the water which causes the water to replicate extra of a tropical blue colour.
Different Bajos del Toro Spots:
- La Paz Waterfall (1hr 15 minutes)
- Tesoro Escondido Waterfall (10 minutes)
- Parque Nacional Volcan Poas (2 hours)
Recap: My One Week Costa Rica Itinerary
As you’ll be able to see from the points of interest above, Costa Rica is an ideal journey for somebody seeking to journey and soak within the nature of this stunning nation. On this journey you’ll expertise three a number of pure wonders from the seashore to the volcanos to the rainforest and the waterfalls. I encourage you to watch the animals and organisms at each cease alongside the way in which. If you happen to meet the locals with kindness and respect they may reciprocate ten fold.
One last item to recollect is “Pura Vida” which is the costa rica motto for “Pure or Easy life” it means to spend the time with the individuals and locations you like and to take life extra slowly and luxuriate in it.