“Pura Vida,” meaning “pure life,” is the unofficial motto of Costa Rica. At first it sounds like a touristy gimmick, but it’s actually authentic. Costa Ricans have fully embraced Pura Vida to the point that it is used a greeting. I have to admit I’m jealous of people that can truly live in the moment. Whatever your pace is Costa Rica can match it. Go hard and hike volcanoes, surf famous waves, snorkel/scuba is crystal clear water, river raft through the rapids of the Pacuare, kayak at night through bioluminescent algae, or jump off waterfalls. When you want to take it slower just stop to listen and watch for birds, frogs, iguanas, monkeys, and of course sloths. Relax on the beach, walk through the surreal cloud forest, or just take in the sunset from a hammock.
The kayaking, hiking and snorkeling were not the only adventures to be had. Day 1 we rented a car without brakes. Lucky for me the shoulder of the road was wide enough to avoid smashing into the back of another car. Day 3 we got a flat tire but the car jack included with the car was not tall enough to lift the car to put on the spare. One month after getting home I received a mysterious $700 charge on my credit card from Enterprise Costa Rica. Moral of the story, don’t rent a car from Enterprise.
Places to Visit
Rio Celeste - Bluest river and waterfalls on earth
Bahia Drake - Secluded pristine nature
Montezuma - Waterfall jumping
Bioluminescent bay - Kayaking on glowing water
Manuel Antonio - Sloths, monkeys, pristine beaches
Rio Pacuare - Visually stunning river rafting
La Fortuna - Volcano, waterfalls, zip lining, and hot springs
Monteverde Cloud Forest - Hiking, mountains and rain forest
