Costa Rica—a nation situated in the heart of Central America. It’s land largely untouched by civilization, dwellings vibrantly colored, and its people the most welcoming you will ever meet. The locals have a saying that flows into every aspect of their lives: “Pura Vida,” meaning, “it’s all good.” No matter what happen,s everything will be alright because they appreciate life. Step off the plane and begin experiencing this mantra. Unwind on one of the many sprawling beaches, or do as the locals and experience all that is Costa Rica. Brush up on your Español because this article is taking us right into one of summer 2017’s hottest places to visit!
Our first stop on this Costa Rican adventure is the beach. To my surprise, the shores are pebbly and large volcanic rocks surface at low tides. However, don’t let this discourage you from visiting. The majority of the time you can walk little ways down the shore and reach soft, white sand perfect for laying out and getting your tan on. Looking for more action? Rent a car and visit a local surf town where they offer lessons.
For the love of coffee
It’s summer vacation and everyone wants some time to catch their breath and unwind from the stresses of college life. Soon enough we’ll all be thrown right back into the whirlwind of classes and assignments. Those late-night study sessions at the library have definitely encouraged all of our coffee drinking habits, so what better way to appreciate this life-sustaining drink than by making our second stop on a tour of a small coffee “factory.” Costa Rica is rich in coffee production due to its high altitudes in the mountains and acidic, volcanic soil. At this particular factory, and by factory I mean one room and one machine building, they taught of the roasting process. This cranberry-like fruit is transformed into the glorious black bean we associate coffee with. Being the coffee aficionada that I am, this was a considerable highlight of my trip.
Monkeys, iguanas, and sloths, oh my!
For our final destination, we head more inland into the rainforests. Over half of Costa Rica is covered by these lush, green forests. They are home to some of the most amazing wildlife you could ever expect to see. Not only will you see various varieties of monkeys, you can see sloths, brilliantly colored birds, and flowers that look like they should belong on an exotic tapestry. Hire a guide to take you hiking through the rainforests surrounding active volcanoes. As a result from the volcanoes, thermal springs and waterfalls are abundant. Jump in for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
If you could step out of the chaos of our modern-day lives and be greeted by those who find joy in the simple pleasures of natural beauty, would you put down the phone and social media to join them and experience Pura Vida? Post your thoughts in the comments section below!
