Places to see in Costa Rica: Part 1
Have you always wanted to visit Costa Rica and don’t know where to start?
Well I am here now and in my element and the moment I am here to tell you that you need to book the trip and pack your bags.
Every time I am in Costa Rica I realize how much of it is my happy place. I truly am a beach goer gal, but also content seeing all the things of the jungle and the forest. Sloths, monkeys, frogs (saw one tonight hopping around) and all the sights and sounds that comes with a trip to Costa Rica.
This trip was made possible by the retreat I planned in La Fortuna that is coming up in a few days.
I decided to come here a few days early to get some rest and relaxation before I welcome four wonderful women from around the world. My dream has always been to travel the world for a career and slowly but surely I am working on that goal by owning my own retreat business, known to many as Wonderlust Adventure LLC. Just know owning your own business is an absolute dream, but it truly isn’t for the faint of heart. Work comes with a price, but as the saying goes if you love what you do, you will never work another day in your life.
Now, are you still thinking of booking an adventure or joining one of my retreats to Costa Rica? Let’s start off with what I know which are two different areas of Costa Rica along with two different airports. First there is Liberia airport (LIR) and what I do know is that Liberia airport is an entry way to an area that is closer to the Guanacaste province.
Guanacaste is where you will hear of cities like Tamarindo, Nosara and other cities on the coast. My first experience with Costa Rica was gallavanting to Nosara also known as Playa Guiones, which at one point in time was a small surf town. I have visited twice, but haven’t been back in four to five years and am told expatriates and investors alike are coming from all parts of the world to sink their feet into the lush white sand and calm waves. With this I do not blame them.
Luckily, I have now discovered another area of the coast and am happy to say I cannot wait to also discover the area that includes the Caribbean side. Now that I am writing this to you from Costa Rica I can say I have finally made it to another side of the coast which includes some beautiful beaches and larger towns which include Jaco, Playa Hermosa and various beach stops heading south; without the higher price tag that Playa Guiones comes with.
The beauty of Costa Rica is that it is so vast and there truly is so much to see, be it La Fortuna where the Arenal volcano resides, or this area here in Jaco, 1.5 hours south of San Jose.
One thing about Jaco that I have not seen before is Jaco has beautiful black sand beaches that sparkles in the sunshine. You can take a day of surfing or go out and catch some marlin fish and you can even ride a horse on the beach too. Jaco not only has some lush greenery, but you’re surrounded by ocean which is a bit different then La Fortuna as there is not an ocean nearby. The neat part of Jaco is you can continue on south bound and head to San Manuel Antonio National Park to experience even more lush greenery and wildlife.
While I was looking for a beach that wasn’t too far of a drive, Jaco maybe isn’t my most favorite beach in the world, but it certainly has done the job for some beach therapy and provides the waves, sunshine and sand so you can get away for a few days. I also was fortunate enough to take my third surfing lesson after really enjoying my time learning how to surf in Nosara years prior. Francisco was my instructor and he truly was a fantastic instructor ensuring my utmost safety on handling the larger waves.
Do to this surf sesh I think I may have a new travel hobby when I come to Costa Rica or possibly even other parts of the world that offers surfing. One truly has to become one with the water and ocean as it truly is a beast and you will work hard for your lunch and dinner.
Speaking of dinner, my tummy is rumbling thinking about all the fresh seafood and options in town, so the follow up to this blog post will be coming soon.
If you are considering a trip to Costa Rica, it’s truly a magical place and if you want to learn more about the adventure retreats I run, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
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