Are you dreaming of an easy getaway? You don’t want to be on a plane for endless hours from the States? Are you thinking of a place that has a variety of scenery? How about Costa Rica? Did you know that Costa Rica is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries and boasts a dozen different ecosystems?
Costa Rica has everything.
- If you’re an adventure traveler… √
- If you’re looking for wellness… √
- If you like places that are environmentally enlightened… √
- If you want to kick back for a beach holiday… √
- If you’ve never been… √
- If you’ve already been… √
Costa Rica is a destination people love to return to again and again. Why?
Pura Vida
Let’s start with this essential expression. Pura Vida… the literal meaning is Pure Life or simple life.
For Costa Ricans, Pura Vida means enjoying life no matter what your circumstances; it’s a simple appreciation of life and the realization that life is what you make of it. It is both a greeting and a good-bye and has so many other uses, it’s impossible to list here. If you learn one expression before arriving, this is the one.
People
Costa Ricans, known as “Ticos” are warm and friendly. It is consistently ranked as one of the happiest populations on the planet. And they hold the secret to longevity. The Nicoya Peninsula is one of only five blue zones of the world. English is spoken everywhere, so no worries there…
Activities
If you’re an active traveler, Costa Rica is a must do destination. Whether it be hard or soft adventure, you don’t need to look far. Ziplining, canopy tours, volcano hiking, surfing, diving, snorkeling, wildlife viewing.
It is a birdwatcher’s paradise. Did you know there are 923 bird species currently recorded in Costa Rica? That’s twice as many bird species as the US and Canada combined! For such a small country, Costa Rica holds 10% of the world’s total avian population.
Variety of Scenery
How many places can you visit where you can go from the beach to volcanic hot springs to jungles to rainforests to cloud forests to coral reefs to mangroves in just a few days? Or from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea in the same day? Whatever type of traveler you are, Costa Rica has something for you and more…
Wellness
Costa Rica has embraced the wellness travel surge with open arms. Wellness travel isn’t just a fad. It’s here to stay & is growing like crazy. Folks are searching for work/life balance now more than ever before.
- Pre-pandemic… “I need balance in my life.”
- During the pandemic… “I don’t want to go back to the frantic lifestyle I was leading before Covid hit”.
- Almost post-pandemic, or whatever this is… “I want to travel purposefully. Where can I go where I can learn how to maintain balance in my life?”
This is what I’m hearing as a travel consultant and I love, love LOVE hearing it! Costa Rica has wonderful options for the wellness traveler. From Origins Luxury Lodge to The Retreat to El Silencio Lodge & Spa to Auberge’s Hacienda AltaGracia…. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. There are loads more, and more in the making as I write this. Exciting stuff!
Sustainability
Did you know that Costa Rica was among one of the first countries to embrace and implement sustainability practices? Sustainability itself has morphed, grown, transmogrified into regenerative travel. Not only has Costa Rica and the majority of properties embraced sustainable practices, they have looked beyond and become regenerative. What’s the difference? Simplified, sustainable is about zero impact. Regenerative is about positive impact.
Culture
The oxcart (carreta) is THE symbol of Costa Rica and the carts are UNESCO designated. To this day, they are still hand painted and so no two are the same. Historically, they were used to cart coffee beans around. Now they are mostly decorative and a wonderful memento of your trip should you choose to bring one home. I have one in my great room and love the memories it brings every time I look at it.
Other nationally prized offerings and cultural traditions shared with visitors include creole swing dance, Limón calypso, traditional Chorotega ceramics and more.
Accommodations
There is something to delight every type of traveler. If you’re stuck on the star system, then yes, there are 5-star, 4-star, and so on. Every level of property. Let’s expand our universe here, though, and go beyond the star ratings. Jungle lodges, cloud forest and rain forest retreats, hot springs paradises and beach combers resorts.
It’ s no wonder so many expatriates have moved to Costa Rica to call it home. Please go. If you’ve already been, go again! The ease of travel is fantastic. Whether you have a private guide escorting you or you choose to rent a car and self-drive, it’s all so laid back. Pura Vida!
