Places to explore in…
Costa Rica
La Naturaleza
Volcán Irazú
Standing at the summit of Volcán Irazú feels like stepping onto another planet. The air is crisp, the landscape stark and otherworldly, and on a clear day you can see both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans from one spot. Peering into the crater’s surreal green lake is a reminder of Costa Rica’s raw volcanic power and how quickly the scenery can shift from lush rainforest to lunar terrain. Historically, Irazú is Costa Rica’s most active volcano!
Isla Tortuga
Swimming and snorkeling at Isla Tortuga feels like stepping into Costa Rica’s quiet coastal rhythm. Once a resting point for fishermen and sailors, the island now invites visitors to slow down and connect with the sea the way locals always have. Beneath the surface, colorful marine life drifts through warm Pacific waters, while above, hammocks sway and time politely disappears. It’s not just a beach escape—it’s a lesson in living in harmony with nature.
La Fortuna Hot Springs at Baldi
After days of adventure, soaking at Baldi Hot Springs in La Fortuna was pure bliss. Fed by natural thermal waters from Arenal Volcano, the resort’s cascading pools range from warm and relaxing to pleasantly steamy. Surrounded by tropical greenery and with views of the volcano looming in the distance, it’s the perfect place to slow down and let your muscles recover. The springs exist thanks to decades of volcanic activity from Arenal, which shaped La Fortuna’s identity and economy for generations.
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
La Paz Waterfalls are the definition of jungle magic. A winding trail leads you past a series of powerful cascades, each more dramatic than the last, with mist hanging in the air and dense rainforest all around. The sound of rushing water, combined with vibrant plants and wildlife, makes this stop feel immersive and refreshingly wild. The area was later developed as a conservation-focused nature park to protect the waterfalls and educate visitors about Costa Rica’s biodiversity.
Snorkeling off Playa Uvita & Whale Watching
The waters off Playa Uvita offer a quieter, more natural coastal experience. Snorkeling reveals schools of tropical fish and coral formations, while the real highlight comes offshore during whale season. Watching massive humpback whales breach and surface so close to the boat is unforgettable and humbling—a reminder of how alive Costa Rica’s oceans truly are. Uvita is historically tied to the famous Whale Tail sandbar, a natural formation that helped put the region on the map and later inspired marine conservation efforts.
Hiking Manuel Antonio National Park
Manuel Antonio National Park perfectly blends rainforest, wildlife, and stunning beaches. Hiking the well-maintained trails, you’re likely to spot sloths, monkeys, iguanas, and colorful birds overhead. The reward comes at the end of the trails, where white-sand beaches meet turquoise water, making it one of the most beautiful places to explore on foot in the country. Established in 1972, the park was created to protect the area from overdevelopment and preserve its unique mix of coastal and jungle ecosystems.'
Exploring Guanacaste & Playa Hermosa
Guanacaste carries the spirit of Costa Rica’s cowboy culture, where wide-open landscapes, ranching traditions, and strong community pride shape daily life. Playa Hermosa reflects this grounded beauty with its relaxed shoreline, calm waters, and sunsets that feel ceremonial. Life here moves to a simpler beat—early mornings, shared meals, and conversations that linger. It’s a place where the “Pura Vida” philosophy isn’t a slogan, it’s a lifestyle.
Chocolate-Making Tour
A chocolate-making tour reveals cacao as more than a treat—it’s a piece of Costa Rica’s indigenous and agricultural history. From ancient rituals to modern sustainability practices, each step of the process tells a story of land, labor, and legacy. Grinding cacao by hand and tasting it in its pure form connects you to generations who valued chocolate as medicine, currency, and ceremony long before it was dessert.
La Cultura
Pura Vida
“Pura Vida” is more than a phrase in Costa Rica—it’s a way of moving through life. Rooted in gratitude, resilience, and connection, the lifestyle encourages slowing down, appreciating simplicity, and choosing joy even in small moments. You hear it as a greeting, a goodbye, and a gentle reminder to breathe. Whether it’s lingering over a shared meal, respecting the land, or meeting challenges with optimism, Pura Vida reflects Costa Rica’s belief that a good life isn’t rushed—it’s felt.
Dance
Where tradition and modern Costa Rica meet on the same dance floor. Salsa, merengue, and Latin pop spill from open doors as locals gather after long workdays to move, connect, and celebrate. There’s no pressure to impress—just rhythm, shared laughter, and the joy of being present. In San José, dancing isn’t just nightlife; it’s cultural expression in motion.
Surf
Surfing in Costa Rica is as much about culture as it is about waves. Tamarindo offers an easygoing, international surf scene—welcoming beginners, beach instructors, and sunset storytellers from all over the world. Jacó contrasts with a rawer energy, shaped by local surfers, powerful breaks, and a town that balances tradition with modern edge. Tamarindo feels communal and playful; Jacó feels bold and untamed—each reflecting a different face of Costa Rica’s coastal identity.
Gallo Pinto and the Magic of “Sodas”
No cultural immersion in Costa Rica is complete without gallo pinto, the beloved mix of rice and beans that fuels mornings across the country. Each region—and each abuela—swears by their own perfect balance, usually elevated with Salsa Lizano and served alongside eggs, plantains, tortillas, and strong coffee. The best place to experience it is at a soda, a small, family-run eatery where recipes are passed down and meals are made with care, not hurry. Sodas aren’t just about eating well—they’re about sitting down, eating local, and tasting Costa Rica the way it’s meant to be lived: simple, comforting, and full of heart.