Pure Life in Costa Rica: Part 2

Feb 26, 2019

In the early morning on our Costa Rica trip, we took a short private flight towards our last destination in Manuel Antonio and spent the last two nights at Los Altos Resort. This luxury residence style resort is located on the top of a hill in the middle of a private reserve, with the beach being approximately a half-mile away down the hill. My favorite things from Los Altos is that all the residences have an ocean view and their own hiking trails within the property facilities. After the site inspection of the resort, we had time to relax and enjoy ourselves.

The following day I took a kayaking tour to the white mangroves, which was pleasant and relaxing. After this tour, I headed up to the Manuel Antonio National Park with an expert private guide. Thanks to him, I was able to see much wildlife: a poison blue dart frog, monkeys, iguanas, and even a baby sloth! At the end of this tour, my group and I enjoyed the emerald waters of the Costa Rican oceanside.

The following day, we took a transfer back to San Jose. I stayed another night at the Hotel Presidente. In the afternoon I took a half day tour around the city. San Jose is an eclectic place that can give you a shock at the first glance. This city will delightfully surprise you with its murals, graffiti, and historic buildings.

On my last day in Costa Rica, I took a private tour to the Irazu Volcano. This inactive volcano has a beautiful lake in the crater. The blue turquoise water is in stark contrast with the gray, ashy soil. Walking around the area will take you to great viewpoints. If you are lucky, on a clear day, you may be able to see the other volcanos in the surrounding areas. Sadly, that day was gloomy due to another nearby volcano’s explosions. What an adventure! This tour ended with a quick stop at Cartago, a small city between the Irazu and San Jose. The major attraction of this city is a collapsed church, which now has a beautiful garden among the ruins.

As this trip was ending, I was reflecting on everything I learned and experienced. Not only do Latin American cultures have a lot of similarities in food, traditions, and history… they also have quite remarkable differences that makes them rich and must-visit destinations. Costa Rica has a lot to offer. It is a perfect destination for those who are seeking a family adventure or a romantic escape. Pura vida!

To discover the pure life of Costa Rica, contact a TravelStore expert today!

April Vidauri