Playa Hermosa, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
Pura Vida! In Costa Rica, you will hear these words everywhere, defining the essence of Pure Life and a simple, joyous existence. It's not just a phrase; it's a philosophy—embodying community, resilience, savoring life's moments, and celebrating every bit of good fortune, big or small. My Costa Rican adventure was amazing, and I am already planning my return. With its breathtaking views, lush rainforests, pristine beaches, and diverse wildlife, this country is a must for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and monkey lovers alike. Check out my detailed overview and recommendations for a glimpse into my Pura Vida experience in Costa Rica!
Best Time to Visit: I am a huge fan of U.S. News Travel, and according to their website, the best time to travel to Costa Rica is from mid-December to April. This period is considered the dry season, so you will experience less rain. As a result, this period is the most sought after for travel, and comes with a higher price tag. You will find that the U.S. dollar goes a long way, which will help with budget planning.
Getting To Costa Rica: If you're arriving from the United States, most U.S. airlines fly into two main airports in Costa Rica – San Jose (Juan Santamaría International Airport) and Liberia (Guanacaste Airport). Your choice between the two depends on your preferred vibe. If you're drawn to nature and adventure, the surrounding areas of Liberia might be your ideal destination. On the other hand, if you're seeking a cultural, city life, and art experience, flying into San Jose is likely the better fit.
How Many Days Did I Stay? During my Costa Rican escape, I spent a fulfilling 4 days and 3 nights exploring and checking off items from my Costa Rica bucket list. If it's your first time visiting this vibrant country, I recommend a minimum stay of 4 days to fully immerse yourself in the diverse activities and attractions. Of course, feel free to extend your stay – Costa Rica offers an abundance of things to do, see, and explore.
Where I Stayed? As mentioned earlier, two popular airports cater to most U.S. airlines. Opting for Liberia was my choice, aligning with the nature-centric vibe I sought for this vacation. In my experience, Liberia offers a quieter atmosphere compared to San Jose, as per my research. If you lean towards a calm and relaxing trip, Liberia is the way to go. For those in pursuit of vibrant fun, lively parties, and city life, San Jose is the perfect pick. Either way, you're in for a fantastic experience.
For my stay, I chose the Villas Sol Beach Resort, specifically the Premium Ocean View Villa. Located on the beach with captivating cliff views on Playa Hermosa. This all-inclusive hotel provides an ideal setting for unwinding and relaxation. With options ranging from hotel rooms to villas, it suits various audiences – perfect for group or family trip (villa option), romantic getaways with your partner, or a solo adventure.
Explore Costa Rica
If you are heading to the Liberia area, be sure to check out:
Diamante Adventure Park
Visit a Tropical Rainforest (there are tons to choose from and usually your hotel will have recommendations, I went with Buena Vista Adventure Park)
Hiking Tour
Hot Springs
If you are heading to the San Jose area, be sure to check out:
Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs (you can also find a day trip tour from Guanacaste on the Liberia side)
Jaco Beach Horseback riding
Tortuga Island Tour
Eat In Costa Rica: Since the hotel we stayed at was all-inclusive, many of our meals either came from the hotel restaurant, surrounding restaurants around the beach, or from the tours we had. If you are staying in the Liberia area, one dinner place I would highly recommend is Numu Taproom and Bistro by Chef Nicolas Devenelle.
Be sure to follow me on Instagram for a photo dump of my Costa Rica travels turned into reels @experiencedbymy. Happy Traveling!
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