When my husband’s work sent him to Costa Rica earlier this year it wasn’t even a question that I would tag-along! I knew very little about the country in general and had never even considered visiting before this trip came about. Now that I’ve been though, I can’t wait to go back!
5 Reasons You Need to Visit Costa Rica
1. The scenery
Costa Rica is absolutely gorgeous. Palm trees, mountains, gorgeous tropical flowers growing along the side of the road- it’s a stunning place to take in! We spent our time mainly in San Jose but had a few chances to make excursions elsewhere like the Poas Volcano and Manuel Antonio National Park.
A half-day trip to the Poas Volcano was perfectly timed, we had a perfect view which was covered by clouds just as we were leaving!
Our last weekend in Costa Rica we took a trip to the coast to celebrate my husband’s birthday. While there are numerous beaches to pick from, we were told the area of Manuel Antonio/Quepos was less tourist-y than some of the others and we couldn’t have been happier with our choice! From hiking in the national park, enjoying the ocean, or relaxing in a hammock on the balcony, every single view was spectacular! (Including seeing the family of monkeys that moved through the trees right outside our hotel room!)
2. The bugs
Or should I say, the lack of bugs. Since we were planning this trip right at the beginnings of the Zika Virus scare there were a lot of questions on whether I should go (mosquitos LOVE me), what kind of precautions we could take, etc. Turns out it didn’t matter because I’m fairly certain I saw about two bugs the entire time I was there!
The weekend we visited the coast and hiked the rain forest we still doused ourselves with repellent every twenty minutes or so just to be safe, but really I was so surprised at how few bugs we saw! I certainly don’t know the changes in mosquito-born viruses since our time there, but if the thought of bugs is keeping you away, you might want to reconsider!
3. The food
I wouldn’t necessarily classify myself as a “foodie” (I’ll leave that to my husband), but I have to say that I ate some of the most delicious food of my life in Costa Rica! Naturally the fruit is beyond compare so I suggest you try it all! Pineapple and mango just don’t taste the same at home anymore!
One local favorite that’s a must try is the Chifrio. I am still dreaming about it months later! Chifrio consists of beans, rice, pork, pico de gallo, avocado and usually tortilla chips or strips. We found a little pub near our hotel in San Jose that served my favorite Chifrio of the trip!
4. The climate
We were going to be travelling in late April through mid-May which was just at the beginning of the rainy season. While the weather was of concern to me before we left, I can tell you that the next trip we take to Costa Rica will be at the same time of year! The temperature while we were there was consistently in the 70-80 degree range. The sun was up and warm early (I could go work by the pool by 6:00 AM!) and we had a nice breeze most days too.
While it did in fact rain most days, it was generally around 2:00 in the afternoon and lasted an hour or so at most. Some days it was just a quick 20 minute shower! Once you saw the clouds roll in you knew it was time to head indoors for lunch or a quick nap! Pretty soon the sun is out again!.
5. The people
Living in Oklahoma I’m used to people being friendly. I thought I knew friendly. Costa Rica is friendly and nice on another level! Everyone was so kind and helpful, offering directions or assistance whenever possible. The people of Costa Rica are so proud of their country that they strive to take wonderful care of it and those who visit! Do them a favor and go visit!
Originally published September 2, 2016
Terri
Friday 2nd of September 2016
Costa Rica has always been on my list of places to visit, but you may have convinced me to take that trip sooner with that no bugs comment. And mango is my absolute favorite fruit! I must try it in Costa Rica.