Costa Rica. The Best Place on Earth

Why Costa Rica is the Best Place on Earth

With all this hype about Costa Rica unexpectedly dominating in the world cup, I thought it would be appropriate to share how incredible this country really is. Lying between Nicaragua and Panama, this international tourism hot-spot is bordered by both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Costa Rica offers an experience far from your typical all-inclusive vacation and has plenty to offer for every type of traveler. It features a gorgeous, tropical climate year-round; breathtaking sunsets; and a variety of stunning beaches covered in shells, powder-white sand, and even black, volcanic ash. Other attractions include active volcanoes, rain and cloud forests, the coolest monkeys you will ever meet, and plenty of cheap and tasty Imperial beer. To top it all off, Costa Rica is a leader in eco-tourism and environmental sustainability. Aside from scenic elements, the absolute best thing about Costa Rica is its inhabitants. The people make this country stand out internationally, so much so that foreigners keep returning for vacations, or simply never leave. The local saying is “Pura Vida” which means “Pure Life,” a motto Costa Ricans live by. It reflects their general attitude towards living and it guides everything they do. The best way to see Costa Rica is NOT to be stuck at an all-inclusive resort, but excellent options are available for a traveler seeking that kind of luxury. It only takes 12 hours to drive the length of this small nation, allowing you to experience all aspects of its beauty. The Guanacaste province is definitely the most traveler-friendly area within Costa Rica, and my personal favorite. You are only an hour from the Nicaraguan border, so if you’re feeling like you want to hit one more country on your list while abroad, this is a good place to do it.

TAMARINDO

Otherwise known as “Tamagringo,” this quaint yet internationally-known surf town has fun nightlife and fantastic cuisine. People usually come to “Tamagringo” for one reason: to surf. The following beaches have some of the best waves on the coast.

Playa Langosta

Five minutes by car from Tamarindo, right outside the Barcelo Playa Langosta Resort (the only local all-inclusive resort). You’ll have to cross a river to get to the good spot so be careful and bring a dry bag.

Playa Avallenas

The waves here are a step up from Tamarindo, but not as aggressive as Langosta.

Witch’s Rock

This area is only accessible by boat. Pros can catch big waves here, and there’s even a camp for less experienced surfers. Although there are surf shops and lessons on every corner in Tamarindo, there are plenty of adventures to be had while visiting this area if you’re not a surfer

The Antares Adventure

The Antares Adventure is an atypical catamaran excursion. They use a real, tall schooner and provide the best service you’ll experience in Tamarindo, where you receive all-inclusive adult beverages and gourmet meals throughout the sail. Keep in mind that this is an executive chef and the family operating the ship are all lookers, including the 16 year-old son who is in charge of sailing. He looks like a Latin-American Justin Bieber. You can get your snorkle on or watch the sunset while you sail to the sounds of live music. This is a very chilled-out excursion; however, if there are party people on the boat, good times will be had.

SNUBA

If you’re like me and are terrified of everything that involves the ocean, this is a fantastic experience for you. You do not need a certification to “snuba dive.” You’re attached to a tank that floats on the surface while you can go as deep as 20 feet. It was fun to do it with a group and I saw some of the most incredible sea creatures.

Le Beach Club

The sunsets in Tamarindo are some of the best I’ve seen to date, and a great place to watch them and meet people is at Le Beach Club. They feature fantastic DJ’s who spin during Happy Hour from 4-6 pm, when drinks are 2-for-1. Nothing but incredible vibes and friendly staff here.

TAMARINDO

Where to Relax

If you’re looking to just chill out and relax, there’s a gorgeous and very quiet beach called Playa Dantita, located just a short hike from Playa Danta. Here, you’ll have the chance to meet some locals who greet you with “hola” or “buenas” when you walk by. The water is very clear and refreshing, so sit back and enjoy the breeze and the sound of waves crashing against the sand. If you want a mini-respite from the sand, you can take a small hike from the beach in Tamarindo, no car needed. Walk south along the beach until you reach a path that will lead you to a cliff. This is where Tamarindo meets Langosta. The area is very peaceful, with beautiful views of both beaches. You can walk along Langosta for two kilometers, and there are many gorgeous spots to throw your towel down and sunbathe.

Where to Eat

There are many fantastic, international restaurants in Tamarindo. My favorite was Patagonia, an Argentinian restaurant with an amazing menu and service to match. Try the braised lamb ravioli or any of the steaks, it’s like sexo in your mouth. Make sure you reserve a table in advance as there is always a wait-list.

Options for more traditional, local cuisine tend to be off the beaten path. You might stumble across them in the middle of nowhere, en-route to a different spot on your itinerary. There are a number of restaurants that look uninviting and dodgy, but often they turn out to be the exact opposite. These are the best options for getting the freshest and most authentic dishes in the country. You must try a local dish called Chifirijo. It’s healthy, cheap and absolutely delicious.

Where the Ladies Drink

Every night in Tamarindo is ladies night. A variety of bars provide free drinks for women from 10 pm -12 am, and if you want to find out where the hot-spot is, just ask the surfing instructors on the beach. My favorite place was El Garito, an intimate venue that plays incredible, deep house beats. Every Tuesday (ladies night), a guy plays the tams tams alongside the DJ.

Budget Lodging

On a budget? There are many hostels in Tamarindo; however, if that’s not what you’re looking for, there’s reasonably-priced lodging at Hotel Mayana. Mayana possesses that hostel feel without requiring you to share a room or a bathroom. It’s clean, cheap, and has a positive atmosphere.

TAMARINDO

Arenal Volcano/La Fortuna

Did somebody say green? The drive to the Arenal Volcano, located in the northern highlands on the outskirts of Liberia, is one of the most scenic trips I’ve ever experienced. Although the weather isn’t guaranteed to be as tropical as the coast, visiting the Arenal Volcano is a must-do!

For great views and a location right in the rainforest, check out Toad Hall, a small bed and breakfast on the way to Arenal. It’s a good spot to stop for lunch – try the fish tacos. There are many activities to do in Arenal/La Fortuna. For those who enjoy zip-lining, this area is one of the best spots to try it. At the hefty cost of $70, it’s well-worth every penny. You can also find sloths in La Fortuna at the Danaus Private Reserve.

GUANACASTE

Coco Beach

Want something a little different? Head to Coco Beach, a hidden gem on the coast, north of Tamarindo. Coco Beach is a less crowded, hidden party spot. This is a great option for a night out if you’re staying in an all-inclusive resort on the Papagayo Gulf (as there are many all-inclusive options in this spot). If you hit the bars, make sure you try the local shooter, Chili Guaro, as you can only find them here. Warning: they are quite spicy, so don’t overdo it.

PUNTERENAS

The Punterenas province, south of Guanacaste, is another must-see part of Costa Rica.

Santa Teresa

Here you’ll find the absolute perfect spot for surfers. Ladies, if you’re looking for surfer boys, you’ve come to the right spot. Santa Teresa is a long stretch of “beaches for days.” You can walk from beach to beach without even realizing there’s a difference between them. Remember, the sunset surf is the best! If you’re searching for accommodation in this part of the country, look no further than Kokua Hostel. It’s affordable, tidy, and it’s the best place to meet people and feel like you’re part of the family.

MONTEZUMA

This famous location is also known as “Montefuma.” After spending a month in Tamarindo, Montezuma gave me the Costa Rican culture I was craving. It’s a tiny but gorgeous hippie town, with beaches and incredible parties at night. It’s a place where you can go to the corner store, buy beer and drink on the streets. Montezuma is also the absolute best place for people-watching. There’s one bar in the entire town and it plays all types of club bangers, including Latin beats. Here’s a tip: practice your Latin dancing prior to visiting this bar! Bonfires in Montezuma are the norm and I met numerous people who have camped out for months on this beach. Montezuma is a great place to catch some fish and cook it over an open fire with friends at night.

Montezuma is well-known for its incredible waterfalls. There are three large falls that you can hike along, though this was probably the sketchiest hike I have ever done. I almost died a couple of times, so make sure to ask a local to show you around and guide your climb. The first waterfall is the largest, and I recommend bringing a picnic and watching the locals jump from the top. I do not suggest trying this yourself, as I witnessed a tourist make a nearly-fatal mistake. There is no sunset to be seen here, but there are a number of white-faced cappuccino monkeys hanging around so there’s still plenty of entertainment.

Basically everything about Costa Rica is absolutely amazing. It has everything every other destination has, but better. People always ask me why I keep going back to this country, as I have now visited five times (and plan to return). I’ve met a number of travelers on my journeys through this part of the world and it’s everyone’s third or fourth time here; it’s not just me. The happy culture will help you see what life is all about, and Costa Ricans know how to live.

Pura Vida Mae