Discover the magic of Costa Rica… You arrive at the tallest & most spectacular waterfall you have ever seen after hiking through jungle. It is mid-hike and you are ready for a dip when all of the sudden a scarlet macaw swoops overhead. The macaw’s vibrant colors sparkle in the sunshine. It is magnificent to see this “rainbow of the rainforest” out in the WILD, in its natural habitat. Feeling deep gratitude, you stand in awe…
You are fully immersed in nature in the remote jungles of Corcovado National Park… You wake up in your bungalow each morning, look out the window & see monkey’s swinging through the trees. Standing on the porch, overlooking the ocean you take deep breaths and feel one with nature. A short walk takes you through the jungle to breakfast with more expansive views of the ocean where a classic Tico breakfast and a delicious cup of Costa Rican coffee await…
After an immersive experience in the Jungle, it’s time to learn to surf. You feel connected to the ocean, the pulse of the waves and the heart of the earth instantly… After learning the basics of riding a wave you finally catch one. As you rest on your board & look up at the sky you feel elated and whole. You take the deepest breath you have taken in a long time and soak up the moment.
As you travel up the coast and through cloud forests to our final destination, a small town with sweeping views of Volcan Arenal, you feel full. You have fully experienced the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica… Visiting volcan Arenal and soaking in the healing thermal springs is the perfect way to wrap up the trip. The water in the springs is heated naturally by the volcano's underground magma and the natural landscapes of Tabacon Spa are unlike any springs you have ever been - you feel truly one with nature and more connected to yourself.
Costa Rica is breathing with life and you can feel the pulse of the life running through you on a deeper level now - TOTALLY ENERGIZED.
The Benefits…
Do you love experiencing thrilling outdoor activities? Look no further. On this excursion we will hike through the jungle of Corcovado National Park, snorkel in Isla Del Cano with sea turtles, learn to surf, swim under cascading waterfalls, visit thermal hot springs and visit an active volcano.
Are you READY to breathe more “LIFE” into your life? Costa Rica is the perfect place to inspire you. “Pura Vida” is a common phrase by Costa Ricans and means “Pure Life.” Costa Ricans take this phrase to heart and like to live life to the fullest. So, let’s travel to Costa Rica and soak that happiness in.
Do you want to add another layer of health in your life? Are you ready to breathe more LIFE into every muscle, bone and cell in your body? Costa Rica is the perfect place to connect more deeply with your breath and learn breathing techniques to boost your energy. If life has you feeling exhausted, you will love the pranayama and breathing techniques we will dive into on our journey.
Are you a nature lover? Costa Rica is teaming with biodiversity. It is THE place to go if you love seeing wildlife, especially birds. Costa Rica is a birders paradise. I have never seen so much wildlife in one place, so if nature walks are your thing then this trip is for you!
The Venues…
Settle in on the first night at a hotel close to the airport in San Jose, meet fellow travelers & enjoy an authentic Costa Rican meal…
On day two we head South toward the Pacific Coast to explore Nauyaca Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in Costa Rica with a one night stay in Dominical. The next morning we begin our biggest adventure of the trip traveling to Sierpe, an important river port town that serves as the launching pad for our trip to Osa Peninsula. An adventurous 90-minute boat ride down the Sierpe river takes us to where the river meets the ocean. A beach landing takes us to Drake Bay, where we stay at Corcovado Wilderness Lodge for three nights.
After a wild immersion in the jungle, we adventure to Manuel Antonio for a two night stay at Alma del Pacifico which will serve as our launching pad for learn to surf & more jungle hiking experiences. The sun-splashed beach, glistening ocean waves and steep verdant cliffs create an awe-inspiring landscape against the unique pastel villas. Lovely walking paths lead through colorful ornamental, herb and vegetable gardens to your oasis bungalow.
Volcan Arenal & the bustling town of La Fortuna await the last adventures of our trip. We will spend three nights in La Fortuna at an eco lodge with an amazing view of the volcano all while exploring the culture in the town, hiking & visiting Tabacon Spa.
12 days, 4 locations… The Osa Peninsula, Manuel Antonio & La Fortuna are the perfect blend of what Costa Rica has to offer - jungles full of diverse wildlife, beaches for surfing, stunning waterfalls & active volcanos…
The Eats…
If you are a foodie then… Omgeeee… You will fall in love with Costa Rican cuisine. Ticos, as the Costa Ricans call themselves, love healthy and fresh food. From gallo pinto (classic Costa Rican rice & beans) to fried plantains to ceviche to fresh fruit bowls & smoothies to a whole fish dinner to the coffee - the food is literally breathing with life. It’s so fresh & delicious.
All food served is likely picked or caught that day. Though ceviche originated in Peru over 2,000 years ago, Costa Rica’s version offers a superbly zingy and refreshing take on the seafood salad. Traditional Costa Rican ceviche is prepared with white sea bass, bell pepper, onion, lime juice, and cilantro.
You won’t make it a day in Costa Rica without gallo pinto, the national dish of rice and beans, seasoned with spices, peppers, onions, and lots of cilantro. Tico-style gallo pinto is part of a very typical breakfast dish called desayuno típico. It’s served with fried or scrambled eggs, fried plantains—another Costa Rica must-eat—and avocado. And, don’t forget the salsa lizano!
A smoothie in Costa Rica is called a batido, a ridiculously colorful drink of fresh fruit blended with ice. The Costa Rican “smoothie” is typically blended with one or more fruits, including guava, pineapple, papaya, mango, blackberries, and strawberries. Yum!
On a personal note, the food in Costa Rica changed my life… I changed my relationship with food. Instead of fearing it and that it would make me gain weight, I started to see how food is a vehicle for nourishment.
I look forward to sharing mouth watering culinary experiences in this amazing country with YOU!
The Adventures…
This trip is the COMPLETE ADVENTURE PACKAGE… this is not a trip to sit around and lay on the beach, so if you love adventure then this trip is for you! Now, that is not to say there will be no downtime, but we will mostly be on the move!
Nayuaca Falls… The Nauyaca Waterfalls of Costa Rica is like a scene from "The Jungle Book.” We will hike through the thick, lush jungle to see one of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls. This two-tiered waterfall has a combined height of 200 feet, with multiple natural pools at the bottom that are great for swimming. Bring your bathing suit, adventurous spirit and let’s take a dip after working up a sweat during the hike! There is also an option to take a 4x4 vehicle if you want the quick route.
Hiking Corcovado National Park… Corcovado, nestled within the Osa Peninsula, is one of the last best places on earth - wildlife, unspoiled beaches, trails, waterfalls and amazing eco-lodges. It is a majestic natural wonderland. It has earned the esteemed title of “the most biologically intense place on Earth” by National Geographic due to its extraordinary biodiversity. This park is the crowning jewel of Costa Rica’s esteemed national park system. Get ready to see it all - scarlet macaws, howler, spider, white-faced capuchin and squirrel monkeys, sloths, poison dart frogs, tapirs, jaguars and my personal favorite - leaf cutter ants!
Snorkeling Cano Island… En route to Cano Island via boat there is a good chance of seeing dolphins. Also, if we are lucky… a humpback whale! On this half-day adventure we will explore Costa Rica's underwater landscape and get an up-close look at its rich marine life - many species of tropical fish, sea turtles, octopuses, stingrays, tropical fish, and many others.
Learn To Surf… Costa Rica's breathtaking coastline, warm waters, and consistent waves make it a surfer's dream destination. We will take beginner surf lessons in Manuel Antonio just steps outside our hotel. Let’s catch our first wave together! Surfing not your jam? No problem. There will be other activities you can choose or you can simply relax on the beach.
Volcan Arenal… Arenal is Costa Rica’s most active volcano, and since 1968 its lava flows have been consistent. If we have a clear day, we may even see lava flowing down the side of the volcano! It’s super cool! We will enjoy a hike in the National Park where trails pass through both secondary forest and lava fields from previous eruptions. And, don’t worry - the park rangers keep a close eye on the volcanic activity, and will not hesitate to close trails or portions of the park if they feel that it is unsafe.
Tabacon Hot Springs… Nestled in the heart of the tropical rainforest at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano, this five-star resort offers a unique blend of nature, adventure and relaxation. The resort's unique healing thermal mineral spring river emerges from the volcanic earth, cascading to form waterfalls, streams, tranquil pools and ponds surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Let’s enjoy a spa day together at Tabacon!
What’s Included…
All breakfasts
Breakfast, lunch & dinner while in Corcovado National Park (4 days, 3 nights)
Transportation once you arrive in Costa Rica
Boat ride to & from Sierpe to lodge
Entry to Tabacon Hot Springs
Daily guided hikes & walks
Guided hike in Corcovado National Park
Snorkeling Cano Island
Daily yoga
Double occupancy rooms (ask me about single occupancy)
What’s Not Included…
Flight to & from Costa Rica
7 lunches & dinners
Tips
Your Guide….
Hey, I’m Heather! I lived in Costa Rica for a semester during college so know it well. When I wasn’t studying in school, I was traveling around the country with my classmates… that was pretty much every weekend because it was so affordable!
Living in Costa Rica changed my life…
Being immersed in nature, the abundance of fresh food straight from the earth, the welcoming nature of the people especially my host two families, the fun music, fresh coffee & tortillas, waterfalls, active volcanoes, all of the colors… I was living in a place that I had only ever read about in books or seen on TV. Costa Rica was a DREAM…
It energized me.
It filled me with life.
It connected me with nature at a deeper level.
It connected me with myself.
Some of my favorite experiences were the up close and personal visit with a sea turtle while swimming in the ocean, observing a sloth move it’s arm slowly, slowly for a few hours while lying on the ground looking up at a tree, watching crocodile eyes at night, spotting a quetzal out in the wild during a cloudforest hike, scarlet macaws soaring overhead while swimming in a river, daily walks and swims to an off the beaten path waterfall…
The country connected me to nature like no other place I have ever visited and to this day it takes the cake!
While living in Costa Rica I got a glimpse of some THE BEST spots! Join me on this journey and we will visit a few of my favorite off the beaten path locations that guarantee many magical moments and, I hope, will bring you closer to hOMe too.