Around the World in Reality: Costa Rica

Embarking on this adventure, only half of the Priest household could travel, as Donnell was tied up with basketball season commitments. This trip, however, stood out from my usual experiences. Typically, I’ve been the curator of our travel escapades from start to finish. This time, though, I found myself in a new role, traveling for work with a travel company. It was a refreshing change that initially left me uncertain about what to expect and how to prepare. Yet, as I reflect on the experience, I can confidently say it was nothing short of amazing.

Day 1 – Monday, February 26

HIGHLIGHTS: Intercontinental Costa Rica and The Market

After arriving in San Jose on Monday afternoon, our group headed to our hotel, the Intercontinental Costa Rica, located just outside the city. Since everyone in the group had different arrival times, ranging from morning to evening, we didn’t have any group activities or meals planned for the day. This provided a perfect opportunity to relax and settle in at my own pace.

Later in the evening, I headed to Zambra in the hotel lobby for an early dinner. While Zambra is more of a bar with tapas, I was able to order from the menu at the nearby Market Restaurant. I enjoyed a perfectly cooked sea bass topped with a delicious pesto sauce and served with potatoes. I also tried a guaro sour, which was very good.

Day 2 – Tuesday, February 27

HIGHLIGHTS: Irazú Volcano National Park, La Cañada and Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels

On our first full day, I went downstairs for breakfast at the Market. The food was good, and there were plenty of options, which I appreciated. After breakfast, our group met for a briefing with our tour director, a knowledgeable naturalist. We then embarked on a full-day tour, starting with an excursion through the picturesque Central Valley to Irazú Volcano National Park. This park, located east of San Jose in the Central Mountain Range, is home to the volcano’s crater. The surrounding forest, with trees planted to restore the area after the devastating eruptions of the 1960s, was a testament to nature’s resilience.

For lunch, we headed to La Cañada, a small restaurant perched on a hillside with beautiful views. I enjoyed a delicious meal of trout, plantains, salad, beans, rice, and potatoes—known as a casado, a staple dish in Costa Rican cuisine. I also had a refreshing glass of blackberry juice, which sparked the beginning of my obsession with fresh juice. More on that to come!

After lunch, we headed to the historic city of Cartago, Costa Rica’s third-largest city and its capital from 1574 to 1824. There, we visited the breathtaking Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels, a magnificent indigo-and-white cathedral originally built in 1639. The basilica was stunning from all angles, showcasing its architectural beauty and historical significance.

We returned to the hotel late in the afternoon, and the day concluded with a welcome dinner at Pimento, an Italian restaurant in the hotel. I enjoyed a flavorful seafood soup, followed by a rich seafood risotto.

Day 3 – Wednesday, February 28

HIGHLIGHTS: Doka Coffee Estate, Botanical Orchid Garden, Lost Iguana Resort and Blue Hibiscus Restaurant

In anticipation of our next destination, we packed up and headed to the Arenal region. Our first stop was the Doka Coffee Estate, a vast 150-acre plantation over 100 years old, situated on the slopes of the Poás Volcano.

Here, we learned about the intricate process of coffee making and the significance of Costa Rica’s coffee industry, one of the country’s largest exports. The tour provided fascinating insights into the cultivation, harvesting, and roasting processes that contribute to the production of high-quality Costa Rican coffee.

The estate exclusively grows Arabica coffee, maintaining the plants for 25 years. It takes three years for the plants to start producing coffee, and they are pruned every seven years to maintain their health and productivity. This careful cultivation process ensures the high quality of the coffee produced at the estate.

From October to January, the estate employs around 100 pickers to harvest the coffee beans. I couldn’t miss the opportunity to bring home some Costa Rican coffee, and I chose the Peaberry, a rare variety that includes the unique peaberry bean. This type of bean is known for its distinct flavor profile, making it a special choice for coffee enthusiasts.

Our journey continued with a stop in the town of Carrizal, where we visited the family-owned Botanical Orchid Garden. The garden showcased a diverse collection of orchid plants, highlighting the beauty and variety of this remarkable species. A fun fact we learned is that vanilla, one of the most popular flavors in the world, comes from a type of orchid.

We stayed for lunch, enjoying a home-cooked meal that featured a delicious stuffed pepper served with salad, beans, and rice. The dish was flavorful and not too heavy, making it a perfect midday meal.

After lunch, we continued our drive to our destination, surrounded by stunning scenery. Although the winding roads made me a bit nervous, our driver was amazing and had everything under control. Along the way, we had the opportunity to see wildlife on the side of the road. We pulled over to get an up-close look at some coati mundis and sloths, which was a highlight of the journey.

After a few hours, we arrived in Arenal and checked into our hotel, the Lost Iguana. The location was perfect, offering magnificent views of Arenal Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Local tribes revered this volcano for many years as it steamed and spewed lava almost daily. After a long period of dormancy, the volcano erupted again in July 1968 and has remained active ever since, occasionally releasing ash into the sky. However, its activity levels have diminished in recent years, making it a fascinating and relatively safe natural wonder to observe.

For dinner, we dined together at the hotel restaurant, Blue Hibiscus. Dinner began with a comforting potato soup, followed by stuffed tilapia, and ending on a sweet note with tres leches.

Day 4 – Thursday, February 29

HIGHLIGHTS: EcoCentro Danaus, Finca Educativa Don Juan and Escuela Cerro Alegre

On the first morning in our new hotel, I woke up and spent a couple of hours in the rocking chair on my balcony, listening to the birds. It was incredibly relaxing and therapeutic. The view of the volcano was mesmerizing, making it hard to imagine leaving such a serene and beautiful setting.

After breakfast at the Blue Hibiscus, we visited the Ecocentro Danaus, a biological reserve named after the monarch butterfly and dedicated to conservation, environmental education, and sustainability. Costa Rica is home to 10% of the world’s bird species, and we had the chance to spot some of these at the reserve. We explored a series of trails winding through the secondary forest, where we encountered diverse flora. One of the highlights was the butterfly farm, home to 30 different species. We also enjoyed the natural water spring, which attracts waterfowl, alligators, and iguanas, adding to the richness of the experience.

We took a break for a buffet lunch at Finca Educativa Don Juan, an educational farm. Having already fallen in love with casado, I made sure to enjoy it again at the buffet. For dessert, I savored a refreshing coconut popsicle, which was a perfect way to end the meal.

After lunch, we had the opportunity to learn about sugar cane. Two members of our group got to participate in making sugar cane juice, while the rest of us enjoyed the freshly made beverage. We also tried moonshine and candies made from sugar cane, which added a sweet and traditional touch to the experience.

Next, we visited Escuela Cerro Alegre, a local elementary school, where we enjoyed a delightful cultural exchange with the children and learned about Costa Rica’s educational system. The country boasts a literacy rate of over 95%, and many families immigrate to Costa Rica specifically to enroll their children in the local schools.

We then continued to the city of La Fortuna for further exploration. As a lover of all things sweet, I couldn’t resist stopping at Pops for some ice cream. I also made sure to buy some Costa Rican chocolate before leaving, knowing it would be a delicious reminder of the trip.

Dinner was once again at Blue Hibiscus, starting with a fresh salad, followed by a delicious tilapia dish, and ending with a decadent chocolate pie. The meal was a delightful conclusion to the day’s activities, combining fresh ingredients and rich flavors.

Day 5 – Friday, March 1

HIGHLIGHTS: Mistico Hanging Bridges

On this day, we set off for an excursion to Arenal’s Mistico Hanging Bridges. As we walked along these suspended bridges, which are built 145 feet up in the canopy, we were treated to stunning views of the Arenal Volcano. The experience provided a unique perspective of the surrounding rainforest and allowed us to appreciate the area’s natural beauty from above.

The journey through the upper level of the forest canopy led us past a cascading waterfall and provided the opportunity to get up close to the vibrant flora and fauna. The diverse plant life and the sounds of the forest added to the enchanting experience, making it a highlight of our visit to Arenal’s Mistico Hanging Bridges.

To conclude our exploration, we had lunch at the on-site restaurant. I opted for the special: delicious coconut shrimp served with vegetables. The portions were generous, which was a pleasant surprise. Along with my meal, I enjoyed a glass of sangria, all while taking in the amazing view of the volcano in the background. The combination of great food, drink, and scenery made for a memorable dining experience.

The rest of the day was spent relaxing on the balcony of my room. I couldn’t get enough of the stunning view and made the most of every moment I had there. It was the perfect way to unwind and soak in the beauty of the surroundings.

Day 6 – Saturday, March 2

HIGHLIGHTS: Cafe & Macadamia, The Open Kitchen and El Establo Hotel

It was hard to pack up and say goodbye to the Lost Iguana Hotel. The property was simply amazing, and the views were unmatched.

We began our half-day journey to Monteverde, known as the “green cathedral” and revered as one of Costa Rica’s seven natural wonders. Along the way, we made a stop at Café & Macadamia, where I enjoyed a snack and admired the beautiful view. The café provided a pleasant break and a chance to savor the local flavors and scenery before continuing our journey.

After a long journey, we stopped in the town of Santa Elena. For lunch, I headed to The Open Kitchen, where I enjoyed a delicious vegan hamburger with fries, accompanied by refreshing hibiscus and passion fruit spritzers. The ambiance was perfect, with The Weeknd’s “Starboy” and Stevie Wonder’s “Part Time Lover” playing in the background, adding to the enjoyable dining experience.

After exploring the town of Santa Elena, we arrived at our hotel, El Establo Mountain Hotel. The hotel, like the Lost Iguana, offered spectacular views, adding to the beauty and tranquility of our stay. The setting provided a peaceful retreat and a perfect base for our adventures in the Monteverde area.

As the day drew to a close, we gathered at a nearby restaurant for an educational session on the history of Monteverde. We had the opportunity to hear from the son of a Quaker who was one of the founding members of the area. It was fascinating to learn about the origins and development of Monteverde. Midway through the session, we were treated to a beautiful sunset, adding a picturesque end to an enlightening day.

We stayed outside for dinner, but the evening was quite cool. Thankfully, I had come prepared with my pullover. The meal started with a comforting squash soup, followed by a flavorful mushroom risotto, and ended with a decadent coconut flan. Despite the chill, the delicious food and pleasant company made for a cozy and enjoyable dinner experience.

Day 7 – Sunday, March 3

HIGHLIGHTS: Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Restaurante Don Luis, Monteverde Bat Jungle, and Pizzeria e Ristorante Tramonti

Just as I did at the previous hotel, I woke up early to catch the sunrise. The cool mountain air was an added bonus to the stunning views. Watching the sun rise in the distance was a peaceful and invigorating way to start the day, allowing me to fully appreciate the natural beauty of Monteverde.

After breakfast at the hotel, we embarked on a guided walk through Monteverde’s Cloud Forest Reserve, eager to immerse ourselves in the breathtaking biodiversity of this remarkable area. The reserve, known for its rich flora and fauna, provided an incredible opportunity to see a variety of plant and animal species up close, offering a deeper appreciation for the unique ecosystem of the cloud forest.

Costa Rica is home to various types of forests, each with its own unique characteristics and inhabitants. We learned that factors such as elevation, sunlight, temperature, and rainfall work together in an intricate equation to determine the specific type of forest present in each area. One fascinating fact our guide shared was that trees in Costa Rica don’t have rings like those in temperate climates, making them more challenging to study. This absence of rings is due to the consistent climate in tropical regions, which doesn’t produce the distinct growing seasons found in temperate zones.

As we continued our exploration, we were treated to sightings of vibrant hummingbirds flitting among the feeders in the Hummingbird Gallery. Known as the best fliers in the avian world, hummingbirds can reach speeds of up to 60 mph. They were absolutely beautiful, but you had to be very quick to capture a photo!

After exploring the cloud forest, we gathered for lunch at Restaurante Don Luis. I enjoyed a veggie quesadilla, followed by chocolate ice cream for dessert. The meal was a delicious and satisfying way to refuel after our morning adventure in the cloud forest.

Next, we visited the Monteverde Bat Jungle, where we learned about the incredible diversity of Costa Rica’s bat population. With 122 species in the country, bats play a vital role in the ecosystem. We were amazed to learn that bats have fingers in their wings, a unique adaptation that allows them to maneuver with impressive agility.

As the day drew to a close, I stood on my balcony, reflecting on the wonders we had encountered and the wealth of knowledge we had gained. It was a truly enriching experience, deepening my appreciation for the natural beauty and diversity of Costa Rica’s landscapes.

Dinner was nearby at Pizzeria e Ristorante Tramonti, a restaurant that beautifully blended the Italian and Costa Rican roots of its owners. I enjoyed some of the best cantaloupe juice I’ve ever tasted, which made me reconsider my relationship with cantaloupe. Our table decided to order different pizzas and share them amongst one another. They were all delicious!

Day 8 – Monday, March 4

HIGHLIGHTS: Posada Real Cafe and JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa

We woke up and headed down to breakfast before leaving for Tamarindo, nestled in Guanacaste, Costa Rica’s stunning northwest Pacific coastal region. Along the way, we made a stop and had the opportunity to see more of Costa Rica’s wildlife. It was unique to see bats in the daylight, as they are typically nocturnal. We also spotted a gorgeous macaw, adding a splash of vibrant color to our journey. The chance to observe these animals in their natural habitat was a highlight of the trip.

En route to Tamarindo, we made a delightful stop in Liberia to enjoy lunch together at the Posada Real Cafe. There, we indulged in the local specialty, fish casado featuring mahi mahi. The flavors of the freshly caught fish, combined with vibrant spices and ingredients, left my taste buds more than satisfied.

It was truly a treat to have a guide who kept his eye on the road. As a result, we had the best opportunities to see wildlife along the way. As we were headed to our resort, our guide spotted a family of monkeys. It was such a delight to watch them, especially the babies, playing and having a good time.

We arrived at our final hotel of the trip, the JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, its location provided some of the most beautiful ocean sunsets and stunning views.

As the sun began to set, we ventured out for a delightful open-air dinner at Hacienda Pinilla Resort. I started with a green plantain ceviche, which was refreshing and flavorful, followed by a delicious fried rice with shrimp. For dessert, I indulged in a tasty passion fruit cheesecake.

Day 9 – Tuesday, March 5

HIGHLIGHTS: El Viego Wetland, Hacienda El Viejo and Palaba

Our day started at the enchanting El Viejo Wetland, where we embarked on a boat ride along the Tempisque River. As we drifted along the tranquil waters, I enjoyed seeing various types of wildlife within Palo Verde National Park, including birds, crocodiles, monkeys, and more bats. The diversity of animals and the lush surroundings made for an incredible experience, allowing us to appreciate the rich ecosystem of the area up close.

For lunch, we returned to Hacienda El Viejo, where I enjoyed another delicious fish casado. The meal was complemented by tamarind juice, which became my absolute favorite of all the juices I tried during the trip. The tangy and refreshing flavor of the tamarind juice was a perfect match for the flavorful fish casado, making the meal a highlight of the day.

After lunch, we headed back to the resort and had some downtime. For an early dinner, I enjoyed a fish sandwich from Palapa. The sandwich was huge, filled with flavorful and well-seasoned fish, making it both satisfying and delicious.

As the day drew to a close, I went to the rooftop to enjoy a cocktail at sunset. The view was absolutely stunning. The experience was made even more memorable by the DJ playing his favorite tunes.

Day 10 – Wednesday, March 6

HIGHLIGHTS: Mixology Class, Palaba and Sabanero Steak House

On our last full day in Costa Rica, we had a free day, so I took advantage of the beautiful weather and explored the property. I couldn’t get enough of the chance encounters with wildlife, and I even ran into a little lizard sunbathing.

For lunch, I returned to Palapa and had fish. Typically, resort food outside of restaurants can be hit or miss, but this meal was very good. I also had the opportunity to meet new people during lunch—a couple from Canada and a gentleman from Costa Rica. It was a pleasant experience, sharing a meal and stories with fellow travelers.

The resort offered various classes, and I decided to join the mixology class. Our group had the chance to make a drink consisting of rum, Midori, lemon, and cinnamon. While it wasn’t my favorite due to its tartness, it was a fun activity to participate in.

As our last full day in Costa Rica came to a close, we gathered for a special farewell dinner at Sabanero Steak House. I enjoyed a grilled provoleta, which was absolutely amazing, followed by the grilled catch of the day with vegetables, and finished with a delicious chocolate mousse. It was a wonderful opportunity to toast to the unforgettable memories we made during our Costa Rican adventure.

Final Thoughts

Costa Rica was magical. I absolutely loved everything about the country, from the biodiversity to the culture and the food. It was amazing, and what truly enhanced the experience was having our tour director share so much information about the country. It allowed us to be inquisitive and learn. As for my favorites, the Lost Iguana was my favorite hotel, the fish casado at any of the restaurants was my favorite meal, and my favorite activity was visiting the Hummingbird Gallery at the Monteverde Cloud Forest. I definitely plan to return and bring Donnell with me!