A Weekend in {Costa Rica}
Pura Vida
Words & Photos by Katy Chadwell
For such a small country, Costa Rica offers everything from jungles and volcanoes to surfing and relaxation. Grab the passport and experience the incredible diversity of scenery, climate and activities.
Friday
Liberia is the gateway to Guanacaste, a sparsely populated province known for its natural beauty and home to seven national parks. Great air schedules have visitors living the Pura Vida by mid afternoon. Simply translated, Pura Vida means “simple life” or “pure life,” but in Costa Rica, it is more than just a saying—it is a way of life and often used as a greeting. Twenty minutes from the airport is El Mangroove: a boutique resort situated on the calm waters of Playa Panama. Enjoy a poolside lunch at Matiss and an afternoon of kayaking in Papagayo Bay. The waters are crystal clear, providing views of schools of colorful fish and sea urchins amongst the coral. Afterwards, enjoy a nap in a hammock by the beach.
Saturday
Spend the morning at Diamante Adventure Eco Park where thrill-seekers will find the longest ocean view zipline in the area. Guests can also ride ATVs or enjoy the animal sanctuary and befriend Lucy the sloth. On the way back, stop by the town of Playa Hermosa. Dine al fresco at Roberto’s restaurant at La Gaviota Tropical followed by a massage on the beach to the sound of the waves. An evening sunset cruise offers unparalleled views of the sun setting over the Pacific.
Sunday
Take a hike! Drive an hour to Rincon de la Vieja National Park for a walk amongst the flora and fauna. Home to two volcanoes, the park offers a variety of hiking trails for different athletic abilities. Waterfalls with swimming opportunities are frequent, and more evidence of geothermal activity in the area can be seen in the bubbling mud pools along the trail. Be sure to bring binoculars. The canopy provides sightings of all kinds of surprises.
If you go…
Where to Stay:
El Mangroove, an Autograph Collection hotel, is perfect for fans of fun, modern design. Book with Century Travel and receive breakfast for two daily at Makoko restaurant and $75 resort credit per suite.
How to get around:
Renting a car or hiring a driver is the best way to explore the area. All tours can be booked with transportation included to make it easy to get around the island.
What to wear:
Pack a rain jacket regardless of the time of year, as you might travel through several microclimates on any given day. Rainy season in Costa Rica is generally between June and November. Hiking boots or sturdy tennis shoes are a must for outdoor activities. And don’t forget a swimsuit!
Contact:
Katy Chadwell is a travel advisor at Austin- based Century Travel and would welcome the opportunity to help you plan a trip to Costa Rica or wherever your travels may lead you! Contact her at katy@century-tvl.com or (512) 327-8760 and let her take the stress out of planning your next vacation!
