Find Your "Pura Vida"
by Amity Moore Joyce
Family hiking at Rio Celeste waterfall in Costa Rica
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Discover what Costa Ricans’ favorite phrase means to you—whether you’re drawn to this country’s nature, adventure, beaches or pampering places.
“Pura vida!” This signature Costa Rican expression shows up in all kinds of dialogue—as a greeting, as a good-bye, as a response to “How are you?” In fact, given its variety of applications and interpretations, it’s hard to have a conversation in this Central American tropical paradise without someone making it part of the exchange. Its meaning clearly runs much deeper than its literal English translation, “pure life,” suggests. To truly experience pura vida in all its forms, you must visit Costa Rica, which, like its favorite phrase, is versatile enough to welcome most any type of traveler.
Manuel Antonio National Park
Despite a total land area of 20,000 square miles (in comparison, North Carolina totals nearly 54,000 square miles), Costa Rica harbors roughly 5% of the world’s current biodiversity. Its assorted habitats, including rainforests, tropical dry forests, cloud forests, mangrove forests and sandy shorelines—which hug the Pacific Ocean on the west coast and the Caribbean Sea on the country’s east coast—make it prime wildlife-watching territory. The species of animals, birds and fish often prove rare—and plentiful. Prehistoric-looking iguanas are like the squirrels of Costa Rica; they lie about in trees and scuttle along roads and forest floors with surprising frequency. Birds, too, capture attention. At the Selvatura Park hummingbird garden, located within the Monteverde cloud forest, more than 14 different species of the tiny winged gems hover near flowers and feeders as they sip nectar through their needle-thin beaks. While in the jungle, look for yellow-and-black toucans, scarlet macaws and red-breasted quetzals as well.
Just as the trees hold their treasures, so do Costa Rica’s waterways. Crocodiles dominate the rivers, notably the Tarcoles River in the Central Pacific region. Here, beneath a well-known bridge, dozens of the toothy reptiles bask on muddy banks and slink through the murky waters. When you see how quickly they move, you’ll appreciate your safe distance. Near the coast of Manuel Antonio National Park in this same region, sport fishermen cast for sailfish, dorado, marlin, snapper and other fish.
Surfers at Tamarindo Beach
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However wild or mild you prefer your outdoor fun, Costa Rica promises a memorable outing. Try surfing on the Pacific coast. Tamarindo, situated three-quarters up the western shoreline, sees great wave action and boasts several surf schools. Inland on rivers, whitewater kayakers and rafters paddle Class II to IV rapids. If you prefer a calmer paddling experience, slip into mangrove estuaries in a sea kayak. Sometimes you can combine activities on one tour: Kayak in the morning and go horseback riding after lunch. Amid screaming howler monkeys swinging from branches overhead, local vaqueros lead the way along leafy mountain trails and through open meadows, where, if you’re game, your horse might trot or canter. On the beaches, give your horse some rein for an unforgettable run through the lapping waves.
For even more speed and a different view, clip into the country’s zip lines. These aerial courses enable you to whiz through forest canopies and across gorges on a system of cables and platforms. In Guanacaste province on the Pacific side, an exploration of the Blanco River Canyon includes zip lining and rappelling, another popular activity. After traversing a series of cables, platforms and hanging bridges, you rappel down the canyon’s rock face. In the La Fortuna area of the inland Alajuela province, prepare to get wet on tours that include rappelling down waterfalls.
Playa Arco beach, Marino Ballena National Park
With coasts kissed by two sparkling bodies of saltwater, the Pacific and the Caribbean, beaches here are plentiful. Simply pack a towel and sunscreen, and then claim your spot on the sand. There are many to choose from, including those on hidden beaches. South of the cruise port Puntarenas, dip your toes into the water at Playa Arco. Steep hills cloaked in jungle vines and trees surround this isolated southern Pacific coast beach. Because there is no direct road access, you must take the path from La Cusinga Eco-Lodge or walk to it at low tide from the north end of Playa Ballena. To the north in Guanacaste, the sun drenches Playa Barrigona and Playa Carrillo. You may need a 4x4 to reach Barrigona, but the white sands and pristine waters make the bumpy ride worth it. Plus, you’re likely to have the place to yourself. Playa Carrillo, tucked into Bahia Carrillo, is more developed with hammocks hanging between palm trees and local vendors hawking drinks from push carts. Dive into the calm waters to explore a coral reef.
On any of these Pacific beaches, stay until dusk to enjoy amazing sunsets. Then, awaken early the next morning to catch the sunrise on the Caribbean coast at Cahuita National Park. Make your way to the park’s easternmost strand to find yourself alone on the beach. Coral reefs and two sunken ships delight snorkelers, while above water, the warm sea laps lazily onto the white sands, reminding you that you have indeed found paradise.
Poas Volcano National Park
RELAXATION SEEKERS
The geography of Costa Rica includes not only beaches, but also mountains and a few active volcanoes. While attractions in themselves—Arenal Volcano, Irazu Volcano, Rincon de la Vieja Volcano, Poas Volcano and Turrialba Volcano—the resulting heat from the volcanic activity makes for some pampering hot spots. Visit the Arenal area to dip into hot springs at your choice of resorts and spas. The thermal waters soothe and relax, no matter if you’re in a manmade pool filled with mineral-rich water or in a naturally occurring pool where the water flows on its own. In this area, many of the springs come with views of the mountains and volcano. Baldi Hot Springs is one such stop. Here, 25 pools, some hot and some cool so you can regulate your soaking pleasure, dot the grounds. Visit on a clear evening to watch the fiery activity of the Arenal Volcano at night.
Just as many of the hot springs are now private, the Bajos del Toro cloud forest, situated in the shadow of neighboring Poas Volcano, is also private. Hiking trails wind through the misty forest, alive with birds, butterflies and other creatures. At its center stands El Silencio Lodge & Spa, a luxury, ecofriendly hotel focused on weddings, honeymoons and wellness. Wander trails filled with medicinal plants, hike to a waterfall and simply breathe the cool, refreshing air of relaxing Costa Rica. Ah, pura vida.
Get ready to soak in the beauty of Costa Rica. Visit your AAA office to speak with a AAA Travel Agent who will help you plan your perfect vacation.
Planning a trip to Costa Rica? Check out these Three and Four Diamond recipients!
Four Seasons, Guanacaste
Christian horan/FOUR SEASONS
Travelers already know Costa Rica is a gem of a destination. Now, thanks to an expansion of the AAA Diamond Program to the Central American tropical paradise, AAA Members know where to find AAA Approved and Diamond rated lodging and dining.
“We are excited to include the beautiful destination of Costa Rica in the AAA Diamond portfolio,” says Scott Hammerle, AAA Diamond Program director. “As we expand our footprint, we keep our members top of mind and ensure they have trusted information to guide them as they choose where to travel. Costa Rica hospitality leaders were welcoming and excited to be the first country expansion in over 30 years.”
Diamond designations reflect AAA Inspectors’ commitment to quality and consistency in the hospitality industry. These inspectors travel unannounced to complete independent, in-person inspections.
Thirty-four hotels and restaurants in Costa Rica earned Diamonds. The highest rating in the country was Four Diamond, a designation given to properties that offer upscale amenities and distinctive fine dining. Three Diamond properties are acknowledged for their comprehensive amenities and trendy food. Diamond Approved properties meet industry-leading standards of AAA inspections.
Check out the list below, and then connect with a AAA Travel Agent for hotel reservations, tours and packages, and other bookings in Costa Rica.
AAA Four Diamond Hotels in Costa Rica
• Arenal Springs Resort & Spa, La Fortuna, Alajuela• Dreams Las Mareas, La Cruz, Guanacaste• Four Seasons Resort at Peninsula Papagayo, Peninsula Papagayo, Guanacaste• The Westin Reserva Conchal, an All-Inclusive Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal, Guanacaste• W Costa Rica Reserva Conchal, Playa Conchal, Guanacaste• El Mangroove, Autograph Collection, Playa Panama, Guanacaste• Secrets Papagayo Costa Rica, Playa Panama, Guanacaste• JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort & Spa, Tamarindo, Guanacaste• Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen, Heredia, Heredia• Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort, Quepos, Puntarenas• InterContinental Costa Rica at Multiplaza Mall, San José, San José
AAA Three Diamond Hotels in Costa Rica
Courtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela, Alajuela, AlajuelaXandari Resort and Spa, Alajuela, Alajuela DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Cariari San Jose - Costa Rica, HerediaHyatt Place San Jose/Pinares, Curridabat, San JoseAC Hotel by Marriott San Jose Escazu, San Jose, San JoseAC Hotel Heredia Belen, San Jose, San JoseCourtyard by Marriott San Jose Airport Alajuela, Los Mangos, Alajuela
AAA Diamond Approved Restaurants
Don Rufino, La Fortuna, AlajuelaNemare, Peninsula Papagayo, GuanacasteHiR Fine Dining, Pinilla, GuanacasteMakoko, Playa Panama, GuanacastePangas Beach Club, Tamarindo, GuanacasteLa Pecora Nera Ristorante Italiano, Puerto Viejo, LimónLa Divina Comida Fusion Peruana, San José, San JoséNaans & Curries, San José, San JoséRestaurante Grano de Oro, San José, San JoséRestaurante Silvestre, San José, San JoséSikwa Restaurante, San José, San José