This lush Central American gem boasts a dazzling array of rainforests, volcanic peaks, pristine beaches, and biodiverse wildlife.
Places to visit
Monteverde Cloud Forest
For a really magical experience, visit the Monteverde Cloud Forest. The hazy environment produces an ethereal mood, ideal for exploring hanging bridges, hiking through verdant trails, and birdwatching, with the chance of seeing the elusive quetzal. This ecology is unique in the world.
Tamarindo
A well-known beach town on the Pacific coast, famous for its nightlife, surfing, and stunning sunsets. It's fantastic for exploring neighboring beaches, surfing, and unwinding.
Arenal Volcano National Park
Home to the active Arenal Volcano, with hot springs, hiking paths, and breathtaking volcano views. You can also go zip-lining, rafting, and animal watching.
My personal story
We were meant to meet our taxi driver before dusk, who would drive us down the mountain on our way back from Monteverde. We arrived after sunset, delayed. The road had one lane on the mountain with sharp twists; add the fog — after all, it is a cloud mountain. Since the driver did not understand English, we were unable to express our apologies as he seemed very unhappy. He spoke just Spanish. He took off and started driving like a crazy man. My daughter was with us and felt like she would throw up. I prayed to all the Gods. All I could see was the steep drop on the sides. My daughter had taken AP Spanish in high school, and I recall often pushing her to practice speaking it — she'd always claim it was only designed for the classes. But suddenly she starts talking in Spanish to the driver, apologizes on our behalf, tells him our reason for being late, and they discuss his family and why he believes driving later is unsafe. Slowly he relaxes and drives sensibly. Finally we reached and he passed my daughter her baggage and even bid her farewell in Spanish. Impressed, I asked my daughter how she spoke so fluently after refusing to speak Spanish for so long. She said, 'Mom, if you are about to die, the words just pour out.' From what I learnt, language may be a barrier but also is a gift!
Costa RicaMy experiences
I did not see a single paved road, and the people here are poor but very happy. When I asked them about this, they mentioned that happiness comes by living simply and in large families. They eat fresh food and fruits and often smile.
From lush forests to hot springs to volcanoes and beaches, Costa Rica is a must-visit — and learning to be content is the most valuable lesson I carry home!
