Costa Rica in 8 Days
San Jose - La Fortuna - Quepos - San Jose
Forgive me I have been living the army life and rusty with the pen, Excited to get back at it!
San Jose (1 Night)
With only a day in San Jose, as soon as I checked into my stay I hoofed it to the hustle and bustle of the cities center. As the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose has a plethora of activities to entertain the system, with the primary focus on food. The easiest way to see what this city has to offer is to do a walk about on Avienda Central. This main drag is lined with museams, cafes, parks, and bars. My favorite part of the city center, as it is for many, is definitely the Mercado Central. The key is to enter the market on an empty belly as it will be filled with music, energy, food stands, and traditional eats.
Hotel Aranjuez - Budget Friendly, Wonderful Breakfast, a most Adequate room to crash a night while you walk your way about San Jose.
The Eats
Lunch - Apotecario - Fresh, modern take on simple traditional food that is beautifully flavored. I am not going to lie, I cannot remember what I ate, but the meal paired with the mocha made me want to go back again. Their menu is Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, with Gluten free options.
Dinner - El Novillow Alegre - Argentine Steakhouse - This was the best cut of meat I have enjoyed in a long time! The atmosphere was also delightfully spacious and elegant surrounded by gardens, terraces, and open areas. Fairly Priced and several options for food but you definitely come here for the meat.
La Fortuna (2 Nights)
Medium budget hotel, but completely worth it for a stepping off point for all the activities La Fortuna has to offer. All the rooms boast a view of the Arenal Volcano. Close enough to town (although watch for the tourist traffic), yet far enough away to hear the voices of the forest. Amazing breakfast, fantastic amenities for those looking to relax, and an endless maze of walking paths to soak it all up. The only disappoinment was it cost money to do everything, so if you arn't watching things can get pricey fast.
Sloth Tour - There was time on the drive from San Jose to the hotel, so on a whim I pulled over and was like, well, I've always wanted to see a Sloth in the "wild". This place being on the side of the road, my first thought was mostly likely going to be terrible. Much to my surprise it was pretty amazing. Basically they were clearing the area for farm land, found a bunch of sloths, and decided let's conserve the area for tourist's instead. We were able to get up and personal with several sloths to include a mom and baby that were very close to the groud! 10/10 recommend.
Coffee, Chocolate, and Sugar Cane Tour - If you have a few hours to burn this tour is great to taste a few of the country's traditional treats. Although coffee and sugar cane are not endemic to Costa Rica, since their introduction they have historically played a big part of the economy. Today they play a very niche role is celebrating tradition and history.
Arenal Volcano National Park - Hike the day Away - Although there are several different packages for tours and guides; I choose to pay the entry and cruise around the forrest without others. With in moments of entering the canopy, crashing in the trees above, what sounded like my imminent death, I had the amazing chance of seeing an elusive Spider Monkey. All of the other monkeys of Costa Rica you will definitly run into at some point or another, however seeing a Spider Monkey was a bit more rare. The next animal of my death was a family of what I thought were wild pigs and may have let out a little scream, which sent them charging deep into the forest. I later consulted the oracle (internet) and I am pretty sure what I actually saw were peccary's.
La Fortuna Waterfall - Descending somewhere around 500 stairs and Dropping 70 meters (230 feet) you can find yourself at the base of one of Costa Ricas most Impressive waterfalls. The waterfall made it own weather of wind and sounds that screamed power. If you are one into cold plunges swimming is permitted in one of several areas near the falls. Entrance is around $20 and worth the trek!
Authentic Costa Rican Food is hard to Find, but we found the one spot where you could enjoy a traditional meal called the Casado. Translated the "Married Man" you get a hearty meal of grilled or shredded beef, chicken, pork chop, or fish), Fried sweet plantains, A fresh salad, and Corn tortillas. That being Said I highly recommend Sabores Lulu!
Quepos (3 Nights)
The Drive from La Fortuna across the mountains was a way longer and way a more intense day that was anticipated, so leave early and prepare for the endless steep, slow moving, narrow roads and excessive traffic. Although the driving is exhausting the views are incredible and expansive.
Mango Moon Villa (1 Night)
Woken by howler monkeys was probably the most incredible treat about this place. Budget friendly, small family run establishment. The food was ok and the rooms adequate, but it was clean and ok for a quick stay.
Oasis Diverse Adult Retreat (2 Nights)
So I booked this place thinking, amazing no loud families, just a quiet place near the national parks. In retrospect it was all right in front of me the whole time, however my niave self should have read the reviews first, as I found myself in a clothing optional LGBTQ bed and breakfast. On the second night, granted it was new years, I may have scared 2 men who were thoroughly enjoying the spa bath. Minus the handy in the hot tub, this place was absolutely amazing for several reasons. The treehouse room was up in the canopy where so many incredible species of birds and monkeys were a meer arms length away. It was here that a breeding pair of Scarlet Macaws enjoyed to make their perch. Also it goes without mentioning that the breakfast absolutely incredible and excellent experience, the room immaculate, and staff was more than friendly.
Wildlife Wonders at Manuel Antonio National Park
"Established in 1972, Manuel Antonio National Park stands as a testament to Costa Rica’s commitment to preserving one of the most breathtaking and biodiverse regions on the planet. Despite being the smallest national park in the country, its 1,983 hectares boast an unparalleled blend of stunning landscapes and vibrant wildlife." - manuelantoniopark.net/park-info
You definately need to book this ahead of time as the park sells out, a guide makes for the best expertience as they share with each other where the wildlife is, and you also want to be there in the early morning before the crowds start making their way in.
This park was on the way from Quepos back to San Jose, and was a great spot to break up the drive and take a walk in the forest. This park is bird watcher paradise. I highly recommend the Merlin App for bird identification, this app changed the trip. Basically it listens and tells who you all the birds are that are near that you hear. Birds you will easitly spot include wild scarlet macaws, toucans, trogons, and kingfishers
San Jose (1 Night)
Hampton by Hilton San Jose Airport - After a long journey back across the mountains this the most convenient place to drop you busted rental off (did I forget to mention a widow maker took out the car... get extra insurance people!) and prepare for the early flight back to real life.
Join me for my next artical where I dive into the real gem of Costa Rica - The Wildlife
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