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We spent two weeks in Costa Rica to kick off 2022 and it was the right strategy to begin the brand new yr with relaxation and rest. So lots of you’ve got journeys deliberate there already or are desirous about it, so I wished to share all that we did!
COSTA RICA TRAVEL GUIDE
17 years in the past, after I was a senior in highschool, we took a household trip to Costa Rica. My dad labored with somebody who retired down there and owned a restaurant/lodge so we made a cease at his place. He was concerned in some property administration and the subsequent factor we knew we have been driving up a rocky mountain an empty plot of land that ignored the pacific ocean.
The solar simply occurred to be setting and the breathtaking view reeled my dad proper in. He’s a really frugal individual and all the time very financially accountable together with his cash, so it was little bit of a shock to all of us that he was contemplating shopping for property out of the country we’d solely been to as soon as. However he was retiring quickly and all of it simply type of fell into place.
Our dwelling was completed two years later and it’s turn into the right little oasis for all of us. My dad and mom escape their chilly NY winters and spend January – March there and the remainder of us attempt to make it down each probability we get.
LOCATION
Our house is in Potrero which is a bit over an hour drive from the Liberia airport. The opposite airport is within the capital, San Jose, and is about 5 hours from our home. It’s on the Pacific Coast and is tucked away up within the mountains with essentially the most superb views! We named it Casa Linda Vista which suggests home with the attractive view 🙂 Though it’s not inside strolling distance of the seashore, there are lots of close by. It’s a couple of 6 minute rocky drive up the mountain and with a pool and the views, some days you don’t even have to go wherever. You clearly need to drive wherever you need to go which doesn’t look like a problem for us as a result of it’s simply what we’re used to.
There are trails you may hike round our dwelling and you can even stroll all the way in which up the mountain which may be very steep and can have you out of breath very quickly. However the views are spectacular!
This information is related to this space in Costa Rica. There are such a lot of stunning components of the nation to discover however that is what we’re most acquainted with!
RENTAL INFO
We’ve saved the leases to a minimal over time simply to assist protect the property because it’s more durable to take care of residing so far-off. We’re often renting it out to household and associates but additionally have it up on VRBO. We have now a caretaker, Daniel, who lives there full time and helps keep the property and offers with any points that happen. This was our first time assembly him as our earlier caretaker ended up going again to his household in Nicaragua which was unhappy for all of us , as he had turn into like household after being with us for therefore lengthy. However Daniel has been a tremendous alternative and we’re so fortunate to have him! His english isn’t nice, however it’s enjoyable studying spanish from him (and instructing him english!) and getting a locals enter on all of the lesser identified issues to do!
Click on the hyperlink under for those who’re concerned with our property!
STAY AT CASA LINDA VISTA
In case you have any questions in regards to the property don’t hesitate to succeed in out!
BEACHES
Playa Potrero – this is among the seashores closest to our dwelling however it’s not our favourite for a seashore day. We wish to drive down for morning walks on this seashore after which seize breakfast someplace!
Playa Prieta – this stunning seashore is accessible a couple of 1/4 mile from the underside of our hill. It’s small, often quiet and beautiful! Low waves and timber for shade. No public restrooms or meals out there. Typically there’s a native promoting just a few random snacks.
Playa Danta – this seashore is positioned inside Las Catalinas which is a should go to and I’ll get to later, however it’s stunning! Being by a seashore city, there are just a few eating places, restrooms, outlets, and a spot to lease a surf board, boogie board, kayaks and so forth. Eat at Limonada proper on the seashore – nice meals and environment!
Playa Flamingo – that is the subsequent city over from Potrero and is all the time a enjoyable seashore to go to. The waves can get kinda large right here so you probably have kiddos be aware of that. However there’s nonetheless loads of sand to play on. It might additionally get a bit busier than different seashores as a result of Margaritaville Resort is correct throughout the road.
Sugar Seashore – this smaller and quieter seashore is tucked between prieta and las catalinas – for those who’re on the lookout for someplace extra non-public, that is the place to go!
Playa Avellenas – one among my favorites! It’s a little bit of a drive (an hour) however it’s price it to make an entire day of it! They’ve a tremendous restaurant there known as Lola’s which is correct on the seashore. Nice waves for newbie surfers and many space to stroll and discover.
Tamarindo Seashore – we all the time do a day journey right here (it’s about 45 minutes from our home) and that is the place we often surf. In order for you classes that is the place to do it! Plenty of cute outlets and eating places on this seashore city!
RESTAURANTS
Las Brisas – that is proper in Potrero on the seashore and it’s turn into our custom to cease right here earlier than heading as much as the home on our first day for one among their large frozen margaritas. Meals is okay, they change the cooks and a few days are higher than others 😉 I had nice mahi tacos there on our first day, however not so nice coconut shrimp on one other. Children can play on the seashore which is all the time successful.
The Shack – one among our fav breakfast spots in Potrero. Typical Costa Rican meals that by no means disappoints – they’re open for lunch and dinner too and have dwell music some nights!
Nita Espresso – this place is new and may be very stylish and hip. The most important menu of lattes and coffees closest to us. I had excessive expectations however it wasn’t my favourite. Not dangerous, simply not nice.
Carpe Diem – SO GOOD. Nice for breakfast or lunch they’ve essentially the most scrumptious sammies and smoothies.
Sol y Mar – a really typical costa rican restaurant – an excellent place to get entire pink snapper!
Gelato – proper subsequent to sol y mar, our fav spot once you’re craving one thing candy!
A’lo Nico – went right here for the primary time on this journey and it didn’t disappoint! We went for breakfast however they’ve lunch too. Nice typical breakfast – even have yummy crepes and pancakes for the kiddos. Delish smoothies!
Patagonia – an excellent environment for kiddos – they’ve bean baggage, cornhole and swings. Menu is a bit completely different than typical eating places – you may get pasta, sushi, asian delicacies – it’s proper throughout the road from the seashore.
Coco Loco – a should attempt! Proper on Flamingo Seashore you’ll catch essentially the most stunning sunsets. Meals is superb they usually have enjoyable drinks/meals in coconuts.
Finca Las Garzas – one among my favourite meals we had. This can be a household owned farm which has some enjoyable actions you are able to do I’ll point out later, however every part they make is contemporary proper from their farm. You may’t get extra genuine costa rican delicacies than this!
Lola’s – one other fav – that is at Playa Avellenas and has contemporary, natural scrumptious meals. Nice environment on the seashore with enjoyable chairs to take a seat in. They often have their pet pig, Lolita, there to play with however after we have been there they needed to maintain her dwelling because of some threats from a neighborhood competitor. Hopefully she’ll be again quickly!
Limonada – enjoyable restaurant at Las Catalinas proper on the seashore. Great place to seize lunch for those who come right here for a seashore day!
The Inexperienced Papaya – in Tamarindo, it’s off the primary street and has swings you may sit in! Tremendous yummy meals – the tacos are delish!
The Seashore Home – proper on playa potrero – they’ve actually good bowls!
THINGS TO DO
Congo Path Zipline – there are tons of ziplines all through the nation however this one is closest to our home and is all the time enjoyable! 10 strains complete and really child pleasant! The information will go along with your kiddo, which ours did at first, till they felt courageous sufficient to go on their very own. Additionally they have a bit zoo space you may pay $5 to see monkeys, iguanas, snakes, goats, turtles and extra – def price it!
Diamante Journey Park – we didn’t go right here this journey however I went the final time I got here. They’ve a zipline, restaurant, animal sanctuary and playgrounds for the children. For those who’re a thrill seeker, this zipline is for you. I nonetheless can’t imagine I did it. You are able to do the common, decrease ziplines however they’ve a superman zipline that’s nearly a mile lengthy and overlooks the seashore. It’s terrifying ha. However was additionally very exhilarating.
Ponderosa Journey Park – our first time right here this journey and was so cool! You are taking a wagon experience which is about 1.5 hours and might feed the zebras, giraffes, ostrich and cattle. All of them come proper as much as you and eat out of your palms – such a enjoyable expertise for everybody! Additionally they have a waterfall, zipline and restaurant. We simply did the safari tour.
Tamarindo – as talked about above it’s a seashore city about 45 minutes from our home. It’s a well-liked spot to remain and is far busier than the place our home is. Tons of eating places and outlets to discover. An amazing spot to get browsing classes or simply lease a board. Massive seashore and plenty to do!
Rincon – it is a close by volcanic space about 1.5 hours from our home. It’s an excellent place to do an journey for the day. Our favourite is one that features, horse again driving, mud tub, sizzling springs and the craziest water slide! It’s tremendous enjoyable. They’ve numerous completely different packages that additionally embrace zip lining, white water rafting, and mountain climbing.
Las Catalinas – the CUTEST space. It’s a bit seashore city 10-Quarter-hour from our home and has very mediterranean vibes. The buildings and structure are all so so stunning. You may stroll via the city after which go to the seashore and have lunch at Limonada.
Finca Las Garzas – a household farm off the overwhelmed path. They don’t do loads of selling or advertising as a result of they need to keep non-public. You may come right here and play with the livestock, go horse again driving, go for an ox cart experience and eat at their restaurant. There’s no menu although 😉 No matter they’re cooking, you’re consuming. And every part is FRESH proper from their farm. Probably the most literal farm to desk eating expertise the place you’ll get genuine Costa Rican delicacies.
Poza Los Cayotes – a bit hidden gem! Tucked again within the woods, it prices $2 to get in and you’ll discover and swim in essentially the most stunning pure swimming pools. The water is vivid blueish inexperienced and you’ll lease a tube and float round. We didn’t get right here till the top of the day however it might be so enjoyable to convey lunch and spend the day swimming, consuming and mountain climbing.
Boos Journey Fishing – we’ve gone fishing with Christian just a few occasions and he all the time offers a tremendous expertise. It’s non-public fish constitution and it value $500 for five hours. We awoke early and went from 6 am – 11 am. They solid out the strains and when there’s a fish on you higher be prepared! They strap a leather-based belt round your waist that has a holster for the pole and helps you reel within the fish. Typically you get fortunate and generally you don’t however we appear to all the time catch one thing! We caught a sailfish which is tremendous uncommon and are protected by the Costa Rican authorities so we needed to throw it again. We additionally caught a yellow fin tuna which they lower up for us proper on the boat sashimi fashion with wasabi and soy sauce and it was SO GOOD. They provide the remainder of no matter you catch to take dwelling and cook dinner up too! It’s an extended morning however they supply all of the drinks (water, juice, beer) in addition to an enormous platter of contemporary fruit after which some chips and dip afterward. 10/10 advocate!
Arenal Volcano – you probably have extra time and are up for an extended journey, that is Costa Rica’s greatest identified volcano! It’s round 3.5 hours from our home. You’ll expertise the rain forest facet of Costa Rica and might go for hikes via the mountains.
A enjoyable place to remain close by is Tabacon Resort.
COVID PROTOCOL
At present Costa Rica doesn’t require something to get into their nation in addition to Covid vacationers insurance coverage. We bought ours from HERE and it was about $15 an individual. Worth varies relying on how lengthy your keep is and it’s not required for teenagers.
To return to the US you want a damaging COVID check 24 hrs earlier than you permit. We introduced our personal and examined the day earlier than after which simply confirmed the outcomes on the airport. Additionally they have a testing web site proper on the airport however I’d be ready and do it earlier than you get there.
Masks are required in most locations indoors and have been additionally required at Ponderosa Park. We spent a lot time exterior we rarely wanted to put on them.
GETTING AROUND
The place our home is, it’s a must to lease a automobile to get round. We rented one from Adobe automobile rental that was a couple of mile from the airport they usually got here and picked us up in a van after we landed. Every little thing went easily! We even left the stroller there and didn’t understand it till nearly per week later. They held onto it for us and we bought it again after we dropped my brother off on the airport.
Among the full day excursions will come choose you up on the home or a close-by lodge.
The roads have come a LONG means since we first began visiting. However there are nonetheless fairly just a few that aren’t absolutely paved and you are feeling like your tire goes to blow with each bump you hit. Nevertheless it’s all part of the expertise and all the time makes for a memorable journey – 4 wheel drive is rarely a foul concept 😉
This nation continues to carry a particular place in our hearts and all the time offers the right escape from our busy lives. Their carefree pura vida life-style reminds us to benefit from the easy issues in life and respect all now we have. Costa Ricans are a few of the friendliest and happiest individuals on the planet and it’s obvious each time we go to. It’s by no means simple to depart!
We’re so grateful for this dwelling away from dwelling now we have and 100% advocate a while away in Costa Rica!
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