50 shades of green: how Costa Rica conquered my heart
Joejoe, call me Mowgli, the lost jungle child is back on her post. With new, fresh energy (okay, and a little jet lag) I immediately crawled behind the laptop to tell you everything, everything about Costa Rica. I'm actually still a bit speechless from this trip. Life in this country in Central America goes wonderfully slow.
As I wrote on Instagram: in The Lion King they have Hakuna Matata, here they have ‘Pura Vida’. Literally translated it means ‘pure life’, but it comes down to enjoying every moment and not worrying about things you can't influence anyway. I like that thought. I don't know if you already have vacation plans for a fall trip (or plans for next year), but consider Costa Rica. You have everything there, from beautiful white beaches to untouched tropical rainforest. Sounds exaggerated, but you come back as a different person, trust me. Oh guys, where to start. I'll just break it down. This is everything you need to know for an awesome trip.
There is light from five to five
The sun rises super early, so there's a good chance that in the first few days (especially with your jet lag) you'll be outside showered and dressed by 6:00 AM to start the day. When the sun sets again at 5:00/5:30 PM, it suddenly feels like 10:00 PM. Result: you rarely go to bed as early as in this country. Which is actually great, because that way you're also up early again. Vamós chica!
The hummingbirds and monkeys fly around your ears
Nowhere will you find such an extensive flora and fauna as here. I mean: how often are you woken up at 4:00 AM by the sound of a few wrestling howler monkeys? That's what I mean. There's a good chance you'll encounter a few sloths, raccoons, hummingbirds, toucans, coatis, snakes, or tarantulas during your vacation in one of the national parks. Keep in mind: in many places you have to buy an entrance ticket if you want to visit a nature area. That does make things a bit more expensive, but it's simply a shame to skip it.
Oh and, and that frog above? Just photographed with an iPhone in the woods. Those baby turtles on the right were making their first journey to the sea and I could have cried from happiness.
The food
You have to love it, but in the morning a portion of rice, beans, and chicken is easily served in front of you, but also tortillas, burritos, salads, and practically every dish in which you can incorporate corn. Almost everything is served with a fried banana (which tastes really different) and the pineapples are also highly recommended. Just like the ceviche. The absolute highlight for me was the guacamole, which was served not with tortilla chips, but you guessed it: fried banana.
The locals are the sweetest
I really didn't see anyone grumpy on the street. Everyone is happy, everyone takes care of each other and especially of nature. Strangers chat on the street, children surf and play on the street and help each other when needed. We could learn something from that in Europe.
The Costa Ricans are careful with their land
The residents of CR do everything they can to keep their beautiful country as clean and untouched as possible. Smoking is almost nowhere allowed and in every hotel there are signs asking you to please turn off the lights when you leave and not to let the tap run for too long. Remember to put your toilet paper not in the pot, but in the trash can next to it.
About your wifi
They don't have it in every hotel. Especially if you're making a round trip, buying a SIM card is advisable. Keep in mind: the time difference is -7 hours.
About the drinking water
Super chill. Everywhere in Costa Rica you can just drink tap water. It tastes a little different, but it's safe. I would advise you to bring a water bottle so you can fill your own water bottle; they don't have plastic bottles everywhere for sustainability reasons.
About the money
Stop looking, there are no nicer banknotes than the Costa Rican colón. They are colorful and full of animals. The ten thousand note with the sloth was my favorite. Ten thousand yes, which suddenly makes you feel rich like Lil’ Kleine. It seems like a lot, but it's actually not. With the current exchange rate, one euro is 707 colón. If something costs 25 euros, you pay 17,932 colón.
About your travel duration
You can travel through the country at a rapid pace (eight days would be possible in principle), but if you really want the vacation feeling, I recommend you go for at least two weeks. Preferably three. Cause there's so much to see. We spent quite a few days on the bus, but that's also necessary if you want to see everything. The advantage is: public transport is cheap in Costa Rica.
Excited? And really planning to book a trip? Then just a few last-minute tips from my side.
- Bring good Deet. Those mosquitoes are pests.
- Pack thin clothing, but also a few sets with long sleeves and a sports pants. Leave the heels at home. And if I say it, just believe me.
- Also bring a thin rain jacket just in case, because you can suddenly be surprised by a tropical shower. Believe me: it often doesn't last longer than half an hour, then everything opens up again and the sun shines brightly on your face.
- You must/want/are going to zipline. Even if you're scared, it's not that bad. I'm a scaredy-cat and so glad I did it. What an adrenaline rush. A Tarzan & Jane experience that no one can take away from you.
- If you've never seen crocodiles up close, then an alligator tour is really fun. You book that at Jungle Crocodile Safari.
- The La Fortuna waterfall is perfect for a nice Insta pic.
- Dining at The Tree House in Monteverde is a must. In the middle of the restaurant stands a gigantic tree and in the evening it has all cozy lights.
- You want to have lunch at Stella's Restaurant & Coffeeshop. That coffee, those cinnamon rolls, banana bread, and fresh smoothies... Oh. So. Delicious.
- The best place to chill for a day: the reggae village Puerto Viejo. Here I felt the happiest during the trip.
- Oh and, if you fly with KLM, watch the movie Red Sparrow with Jennifer Lawrence on the plane. Bi-zar good. (And check here how my business class experience was).
Damn, Costa Rica, you were something. I will never, ever forget this trip. I will come back, and then longer. Promised.
