It’s not at all surprising that the land of pura vida continues to be a favorite for our travelers! With amazing wildlife, deep dedication to conservation, and immersive nature experiences, Costa Rica continues to have a magnetic pull. My recent visit offered a chance to shift focus to less well known corners of the country — the Pacuare River and the Caribbean coast.
Pacuare Lodge exceeded my expectations in every way. They’ve created a sanctuary of comfort set in a truly wild place — everywhere you look is bursting with abundant life and biodiversity.
Rafting into the lodge was a rush, and rafting out was even more memorable!
Puerto Viejo and the Caribbean are great to visit while the rest of the country nestles into its rainiest months, October and November. The Caribbean awakens to its own little dry season during this time, and arriving to Puerto Viejo just before Thanksgiving, I enjoyed sunny skies and mild, warm temperatures — ideal for biking up and down the coast, indulging in some of the best local cuisine I’ve tasted, and just chilling on the beach.
Known for its epic surfing, this is an ideal place to dedicate some time to refining your surf skills. The local cuisine sizzles with warmth and vibrance; here, you’ll find curries and rich spices, and fresh coconut shining through. I filled my days with generous portions and intense flavors.
I also visited the Ara Project, which has had great success in restoring the local macaw population. Having visited the region in 2007, I was immediately impressed with how often you hear the distinct calls of macaws throughout the the area now and often glimpse them flying in large groups overhead.
Visiting the headquarters of the Ara Project is a great afternoon activity for families and a chance to get up close with these magnificent birds. They’ve made incredible strides in nurturing the macaws through an ongoing recovery. It felt great to support their work with my visit, and I highly recommend it for all of our travelers.
See sample itineraries to Costa Rica or talk with Emily about planning your own adventure.
