Properties in Costa Rica Blog

I have had the great privilege to visit Costa Rica just about every year since I was seven years old. This has had a tremendous influence on the way I perceive the world, and really life itself. I am a 30-year-old Ophthalmic Technologist, who lives in Long Island (NY); and I can’t think of any particular set of experiences that have shaped who I am more than those I experienced in Costa Rica. Although I am not Costa Rican, I was able to visit my Aunt (mother’s sister) yearly; spending weeks or even months at a time, visiting different parts of Costa Rica and doing all sorts of amazing activities. From Canopy tours to white-water-rafting, from Volcano visits nature hikes; Costa Rica’s distinct way of life and diverse terrain make it a perfect place to enjoy so many different things that the country has to offer.

I am a very big believer in balance; I believe the more balance there is around someone’s daily activities, the more relaxed and stress-free atmosphere someone has around them. Costa Rica, for me, is just about the most balanced place on earth. First off, one is able to live in a fairly crowded city/urban type of environment in what is known as the Central Valley. Or, you can head to the coast and experience the beautiful coastline that Costa Rica has. You can even be up in the cool mountains and have amazing views of San Jose or breathless views of the Ocean.

While in Costa Rica, I resided mostly in San Jose. For me growing up, my dream was to become a soccer player. In the U.S. I played soccer, and I tried to play as much as possible. Unfortunately, there are so many other sports that fall in front of soccer in terms of popularity. In Costa Rica, I can’t remember happier moments then those I went to the local parks and played pick-up soccer games, or better known as mehengas in tico terms. Soccer or Futbol experiences in Costa Rica were unlimited. I have been to local matches in several different stadiums, and I was even able to attend international matches and watched some of my favorite players play.

I use to love leaving the Central Valley and heading to the coastline; to the beautiful beaches. One the way to the Pacific side of Costa Rica, there is a bridge that travelers must usually cross called, Crocodile bridge. Located along one of Costa Rica’s main highways, in the Puntarenas province, is a tourist attraction so rare, I bet you have never heard of such a unique attraction. The bridge is located over Tarcoles River, and when looking over the railings; you can see dozens of crocodiles, feasting on their meals, and bathing in the sun. These large reptiles are such an incredible sight when seen in their natural habitat.

The memories and mental pictures of visiting dark sand beaches in Punta Arenas, to witnessing enormous waves in Playa Grande, Guanacaste; will never leave my head, as it is such a powerful thought that allows me to appreciate nature in only a way that Costa Rica can provide. I will never forget riding on ATVs with family and friends in Tambor, traveling through the sand on the beach, and dense forest with howler monkeys following us. I will always remember, visiting Tamarindo, enjoying a night out in the town, meeting with people from all over the world. I can never forget white-water-rafting in the Pacuare River, experiencing the rush that is; going headstrong into furious currents. Exploring the tops of forests on canopies so high, your breath is taken every time you have a look around. Even the feared 6.1 magnitude earthquake, that happened in 2008 was a once in a lifetime happening for me, which gave me so much appreciation for what natural occurrences can happen at any moment in some parts of the world and in our lives.

These experiences are so important in my life because, as a child and young adult, you have so many different influences that can affect the way you think. Being able to first-hand witness, some of nature’s most desired places and attractions, gave me my first lesson in culture. Culture is something that can’t be taught in a book. It is something you feel deep in your soul, something that comes from the experiences and connections you have with people and nature. Costa Rica has a saying called Pura Vida (pure life), it is saying that it can be used 10-20 times per day by a single person, and it is the motto that Ticos live by. No matter what the day entails, no matter the struggles of life, it is so important to treat people with respect, honesty, and compassion. This way of life allows everyone to feel the positive effects of daily interactions with one another, the smiles that we give each other; allowing for a feeling of unity, knowing those around you, truly care for you without having to tell you but a few words. This train of thought also goes for the natural world around you. Even though it sounds cliché, respecting nature is such an important step in becoming a more well-rounded individual. I can’t think of a better place to connect with nature, than with Costa Rica. With over 12 climate zones do to altitude and geography, the biodiversity in species and plants is unheard of.

Costa Rica’s nature and experience allowed me to be more appreciative. Life will never stop teaching you lessons, but sometimes you have to take initiative and let this world show you the wonderful meanings of life, by seeing what is really out there and being aware of every moment.

Costa Rica has been exactly that for me, and for so many others. I hope for those who haven’t yet, that they are able to take some personal time to come to experience it for themselves.

M.Trigo

Located on a bridge-like terrain that connects North And South America; Costa Rica is geographically gifted when it comes to biodiversity. With thousands of miles of protected, untouched reserves and coastlines; Costa Rica easily contains one of the richest wildlife atmospheres on the Planet. Here I will try to give you some of the most known and visited spots that you can find in Costa Rica; that demonstrates just how full of diversity this country really is.

Sarapiquí

Located close to the Costa Rican and Nicaragua border, Sarapiquí sits on the Sarapiquí River. This area consists primarily of the rainforest; it has an amazing amount of diverse wildlife and is home to more than half of Costa Rica’s bird species, as well as nearly 2,000 different plant species, several dozen species of bats, and numerous different wild cats. The forest can be seen on foot or by white-water rafting and kayaking along its water paths. Many people also use it as a base for visiting the volcano known as Poas.

Arenal Volcano

Within the very prosperous and fertile northern lowlands lies a perfectly symmetrical volcano; Arenal. It has been inactive for nearly 10 years. This after regularly spitting out ash and lava following its eruption in the 1960s. Arenal allows visitors to have an abundance of outdoor activities, from hiking through the mountains to kayaking or rafting along its rivers. You can step onto the Arenal Hanging Bridges to walk through the forest canopy, while looking out for different animals like monkeys and sloths, and pay a visit to Proyecto Asis wildlife rescue center to find out how they help protect the forest’s endangered species.

Rio Perdido

This 600-acre private reserve in the San Bernardo Lowlands is where two canyons bring together cool waters Rio Blanco and the hot waters of Rio Perdido, which is known for having a number of hot springs; up-stream people can hop between the hot and cold water. All of this is surrounded by a tall forest, which is home to many birds, reptiles, and mammals, with hiking and cycling trails and a 200-foot hanging bridge to walk along, while seeking out the waterfalls.

With a canopy that is often hidden by clouds, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve harbors some of the most diverse wildlife in Costa Rica. This reserve contains roughly 2.5 % of the world’s biodiversity. Around 10 % of the flora is strictly native, and there are over 750 different species of trees alone. Alongside the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, there’s the Los Angeles Cloud Forest Reserve, which ranges from 2,300 to 5,900 feet above sea level and spreads around 1,975 acres. This mystical private reserve is usually free from the common tourist, enabling those who do visit to be able to see wildlife more often.

Tortuguero National Park

Situated on the country’s northern Caribbean coast, Tortuguero National Park has become famous across the globe as an incredible nesting ground for sea turtles, including the endangered Deep Sea Green Turtle. The national park (Tortuguero) also has freshwater creeks and lagoons to explore. One can travel and navigate by boat along the park’s waterways to see river turtles and caiman and hike through the rainforest for sightings of howler monkeys and toucans.

Palo Verde National Park

Here in the Guanacaste Province, wetlands and tropical dry forest co-exist as the result of the Río Tempisque flooding the arid land. Set out on a cruise through 12 different habitats to see its verdant mangrove, aquatic plants, and forest that encompass around 150 species of trees. Birds are the greatest attraction here though, with a small island in the river providing the perfect habitat. In the dry season, wildlife gathers around the park’s water sources, providing opportunities to see howler monkeys and white-tailed deer, among other species.

Manuel Antonio National Park

This national park on Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast encompasses wild rainforest, white-sand shores, and a coral-rich marine environment. Hiking trails weave through the forest and along the coastline, taking in the staggering biodiversity of tropical vegetation and wildlife species. Around 109 species of mammals and 184 bird species have been spotted here, making it especially rewarding for wildlife sightings. After hiking through the rainforest, take a cruise out to see dolphins and turtles, and kayak through the mangrove.