Costa Rica Through My Lens: A Visual Feast for the Wanderlusting Soul

The majestic Arenal Volcano stands in the background, inviting you to explore the extraordinary beauty of Costa Rica's rainforest.

Our Costa Rican adventure began with the familiar pre-dawn hustle of travel. Our little band of explorers – my husband, his ever-adventurous mom, her equally spirited best friend, and myself – embarked from Portland International Airport (PDX), bound for the vibrant promise of Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR). The red-eye flight offered little in the way of restful slumber. Instead, we arrived in Costa Rica fueled by anticipation and the slightly bleary-eyed excitement of what lay ahead.

The initial leg of our journey involved a four-hour drive to La Fortuna. While the landscape began to hint at the natural beauty to come, the lack of sleep made the winding roads feel a bit longer. Finally, the lush green surroundings of La Fortuna welcomed us. After a much-needed shower at our Airbnb, the plan was to quickly regroup and explore. However, the allure of a horizontal surface proved too strong. What was intended as a five-minute rest turned into a glorious three-hour siesta.

I awoke to the sound of my husband's voice, announcing dinner plans. Though tempted to succumb to the lingering exhaustion, the fear of missing out propelled me forward. Our destination was Restaurante Nanku, and it was an excellent choice. The highlight of the evening was the Churrasco, a mouthwatering cut of meat brought to our table and dramatically finished with a flourish of flames. The sizzling spectacle was a perfect introduction to the vibrant energy of Costa Rican cuisine. La Fortuna itself is a charming town, bustling with activity and surrounded by incredible natural beauty. The town serves as a hub for adventure tourism, with many shops, restaurants, and tour operators catering to visitors eager to explore the nearby Arenal Volcano, hot springs, and rainforest.

The next day, we plunged into the heart of adventure at the iconic La Fortuna Waterfall. The descent down the 500-plus steps was a test of endurance, but the reward was well worth the effort. The waterfall cascaded into a crystal-clear pool, surrounded by lush vegetation. The water was bracingly cold, a shock to the system that left us feeling invigorated and alive. We took a refreshing dip, marveling at the sheer power and beauty of nature. The climb back up was a leg-burning challenge, but the views were a welcome distraction. Along the way, we were treated to the raucous calls of howler monkeys, their deep voices echoing through the dense foliage. And as we drove back to town, a delightful surprise awaited us: a sloth, hanging serenely from a tree, seemingly oblivious to our admiring gazes.

After a day of such exhilarating activity, relaxation was paramount. We opted for Ecotermales Hot Springs, drawn by its combination of affordability and amenities. Soaking in the naturally heated mineral pools was pure bliss. The warm, therapeutic waters eased our tired muscles, while the lush surroundings provided a feast for the eyes. While the poolside drinks were on the pricier side, the overall experience was incredibly rejuvenating. The different pools offered varying temperatures, each surrounded by lush tropical plants, creating a truly immersive and relaxing experience.

Our La Fortuna chapter closed the following day as we journeyed towards the coastal haven of Nosara.

However, our route included a detour to the unforgettable Arenal Hanging Bridges Park. The three-hour hike through this remarkable rainforest was an immersive experience. We traversed seven suspension bridges, each offering a unique perspective on the intricate ecosystem below. The forest was alive with the sounds of exotic birds, the rustling of leaves, and the distant calls of unseen creatures. One of the most memorable sights was the vibrant strawberry poison dart frogs, tiny jewels of the rainforest, clinging to the leaves. Their vivid colors, a warning of their toxicity, were a stark reminder of the incredible biodiversity and delicate balance of this ecosystem.

This drive to Nosara was also where we got our first real experience with Costa Rican roads. While some sections were paved, others turned into dirt tracks, riddled with rocks, and a constant barrage of bumps and potholes. It was a testament to the resilience of our vehicle (and our spines!), but the stunning scenery made it all worthwhile.

The next few days were dedicated to embracing the laid-back "Pura Vida" lifestyle in Nosara. Our Airbnb came with a delightful bonus: a salt-water pool that, refreshingly, was noticeably cooler than the ocean, offering a perfect respite from the tropical heat. Of course, no trip to the beach is complete for me without immersing myself in the ocean's embrace. There's a unique joy in diving into the waves, feeling the salt spray on my skin, and letting the rhythmic push and pull of the tide carry my worries away.

Nosara is more than just a beautiful beach; it's a whole vibe. The town has a relaxed, bohemian atmosphere that immediately puts you at ease. Days start early with the sunrise, and many people head to the beach for surfing or yoga. The sunsets are spectacular, painting the sky with vibrant colors.

The beaches in Nosara are stunning. Playa Guiones is the most popular, known for its excellent surfing waves. It's a long, sandy beach with plenty of space to spread out, even when it gets crowded. The waves are consistent, making it a great spot for both beginners and experienced surfers. Playa Pelada is a bit more secluded, with calmer waters and tide pools to explore. It's a great place for swimming and snorkeling.

We spent our days in Nosara exploring the different beaches, swimming in the ocean, and soaking up the sun. We also took a few surf lessons, which was a lot of fun (and a bit challenging!). In the evenings, we enjoyed delicious food at the local restaurants.

Speaking of food, Naked Food, courtesy of our Airbnb, was a highlight. The restaurant had a relaxed, open-air setting, and the focus was on healthy, organic food. We enjoyed fresh fruit, smoothies, and delicious breakfast bowls. The atmosphere was always lively, with friendly staff and other guests chatting and enjoying their meals.

Desayuno Tipico from Naked Foods in Nosara

Our time in Nosara was a perfect blend of relaxation and activity. We left feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and completely in love with the "Pura Vida" way of life.

Our Costa Rican journey continued to Playa Flamingo, where the highlight was a catamaran excursion with Panche Sailing. Playa Flamingo itself is a picturesque coastal town, known for its beautiful white-sand beaches and stunning ocean views. The town has a sophisticated feel, with a mix of luxury resorts, many private villas, and upscale restaurants.

One of the notable features of Playa Flamingo is its impressive marina. It's a popular spot for many yachts and superyachts, giving the area a glamorous feel. The marina provides a hub of activity, with people coming and going on various watercraft, and it's a great place to admire the impressive vessels.

Our catamaran tour with Panche Sailing was a definite highlight of our time in Playa Flamingo. The crew was fantastic, providing excellent service and ensuring everyone had a memorable experience. The boat itself was spacious and well-equipped, with plenty of room to relax and enjoy the views. As we set sail, we were treated to breathtaking scenery, with the coastline stretching out before us and the sparkling blue waters all around. The open bar was a welcome addition, and I certainly enjoyed the four mojitos I had while on board! The early dinner served on board was a delicious treat, enjoyed as we cruised along the coast. The food was fresh and flavorful, featuring sea bass wraps, chicken wraps with queso, and of course, a generous serving of fresh fruit. It was the perfect way to cap off a day of sun and sea.

While we had hoped to do some snorkeling, the conditions weren't ideal. However, the other activities more than made up for it. We spent time swimming in secluded coves, kayaking along the shoreline, and trying our hand at paddleboarding. The water was incredibly inviting, and it was a joy to explore the coastline from a different perspective.

Playa Flamingo offers a blend of relaxation and luxury, with its stunning beaches, upscale amenities, and exciting water activities. It's a place where you can unwind in style and enjoy the best that Costa Rica's Pacific coast has to offer.

Costa Rica, as seen through my lens, is a land of vibrant contrasts and breathtaking beauty. It's a place where lush rainforests meet pristine beaches, where adventure and relaxation coexist in perfect harmony. This visual feast for the wanderlusting soul left me with a camera full of stunning images and a heart brimming with unforgettable memories. The "Pura Vida" spirit is truly infectious, and I can't wait to return to explore even more of this incredible country, especially the Caribbean side and Manuel Antonio National Park, which we didn't have time for on this trip.