Costa Rica – coast to coast at Christmas – Pura Vida!

En route we stopped for a Costa Rican style buffet breakfast and shortly afterwards we saw our first family of sloths on the road-side!

Time seems to have stood still in this part of the north Caribbean coast. The final approach into Tortuguera National Park, and the only access to our lodge was by motor boat. A truly wonderful way to arrive! Our lodge was nestled between the canals and the wild Caribbean ocean and it felt like we were in the Amazon.

Highlights of our stay: a tour of the butterfly and frog farms; walking tour to the small village of Tortuguera; morning boat tour on one of the Park’s many canals; the wildlife including sloths, caimans, many species of birds (toucans in particular), monkeys (one resident by the pool!) not to mention the lush flora, colourful flowers, lizards and insects.

After a truly refreshing, relaxing and peaceful stay it was time to leave the Coast and head for La Fortuna (by a scheduled shuttle transfer in a very comfortable mini-bus). La Fortuna is a charming and quiet town offering panoramic views of the spectacular Arenal Volcano and is the gateway to the National Park.

Highlights of our stay: The Sky Tram and walking tour across the hanging bridges providing fantastic views of the Volcano, the Lake and some beautiful scenery; Finding a fabulous little family run restaurant in La Fortuna serving delicious local food; Volunteering at ‘Proyecto Asis’ - a wildlife animal rescue centre offering an educational experience and the chance to feed and meet Costa Rican wildlife up-close; Shaking hands with a monkey; watching a sloth slowly travelling across a wire (see photo); Eating sushi at the hotel’s pool bar with Gracie.

After a Lake (Arenal) crossing and a very bone rattling minibus ride, we arrived at our next destination – the Cloud Forest of Monteverde. Despite the rain, highlights of our stay: A fascinating visit to a co-operative coffee plantation (even helped pick the beans!); a visit from a very cheeky monkey to the Lodge restaurant; a truly exhilarating wet and windy adventure on the Sky Trek Zipline (still can’t believe I did it!).

Next stop and well-needed chill time – Tamarindo on the Pacific coast. Once a quiet fishing village, Tamarindo has grown into a popular surfing resort and despite its popularity with the American market (and the tipping culture that they bring). We didn’t find it overcrowded or commercialised. Just really good fun! The beach at Tamarindo is long and sweeping and provides great surf – surf or body boards can be hired by the hour, day or week. We had breakfast included at our beachfront hotel and the plethora of excellent restaurants, bars and market stalls provided us with almost too much choice!

Highlights of our stay: The Sunsets; Walks on the beach; The seared tuna at the Green Papaya Taco Bar; The live music on Christmas Eve at the Dragonfly Bar & Grill.

We spent our last night of this amazing journey in the urban capital - San Jose. Busier, noisier (and scruffier) than the rest of the places we visited (which were incredibly clean and cared for), the city did grow on us after taking a self-guided walking tour of the downtown area on our last morning.

A fabulous holiday in a truly wonderful country. Pura Vida!