Finding your path in Costa Rica

Five years ago Kevin & I bypassed Tofurkeys and chose Thanksgiving in Costa Rica.  Best decision ever.  We remembered it was Thanksgiving in the United States while watching the sun descend over the ocean.  I've since sent friends and clients to Costa Rica.  It's a great place to travel-- Costa Rica implemented one of the first sustainable tourism models.  Not without its kinks, it's still a fantastic effort towards protecting land and resources while reinvesting tourism dollars into the host economy.

Here are a few of my tips for Costa Rica travel:

San Jose
Most international flights will take you to the capital.  You can fly to Liberia, on the West Coast, but it is more expensive.  San Jose is a nice place to live & work, but it's not that exciting for a traveler.  A gem is Hotel Grano de Oro.  It is more costly than many of the hotels I frequent, but in this case I think it's worth it. The hotel's cafe is probably the best restaurant in San Jose.  You'll need slightly formal wear for dinner-- jackets for guys, skirts for ladies.  Again, I rarely even pack this type of attire, but it's worth it for Grano de Oro.  We punctuated the beginning and end of our Costa Rican journey with the sweet sophistication of the open courtyard and high mountain air.

Montezuma
This artsy town on the Nicoya Peninsula is my favorite spot in Costa Rica.  We were drawn to this small village because it's nestled between ocean and protected jungle.  Given these conditions, the town cannot grow much.  Instead, this three street stop overflows with artists, farmers, environmental conscience, and local life.  This town is also home to one of Costa Rica's top restaurants: Playa de Los Artistas.  (Can you tell I pay a lot of attention to food when traveling?)

Oso Peninsula
It's hard to reach, but that's part of its charm.  I've been reccomended away from this region during the euphemistically termed "green season" (read "rainy season").  Roads can wash out completely.  Check into conditions.  It's worth the trip!

Manzanilla
Last stop on the Caribbean coast before Panama.  We haven't made it there yet, but it's on my short list for our next jaunt to Costa Rica.  I feel a little kinship to the area, having spent time on the opposite side of the border.  A few years ago Kevin & I stayed in Bocas del Toro, Panama, an archipelago directly across the border from this town in Costa Rica.  It's a breath-taking region.  It's also a rain forest, and there is rain most of the year.  This means the area is verdant and fresh, but if you're looking for sunny days you probably want to head to the Pacific side.

Last Bits
It's easy to be vegetarian in Costa Rica and possible to be vegan.  (It may mean making friends with lots of beans and rice.)

There are tons of vacation homes to rent with groups.  Costa Rica is a really approachable destination for groups of people-- this can also be a great way to cut costs.

Consider supporting community efforts and environmental work while traveling.  There are great ways to be involved and know the land more intimately.

We loved spending November in Costa Rica.  You're at the tail end of the green season, so plant life is lush and verdant after several months of hydration.  Prices are still lowered and don't begin rising until December.  Tourist crowds are also lower.  It was truly ideal.

I hear some people complain that Costa Rica has less of a cultural presence than neighbors like Nicaragua or Panama.  It's debatable.  Admittedly, I tend to be pretty polly-anna-ish about any opportunity to travel, & therefore become enthusiastic of some aspect of my host location.  Decide why you're going to any destination.  Some of the enticing features of Costa Rica are the land itself.  Let its presence speak most loudly-- and respect the inclinations of Costa Ricans to offer it time, privacy, shelter, and space.

Wanna go?  I'd be happy to help with the logistics.  Email maiga@yogawood.com.