Chasing Pura Vida: Exploring Costa Rica’s Treasures in La Fortuna, Monteverde, Jaco, and Manuel Antonio
Exploring the Beauty and Wonders of the Tropical Paradise
Starting our journey in the vibrant capital city of San José, we embarked on an unforgettable road trip through the stunning landscapes of Costa Rica. Our first destination was the charming town of La Fortuna, nestled at the base of the majestic Arenal Volcano.
La Fortuna: A Blend of Relaxation and Adventure
Upon arriving in La Fortuna, we wasted no time immersing ourselves in the local culture. We took a delightful cooking class where we learned to prepare traditional Costa Rican dishes, followed by a rejuvenating dip in the Ecotermales Hot Springs. The natural thermal waters provided the perfect setting to unwind and soak in the tranquil ambiance.
Our next adventure was a thrilling day trip to Caño Negro, including an incredible Río Frio boat experience. As we cruised along the river, we marveled at the diverse wildlife, spotting everything from exotic birds to playful monkeys.
The highlight of our stay in La Fortuna was undoubtedly walking the Mistico Hanging Bridges. Suspended high above the forest floor, these bridges offered breathtaking views of the lush canopy and the chance to see the vibrant flora and fauna up close. While it was a thrilling walk, we didn’t see much wildlife. We really wanted to see a sloth.
After wrapping up our adventure along the Caño Negro River, we were nearing our lodging when the guide asked the driver to pull over unexpectedly. We stepped out of the vehicle and retraced our route on foot for a few hundred feet. Then, with the help of binoculars, we spotted something truly remarkable—our very first sloth. It was incredible how the guide managed to notice it, nestled high in the jungle canopy amid a tangle of leaves and branches. That moment cemented our belief that hiring a guide is worth every penny. Their expertise and sharp eyes open up a world of discoveries that would remain hidden if you ventured out on your own.
Monteverde: Mystical Forest and Wildlife Wonders
Leaving La Fortuna behind, we ventured to Monteverde, renowned for its mystical cloud forests and rich biodiversity. The journey to Monteverde was an adventure in itself, as we navigated the most pot-holed road we had ever encountered. Near the end of our drive, Waze (the best GPS app out there) showed 57 minutes to go 22km (13.6 mi). Thankfully, our trusty 4×4 with decent clearance made the trip possible.
In Monteverde, we embarked on a night tour in the Tropical Forest at the Wildlife Refuge Monteverde. With the guidance of experienced naturalists, we observed nocturnal creatures in their natural habitat, including a toucan, green viper, soldier ants, tarantula and sloths. Again, without a guide we would have seen trees and plants in nearly pitch-black darkness.
The following day, we explored the enchanting cloud forest on a day tour, where we were lucky enough to see monkeys, a sloth, and the resplendent Quetzal birds. Adding to the magic, we indulged in a Coffee, Chocolate & Sugar Cane Tour, learning about the traditional processes and savoring delectable treats. Steve always thought that very dark roast coffee had the most caffeine. Quite the opposite, green coffee is the most caffeinated and the dark roast is considerably less. Who knew.
When we packed up for our next destination, we noticed the rear tire looked flat. We stopped at a local gas station where they removed a bolt, patched the hole and sent us on our way, all for $6 usd.
Jaco: Sun, Sand, and Jungle Adventures
Our road trip continued to the lively beach town of Jaco. Here, we embarked on an exhilarating kayaking adventure through the jungle. We paddled along serene waterways, surrounded by lush vegetation and the playful antics of monkeys. The excitement reached its peak when Steve’s kayak began leaking, and he capsized just before we docked, adding a memorable twist to our journey.
In Jaco, we also went horseback riding along the pristine beach, feeling the wind in our hair and the sand beneath our horses’ hooves. We explored the Ruins of El Miro, which offered a glimpse into the town’s intriguing past, and provided stunning panoramic views of the coastline.
Manuel Antonio: Nature’s Paradise
Our final destination was the enchanting Manuel Antonio. We embarked on a walking tour of Manuel Antonio National Park, where we were greeted by vibrant flora and fauna at every turn. The park’s pristine beaches and lush trails provided the perfect backdrop for our exploration. We took a boat ride off the national park, marveling at the scenic beauty of the coastline and spotting dolphins frolicking in the waves.
One of the most exhilarating experiences of our trip was zip-lining through the jungle, despite Steve’s fear of landing (not a fear of heights, just the sudden stop at the end). We soared through the treetops on a 4,300-foot (0.8 mile) twin zip line, feeling the adrenaline rush with every glide. The breathtaking views and the thrill of the adventure made it an unforgettable highlight.
Wrapping Up in San José
As our road trip came to an end, we returned to San José for our last night, staying at the Country Inn and Suites San Jose Aeropuerto. To our surprise, we were assigned a huge unit with a kitchen, dining room, office, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms. It was the perfect place to unwind and reminisce about our incredible journey through Costa Rica.
From the bustling city of San José to the tranquil hot springs of La Fortuna, the mystical cloud forests of Monteverde, the vibrant beaches of Jaco, and the natural wonders of Manuel Antonio, our road trip through Costa Rica was a true adventure. We left with memories of breathtaking landscapes, diverse wildlife, and warm weather in the coldest part of our Wisconsin winter. This journey reaffirmed our love for travel and the endless beauty the world has to offer.
