Travel: Costa Rica

Story by Major Rogers

It’s actually “pura vida,” as the locals say—the pure life. And they aren’t lying. This beautiful country south of south of the border delivers in beauty, culture, and happiness. Costa Rica is a lush and rugged country in Central America, cradled between the Caribbean and Pacific oceans.

Costa Rica is a strong ally of the United States. We share such a bond, that the country hosts no military, under the agreement that we will provide security if ever needed. In turn, their government has those funds freed up to spend on education, healthcare, and pensions for its residents. Costa Rica is a beacon of democracy, stopping transnational crime such as drug trafficking or cartel involvement. We are also top trading partners, as the United States is responsible for 40 percent of the country’s imports and exports. Routinely referred to as one of the happiest countries in the world, this may explain Costa Ricans’ average lifespan of 80 years.

The first week of the trip was spent on a beachside Airbnb property, with an infinity pool overlooking the ocean, and about 50 yards of jungle growth between us and the sand. My girlfriend, Casandra, and I, along with a group from Visalia, traveled to Costa Rica to be part of a destination wedding. While with the wedding party, we went on excursions like jungle zip lining, white water rafting, rock climbing, and horseback riding. A trip highlight was the chartered catamaran for the wedding party, where we sailed up the coastline under a near-cloudless blue sky to lunch. We also had the opportunity to snorkel from the catamaran.

The evenings were spent sipping spirits at sunset and enjoying home-cooked meals with fresh local ingredients. A fellow traveler from Visalia said it was these times that she enjoyed most: “The company, making new friends while with old ones, all in a beautiful setting.” One night, our group found a baby sea turtle crawling in the wrong direction from the beach towards the property. We took the little guy down to the water and released him under the moonlight. Soft morning sunlight and the sound of the waves woke us each morning, and at night, the mystical sound of howler monkeys growling in the trees entertained the ears and mind. These were soulful moments.

At the close of the week, I felt we hadn’t yet explored the heart of the country, where we could mix with locals and experience everyday life. So, my girlfriend and I rearranged the following week’s schedule, and continued our venture.

In my book, this place is worth every penny.

Tamarindo is a nearby beach community about 20 minutes up the road from where we stayed in Santa Cruz. It has a population of just above 6,000. A little sleepy by day, but it’s alive and buzzing at night. This area typically hosts art and music festivals. The beach here, perfect for surfing, stretches the full one-and-a-half-mile length of the town. City life comes with walk-up bars and restaurants, both casual and semi-formal. There are a couple popular beachfront breweries, and plenty of shops selling items from tacky to trendy. Walking along the beach you’ll find massage stations set up randomly along where the palm trees meet the sand. An hour-long service will run you 30 bucks, while the sunlight strobes your closed eyes through the palm fronds, and the hush of the waves centers you. You can set your blanket and cooler on the beach, or inquire about a local beach club. Beach clubs are semi-private establishments you can enter, usually for a fee. They typically have a bar, food, and swimming pool options. You can also sit in the sand with a lounge chair in the club. You can order from a waiter, or from the coconut man who walks by every 30 minutes, hacking open a fresh coconut for you to drink—fresh, or with rum.

After two nights in Tamarindo, we decided to move even farther north to experience Playas del Coco Coco. On the map it’s only 30 miles, but much of the ride was on a two-lane lazy road. When traveling, these longer rides allow you a vision of the country and the daily life that goes on outside the larger communities—a virtual montage, giving you a little more understanding of where you are.

Playas del Coco is one of the oldest beach communities in the region. However, it is rapidly becoming one of the fastest growing tourism spots in the country. The good news: It’s still slow there. This area, too, has every kind of restaurant, including a walk-up 50s diner, creperie, or top-rate trendy Italian. In both towns, the options for eating local dishes, including global palate pleasers, feels endless.

The most important thing I can convey about Costa Rica: It’s safe. There is no danger of gang violence in the places I’ve described, and for the most part, that stands country-wide. Of course, when traveling anywhere, a level of security is warranted when out and about, but the risk of danger is very low here. There is virtually no tourist-targeted crime. No pickpocket crews or purse snatching going on. I was never once approached for a handout, which was very rare for a tourist destination. The people are genuinely happy, which is something we Americans can aspire to. If a person has a job in Costa Rica, they are grateful, regardless of the level of work, and they are happy to see you.

Keep in mind: Costa Rica (especially the beach areas of the country) isn’t necessarily cheap. If you plan ahead, you can find times of year where prices are low, but at other times, it is pricier than the typical tropical stay south of us. In my book, this place is worth every penny. Pura vida.