Exploring the land of Pura Vida country of five million people, A Costa Rica is wedged in between Nicaragua and Panama, in middle
Pura Vida, meaning simple life or pure life, is a term heard almost everywhere from people of all walks of life in Costa Rica. But they don’t use it as a greeting or an enduring term, they live it.
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America. It rises from the Caribbean ocean, across lush tropical rainforests, up and over mountain tops before descending through the humidity back down to the beautiful Pacific coast. Rather than fight against nature, Costa Rican’s embrace it, make it part of their life and their livelihood. They live among nature like cohabitants rather than conquerors . . . that’s Pura Vida.
Catching only a glimpse of our surroundings as we exited the airport, a waiting shuttle quickly spirited away out of the city through the highlands and to the mountains. After an hour of driving past incredible scenery of unparalleled beauty, we arrived at the Chayote Lodge near Naranjo de Alajuela. It is the complete opposite of the frantic paced capital city of San Jose, now a carpet of twinkling lights in
the valley down below. Owner, Rolando Campos wanted to create a destination for tourists in his native region. He speaks passionately of his admiration for the nature in the surrounding the area. The lodge has 12 cabins that are all positioned overlooking the valley. With volcanos and mountains tops all around, you can’t help feel as if you’ve become one with the clouds. The cabins have rustic interiors crossed with modern architecture that includes all-glass front that allow for a full view of the valley. . . It’s an incredible sight to wake up too. Dinner or breakfast at the hotel restaurant is superb. The food is simple but fresh and delicious. For those with a more anthropological inclination, the hotel offers some great outings one of which is to a local elderly woman’s house in the village below the hotel PHOTOS: MCKENZIE DONOVAN
PHOTO: COURTESY MISTICO ARENAL HANGING BRIDGE PARK
travel by Mckenzie Donovan
