WORDS & PICTURES: Lauren P. Reyes

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Abundant in flourishing rainforests, biodiversity, and world-class surfing, Costa Rica lives up to its name, which translates to “rich coast” in Spanish. Anyone looking to slow down and reconnect with themselves can find haven in this small but dynamic country.

Upon arriving in San José for our Costa Rica road trip, we grabbed our rental car and hit the road. We headed for a small port town called Puntarenas to catch the ferry to the Nicoya Peninsula. This region is known as one of the 5 blue zones in the world, where researchers have found people are healthier and live longer. Excited to uncover their secrets to longevity, we boarded the ferry as a warm sunset greeted us on our first evening in Central America. As we disembarked, the once gold-drenched skies were now black. Navigating the bumpy dirt roads slowly, we headed to our first destination: Santa Teresa. 

Tucked between dense trees lies the sleepy surf town. Charming cafes, quirky surf shops, and ATVs line the dusty main road. Here, we spent our days enjoying a slower life pace and fresh tuna bowls. Playa Santa Teresa (the beach) comes alive as the sun sets and the sand cools — a gathering place to witness the sky’s fusing of colors. Eager surfers crowd the water, hoping to catch the last swells before nightfall.

Then we traveled a 4-hour journey north. Only stopping for lunch, we had ‘casado‘, a traditional Costa Rican dish: a plate full of rice, black beans, and plantains complemented with a protein like fish or chicken. Simple yet delicious. Our bellies full, we continued on the road. From the passenger seat, I admired the swiftly changing landscape. Once surrounded by lush vegetation, the road now saw endless hills of cattle. Much of the country remains in its raw, natural form, untouched from signs of commercialization — a true testament to the ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle. Here’s hoping it stays that way. 

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We arrived in the Guanacaste Province; Tamarindo is the central hub here. With stretches of warm sand and calm waves, it’s popular among surfers and beach-goers. We traveled to this area to visit Playa Las Minas, a lesser-known beach and nearby area for sea turtle nesting. Under the moonlight, we’d hike with a naturalist to a protected area. Cautiously, stepping through a gate and onto the sand, we patiently waited for the gracious sea creatures. Soon enough, we witness baby sea turtles taking their first steps toward the ocean.

Ready to trade waves for waterfalls, we headed inland to the Arenal Volcano: a striking landmark that visitors shouldn’t miss. Lush rainforests surround the symmetrically shaped and active volcano. You can soak in the natural hot springs or hike into the jungle to dip in the La Fortuna waterfall. Thriving with exotic wildlife, you’re bound to encounter something new.

Many bug bites later, it was time to return home — a bittersweet farewell. But a lasting impression of a simpler life remains.