Costa Rica
Crossing the border from Panama to Costa Rica last Thursday was by far my most chaotic experience getting into a new country. Lesson Learned: Do lots of research before traveling to ANY country (especially during Covid). After several stressful hours at the border, I finally made it into Costa Rica and found a random guy to drive me to the coast since my bus abandoned me.
It was 100% "vale la pena" (worth the effort). Puerto Viejo and La Fortuna were both incredible, and the week flew by. As a wise philosopher once said, "I'll be back." Check out this vlog from my week in Costa Rica!
Puerto Viejo
My favorite destination so far on this trip. Puerto Viejo is a small surfer town with dozens of delicious restaurants, miles of beautiful beaches, tons of local shops, and the friendliest of people. My Airbnb was open-air, so I fell asleep every night to the sound of tropical rain storms and woke up every morning to birds chirping. I rented a bike and rode almost 20 miles along the beach past all the other towns. I found a perfect little coffee shop right on the beach and became a “regular” in just a few days (they knew my coffee order). I was sad to leave but excited for my next adventure :)
My Llama Tattoo
Fun Fact: I got this llama tattoo in 2016 when I was studying abroad in Ecuador. I climbed a 16,000-foot volcano (one of the hardest things I’ve ever done) and there was a llama just chillin’ at the top. It’s a daily reminder that I can do anything I set my mind to. And the balloon? A reminder to never take myself too seriously ;)
The tattoo artist told me it was going to be the size of a quarter. Biggest quarter I’ve ever seen. I still have yet to name my llama. Any suggestions?
La Fortuna
La Fortuna is home to Arenal Volcano! The highlight of my time here was being completely blown away by my $70/night hotel - Los Lagos Spa & Resort. It’s a BEAUTIFUL property with acres of gardens, dozens of pools and hot springs, waterslides, a swim-up bar, a zip-line course, ant and butterfly exhibits, turtle and alligator ponds, and so much more. Such an amazing place to relax after hiking around the volcano all day. I also ate some delicious traditional Costa Rican food in La Fortuna - “Soda la Hormiga” was incredible.
Next stop Nicaragua!
