Pura Vida!
This is pretty much the phrase in Costa Rica – used on every occasion and literally meaning “pure life.” But its true meaning goes far beyond the literal translation. It’s a mindset, a way of saying: “Enjoy life.”

During my research, I read that travelers really only need to remember these two Spanish words – and they’ll get by just fine. It seems to fit in every situation. It can mean “Hello,” “How are you?”, “All good,” “You’re welcome,” “Okay,” or even “No worries.” Honestly, learning the language doesn’t sound too difficult. 😄

But now you might ask: Why Costa Rica of all places?
And I’d say: Why not? As always, I’m drawn to the unknown – to corners of the world that are still unfamiliar to me, places I’m eager to explore and get to know. A not-so-small reason is also the fact that in November and December, while it’s freezing back home, Costa Rica offers summer temperatures and the chance to jump into the warm Pacific in nothing but swim shorts.

So what else convinced me to choose Costa Rica?

  • Stunning beaches

  • Extraordinary nature and landscapes

  • Breathtaking wildlife

  • A land full of adventure

  • Thriving nightlife

  • Delicious food and some of the world’s best coffee

Whether I’ll be able to confirm all of this during – and after – my trip at the end of the year remains to be seen. But I’m as excited as a kid in a candy store to find out firsthand what’s waiting for me there.

Once again, I’ve put in a lot of research to create the perfect route – or at least my version of it. The goal: to see and experience as much as possible during the three weeks I’ll be there. That’s what I travel for. That’s my passion. This time, I’ll be joined by a good friend who, just like me, is fascinated by Costa Rica and wants to experience the country live and in full color.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, chances are you’ll arrive—just like most tourists—by plane at San José’s international airport. We’ll do the same and land there on a direct KLM flight from Amsterdam.

When arriving late in the evening in a foreign country, staying at a nearby airport hotel for the first night is always the best choice. For me, a vacation truly begins only after a proper shower, a good night’s sleep, and the first sunrise. On the first real day of our trip, we’ll pick up our rental car—a 4×4 SUV, which is almost a must in Costa Rica—and head into downtown San José. Not only will we stay the night there, but we also want to explore the city in more detail. We’re taking a whole day to stroll through the streets, soak in the atmosphere, and discover the hidden gems of this 340,000-strong metropolis.

The next morning, we’ll leave the city and drive north toward La Fortuna. This town is best known for the nearby, still-active Arenal Volcano. We’ll go hiking in the direction of the volcano and also visit one of the many natural hot springs heated by the volcanic activity. A must-see is the La Fortuna Waterfall, which plunges 70 meters down a steep canyon—a breathtaking sight you simply can’t miss.

After two nights at this place, the journey continues for one night past the Laguna de Arenal and up into the mountains of Monteverde. Here you’ll not only find a famous cloud forest reserve teeming with wildlife, but also the longest zip line attraction in all of Latin America. Spanning 1,590 meters, you soar across a deep canyon in a Superman-style flight. It’s a guaranteed adrenaline rush. But hey — I’ll do (almost) anything for my videos. 🙂

The next morning, it’s off to the next national park: Rincón de la Vieja. Here, it’s like one national park hands over the reins to the next. Two days will have to be enough to tackle nearly 30 kilometers of hiking trails. Those need to be conquered to reach two breathtaking waterfalls and climb to the top of the volcanic cone. I know I’ll be dead afterwards—but once you’re there, there’s no way around it. I have to see it all.

Finally, the time has come — we’re heading to the ocean, or more precisely, the Pacific. Our first beach stop awaits us in Tamarindo. Here, we’re greeted by a stunning coastline, excellent restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. After the past few days in the jungle, we’ll kick back and chillax to the fullest. My travel companion, an avid diver, also has the chance to pursue his passion here and book one of the early morning dives.

And because all of that was far too short, we’re heading straight to Costa Rica’s number one party hotspot: Jacó. Here, we’ll embrace the spirit of “Pura Vida” and simply enjoy life — admiring the sunsets on the beach, sipping an ice-cold local beer with our feet in the sand, and turning night into day.

But now enough with the relaxing — we’re off to spend two nights in Costa Rica’s next national park, called Manuel Antonio. Word has it this place isn’t just home to the most beautiful stretch of beach in the entire country, but also to my personal highlight: “Wild River Rafting, Class IV.” Charging down a raging river in an inflatable raft. The description even makes it clear: this isn’t a kids’ birthday party — this is rafting for advanced adventurers. I love it!! Pure adrenaline rush!!

And on we go, continuing along the Pacific coast heading south. In the coastal town of Uvita, it’s time to relax a little—but also to head deep into the jungle on a guided tour. Here, it’s definitely wise to go with a local guide, as this is true wilderness. Going it alone could end badly—think snakes, spiders, or bullet ants. In this part of the world, caution is always key.

Next up is the southernmost point of our journey: Puerto Jimenez. Once again, we’re diving into a perfect mix of beach vibes and adrenaline. One particular tour includes tree climbing, rappelling down a tall waterfall, and trekking through dense jungle terrain. Just the description alone sounds like a test of endurance. I’m curious to see what’s in store.

Slowly but surely, the end of our adventure is drawing near. We begin making our way back toward San José—not along the Pacific this time, but through the highlands of Costa Rica, heading to San Isidro de El General. Nearby lies the country’s highest mountain: Cerro Chirripó, standing at 3,820 meters. Unfortunately, we won’t have time for the climb. You’d need at least 2–3 days and an overnight stay at the summit.

We take a leisurely drive through the mountains, arriving back in San José by evening. Over a delicious dinner and a cold beer in the city’s charming old town, we reflect on our journey and relive the best moments one more time. The next day it’s time to say goodbye, grab those last souvenirs, and make our way to the airport.

Once again, I hope to leave an incredible country with unforgettable memories, breathtaking experiences, and a treasure trove of amazing photos and videos.

And as always, I’ll keep you posted! 🙂