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How We Embraced Costa Rica's Pura Vida

4/25/2014

26 Comments

 
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Howler monkeys can be spotted high in the treetops throughout Costa Rica. Keep your eyes on the trees when moving around the countryside for sloths, too.
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We indulged in fresh fruit and wonderful hospitality.
By John Roberts

The tiny nation of Costa Rica is a glorious tourist destination in Central America, located in an ideal spot touching both the Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean. "Pura Vida," the country's rallying cry of the "pure life" beckons you to come discover an ecological wonderland.

I visited Costa Rica on a port stop in Limon during a cruise and quickly fell in love during my journey around the Caribbean side of the country. The trip was one of my greatest travel experiences.

I ziplined, swam at a beach, toured a banana plantation, savored local beers, got my fill of the freshest and most delicious fruits you'll ever find at a roadside fruit stand, mingled with howler monkeys and held a sloth. 

The jungles and waters provide the backdrop of one of the most ecologically diverse places in the world. The nation's two coasts, jungle and mountains create a landscape for a multitude of microclimates, providing habitat for more than 500,000 plant and animal species. Costa Rica works to protect what it has, too. More than a quarter of the territory is under some kind of protected status. 

For active travelers, it's ideal. You can zipline in rain forest canopy, ride the rapids, hike volcanoes and soak in hot springs. You'll also find the typical array of watersports like snorkeling and diving. The reef systems off shore are home to thousands of marine species. 

If you have not yet been, go!

Costa Rica is a remarkable country worth exploring, and tourism supports a large part of the nation's economy. The greatest joy in my travels is knowing that my visit can benefit not only myself but the residents who live and work there, too.

Thanks for reading and happy travels,

JR

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From top, Costa Rica is rich with opportunities for adventure, such as zip-lining. You also will see exotic animals like colorful tree frogs and sloths. The nation is one of the largest exporters of bananas in the world.
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26 Comments
Karen Warren link
4/28/2014 06:13:13 am

Costa Rica looks like a great place for anyone who likes scenery or wildlife. And I love those little frogs!

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JR
4/29/2014 01:07:59 pm

It is just so full of activities and colors. We love it, obviously.

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City Sea Country link
4/28/2014 06:43:42 am

OMG, this looks so interesting. I would love to see all of these animals. It seems like a huge outdoor zoo. Hope to get to Costa Rica some day. Rainforests, volcanoes, hot springs....wow. Thanks for sharing it.

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JR
4/29/2014 01:08:39 pm

You are welcome. Thanks for your comments. The diversity is amazing.

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elena link
4/28/2014 07:16:56 am

I don´t know how quick your visit was but you did so much! I didn´t do and see half of the things you did during my visit. thanks for sharing!

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JR
4/29/2014 01:09:33 pm

We did a bit of research and had a great host take extremely good care of us during our day. Thanks for reading,

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jennifer link
4/28/2014 07:41:19 am

Oh I just love those little frogs!

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JR
4/29/2014 01:10:08 pm

They were so teeny and colorful.

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Dave Cole link
4/28/2014 10:44:30 am

I'm glad to see that Costa Rica is protecting a large portion of their natural beauty. It's a shame when so much forest and the native fauna are destroyed, as it robs us the chance of experiencing them. You guys had some very cool interactions there, thank you for sharing!

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JR
4/29/2014 01:10:40 pm

Me too. They take great pride in their efforts. I can't wait to get back.

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Jon @ jonistravelling link
4/29/2014 04:28:48 am

It seems like there is so much to see and do in Costa Rica! I love the photo of the sloth, looking forward to seeing them in the wild.

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JR
4/29/2014 01:11:44 pm

There is a lot. I gotta get back for a week or so to take it all in properly. Thanks for reading, Jon.

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Maria link
4/29/2014 06:48:16 am

The sloth looks so cute! Looks like you really had a great time there! :)

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JR
4/29/2014 01:12:34 pm

No doubt we had a blast. The country claims to be the happiest place in the world.

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Jen Dziekan link
4/29/2014 07:39:08 am

went to Costa Rica in 1999. Loved it- would really like to go back.

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JR
4/29/2014 01:13:33 pm

Nice. So you know. It's pretty cool. I need to get to the volvano and do more hiking next time.

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Margherita @The Crowded Planet link
4/29/2014 11:07:34 am

Wow, Costa Rica! I have heard so many good things about the place, I would love to go there. And that cute little little sloth, that's reason enough to go!

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JR
4/29/2014 01:14:22 pm

It's a blast. You'd never run out of things to do, especially if you love the outdoors like me! Thanks for reading.

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Jen link
4/30/2014 01:05:02 am

I love the wildlife of Costa Rica (and so did my kids), but I haven't been fortunate enough to meet a sloth up close yet.

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Manouk Bob link
4/30/2014 04:15:40 am

Hi John, great compact overview of Costa Rica! Really seems a country worth visiting for some cool activities and beautiful nature!

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Emily link
4/30/2014 06:16:59 am

I didn't make it to Costa Rica on my trip and I really wanted to fit it in - but it just wouldn't work out! This post makes me want to visit even more - hopefully I'll be able to next year :)

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Bianca @ItsAllBee link
4/30/2014 06:24:04 am

I have not been to Costa Rica but I have seen enough pictures to make me want to go. Especially that Zip lining I will have more of where that came from please :D

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Casual Travelist link
4/30/2014 12:09:03 pm

Costa Rica is my favorite destination to date. Pura vida!

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JR
5/5/2014 01:02:29 pm

Ha. Yours and mine, both. Thanks for reading.

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Eva Maria link
4/30/2014 10:29:07 pm

Line-zipping sounds amazing. Hiking across the jungle is on my bucket list and I hope I will experience it one day! It must be amazing!

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JR
5/5/2014 01:03:28 pm

Eva Maria. I had a blast. I hope to be heading back soon to share even more stories and details of this hidden gem.

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