A Week in Costa Rica
¡Pura Vida!
Time for another solo trip! This time I wanted to try a tour as I had heard great things about Tucan Travel. Usually, I do not like set tours because I do not like feeling rushed and like to have more freedom of choosing where I go and what I do. The thing that intrigued me about Tucan was you were given the flexibility to do as much or as little as you wanted with the group throughout the tour and they partnered with local hotels and tour operators instead of chains so your money is going to the community. Each destination, you could add on different activities and do as much as you’d like within the time frame there. It is nice to not be stuck with the whole group the whole time and this way only do activities you are actually interested in. The tour offered was going to locations I wanted to go anyways and since it was a shorter trip, I figured I’d give Tucan a try.
I still prefer travelling on my own outside a tour, but would use Tucan again if I was going somewhere I do not feel comfortable or confident doing completely on my own just yet. (Update: unfortunately, Tucan has ceased operations because of the pandemic as they are dependent on these smaller businesses that have struggled throughout as well. Definitely a shame as they were a great choice for a tour company)
While knowing some Spanish would be helpful (dust off that high school knowledge), English is pretty widely spoken in Costa Rica, especially in tourist areas.
San Jose, Costa Rica
The tour started and ended here. I arrived a day early to explore and go to some of the markets. While I only spent a day here, it felt the same as other larger cities and personally would suggest spending more time outside of it.
Quepos
Must Do: Kayaking through the mangroves
Look out for the monkeys above you!
Must See: Manuel Antonio National Park
Tours with a guide are fairly short and I would recommend using a guide as they find and point out all the wildlife (including sloths!). Otherwise you probably won’t spot any wildlife and it’ll feel like walking through any other national park. Also, this park has a beach as well which was much needed after walking around in the humid forest for hours
Must Do: Catamaran sunset cruise
Perfect view of the sunset with a drink in hand after sliding and jumping into the ocean
Monteverde
Must See: Monteverde Cloud Forest and hanging bridges
The cloud forest is worth the hike, but depending on the weather the views may not be as dramatic. It was cloudy/foggy when I went so I hiked to the furthest point to look out at nothing haha. On clearer days it is supposed to look out onto the the entire forest
Must Do: Ziplining
With the longest zipline in Latin America, the ability to superman some lines and a Tarzan swing at the end, your adrenaline will definitely be pumping at the end!
Must Do: Chocolate/Coffee tour at Don Juan
Learn how coffee, chocolate, and sugar cane are made and yes, of course there’s tastings!
La Fortuna
Must do: Horseback riding along base of Arenal volcano
Almost positive the company I used was this one. Very tame horses and no experience needed.
Must See: La Fortuna Waterfall
Definitely apply bug spray—I got eaten alive, but 100% worth every bite!