After a long flight we were so relieved to arrive in Costa Rica, the land of paradise and pure tranquility. We had heard many wonderful things about the small, developing country in Central America, which is otherwise known as 'Rich Coast' and we were ecstatic to explore!
We had read that thanks to Costa Rica's topography one can be on the beautiful, white, sandy beaches one day, then the next on a trek through the vast jungle and then finishing on top of a mountain. This was going to be the perfect place in which to spend our vacation, away from the stresses and strains of everyday life, completely enthralled in this magical country.
Our first destination was La Fortuna, San Carlos! We were immediately captivated by the 1633 meter volcano, known as 'Volcan Arenal'. The volcano is active and that night we were blown away by what we saw. Hot lava was actually spilling out from one of its three craters and seeping down the side, creating worm like patterns that glowed in the night sky. It was a truly incredible sight!
After a good night sleep at one of the observatory lodges, set right at the foot of the volcano, we woke and drew back the curtains to reveal that what we had encountered the night before had in fact been a reality; there it stood towering high in all of its glory.
After our horseback ride, which took us through a number of cultivated areas it was time to get our walking boots on. The trek down to 'La Fortuna' waterfall was a steep one and lasted for about 30 minutes but it was all worth it when we were standing at the foot of one of the most powerful waterfalls that I had ever seen.
The panoramic views were really quite spectacular and it made the bumpy ride up the mountain side to Monteverde all worth it in the end. I felt so connected to nature and at complete peace with my inner self. It was a truly, unforgettable experience!
In the distance we could see the end of the dirt road and we both smiled with excitement because we knew that we had arrived on top of the green mountain. Destination number two! After checking in to a cool, little family run hostel we decided to make plans for the next day. If it wouldn't have been for the friendly staff, I think that we would still be trying to figure what to choose in a place where boredom doesn't exist! Time to sleep and recharge our batteries!
I have never felt so free until that morning when I was speeding from tree to tree without a care in the world. There were zip lines, rappelling, a tarzan swing and nothing but clean air and nature. Bliss! About to tip off the edge of the platform, I did wonder what was going through my head but after the one second vertical drop all I knew was that 'I WAS TARZAN', swinging amongst the trees.
That night, after a wonderful day spent in the forest we were captivated by one of the most astonishing sunsets. The panoramic views, as a result of being situated so high up on the mountain top, only added to increase the intensity of the colors that merged together, illuminating the night sky. It was a magical experience and despite the photos that we took, the real experience can never be captured and framed, but it will always remain in our hearts. Costa Rica is a place a pure tranquility! - 31529
We had read that thanks to Costa Rica's topography one can be on the beautiful, white, sandy beaches one day, then the next on a trek through the vast jungle and then finishing on top of a mountain. This was going to be the perfect place in which to spend our vacation, away from the stresses and strains of everyday life, completely enthralled in this magical country.
Our first destination was La Fortuna, San Carlos! We were immediately captivated by the 1633 meter volcano, known as 'Volcan Arenal'. The volcano is active and that night we were blown away by what we saw. Hot lava was actually spilling out from one of its three craters and seeping down the side, creating worm like patterns that glowed in the night sky. It was a truly incredible sight!
After a good night sleep at one of the observatory lodges, set right at the foot of the volcano, we woke and drew back the curtains to reveal that what we had encountered the night before had in fact been a reality; there it stood towering high in all of its glory.
After our horseback ride, which took us through a number of cultivated areas it was time to get our walking boots on. The trek down to 'La Fortuna' waterfall was a steep one and lasted for about 30 minutes but it was all worth it when we were standing at the foot of one of the most powerful waterfalls that I had ever seen.
The panoramic views were really quite spectacular and it made the bumpy ride up the mountain side to Monteverde all worth it in the end. I felt so connected to nature and at complete peace with my inner self. It was a truly, unforgettable experience!
In the distance we could see the end of the dirt road and we both smiled with excitement because we knew that we had arrived on top of the green mountain. Destination number two! After checking in to a cool, little family run hostel we decided to make plans for the next day. If it wouldn't have been for the friendly staff, I think that we would still be trying to figure what to choose in a place where boredom doesn't exist! Time to sleep and recharge our batteries!
I have never felt so free until that morning when I was speeding from tree to tree without a care in the world. There were zip lines, rappelling, a tarzan swing and nothing but clean air and nature. Bliss! About to tip off the edge of the platform, I did wonder what was going through my head but after the one second vertical drop all I knew was that 'I WAS TARZAN', swinging amongst the trees.
That night, after a wonderful day spent in the forest we were captivated by one of the most astonishing sunsets. The panoramic views, as a result of being situated so high up on the mountain top, only added to increase the intensity of the colors that merged together, illuminating the night sky. It was a magical experience and despite the photos that we took, the real experience can never be captured and framed, but it will always remain in our hearts. Costa Rica is a place a pure tranquility! - 31529
About the Author:
Costa Rica is a wonderful place to travel to, filled with much splendor and life. The author has lived for many years in Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. If you ever decide to visit Monteverde make sure to check out How to get Transportation to from Monteverde.
