Who resists the Costa Rican Caribbean?
What Keylor Navas , the Costa Rican goalkeeper who knows better than anyone that the country where he was born is the perfect destination to be reborn as a traveler. And we propose five destinations to prove it to you: happiness starts here.
1. SAN GERARDO DE DOTA, THE HOME OF THE QUETZAL
Perfect to disconnect
In the Central Valley, heading south, east idyllic village between mountains between 2,000 and 3,000 meters tall, and with savegre river and its crystalline waters bathing him, resembles the entrance to Eden. We meet in the Los Quetzales Park , the perfect place for sighting these elusive and beautiful birds of the same name. It is the perfect starting point on this trip, where we can disconnect from our worries and reconnect with nature.
Jungle around the Savegre River
The park was created with the aim of protecting the natural resources of the upper basin of the Savegre River. And this is where we see that everything we had been told about Costa Rica is REAL : the exuberant nature, cloud forests and oak groves, high-altitude dwarf forests and subalpine moors... and an enormous, varied and striking number of species of flora and fauna. We begin to feel the rush of endorphins while we see a quetzal.
Where we sleep? In Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge , an eco-lodge located on a hill within the Los Santos Forest Reserve (adjacent to Los Quetzales National Park). Pure happiness.
This wonder is a quetzal.
two. CORCOVADO AND THE OSA PENINSULA
**Perfect to lose yourself (and be happy) **
corcovado is last virgin natural area of the entire Central American region : A third of the tree species and half of the threatened plants of the Costa Rican biosphere are found here. For this reason, naturalists from all over the world travel here to get lost in its extensive territories and observe the biological diversity of an area with more than 6,000 insects, 500 species of trees, 367 species of birds, 140 species of mammals, 117 species of amphibians and reptiles and 40 freshwater fish. An invitation to a Blue Lagoon, perhaps!
Hiking trails and rustic shelters for camping, boat trips or arriving by plane at the Sirena station are some of the promises of happiness of the place . The most daring (and those who do not) will enjoy observing here endangered animals.
The area has places that the human being has not touched, with species that need the tranquility of the forest to survive. Rivers As the Llorona, Corcovado and Mermaid , aquatic birds, large bull sharks, populations of jaguars, caimans, crocodiles, coral reefs in Punta Salsipuedes, humpback whales in Golfo Dulce... Is this not paradise? Weren't you born to see it?
Where we sleep? In El Remanso Lodge, a family accommodation that also belongs to a Spanish businesswoman, and that is located on the Osa Peninsula, near the Corcovado National Park. In the middle of a rain forest, on top of a beautiful Pacific beach, it has its own 75-hectare nature reserve that is part of the Osa National Wildlife Refuge. What else do you need to be happy?
Corcovado: ma-ra-vi-lla.
3. BASS OF THE BULL
Perfect for asking yourself the big question: what if I drop everything and...?
Low of the Bull is a prosperous and small rural community, rich in living traditions, unique landscapes and fascinating flora and fauna, which will bite you (again) with the I Leave It All syndrome. Because, good news: it's not touristy at all. Tranquil to the extreme, its rivers, waterfalls, cloud forests, and picturesque cultural surroundings are perfect for exploring... and feeling #happy (Worries? Stress? What was that?)
Where we sleep? In El Silencio, a Relais & Château (whose name says it all), imposing and offering an unforgettable and sustainable stay. Important: commitment to organic products (and has a fabulous spa).
Panoramic view of Bocas del Toro
Four. SHELL BEACH
Perfect for BE HAPPY
It is probably, the most beautiful beach in Costa Rica. Lush vegetation, a mangrove, crystal clear waters ... This chronicle should end here, because that is all we need to know, but we must go on and tell you that the beach is located in the north of the Peninsula just south of Brasilito Beach (isn't that a wonderful name?), from which it is separated by a rocky promontory ( Conchal Point ) .
This is the point where you say HERE shell you are one beautiful cove of just under two kilometers, so called because in its northern part the sands are formed by millions of shell fragments. You can bathe (it has been awarded the Ecological Blue Flag, as a clean and safe beach ), go hiking and horseback riding, and enjoy boating and other water sports, including scuba diving. In addition, very close you will find the Las Baulas Marine Park , one of the most important spawning areas in the world... Yes. It is THE place.
Where we sleep? There are several options away from the tourist centers. One of them is Cala Luna.
Conchal Beach.
5. GANDOCA-MANZANILLO
perfect for d Say you've been happy in the Caribbean
Here's a National Wildlife Refuge , little explored, where the combination of landscapes of land, beach and sea , added to the local culture, make it the best place in the world . And also with good news: the conservation and sustainable management of these ecosystems is carried out in parallel with the community participation , where the habitat of endangered species such as the manatee or sea turtles.
In the surroundings, we will find Grape Tip , a wide sandy spur that extends to the northwest until it meets the promontory at the end of small beach . To the south, the coast opens up curvilinearly to chamomile (both are perfect beaches for walking) . Bordering this point, you will come across a coral reef to dive, little Cousteau.
small beach
But we want MORE. And Costa Rica always gives MORE. We arrived to cute beach , we will do it after a walk of about 5 kilometers between Manzanillo and Punta Mona. There is forest and a landscape of exceptional beauty . A small island completely covered in vegetation, evergreen forests and patches of coral, ideal for diving.
A Manzanillo Beach we arrived from the town of Manzanillo. Yellowish sands stretch north about 3,500 meters to Punta Uva. The waves are moderate to strong and the palm trees come out to meet us. Perfect for walks and horseback riding, but in addition, here you can access multiple activities: rental of diving equipment, tours to observe dolphins and to dive...
Where we sleep?
Almonds and Corals is perfect to close this happy tour. Located in the heart of Gandoca Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge , in the Costa Rican Caribbean , surrounded by exuberant nature, is the epitome of eco-chic accommodation. Certified, with a sustainable construction, and, simply, wild and wonderful.
We feel a tickle. It's the endorphins. It is happiness.
Manzanillo: HERE.