Pura Vida, a true discovery of Costa Rica´s Caribbean and Central Valley

Mar 15
09:47

2010

Matthew Barker

Matthew Barker

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A sample itinerary for a true Pura Vida experience along Costa Rica´s Caribbean Coast & Central Valley suggest travel experts from Costa Rice for Less

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If you want to truly experience Costa Rica the ´pura vida´ lifestyle of Costa Rica,Pura Vida, a true discovery of Costa Rica´s Caribbean and Central Valley Articles check out this sample 7 day itinerary of the Caribbean coast and the Central Valley.  If you have more than 7 days, you can also add a trip to the Pacific coast as well!  

Most international flights fly into the Santamaria International Airport in San Jose, named after the country´s national hero from the 19th century.  You should definitely spend the day enjoying the rich culture, delicious flavors and nightlife of this unique colonial capital city.  On day two after relaxing for your first afternoon in Costa Rica, take a day tour from San Jose to Poas Volcano which is the home to one of the world´s largest craters.  

You will climb through the cloud forests to look over the southern lake full of life and the highly acidic northern lake with a pH of nearly 0! Another interesting aspect of this particular volcano is that one side has been inactive for nearly 10,000 years and then the northern side that had a small eruption in 2009.  

As you descend from the mountain in the afternoon, most tours will take you to the village of Grecia to see the infamous metallic church constructed in Europe and brought to Costa Rica piece by piece.  You will also stop in Sarchi, a town famous for it´s wood work and you will have the opportunity to watch the artisans create their masterpieces before returning to San Jose to rest in your hotel.  

On day three pack your bags and make your way to the Caribbean coast to visit Tortuguero National Park.  Here as you ride along the intertwined waterways, you will be able to spot the endangered manatees, hundreds of species of birds and exotic flora.  That evening you may have the opportunity to return to the park to watch the female green sea turtles return to the protected beaches to lay their eggs and the following morning you will have the chance to tour the park as the sun rises and the natural world comes to life before a full day exploring the park.

Day 5 make your way down the Caribbean coast to Puerto Vargas and Cahuitia National Park to enjoy the beaches, coral reefs and tropical forests in this paradise locations.  The reserve is home to a vast array of fauna and flora as well as more than 2 miles of coral reefs.  You will stay in the delightful and colorful Caribbean town of Puerto Viejo that boasts great restaurants and day activities for its year round tourists.  

You should start working your way to the town of La Fortuna de San Carlos to visit the Arenal Volcano around Day 7.  Enjoy the afternoon kayaking, hiking, horseback riding or riding ATVs before checking out the thermal hot springs that evening.  In the morning you should hike the Toucans Trail on the western side of the Arenal Volcano.  This trail cuts through the rainforest and then crosses over a large lava flow.  The trail continues to an overlook of Lake Arenal and then by evening you can watch the lava flow down the side of the mountain.

Either stay another night and head back to San Jose in the morning or make the reasonably short trip back for an red eye flight or an early morning return home if you are short on time.  If you have some more time, be sure to check out Monteverde, Tamarindo, Jaco and Manuel Antonio if you can!