Explore Costa Rica and the true meaning of "Pura Vida" with a local!

Welcome meeting and a visit to a local farmers market for the best street breakfast with "cafe chorreado" and "pupusas or chorreadas" (curious eh?). We will be also buying fruit and veggie supplies! We have an optional hike in the local area to get a pretty amazing view of the Central Valley before heading to the Central Pacific and settle in our new home!

Today is an introduction to the art of "Pura Vida". Slow breakfast, a chat with your fellow explorers, a walk on the sand, a swim in the Pacific and an included surf lesson or yoga session, music & sunset and some ceviche are some of our ideas. Let's start easy!

It's time for one of our favourite things to do - Visiting hidden waterfalls. Our van will take us to little villages like Uvita and Ojochal, where bumpy roads will lead us to film-like waterfalls. Fresh and cool water surrounded by the rain-forest...can you beat that? In between waterfalls, we might stop at some of our favourite beaches in Whales Bay. An included lunch in one of our favourite spots in the area (also pretty hidden). Viewpoints, laughs and good vibes do the rest!

Well, day 4 is about giving back to the community that I hosting us. How do we do that? We collaborate with a local NGO in different ways. We might clean a beach, paint a local school or teach some English to local kids. In return, we will get smiles, interaction with Ticos and might get a free yoga lesson - Who knows?

A visit to Manuel Antonios National Park and rafting in Central America's cleanest river. It does not get much better than this. Be ready for an adrenaline rush and seeing monkeys, sloths, macaws, toucans and many other animals in this wildlife sanctuary.

Today we leave our home in the Central Pacific and make our way to the Arenal volcano area. It's a travel day but we will make it easy with some stops. A night hot springs session might be a good idea to relax. Otherwise, rest and be ready for tomorrow.

Since it is our only full day here we must explore! A local guide, born and raised will show us the natural secrets of the area. The Arenal volcano is active and until a few years ago, you could see lava flowing down its walls; it is now dormant but still spectacular. Optional tours are available if you still have energy after our hike.

Time to say bye to Arenal and head back to San Jose. However, we will be stopping at a family-owned coffee farm run on the principles of sustainability (included lunch). A truly unique experience! Once in the city, we will freshen up at our accommodation before heading for a farewell dinner at our favourite Caribbean restaurant. We cannot let you go without trying this cuisine!

Today we say bye and it is always a sad moment by now you will be an expert in the "Pura Vida" ways and see life through a different lens. Until the next adventure!