Explore Costa Rica and the true meaning of "Pura Vida" with a local!
Ricardo will take the lead and plan your journey for you. Just sit back and enjoy the adventure.
Ricardo is looking for 6 TripMates
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Hello there! My name is Ricardo, I'm originally from Venezuela, but life has been generous and allowed me to live in many countries on this beautiful planet. I have spent several years living in Costa Rica, travelling all over the country, getting to know the local culture, experiencing the slow pace of life and happiness of the "Ticos", and now I would like to share it with you! It is not a coincidence that Costa Rica has been recognized many times as the happiest country in the world. What is the secret formula that makes this little Central American country an oasis of peace & happiness? Is it simply because of its natural beauty and the fact it has no army since 1948? Maybe having access to the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans + enviable weather conditions may also have something to do with that? It might even be because they have the freshest/tastiest fruit and some of the best coffee in the world! We believe it is the combination of these facts and having the friendliest people we have come across - You can never get tired of "Tico's" smiles and their favourite phrase: “Pura Vida”. Join me and discover the true meaning of “Pura Vida” by talking to the locals at a Sunday farmer's market, swimming in hidden waterfalls and walking virgin beaches surrounded by rainforest or just having a relaxed conversation over a freshly-made cup of coffee. Go white-water rafting in the cleanest river in Central America, learn about coffee production at an eco-farm in the central Valley and witness the majestic Arenal Volcano while hiking with a local guide. We will make sure you also have the chance to practise yoga, learn the basics of surfing and give something back to the community by taking part in activities organized by local NGO’s. Sunsets, fauna & flora and connecting with like-minded people are some other ingredients we will be adding to the mix. Bienvenidos a Costa Rica! What do we include in this experience: 1.Friendly, knowledgeable and local host Your first point of contact with the local culture and your guide throughout this adventure! 2.Accommodation Eight nights of comfy, fully equipped and conveniently located accommodation. You will be able to cook and do your laundry in our selected houses (shared and private rooming options available). 3.Private transport throughout the experience We try and minimize the use of our van during the experience. Walking, cycling and surfing are way cooler than driving! 4.Advice on your “pre and post-experience” arrangements Just hit me and I'll be more than happy to help you :)
Day 1
Santa Ana
Day 1
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!
Day 1-2
Esterillos Beach
Day 1-2
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!
Day 2-3
Ojochal
Day 2-3
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!
Day 3-4
Playa Hermosa
Day 3-4
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?
Day 4-5
Savegre de Aguirre
Day 4-5
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.
Day 5-6
Arenal Volcano
Day 5-6
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.
Day 6-7
Arenal Volcano
Day 6-7
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.
Day 7-8
Atenas
Day 7-8
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!
Day 8-9
Santa Ana
Day 8-9
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!
TripLeader
34 years old
Identity verifiedHola, I am Ricardo and I am a Spaniard born in Venezuela. I studied sustainability and I love to travel, nature and meeting friendly & open-minded people. I have been to 40 countries and have another 40 in mind but in between trips I lived in Costa Rica for 7 years and I am now back to the land of Pura Vida. I have got vast experience in tourism where I went from leading adventure tourism groups all over Europe to being Operations Manager for China & Russia for one of the world’s largest adventure tourism companies. A bit more than a year ago, I decided to start my own travel company together with 2 partners and that's how Be Local was born. Join me through this Costa Rican adventure!
Profile description: Hola, I am Ricardo and I am a Spaniard born in Venezuela. I studied sustainability and I love to travel, nature and meeting friendly & open-minded people. I have been to 40 countries and have another 40 in mind but in between trips I lived in Costa Rica for 7 years and I am now back to the land of Pura Vida. I have got vast experience in tourism where I went from leading adventure tourism groups all over Europe to being Operations Manager for China & Russia for one of the world’s largest adventure tourism companies. A bit more than a year ago, I decided to start my own travel company together with 2 partners and that's how Be Local was born. Join me through this Costa Rican adventure!What is included
Accommodation
Apartments
9 days trip
Santa Ana, Esterillos Beach & 7 more
Transportation
CarRicardo is looking for 6 TripMates