This past Spring Break, I went to Costa Rica for a study abroad. Honestly, it was probably the best 8 days of my life. I learned so much about the Tico culture and got to experience even more than I did the first time I visited.
The first day was San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. When we arrived, we were met by our tour guide, Porfi. He led us around the town of San Jose and showed us the amazing statues, street art, and history of San Jose. I think my favorite part was the catholic churches. They were colossal and gorgeous, inside and out.
Our second day was traveling to Sarchi and Zarcero. In my opinion, these are the two most beautiful places to visit in Costa Rica. Sarchi is full of vibrant colors and is home to the ox wheel, while Zarcero has this beautiful and homey feel to it. In Zarcero, I got to try pina pan, which translates to pineapple bread!
It’s basically like a donut, but with pineapple jam and it is the most DELICIOUS thing! In Sarchi, I got to experience the vibrant ox carts and the wonderful fruits of Costa Rica such as watermelons, pineapples, and mango.
What I’ve noticed in every town is there is always a school, church, and soccer field. The churches are breath taking and the soccer fields are always full of children playing during their lunch time or after school. Alfaro Ruiz is a hedge place that has beautiful designs made entirely out of hedges.
After visiting the two places, we finally reached La Fortuna. La Fortuna is only minutes away from Arenal and the Arenal hot springs. Before visiting the hot springs, we hiked down towards the La Fortuna waterfall, which was the most beautiful and exotic waterfall I had ever seen. The hike back up the falls is about 1.5 miles.
The third day was dedicated to learning more about Tico culture. To do this, we got to visit a high school and college in San Carlos. Some of the people I met were Raquel, JJ, Ronny, Daniel, John, Yessenia, and Margareth. These were some of the most amazing people and I loved every second with them. They were practicing their English, which some of them have been speaking since they were little!
I would have to say this was my favorite day, simply because I got to interact with these people and learn more about their culture.
Our fourth day consisted of hiking up the Arenal volcano, followed by ziplining down the mountain. Costa Rica has some of the most beautiful foliage and scenery I have ever seen. Arenal volcano sits high above the landscape and has the most gorgeous view. Ziplining through the mountains was a breath taking experience, while also counting as a work out.
The fifth day was the beach! Who doesn’t love the beach? These waters were crystal clear with white sand beaches and even a black sand one! Yes, I have finally checked off “go to a black sand beach” on my bucket list.
Jaco was the black sand beach, where our hotel was at, while Manuel Antonio had the white sand and crystal waters. These two places are my favorite beach spots in Costa Rica, seeing as how I’ve been to them before.
Though Costa Rica has amazing scenery and fun things to do, it has even better food! Rice and beans are served with nearly every meal; breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I personally love the fruit in Costa Rica because it’s so fresh and juicy. The beer of Costa Rica is the Imperial because it is made in Costa Rica.
If you ever think about going to Costa Rica, I HIGHLY suggest it. Not only is it friendly as it is beautiful, but it changes you and gives you a better cultural aspect.
Pura Vida, shell gals! XO
“After a visit to the beach, it’s hard to believe we live in a material world” -Pam Shaw
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