Cuckoo For Costa Rica

Costa Rica--some may hear "third world," but others know it better as a beautiful, hospitable country rife with adventure and gorgeous scenery around every corner. I'd say it's about 30% of the former and 70% of the latter. Costa Rica is a perfect mix of the tragically beautiful and the beautiful beautiful. If I had to die and be reincarnated as a piece of land (it could happen!), it would be Costa Rica.

The Beaches

While we only visited the Pacific coast, we can certainly vouch for the awesomeness that is Costa Rican beaches. Don't picture Florida and don't imagine the Caribbean; it will only do CR an injustice. This beach is more... scruffy. By this I mean that it's not refined with a Beachcomber and that its more rustic in its nature.

There are hills (in some areas) nearby. There are cliffs. There are rocks. There are small towns right on the beach. While we did stay at a gorgeously spiffy resort (Paradisus Playa Conchal), the beach maintains the integrity of the country and not the uppity facade of the resort. The resort borrows it's name from the beach, Playa Conchal. It is accessible by locals as all CR beaches are considered public. So there are some SUVs, quads/four-wheelers, local fisherman, and let's say--assertive entrepreneurs--that occasionally pass by.

As honeymooners, we got to appreciate how the beach should be--not sheltered from the rest of civilization, not primped and polished, not "rid" of locals-- just a pure and natural place were human life and nature meet.

Other than the Beaches

There are countless other things to do in this diverse country. No matter where you stay, there are multiple adventurous destinations nearby. In and around Guanacaste, the northwest region that borders the Pacific, you can choose for whitewater rafting, whitewater tubing, zip-lining, rappelling, rock climbing, hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, four-wheeling--the list is a wee bit shy of endless! We chose to use Xplore Costa Rica as our outfitter and were undeniably satisfied. Head up to Guachipelin for long day packed with a combination of the activities above.

Of those excursions, I urge you to do the whitewater tubing. Beware: you will scream! I love whitewater rafting (not too advanced) and kayaking, but this tubing is high energy. It definitely impressed me; it was no where near a lazy river or float trip! We also visited the volcanic mud baths and the hot springs--unique, revitalizing, and romantic despite the fact that it was drizzly and cool.

As for towns and local life, expect to be a bit shocked. We visited two towns--Brasilito and Tamarindo. Brasilito is a town that has a handful of restaurants, two convenience stores, a soccer field, some souvenir stands, and homes. Many buildings are a hodge-podge of materials that look they were added over time. Many homes do not have doors or windows. Many dogs walk right by you with not so much as a sniff. It's a different way of life from that of the States, and while it was unusual, it was no way scary or unsettling. It simply is . Embrace it, enjoy it, don't pity it. Especially because in Tamarindo, a larger tourist-driven surfing town, there are high-rise condos and even a Pizza Hut.

Considering another destination? Don't. We thought of Puerto Rico, which I'm sure is great in it's own rite, but Costa Rica is Bucket List kind of place!