1 – Witness the Awe of Nature
Whether it’s climbing to the top of a mountain to see both the North Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, in one breathtaking panoramic view (that would be Mount Chirripó with a summit of 3,820 metres), or simply watching an army of ants cross your path, watching hundreds of them carry leaves back to their queen at their nest, you’ll want to put something that gets you back in touch with the simpler things of life on your list. It awakens childhood wonder and puts everything into perspective.
2 – Indulge in Culture
Not all culture has to be stuffy and in a museum for it to be authentic. What is the “Tico” culture you may ask. Well, my new found friend, it’s the rural life, read: the beach life! Yes, there’s the city, San José, Cartago, and the likes, but above all where the action is at is on the shores of this beautiful country. It’s at the beach, in the country, where families and friends get together from all walks of life, to swap stories, share laughter, and share a beer or two, and cook up some chicarones! This is where you’ll find their culture, it’s in their family values and attitudes of camaraderie.
3 – Get Lost
This will inevitably happen, so make a good thing out of a potentially bad thing. With directions like “go 25 meters south then turn right at the Y shaped tree”, there is no shame in asking various times for directions while on the way. And when in absolute doubt, stop at the local cantine, known in Costa Rica as a “soda”. You can enjoy an authentic meal, a refreshing drink and take time to get written directions. Apps to use: Waze and/or Google Maps – they help!
4 – Lend a Helping Hand
There is plenty to see and so much to do, why not include a charitable act like visiting a Wildlife Reserve or make a donation to local charity. It’s these acts of random kindness that makes travel worth while and lasting.
Offset Your Carbon Footprint
When you plant trees, you are directly cleaning the air. As a tree matures, it can consume 48 pounds of carbon dioxide per year as it turns that CO2 into parts of itself. It also releases enough oxygen to supply your needs for two years.
$25 sponsors a tree
communitycarbontrees@gmail.com
www.communitycarbontrees-costarica.com
5 – Get to Know a Local
The best times are spent with the people who live here. They have stories about the area, yup those, not told in the books, and will teach you some, oftentimes funny, phrases that will have you feeling like your at home in no time at all. It’s those moments that will tug at your heartstrings when it’s time to go, and it’s those memories that will grow fond with times that will pass.