Costa Rica

“Pura Vida.”

Costa Rica is located in Central America, known for its beaches, volcanoes, and biodiversity. Roughly a quarter of its area is made up of jungle with wildlife.

Are you a coffee lover? If you are, then I would recommend you make a trip to Costa Rica. It is the right place for you. They are also known for their gourmet coffee beans, which are their most famous export. Well, they thank their rich volcanic soil  why their coffee is considered among the finest beans in the world.  I sure can attest to that.

From San Jose, I took an hour bus to San Isidro and paid one dollar for the ride. Costa Rica is not an expensive country, so your money will go a long way.

Traveling to Costa Rica was another spontaneous weekend trip. I was planning to visit this country specifically to experience a treehouse, which is another famous thing to do here.  I didn't stay in a treehouse; Nevertheless, I had a wonderful experience.  My trip turned out to be a "meditation” trip in a beautiful and blissful place. 

I spent my morning visiting a church and the old market. I enjoyed a Costa Rican breakfast and a gourmet coffee. They take their coffee seriously and have a traditional way to brew it. They use a “chorreador” consists of a stand with a cloth to put your coffee. I was entertained watching the server make my coffee. Because of this experience, I didn’t leave Costa Rica without buying a traditional coffee maker and a gourmet coffee.

This brunch was the best meal I’ve had on this trip. Not only that, but I met some famous people who watched me while I was eating. Wish they were real, but they were just mascots.

On my way to San Isidro, we passed by the Talamanca mountains, and I was awed with views.

The place where I stayed was far. I was wondering where the Uber driver would take me. We finally reached the place; he dropped me off in front of a big gated residence. Honestly, I was hesitant to stay. The place was quiet and huge. But I told myself not to be scared. I made it all the way here, so I just have to enjoy the experience.

The owner of the house opened the gate. I saw a beautiful compound surrounded by lemon trees, a garden, a viewing deck, and a swing to entertain me.

What makes this place more beautiful was the vast coffee plantation and a labyrinth overlooking a fabulous view of the mountains. The weather was perfect. The sky was blue. 

My room was equipped with a coffee bean grinder. I had the opportunity to drink a freshly brewed coffee in the morning. I’ve never experienced this anywhere in the world. Only in Costa Rica!

One fun fact about Costa Rica, in 2017, it was named the happiest country in the world by the National Geographic magazine. “Costa Ricans enjoy the pleasure of living daily life to the fullest in a place that mitigates stress and maximizes joy.” This country is also said to be the happiest in Latin America.

“Pura Vida” means pure life. It is one of the most common phrases among the native of Costa Rica, the equivalent of saying hello. “It denotes a simple life, free of stress, a positive, relaxed feeling.”

A coffee Mecca and a simple living. Costa Rica is definitely one of my favorite countries in the region.

This gorgeous place on a hill and the unique coffee experience are the best memories of my Costa Rica trip.