After a crazy winter season treating guests at a fancy 4-star hotel in Zermatt, Switzerland (hello, winter wonderland vibes), I had put in some serious energy work. My friend, seeing the tireless effort I’d put in, came up with a brilliant idea: a one-month trip to Costa Rica as a token of appreciation. Ummm, yes please! 😎🌴
But before I could start packing flip-flops and sunscreen, I dove into the depths of trip-planning research. It took me about 2 to 3 weeks of intense Googling, map-studying, and finding out way too much about Costa Rican wildlife (spoiler: it’s amazing)—all to ensure our April getaway would be absolutely flawless. 🦋🗺️
Finally, after what felt like the longest wait ever, we landed in San Jose, Costa Rica’s buzzing capital. And let me tell you, the moment we stepped off the plane, the surrounding beauty hit us like a punch of fresh air. 🌬️ We stayed in this perfect little spot close to La Catarata La Fortuna, a waterfall that looks like it’s straight out of a postcard. The sound of the water cascading down was like nature’s very own white noise machine—so peaceful and calming, I almost forgot I was supposed to be adventuring and not napping by the falls.
With greenery all around, it was like stepping into a rainforest dream. The whole place felt alive with the kind of vibrant energy only nature could create, and we were ready to soak in all the wonders—camera, and curiosity in hand. 🌱📸
Local farmers near the cacao farm offered us a taste of delicious cacao paste made from roasted cacao beans that are mashed with a grinder. It was the most delicious and nutritious meal we have ever had!
During our memorable experience, we not only had the opportunity to witness the beauty of nature but also indulged our senses by encountering the delicate fragrance of vanilla flowers. These exquisite blooms, known for their rare occurrence once per season, captivated us with their sweet and intoxicating scent. As we inhaled the aroma, it transported us to a realm of tranquility and serenity, leaving a lasting impression on our hearts and minds. The moment of encountering these unique vanilla flowers became a cherished memory, reminding us of the brief yet profound beauty that nature offers.
Colibri La Fortuna Park is like nature's secret hideaway right in the middle of the city—it's basically a green paradise with a birdwatcher’s VIP pass. This place is beyond beautiful, with lush greenery that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale, except instead of elves, it’s hummingbirds—a.k.a. the "colibris," as the locals call them. 🐦✨
The park is practically bird central, where you can catch sight of all kinds of winged wonders flitting around, doing their thing like they own the place. Seriously, if you’re into birdwatching (or just want to pretend you're a nature expert), this is the spot. You can watch these little guys zip around like they’ve had too much coffee, and you might even spot some fancy birds you didn’t know existed. 🦜
It’s also the perfect place to just kick back and enjoy the serenity. Forget your to-do list for a minute and take a leisurely stroll through the park, letting the sights, sounds, and occasional flutter of a hummingbird’s wings totally relax you. So, next time you’re in town, don’t miss out on this little urban oasis—your inner birdwatcher will thank you! 🌿🕊️
Rio la Fortuna is a scenic river situated close to the renowned Arenal Volcano. It winds its way through verdant tropical rainforests, presenting a peaceful and calming environment to appreciate the splendor of nature. Rio la Fortuna is ideal for swimming, offering a cool retreat from the tropical warmth.
Our adventure in Costa Rica? Oh, it was like stepping into a real-life nature documentary—minus the camera crew and dramatic background music. We set off to explore the area, and from the get-go, it was a wildlife extravaganza. Butterflies with colors so bright, I half expected them to start their own fashion line, fluttered around us with grace. Seriously, they were putting on a show, flying from flower to flower like they were in some sort of butterfly ballet performance. 🦋💃
And the plants? There were more exotic species than I could count, each one looking more outlandish than the last. From giant leaves that could double as umbrellas to flowers that looked like they belonged in a fairy tale, the jungle was basically one big living, breathing.🌸🌿
As we wandered down winding trails, we were treated to hidden waterfalls—their crystal-clear waters tumbling down rocky cliffs with the kind of sound that would make you think nature was running its own ASMR channel. We stood there for a while, just taking in the scene like real explorers, appreciating how peaceful yet powerful these natural wonders were.
The riverbanks, though, were where we truly hit zen mode. We found the perfect chill spots to plop down, close our eyes, and just soak in the sounds of nature. The leaves rustling like they were gossiping, birds having their own little concert in the distance, and the river babbling away like it had some serious tea to spill. We definitely gave our “real-world” brains a vacation for a bit. 🌿🧘♂️
This place is hands-down one of Costa Rica’s best-kept gems. Every moment was perfect. The jungle gave us adventures that had our hearts racing, and peaceful moments that made us feel like we were in the calmest meditation class ever. But what really made it unforgettable was the vibes—from the wildlife to the friendly locals and the jaw-dropping views, it was the kind of trip that you’ll relive through stories and photos for years. The adventure? Unforgettable. The butterflies? Even more unforgettable. 🦋
Comments