Costa Rica: as soon as we crossed the border from Panama, it felt like a different country. Less plastic and waste around us, richer with beautiful nature. We had almost three weeks in Costa Rica, and we actually only really stayed in two places because we wanted to stay longer there. So, there’s still a lot to see and discover for a future trip! And I definitely want to return, because the country is beautiful, the people are very friendly, the food is delicious, and the places are amazing.
In this blog, I tell a bit about our trip and the places I visited. The spots where you can enjoy healthy & vegan food can be found among the hotspots. More can be found on my personal Instagram and info about Panama can be found here.
Traveling in Costa Rica
Want to roam around and see a lot of Costa Rica? Then it’s probably really worth renting a car, maybe even one with a tent on the roof so you can camp in the most beautiful spots!
Traveling around by bus here was more challenging for us than in Panama. There are many roads that are less passable, and buses only run 1-2 times a day. So be flexible and take the time to travel or plan well in advance and be on time for the bus.
The weather
Costa Rica has a wet and dry season. We were there in March, the peak of the dry season. On the coast, there was a pleasant breeze, but temperatures remained high (think +30 degrees from 8 o’clock in the morning). So laying in the sun is especially nice in the morning or end of the day, and siestas aren’t such a bad idea… Light begins to break around 5:30, the surfers go into the water, and if you want to do a workout or yoga, this is the time. I loved the early mornings!
Fruit abundance in Costa Rica
Just like in Panama, you can find fresh tropical fruit, coconuts, and vegetables everywhere in Costa Rica. Yuca is often used like potato, and typical meals consist of rice, beans, vegetables with a piece of meat or fish. Although a vegan meal is made without problems! And much more known here than in Panama are the trendy healthy meals. Think veggie juices, smoothies with superfoods, vegan meals, and salads. At the places we visited, we ate deliciously! Check here the hotspots I visited.
The places I’ve been
We took a night bus from Panama City directly to the border of Costa Rica. Our first destination was in Punto Banco, near Pavones: Rancho Burica. Immediately upon arrival at the border station, it became clear that a bus trip could easily cost us an entire day, so we negotiated the price of a taxi ride. A good decision as this allowed us to reach our destination in just 1.5 hours and even join for breakfast!
Pavones: Ranco Burica
Our destination was Rancho Burica, recommended by a friend. A great recommendation! We quickly learned that this laid-back hostel was bought around twenty years ago by a group of Dutch friends who still visit regularly. A great place to surf or learn to surf with a yoga deck overlooking the sea and lovely chill spots in the garden. Family-style breakfast and dinner make the atmosphere cozy, and you quickly connect with others. We stayed here about 5 nights, and if you’re looking for a place where you can relax and chill, this is the place to be. The internet wasn’t great as it’s at the very end of the road. Since I wanted to work a few days, I made an early morning walk along the beach to Pavones (almost two hours on foot, but before 8 o’clock when it was low tide, this was doable and truly a beautiful walk). In Pavones, I sat at the cozy Café Suerte, where they have delicious food and excellent WiFi. Not a bad office! On the way back, I walked along the road and then got a ride back to the hostel.
I could write a whole page about the nice things there! The sunset is breathtaking, and take a walk on the beach to discover it comes to life. Tiny crabs hide in all the shells! Before going to sleep, go to the beach, when it’s low tide you can walk to the middle and look up. The starry sky is unreal!! I think we stared up for about an hour.
One morning we had an amazing horseback riding trip. The local guide told us all about the surroundings. Up and down hills through narrow steep paths in the jungle, then galloping (!) back to the ranch via the beach. An incredible experience! And even I, who doesn’t really have horseback riding experience, galloped on the beach.
Uvita & Dominical
Our journey continued upwards along the coast. Uvita sounded appealing in the travel guide but felt very American touristy to us. With wide busy roads where the restaurants were clustered, and many tourists entertaining themselves with a waterfall jump tour or a quad bike ride. We stayed in the hostel Cascada Verde, which was a nice hostel with a good kitchen where you can cook yourself. One waterfall is nearby and nice for a refreshing dip. Whales pass by, but not in the month of March, so if you want to spot those, check when your best chance is!
On the way by bus to our next destination, we passed the town next to Uvita: Dominical. That looked much cozier! So maybe a tip if you’re heading that way.
Our next destination was Nosara on the Nicoya Peninsula. On the map, it seemed logical to take a bus ride to the ferry in Puntarenas and from the other side catch another bus to Nosara. A beautiful journey! But on the other side, we discovered that buses to Nosara don’t really come from this side of the country. Lucky us, we found a van that brought us along with four other people to Nosara. The unpaved road through streams and potholes made us understand why no fast buses go here. It cost more than the regular bus, but the ride was stunning!
Nosara
Established by American surfers who bought a large piece of land years ago. The Costa Ricans weren’t really in Nosara which gives this surf town a true gringo vibe with luxury homes, many foreigners, and trendy restaurants. Good, healthy, and lots of vegan food and a great beach where surfers can try their luck. We slept at the hostel 4You. Nice hostel! With good internet, a kitchen, a nice dorm, and friendly people.
For more local vibes, head to the neighboring Samara. We didn’t visit here, only drove through it. It looked very cozy!
Pachamama eco community
The rest of our time we spent at the eco community Pachamama. I could have easily stayed much longer! If you love yoga, meditation, spirituality, and are interested in personal growth, it is a wonderful place. With yoga twice a day and meditation in the evening. There are various workshops and special ceremonies you can participate in. I found it very special to see how people here can live so consciously with each other and in touch with nature.
You don’t have to worry about food here. Everything is vegan, gluten-free, without refined sugars, and incredibly flavorful. From tacos made from yucca flour, cabbage casserole with cashew cheese to superfood smoothies and raw chocolates. Absolutely inspired for new recipes for The Green Happiness! My favorite? The cacao shot with cacao, cashew, chili, and ginger…
It feels way too soon to go back to the Netherlands! Fortunately, spring has just begun, and what I’m really looking forward to is seeing my dear family, friends, and TGH team again. Do you have any fun tips for Costa Rica? Leave a message below!