Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a diverse Central American nation between Nicaragua in the north and Panama in the south. Its rainforests are home to a multitude of creatures big and small, from jaguars, caimans, toucans, and sloths to a colorful cast of butterflies and the dreaded poison dart frogs. Costa Rica cares about its rainforests a lot, and aims to become carbon neutral. Its beaches see some of the best waves for surfing. In contrast, the capital San José is the epicenter of a vibrant, 2 million-strong metropolitan area housing half of the country's population. Other cities within the area include Alajuela and Heredia.

In Costa Rica, the phrase "pura vida" isn't just a catchphrase, it's a way of life in itself. Costa Rica is among the happiest countries in the world. It is very pacifist and anti-military, lacking its own armed forces since 1948.

Cuisine

In Costa Rica, typical food is usually casado, made of black beans and rice. A close relative named gallo pinto is the typical breakfast.

Itinerary

A first class pura vida experience cannot be complete without a glimpse of Costa Rica's natural beauty. The tour I went on was Natural Highlights of Costa Rica, a 9-day tour operated by National Geographic Journeys with G Adventures, taking visitors on a circular trip beginning and ending in the capital San José. Along the way, the tour stops at the foot of the majestic Arenal Volcano in the town of La Fortuna, the misty cloud forests of Monteverde, and the sweeping Pacific coast at the resort town of Manuel Antonio.

Day	Journey	Destination	Highlights	Hotel	Lunch	Dinner
1		San José
2		La Fortuna
3
4		Monteverde
5
6		Manuel Antonio
7
8		San José