Costa Rica is no less than heaven due to its spotless beaches, rich resorts, and top-quality retreats. But, the real essence of this Central American country lies on the other side of the comfort and ease of its five-star lodgings. Tourists must delve into its lively culture, local streets, and food, to enjoy Costa Rica holidays to the brim. In this article, we will explore how hidden waterfalls, misty forests, bustling street markets, and small mountain villages elevate the joy of the trip.
Staying in Local Lodges
Costa Rica is strongly in favor of sustainable tourism and promotes eco-friendliness. That is why, tourists can find many locally-owned eco-lodges run by small families. They bond with nature, foster conservation, and support communities at large. Moreover, there are a lot of staying options here. In the South of Costa Rica, a treehouse community named Finca Bellavista is settled in the rainforest. It provides an adventurous stay to the guests on the treetops. Moreover, it also offers nature walks, wildlife, and zip-lining experiences to travellers to enhance their stay.
In addition, in the Arenal region, Rancho Margot lies which is a strong dweller of eco-lodge with organic farm for fresh edibles. In this off-grid village, guests can attend yoga classes, take part in farm activities, and enjoy farm-to-table meals for refreshing vibes. Moreover, they can also immerse in learning about permaculture and the sustainable energy practices that the locals are involved in to reduce their carbon footprint. The Casa Paraiso homestay is a rustic-style Caribbean-themed lodge that promotes Afro-Caribbean culture through its interior. This homestay is located near Puerto Viejo and offers delicious meals, cultural experiences, and easy access to wildlife parks for more fun. These local lodges are firm advocates of local communities and promote sustainable tourism in the country. They offer more close-to-nature experiences than humanly-designed chain resorts that only provide better accommodation. Moreover, on these eco-lodges travellers are likely to connect with other guests and form bondings that are culturally diverse and productive. Hence, the vibe of spending Costa Rica holidays here feels gleeful.
Roaming Small Towns and Villages
The real charm of Costa Rica lies in the small towns, streets, and villages where its culture and tradition come to life. When you are in the city, visit Santa Teresa, a bohemian-style small town located on the Nicoya Peninsula that offers a laid-back experience and delicious local food. It is the best spot for surfers, yogis, and backpackers looking for something other than commercial tourism. Moreover, there are charming cafes, yoga classes on the beachfront, and the best fish tacos in the whole country.
Moving forward, in the Talamance Mountains lies a hidden gem called San Gerardo de Dota which is the best spot for birdwatching and hiking. Here, travellers can also meet the “resplendent quetzal,” which is a brightly colored bird that the indigenous people of Central America praise a lot. In addition, high above the mountains, the cool breeze, and cloudy misty forest scenery make it the perfect staying point for tourists. Turrialba is another small town famous for its cheese, coffee, and rural experiences in a serene environment away from urban noise. Tourists can visit local farms, taste freshly made cheese, and take notes about the agricultural heritage of Costa Rica. There are many things to do while being here, including visiting local farmers’ markets that provide fresh fruits straight from the soil and also homemade pastries to taste. Moreover, if you visit Costa Rica during times when it holds town festivals, then you cannot miss out on the Palmares Festival. In this festival, locals take part in dance and music and enjoy local cuisine. In addition, during the event, bull riding is arranged, and later on concert in the night. On the Caribbean coast, the Limon Carnival is arranged for all and sundry to immerse in the tradition of Costa Rica.
Knowing About Local Coffee Culture
The specialty of Costa Rica lies in its tasty, grounded coffee that comes directly from the farm. Therefore, any traveler planning how to relish Costa Rica holidays must visit the local coffee farms. It will be worth visiting. The volcanic soil of the country and ideal climate conditions make Costa Rica the best place for coffee to grow. Moreover, the farmers have also put their energy and endless efforts into perfecting the coffee field and adopting sustainable cultivation methods to produce the best quality granules.
There are some of the best regions in Costa Rica where you can find the best quality coffee, like Tarrazu. Its coffee is celebrated for its acidic nature, fruity flavor, and fine and frothy finish. Many small-scale coffee farms in this region are rich sources of learning about coffee growing and harvesting processes. Monteverde is another exciting coffee farm that is home to Cloud Forest Coffee and provides guests with a chance to experience shade-grown coffee. Farmers here make use of eco-friendly and sustainable coffee-producing strategies that are rich in flavor. In the Orsi Valley, you will come across a family-owned coffee farm that has been there since colonial times. Visitors will need tourist guides with them to visit green-dotted coffee farms to enjoy and immerse in the beauty of the mountains behind the farms. The question here is how to make the most out of these coffee farms while being there. All you need is a guided tour that will take you through the farms and let you enjoy the whole process of coffee harvesting and brewing to the final shots in your cup. Moreover, you can also take part in coffee-tasting sessions. With the help of coffee-guided sessions, you can taste different varieties of flavors of coffee. This whole process itself is worth enjoying.
Wrap Up
Costa Rica has more to offer than its comfy resorts and picture-perfect beaches. Its local culture, food, festivals, and eco-lodges add joy to the Costa Rica holidays from Virikson holidays. So, when you next plan to visit this beautiful piece of land, kick off on the off-beaten paths and explore beyond the resorts.
