I must say that Costa Rica is one of my favourite countries travelled. My week long vacation turned into so much more and in such a short period of time making my experience and love for the culture definitely a memorable one. From waking up to Howling Monkeys, to backpacking to San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua, to surfing in the North Pacific Ocean, least to say my experience was epic. I mean Epic!
After reading this, you would think I spent at least a few weeks in Costa Rica but I didn’t. What was suppose to be relaxing trip turned into an adventurous one and I enjoyed the hustle and bustle of waking up early in the mornings ready for my next adventure.
The resort I hardly stayed at (as I was never on the resort but only to sleep) was called the Allegro Papagayo, located in Liberia. The amenities were great, all-inclusive and the staff were extremely friendly. What I loved the most about the resort was the Howling Monkeys that would come out every morning and hang around eating Bananas. For such small animals they sure were loud, which made them so much more interesting. Another feature of the hotel that I absolutely admired was the Black Sand and the great Sunset. This was my first time seeing black sand, and boy was it ever hot.
The only downfall I had about Allegro Papagayo Resort was the location when it came unto eating at local restaurants, partying off the resort and some excursions. It was not the best location in terms of transportation cost as it was kind of secluded and outskirts, which had its positives and negatives. Negative being the high cost of transportation. The more people you had the cheaper it would get.
I remember booking the trip with high expectation of seeing a Sloth. I figured since I saw the Howling Monkeys, maybe I would see a Sloth out and about in its Natural Habitat. After getting to Liberia, I was told that the likelihood of seeing a Sloth was very low. I swear if you asked my travel partner at the time, she’ll tell you that was my reasoning for booking the trip to Costa Rica and how sad I became after hearing the news. But of course I got lucky!!! I saw one during my Rainforest hike and the only one I saw the entire trip. Bucket list checked!
So at this point you're probably wondering how is it that I got to do all of the above in 7 days. Well for starters if I’m being completely honest, sleep was my last priority but believe it or not I really thought I got enough rest as I could not wait to wake up the next morning for my adventure.
Below is a list of all my activities (many first). Keep in mind that most of my activities were done with locals that I bargained with down by the beach area of the Resort.
ITINERARY:
DAY ONE:
RELAX AT HOTEL- Mingled with other travellers, and enjoy the black sand beach.
DISCO - This is like a must do I feel like once the Resort has one. Why miss out on a night of dancing and free alcohol.
DAY TWO:
RAINFOREST HIKE - The day I saw a SLOTH, not so odd after all. This was also the day I saw a dead snake, a great deal of other insects I’m afraid of, and the day I should have brought loads of Insect Repellent but forgot and I got eaten alive.
EXOTIC ZOO - I felt like this was a waste of time as I’ve been to the Zoo many time. However it was included with the Rainforest hike and I was not about to miss out. Not to mention I was able to pet a Lion.
DAY THREE:
VOLCANO - Visited the sulphur springs where the water from the Volcano met the River which made for an amazing Sauna. At this location they had a Mud Bath available which is said to be very beneficial for the skin (all skin type).
HANGING BRIDGES - This was my first time walking across a Hanging Bridge. I cannot say I was scared as I was not but it was definitely interesting to reflect as I was walking across as to how they managed to put the bridge up and have it secure to carry weight.
DAY THREE (NIGHTS):
ZIP LINING / ROCK CLIMBING - Through the mountains which also included a drop zip line as well as Rock Climbing, Horseback Riding, Obstacle courses and some more hiking.
AUTHENTIC COSTA RICAN FOOD - I had their traditional dish called Casado meaning “Married Man”. It came with Rice, Black beans, Salad, Meat (Fish), Plantain and a Tortilla.
FIRST CHURRO - I loved it so much I ended up having 3 of them just to satisfy my tastebuds. If you have to opportunity to try one (especially fresh) don't miss it.
COSTA RICAN RODEOS - As I sat down to eat my Churros my heart started to pace heavily, not only from watching the activity taken place but also the thought of the benches collapsing with me. Not to mention I thought of a Bull running into the bleachers injuring everyone. Hahah I just made this sound extremely scary.
DAY FOUR:
ATV - What I loved about this ATV experience was the off- roading with the hills and gully we had to ride in and around. This was by far the best ATV experience I’ve gotten just because it was super dangerous and completely not structured. The person I travelled with drove directly into a tree (we can laugh about it now).
SURFING (PURA VIDA) - My first time surfing was a success! I loved every moment of it and did not want to stop but was forced to after my buttocks could not take any more beating. I surfed along Tamarindo Beach with @Davidsummer_Martinez (his Instagram).
DAY FIVE:
BACKPACK TO NICARAGUA - Check out my Nicaragua story (earlier post).
DAY SIX:
NICARAGUA
DAY SEVEN:
BACKPACK TO COSTA RICA
DAY EIGHT:
RETURN HOME
Date Visited: February 2015
Hope you enjoyed reading.
Feel free to peep my previous story “ Backpacking to Nicaragua” at https://kissysworldd.blogspot.com/2019/08/my-two-day-backpacking-trip-to-nicaragua.html
Thanks Dolls and Gents.
Love,
Kissy
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