Costa Rica : Wild, Calm & Completely Addictive

Costa Rica has that kind of energy that sneaks up on you part jungle fever, part soul therapy. It’s a place that doesn’t need filters or fancy slogans, it just exists beautifully, wildly, and unapologetically.

San José is where Costa Rica eases you in just enough city life to keep things interesting before the wild takes over. The streets hum with easy confidence: fruit stalls, honking taxis, painted façades, and cafés that smell like roasted perfection.

I spent my first morning wandering without a plan, sipping local coffee that ruined every cup I’ve had since. The air was cool, the people warm, and somehow, even the chaos felt polite.

After that, I spent my days chasing clouds, hiking volcano trails, swimming in turquoise waters, and realizing that “doing nothing” here somehow feels like doing everything.

Here’s how it all unfolded : from city rhythm to rainforest calm.

I started in San José, where Costa Rica’s culture brews as richly as its coffee, then drove to Monteverde, the land of clouds and hummingbirds, where I stayed at Ocotea Hotel, a charming five-star boutique hotel in Monteverde run by a passionate mother-daughter duo. Originally known for Ocotea Tours & Transfers, the family expanded their vision into a hotel that perfectly embodies the spirit of Monteverde.

Now, the drive to Monteverde is not for the faint-hearted. Curvy roads, steep climbs, and views that make you forget to breathe. When I finally arrived, the clouds rolled in like slow waves, and the forest seemed alive in every direction.

Nestled in the lush Monteverde mountains, Ocotea Hotel offers beautifully designed rooms, serene views, and a tranquil atmosphere. The ideal retreat for travelers seeking comfort, nature, and authenticity during their stay in the Monteverde Cloud Forest.

I had the pleasure of joining three unforgettable excursions with Ocotea Tours & Transfers - one through the Santa Elena Reserve, another in the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, and the last at a local sugar cane, coffee, and cacao farm. Each experience offered a unique glimpse into Monteverde’s natural beauty and local traditions. If you’re visiting the region, these tours are absolutely worth adding to your itinerary!

Afterward came a stop near Miravalles Mountain View, just beyond the famous Arenal Volcano, quieter, but full of charm.

I couldn’t resist visiting Río Celeste, one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Costa Rica. Nestled within Tenorio Volcano National Park, this turquoise waterfall is truly a must-see destination.

I like to carefully choose how I spend my time while traveling - every moment counts. While many travelers chase the most popular tourist spots, I often seek out hidden gems and low-key places that surprise me. Yet, Río Celeste is one of those iconic sites that truly lives up to the hype ... a magical blend of nature, serenity, and pure wonder.

The journey then led me west to Guanacaste, where I stayed at the serene Mikado Lodge. Set within 7.5 hectares of lush jungle, the property features six independent bungalows, a jacuzzi, a private nature trail, and a stunning infinity pool overlooking the greenery. It’s the kind of place that stays with you: peaceful, intimate, and designed for those who wish to truly unwind and reconnect with nature.

And how could anyone resist the golden charm of Playa Conchal? Located just 30–40 minutes by car from Mikado Lodge, this beach is an absolute gem. While there are many beautiful beaches in the region, Playa Conchal stands out with its shimmering shell sand and turquoise waters aka a drive you’ll never regret making.

And speaking of beaches ... from Guanacaste, I drifted south to Manuel Antonio, where the jungle literally meets the sea. Though it’s one of the more popular and touristy regions of Costa Rica, it offers an undeniable charm that’s hard to resist. Since the drive from Guanacaste to Corcovado is quite long, I decided to make a stop and what better place to do so than at the Gaia Hotel & Reserve, a true haven of luxury, nature, and tranquility? It turned out to be the perfect pause before continuing my southern journey.

Since access to the main Manuel Antonio beach requires a paid park reservation, and we weren’t sure how the weather would turn out, we decided to explore the non-paying side instead, where you simply rent a sunbed and umbrella. With only one day to spend in the area, it turned out to be the perfect choice. The beach was almost empty, the atmosphere peaceful, and the experience incredibly relaxing. Sometimes, the simplest spots bring the greatest joy and I didn’t regret it for a second.

I ended my trip deep in the wild at Corcovado, one of the most untouched reserves in the world, accessible only by boat.

Getting to Corcovado felt like an adventure all on its own, a boat ride from Drake’s Bay, through mangroves and open sea, with rain and sunlight taking turns like it was planned.

This is where Costa Rica goes full wilderness. No pretense, no filter, just rainforest, rivers, the soundtrack made of howler monkeys, ocean waves and... your friendly crocodile neighbour.

I stayed at Corcovado Wilderness Lodge, a hidden paradise where the rainforest comes right up to your door. The energy there is different, calm, grounding, and almost spiritual. Hiking through Corcovado National Park, one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, felt like stepping into nature’s origin story.

Leaving Costa Rica felt… wrong. So much so that I didn't encounter a sloth .. a great reason to come back !

But how do you say goodbye to a place that made you feel more you than you have in months?

I packed my bags with wet swimsuits, a camera full of sunsets, and that easy “pura vida” rhythm that somehow synced with my heartbeat.

The truth is, you don’t really leave

Costa Rica, it lingers.

The forest mist, the turquoise rivers, the endless beaches, they stay with you like a quiet reminder to slow down, breathe, and live softer.

Maybe that’s the secret of this country. It doesn’t ask you to escape life. It dares you to live it differently.

Some practical things no one tells you:

When to go: Dry season (December–April) for sunshine, green season (May–July) for cinematic skies and fewer crowds ( especially for spotting wild life in Corcovado).

Getting around: Rent a car. The roads can be wild, but so are the views. I rented mine with Sunny Cars.

Packing tip: You don’t need heels but you will need bug spray, a rain jacket ( especially in the we season) and a sense of humor.

Mindset: “Pura vida” isn’t a slogan. It’s how everything and everyone moves here.

Until next time !

Kisses,