Back in early March Craig & I went to Costa Rica, and it was divine. So, I thought I’d take an entry to be a bit indulgent and share some photos and memories, as well as some tips if you intend to visit the area.
We visited the southwest edge of the Nicoya peninsula. We made a point of avoiding more touristy areas like Tamarindo and instead visited the Santa Teresa area, where the surf was said to be gentle enough for beginners (which we both are). Santa Teresa blends into Playa Carmen and Malpais to the south, and Playa Hermosa and Manzanillo to the north. The entire coast is lined with beautiful, pristine beaches, many of which are nearly empty once you get past Playa Teresa.
The surf around Playa Teresa was a bit brutal for beginners, but Playa Hermosa was fantastic, with relatively gentle surf, and a long, shallow ride into shore. All the beaches were wonderful, though. Long, clean, clear, and smooth, and pleasantly free of people trying to sell you bracelets and braids a la Mexico.
My favourite beaches were the ones between Hermosa and Manzanillo. Beach upon pristine beach, nestled into wee coves or spreading up the coast. Palm trees everywhere, and nary a soul in sight. Of course we discovered this stretch of paradise on our last morning there, so I suppose we will have to go back.
We booked our entire trip through Airbnb, and it was great. Our first location was in Santa Teresa, staying in the guest room of two re-located locals. Youbi was from Belgium, and Verena was from Germany. They had a beautiful home overlooking the rainforest and the ocean, and we cooked our meals in an outdoor kitchen listening to the geckos squeak. We saw an armadillo our first night there, and howler monkeys were frequent visitors as they loved harassing the neighbor’s dogs. Youbi & Verena gave us lots of great tips about the local area. Youbi had loads of surfing tips for Craig, and Verena knew all the local foodie spots.
Our second location was in Manzanillo, and it was just divine. We had to rent a quad to get there and to get around once we were there, but the added quiet and privacy (not to mention mobility) was more than worth the added daily cost. Our host picked us starfruit right off the tree when we arrived, and there was a cashew bush next to the pool. On our first morning there we watched over a dozen howler monkeys hopping from tree-to-tree, and the following day we saw the only white-headed capuchin monkeys of the trip.
On Friday we took a road trip over to Manzanillo. One of our destinations was the house of a woman who sold homemade jams and coconut oil. I bought some toasted coconut oil—I didn’t even know such a thing existed! It smells divine. I also nabbed a jar of mango jam and a jar of coconut jam, both of which are amazing. Later that day we stopped for lunch at a wee little bakery, and had lunch on their back patio area. The vegetable pita I had was one of the best things I’ve ever eaten—watch for an attempted dupe recipe!
Saturday was the local organic farmer’s market, which Verena had told us about. There I was able to pick up a couple different types of raw local honey and a jar of local cocoa butter, which was very exciting. I could have left armfuls of cocoa beans, giant bars of cocoa butter, and avocados the size of small melons, but I restrained myself.
And then we were off, heading home. Alas. It was an amazing vacation, though, and I’d go back in a heartbeat!
Wow, photos are just so amazing, it must be really beautiful out there! Lucky you! 🙂
Thanks, Signe! I had a wonderful time 🙂
Hi Marie! OOOOH! the fotos are just wonderful!…very interestig destination!…realy interesting….very nice post…Thanks for our traveling from here .. the picture you …Athanasia…
Thanks Athanasia! I’d go back in an instant 🙂
Very happy for you!! Latin America is a Paradise !!!
Thanks, Ana! It was perfection 🙂
hi Marie
I went to Costa Rica last March and I remember the howler monkeys as well. Did you hear the constant buzz of the cicadas?? After a while they actually lulled me to sleep lol!!! I have a question about a couple of your products that go into the bamboo broccoli hair conditioner. I cannot seem to find the marshmallow root, or the horsetail shavegrass at either of your suppliers. Are there substitutes for these, or another supplier? Thanks
bev
Hi Bev! I loved the hum of the cicadas, and how everything just sounded alive. It was a wonderful change from the Canadian winter, which is utterly silent other than the wind whipping about.
You can get all the herbs at Saffire Blue 🙂
You write so beautifully, Marie. Thank you for taking us on a little vacation and for sharing your lovely photos and adventure.
Thanks so much, Vivian 🙂 Thanks for reading!
Your photos are quite beautiful !!! We went to the OSA peninsula where we had rented a house on the beach ! We loved it there !! But on our next trip there we will definitely check out some of the areas you were at ….my son is an avid surfer so he would certainly enjoy some of the beaches you visited !
Thank you for sharing !
Judy MacGregor .
Thanks, Judith 🙂 We heard wonderful things about the Osa Peninsula while we were there, and a beach house sounds utterly divine. I really must convince my office to let me work remotely from a beach 😉
Hey Marie
When your ready to go back to Costa Rica, and if you plan to visit the Arenal Volcano area, you should check out the Encantada Guest House. It is an amazing place and close to all the local adventure activities. Great views of Lake Arenal & the Volcano.
Pura Vida
Thanks, Nita! I would love to go back and explore more 🙂
we are going to Costa Rica this year too! So excited to hear you went. Maybe we could use the same service you did. We have been doing a lot of study as we plan to go for a couple of weeks and then if we like it stay for 6 months out of the year… Not sure I want to do that, but thinking any way… Dawn
Oooh, lucky you! To stay 6 months of the year sounds just divine 🙂 I would do it in a heartbeat if I could!
Loved your post, due to the fact that Costa Rica is on my bucket list. Your photos and write up reinforced my desire to go there. Was language a barrier?
Thanks, Kellie! Definitely bump Costa Rica up on your bucket list 🙂 The only language barrier issues I encountered were at the house where I bought the coconut oil. It was off the beaten track, and the woman’s son did a bit of rudimentary translation. All the shops in the area we lived in were staffed either by travelers (who usually spoke English) or locals who spoke enough for you to buy your groceries. If you’re looking to have long and involved conversations with everybody you meet you might have some difficulties, but we got on well enough 🙂
Hi, Marie.
So glad to hear someone else who’s fallen in love with Costa Rica. One of the things that drew me to your site and has me scurrying to become a DIY-er is that we’re moving to Costa Rica in about a month. We are empty nesters and are able to work via internet, so we’re taking the plunge! We’ve chosen to live in the mountains, inland (near a lake), but we will be visiting the places you mention often, I imagine.
You are welcome to come check on my soap-making progress anytime. 🙂
Lucky you! That sounds like bliss to me—sunshine and soap making 🙂