Sunbathing And Sloths: A Fall 2012 Guide To Costa Rica

By Sponsor in Arts & Entertainment on Oct 18, 2012 5:00PM

"Pura Vida!" is a phrase you'll hear exclaimed often in Costa Rica. Translating to "pure life," the saying encapsulates the Central American country's offerings: natural beauty, relaxation, untouched rainforests, fresh, healthy food and countless exhilarating outdoor adventures.

Each region has its own specialty: rainforests in the Northern Lowlands, the luxurious beach community of the Nicoya Peninsula on the Pacific Coast, and the vibrant Afro-Caribbean culture on the East Coast. Just rent a 4-wheel drive vehicle when you land (to better navigate some of the less developed areas), and you'll be set to explore wherever you'd like to go.

As part of our Fall 2012 Getaway Guide, we've teamed up with American Express and their Travel Insiders to help curate an awesome nine-day trip to Costa Rica (using 5 vacation days and 2 weekends) that's sure to help you recharge during the busy holiday season. "Since fall is actually shoulder season in Costa Rica, travelers will enjoy fewer crowds and some outstanding hotel promotions," says Travel Insider Rachel Gelfer Hornaday.

No crowds, lower prices, and more of Costa Rica's monkeys, sloths, toucans, and turtles than you can cuddle—what could you possibly be waiting for?

WHAT TO DO


Tourism is crucial to Costa Rica's economy, which means there is plenty to offer: spa treatments, nature-centric tours, adventures on the water and in the tree-tops. All this and more can be found virtually everywhere you go in the country (though almost all of the best attractions are located outside of San Jose).

One hour outside of the capital in the Central Highlands, you'll find sprawling coffee plantations that offer interesting tours, such as Finca Rosa Blanca (which is also a hotel), where you can explore the grounds with a guided tour and, of course, enjoy a fresh cup of joe when you finish.

Zip-lining through the treetops of the cloud forests is an absolute must-do while in Costa Rica, the bird's eye view perspective it provides is truly spectacular. At Hacienda Pozo Azul, you can book a half or full-day of adventures like zip-lining, river rafting, mountain biking and rappelling, then recount your favorite moments during lunch at their lodge and homebase.

"You can't go to Costa Rica without experiencing the chocolate tours," says Hornaday. "Tirimbina Rainforest Center, right outside Puerto Viejo, offers a fascinating three-hour chocolate tour, where visitors will discover the natural history of cocoa, visit a former cacao plantation, and travel through the entire chocolate-making process, before sampling a treat of hot cocoa and organic chocolate at the end!"
   

If it's wildlife you're after, visit Costa Rica's famous Sloth Sanctuary on the Caribbean coast just outside of Limón. "The Sloth Sanctuary of Costa Rica is a 300 acre reserve which sees to the rescue, research, rehabilitation of more than 130 sloths," says Hornaday. "Sloths remain quite mysterious creatures and it's definitely worth the trip to see them in action." Moonlight turtle nesting tours are another rightfully popular activity in Costa Rica.

On the west coast, Playa Camaronal Turtle Refuge offers tours on their protected beach, where you'll (hopefully!) witness a turtle shimmy out of the water and lay eggs before disappearing back into the dark sea. In the Lake Arenal area, take advantage of the guided monkey quest hikes. These guides have experience spotting them in the trees, and will boost your chances of seeing one up close and personal—all you need is a camera and a trusty pair of binoculars.

While near the Arenal lake and volcano, don't forget to drop in to Tabacon for a few hours frolicking in their maze of hot springs.
  

After all your outdoorsy excursions, you'll more than deserve an afternoon at the spa—which you can find at essentially every luxury resort listed below (in particular, the Westin and Clandestino). Be sure to ask for a treatment with volcanic ash, which will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK


It doesn't take long to figure out the staples of Costa Rican cuisine. Each restaurant you visit will likely serve Gallo Pinto, which is essentially black beans and white rice with peppers, onions, cilantro, and Lizano sauce. It's often served with scrambled egg, plantains, and avocado in the mornings.

You'll also encounter the entree Casado fairly often (rice, beans, cabbage salad, fried plantains, with chicken, fish, pork, or beef) and nearly every restaurant will serve super-fresh ceviche. Costa Rican food is typically light and healthy, which is just another reason why it's such an excellent destination for wellness and relaxation.

Chances are that when you fly into Costa Rica, you'll be landing in San Jose, and you're going to be hungry. There are a handful of terrific options in the nation's capital, like El Chicote, a popular semi-formal steakhouse with bow-tie-wearing servers. Downtown, La Esquina de Buenos Aires is another busy steakhouse— this one with an Argentine slant. Both feature extensive South American wine lists perfect for pairing with your meat of choice.

Restaurante Fuente de los Mariscos is a pleasant surprise-though it looks a little lonely perched in a desolate parking lot. Their Parrillada a la Plancha (golden morsels of squid, mahi mahi, shrimp, and lobster) is super-fresh and perfectly seasoned, and begs to be washed down with an ice cold Imperial, one of Costa Rica's local beers.

No matter where your ultimate destination is in Costa Rica, there are plenty of dining destinations to explore. In particular, keep your eyes peeled for "sodas" or roadside cantina restaurants (you'll know them by their huge Imperial signage), where you can pop in for a paper cup full of ceviche or a sandwich that could very well be one of the tastiest meals you'll have in Costa Rica.

If you end up in the bustling surf town Jaco, stop by the open-air Taco Bar during an afternoon break from the waves, where you can order locally-caught fish tacos and load them up with the toppings of your choice. Be sure to order their refreshing juices here too, like an ice cold lemonade with ginger. At the Cali-Mexican-style Caliche's Wishbone Restaurant, a laid-back spot frequented by local surfers, try the succulent ahi poke and pair it with the frozen boat drink of your choice. (It's not vacation in Costa Rica till you've done this.)

Many vacationers in Costa Rica spend time in the Nicoya Peninsula region, and because of this, there's a bevy of great places to eat. Ginger, in Playa Hermosa, is a small-plates joint on stilts, which gives it a sort of whimsical tree house feel when lit up at night. Some of the best dishes have a light Asian influence, like the ginger rolls and tender pork potstickers. At the casual Restaurant Ambrosia, you'll find the perfect place to kick back and order one of their big, famous burgers (try the Jerk or Cowboy in particular). Lola's is a breezy beachside cult favorite surrounded by palm trees. Camp out on one of their big wooden lounge chairs and snack on a battered and fried catch of the day and an ice cold beer. This fall, Lola's will be serving Thanksgiving dinner for the first time ever-so if you decide to spend Turkey Day abroad, this may be the best place to do it.

Lake Arenal and the Arenal volcano also have a lot to offer in the way of outdoor excursions and adventure. If you find yourself in this area, stop in for a bratwurst at the singular Willy's Caballo Negro, a German-owned restaurant with a family-owned gallery next door.

Have a pint of Witch's Rock Pale Ale at the Volcano Brewing Company, a local microbrewery that also has its own restaurant and hotel on the premises. Gingerbread is a house-like restaurant and hotel with an ever-changing menu that fuses Israeli chef Eyal Ben-Menachem's sensibilities with local Costa Rican tradition to great success.

WHERE TO STAY


There are some beautiful options on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, like the JW Marriott Guancaste and the Westin Resort & Spa, which is a little bit further up the coastline. The Arenal Volcano in La Palma is a popular spot for visitors interested in making nature and exercise the focus of their trip.

If you like your hot springs within throwing distance of your hotel room, stay at Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort, where water flows naturally throughout the property by the force of gravity, not pumps.

When booking through the Fine Hotels & Resorts program, American Express Platinum Card members get room upgrades upon availability, special check-in and check-out times, and breakfast options at participating hotels such as the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo-which totals a $450 value per stay.

Travelers looking for the bungalow style of accommodations will have plenty to choose from in the Limón province and the nearby towns," says American Express Insider Rachel Gelfer Hornaday. "For those clients looking for more luxury, the Le Caméléon Boutique Hotel located near the town of Puerto Viejo and Cocles Beach is gorgeous and will not disappoint!"

And if it's seclusion and tranquility you seek, hole up at minimalist Hotel Campo Verde in La Palma, which boasts picture perfect views of the Arenal Volcano.