Why Costa Rica
Why visit Costa Rica?
Costa Rica, no bigger than West Virginia or Switzerland, is situated as a small strip between the Pacific and the Caribbean. Central America’s jewel is one of the world’s best kept travel secrets; an oasis of calm among its turbulent neighbours and an ecotourism heaven, making it one of the best places to experience the perfect mix of tropical rainforests and pristine beaches. Unlike many destinations, where man has driven the animals into the deepest backwater seclusion, Costa Rica's wildlife seems to love to put on a song and dance. Animals are prolific and relatively easily seen: monkeys, sloth, scarlet macaws, toucans and even the allusive jaguar, exotic species in abundance, with incredibly lush flora to match. Since 2015, 98.85% of electricity consumed has come from renewable sources as the country has an enlightened approach to conservation still aiming to make itself one of the first carbon-neutral countries behind Bhutan, Suriname and now neighbouring Panama, guaranteeing the country’s splendour for future generations.
awarded the first ever Earthshot Prize for Protecting and Restoring Nature
Nature is vital to us all. A thriving natural world regulates our climate, nurtures our physical and mental health, and helps feed our families. But for too long, we have neglected our wild spaces. In 2021, Costa Rica was awarded the first ever Earthshot Prize for Protecting and Restoring Nature, fully recognising that if we don’t act now, we will permanently destabilise our planet, robbing our children of the future they deserve.
…Our guests can enjoy the pure life in some of the world’s most bio diverse jungles, rainforests and coastlines. The country’s book-ended by beaches on its Pacific and Caribbean sides (hence the laid-back surfer ethos) and inland, nature holds sway: over a quarter of Costa Rica is protected land, from the smouldering volcanoes to dense jungles. In the highlands, farms and plantations produce delicious tropical fruit – as well as some of the finest coffee ever to grace your espresso.
Central america’s SAFEST, most peaceful and progressive COUNTRY, WHERE FAMILY VALUES AND RESPECT ARE FORTHRIGHT
Ecotourism & Fusion living in La zona sur…
Pura Vida Ecolodge is located bang in the middle of the real eco hot spot of Costa Rica, enclosed by the Pacific Ocean and mountainous rainforest surroundings, buzzing with tropical wildlife, nicely tucked away where the jungle meets the ocean. Described by National Geographic magazine as “one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world”, South-Western Costa Rica has a plethora of stunning coconut palm lined beaches, including our favourite (and nearest) Playa Tortuga where you’ll most likely have mile after mile of volcanic sand all to yourselves. A little further north is the rugged Playa Piñuelas, Playa Ventanas (named after the two huge cliffs on either side that frame this idyllic surfing beach as well as Parque Nacional de Ballena (where Playa Uvita lies) and the ‘surfers hot-spot’ of Dominical.
The nearby village of Ojochal (just 5 minutes up the Costanera) is one of a few local villages hosting an eclectic selection of fine dining and fusion restaurants or if you'd prefer to relax at the retreat, we can arrange the delivery of welcome meals and breakfasts to enjoy in the comfort of the ecolodge as well as a carefully curated selection of locally sourced organic delicacies and artisanal products via the Pura Vida Store. Or for guests who would rather not lift a finger and be spoilt with a gourmet dining experience in the comfort of the ecolodge, we work with a couple of fantastic Private Chefs.
uniquely located between four of Costa Rica’s most impressive National Parks
First up is Isla del Caño, known as one of Costa Rica's top spots for diving just 40km off the Pacific coast and visible from the Jungle Villa itself. Scuba divers and snorkelers alike can enjoy incredible coral formations and an amazing array of underwater life, teeming with colourful reef fish and larger marine life such as manta rays, turtles, dolphins, shoals of barracuda and moral eels. Day trips can be arranged with MCEC Innoceana, which typically include two tank dives (or as much snorkelling as you like), a picnic lunch while basking on the beach, a trek up to the national parks waterfall before a leisurely ride back to the mainland, hopefully having spotted a couple of whales on the way!
The pristine sandy palm beaches of Marino Ballena National Park (also home to Playa Uvita) are just 15 minutes up the Costanera Highway to the north and is the largest marine park in Central America and is named after a common visitor, the Humpback whales which migrate here to the warm waters off the coast to mate before returning up north. Olive Ridley and Hawksbill turtles can be seen laying their eggs on night visits to the beach and dolphins are also regularly spotted. A protective coral reef (the largest on the Pacific Coast of Central America) makes for ideal swimming, snorkelling and diving conditions. Horseback riding, deep sea fishing and kayaking are also popular activities here, while for those of you who prefer a more relaxed pace, you can go for long walks along the coast, sunbathe on the beach and enjoy the fabulous scenic beauty and marine life that this gorgeous park has to offer.
An early morning trek through Manuel Antonio National Park (around 75 minutes up the Costanera Highway) rewards visitors with frequent sightings of several species of monkeys, as well as sloth, iguanas, coati’s, and hundreds of exotic birds. Within the park are a series of crescent shaped white sand beaches, surrounded by rain forest. These beaches are easily accessed by well-groomed trails that wind throughout the park. Pack a lunch, have a picnic on one of the sandy beaches, and be sure to take your swimsuit along for a refreshing swim after a day of hiking.
And lastly, an undeniably beautiful place and just a couple of hours south down the coast, is the world renowned Corcovado National Park. . A truly magical place considered to be one of the most important natural preserves in the Americas (considered top 3 worldwide by National Geographic), this virgin rain forest park with its amazing variety of wildlife invites superlatives from all who visit. The captivating visual beauty of its forest and coastline, with miles of uninhabited beaches and roaring cascades, draws visitors from all over the world. Day trips to the park can be arranged via Uvita Information Centre either with boat via Drake Bay, or by foot via Puerto Jimenez.
and if you would rather chill at the lodge…
and not feeling too adventurous or you’re really gunning for a local zero km experience, there are a choice of waterfalls, jungle treks, rivers, lagoons and natural swimming holes right on the Pura Vida Ecolodge doorstep along with The Pura Vida Boat Adventure and the Chasing Waterfalls Experience…
Costa Rica’s Seasons…
Costa Rica's climate is renowned as an atmospheric treat and the Southern Pacific coast has subtropical conditions year-round. Temperatures drop a little the higher the elevation and seasons locally are referred to as the ‘green’ and ‘dry’ season, but this Central American gem has a stunning array of flora and fauna year round, and for such a petite country, it boasts an incredible diversity of micro-climates.
green season kicks off in May through to the beginning of December…
But days often start bright and sunny with the dramatic tropical bursts of rain in the afternoon and or evenings. Around July, there is typically a short break in the rains, known locally as ‘Veranillo San Juan’. So given there is fun to be had throughout the seasons, adventurers visit Costa Rica year-round and you’ll find an even greener Costa Rica during the wet season, with a lot less people to share it with! After the green season, come the drier summer months, or 'El Verano' in Spanish, running from December to late April and is characterized by beautiful, bright, hot and sunny weather.
Costa Rica as a whole generally receives fewer visitors during the Green Season and some tours and experiences will offer a more limited service than during the more popular ‘dry season’. That said, we’re happy to say that Pura Vida Ecolodge is popular year round with most weeks booking up months in advance as each season has its intense beauty and highlights and because there is quite simply…
Come rain or come shine, this is Pura vida living…