Travelogue #1 Costa Rica: The Blue Zone
Where nature is at your doorsteps...
Waterfall…
I was at the waterfall in the southwestern town of Uvita, Costa Rica; my enthusiasm was boundless for reliving the adventure. I can't resist water, especially when it's natural and jumpable. My childhood memories flashed as I was about to jump the 15 feet waterfall. Countless times we had done this growing up; jumping into the water was fun, especially during the summer. The adrenaline of jumping makes us more relatable towards animals, evolutionally speaking. I loved it; the feeling of cold running water in the hot climate and the element of surprise make it more adventurous. I felt child-like all over again; my kids thought I was crazy. There were multiple rock formations around the falls, where people were jumping into the waterfalls.
The ragged rocks next to the falls looked dangerous. But the excitement made to experience jumping on par with the local boys. The whole atmosphere was mesmerizing; we were doing unbelievable things in the middle of the jungle. Radha was looking on, advising me not to do a crazy stunt, as I was recovering from the Heart event a few months ago. Ouch, I slipped on the moss-covered, ragged edges of the rocks falling on my hip and left forearm. The skin peeled off from my forearm like an apple peel in an instant also started bleeding. I gathered myself and jumped immediately back in the water before the pain worsened. I had the most fantastic time (nothing more beautiful than reliving an adventure). However, the bleeding from the forearm continued. I stopped at the local Pharmacy and bought supplies to clean the fresh wounds. Let’s see how we got to this point.Â
August 2021…
As the Summer holidays winded, we planned to take a trip to Costa Rica; we finally decided to go with much hesitancy. I have recently undergone a terrifying life ordeal with my heart health (recently had a sudden heart attack and stent placement in the right coronary artery). Since then, I have modified my lifestyle, better sleep. I love traveling, one of my favorite past times, exploring foreign cultures and places.
We boarded the flight to Costa Rica. It was a long flight. Our last visit to Costa Rica was almost five years ago; the memories were beautiful that we planned to go there again. It was a long flight with transit in Panama International Airport. We finally landed at the San Jose International Airport. The AVIS rental car company picked us up from the Airport. We have booked the house on the cliff with the pacific ocean views; we have seen it on the VRBO website and booked it as the views were spectacular.
Costa Rica…
Costa Rica is incredible and green, being the only country on earth with 5% of world biodiversity. Costa Rica means rich coast, which stands by its name. The only country with no standing army. They also enjoy blue zones and have long life spans. The region also has many volcanic formations, and some are active. Many ex-pats from the US and Europe make their retirement. Spanish is the local language but can quickly get by with English.
After obtaining the Car (4x4 is essential to drive around Costa Rica) registration at AVIS rental Car and the high demand for the vehicles, they asked us to go to Jaco (City in between San Jose and Uvita) to exchange the larger vehicle so I reluctantly agreed. Unfortunately, the Car from the Airport was old and stick shift(Car with gears, it's been a while driving these vehicles UK and India, compared to the US, most of the cars drive automatic) is not in a great shape. However, the drive from San Jose is not too bad, something I remember from operating in the UK countryside, small roads, mostly hilltops(advised not to go at night due to narrow lanes). Finally arrived at Jaco; after exchanging the Car, we started heading towards vacation rental property.
We reached the vacation rental house, Flying Toucan, by 10 pm. The property was literally in the middle of the Jungle, very close to the National highway. No homes were close by, as it was on the hill; this was sitting on the corner. The Climate during August is a rainy season. Usually, it's scorching and humid during the day and suddenly changes to lightning and thunder and downpours for a few minutes to hours by the evening. The tropical paradise has some unique flowering plants producing spectacular flowers; we captured some beauty here.
Flying Toucan…
It was 10 pm; as we stepped out, the air was crisp and pure, sounds of insects and animals gave an authentic jungle feel. We parked the car at the Carport (made of a palapa, wooden hut), and as per the instructions of the property manager, we were able to enter the house. The house was built on the top of the hill; as you see in the picture, the kitchen was on the ground floor; it was indoor/outdoor living. The Couches were placed outside the kitchen, and the pool was close by. There was pitch darkness all around due to the forest. The views from the house were breathtaking and nature at its best. The eyes to capture mountain, beach, endless ocean, and the sky is magical. The kids and I started exploring the house. It was nicely designed and was a perfect fit for our family.
The pool was flashing turquoise color with the lights. It was late in the evening, and we had a long ride. As soon as we saw the pool, we couldn't resist ourselves. We didn't waste a minute; we all jumped into the pool. The water was lukewarm, not too hot, but about right. After a long swim, we slept slumber until in the morning. We woke up by distinctive howl(very peculiar and unforgettable sounds) of howler monkeys in the surrounding trees. The bathrooms were indoor and outdoor, pretty typical of Costa Rica. The sun rose early; by 9 am, it started to heat up. After breakfast, we enjoyed the great outdoors the house offers. The view was picture-perfect (mountains, ocean views, an infinity pool, and lush green forest).
Uvita…
Uvita is a small southwestern town, 5 minutes from the flying toucan home. The town resembles the whale's tail and is absolutely beautiful. Also, the region is well known for whales in the surrounding ocean, where they migrate rear the offspring during the August month. The beach was beautiful; during the low tide, able to walk until the end of the whale's tail. Unfortunately, we became seasick on the boat during the previous visit and canceled the trip midway.
Later, we ventured to the Uvita town for Lunch at Los Laureles; my daughter Ananya absolutely loved the restaurant. She had the best chicken burger, and the food was excellent. After lunch, we headed back to the house. And it was perfect siesta time; by the time we returned, guests (monkeys) were waiting on the trees; a bunch of Capuchin monkeys waiting for us to feed them. According to the manager, they are the most intelligent bunch. They trick humans and penetrate the kitchen to steal bananas and other foods. But these monkeys were absolutely delightful, the small cute face, jumping from tree to tree. There is a large patio next to the kitchen, we were able to relax and watch them.
Next-Day…
We headed for a day trip, catch your fish restaurant. On the way to the restaurant, we stopped at a place near the stream found a dog named him Max; kids absolutely loved the dog wanted to adopt it. After getting down and petting the dog, we posed for the picture. There is greenery everywhere, mountains, freshwater streams absolutely magical; we saw a truck pulled next to the water and started picnicking in the middle of the day (this means longevity, of course). Costa Ricans know how to enjoy life.
On our way to the restaurant, catch our own fish; it was a place where they had multiple ponds breeding fish; we were given makeshift fishing rods. Once we caught fish, we took it to the chef for preparation. They prepared it with local ingredients and Costa Rican style. A waterfall (waterfalls are everywhere in Costa Rica, just like McDonald's in the US) next to the restaurant. After a brief swim in the water, we returned as the fish was freshly prepared. After the scrumptious meal, we headed back to the flying toucan to rest. It was resting time again, and get into reading.
"Costa Rica nourishes the soul with peace and tranquility, nature at its best."
Nuyacua Waterfall/Truck ride …
The next day, we watched the largest waterfall near Uvita and a national park. There have been many local smaller waterfalls; however, this one has been among the top waterfalls around the county. We started with the small truck as this was the National Forest, and cars could not go to the top of the mountain where the waterfall is situated. The truck journey was half an hour to the waterfalls and was breathtaking, like Disney World rides. Kids absolutely loved it; however, we went to the waterfalls planning to swim in our swimsuits. It was disappointing to see that the water was freezing and raging. After tipping our toes in the water took some photographs and came back to the rest area where the truck stop was. We were are being picked up by the truck and headed back home. The region offers many outdoor activities(zip lines, Horse riding on the beach, ATV rides, etc.) closed due to COVID.
Whale Watching…
Radha loves whales; we started very early the next day for whale watching. The manager booked us a private boat to go into the Pacific Ocean. The boat captain saw multiple whales and their offspring yesterday, and we were very excited. It was a small boat accommodating five of us. This was much different from last time, and Radha was fully prepared. She had given us the nausea bands and medication for motion sickness. The captain has brought us to multiple areas where he has spotted earlier whales. Although we have spent a couple of hours looking for the whales, it was a big disappointment; however, we enjoyed the boat ride ( yay! no seasickness) and great views of hilltops from the Ocean.
Animals around the house…
It was delightful to see the animals in their natural setting. Waking up to the howler monkeys, the raid of Capuchin Monkeys with their babies on top of them, next one is Coati; it is like a cross between raccoon and anteater. We have seen many army ants, insects, spiders, lizards, cicadas (can be loud), etc.
Costa Rica is worth exploring watching sloths in their natural habitat. We were lucky to see the sloth around the house; they have named him Tarzan. Countless birds encountered, Toucans with their appealing yellow beaks. Whales were on our list to explore. However, we weren't lucky to find one ( we can't be lucky all the time). Sometimes the Journey is more fascinating than the actual destination (I truly believe that statement).
Day before…
We headed to the local seafood restaurant as recommended by our manager; he is an Ex-pat American living in Costa Rica for more than 25 years familiar with a local restaurant. The seafood restaurant was a tiny place packed with the locals to tell you about the food. It was a hole-in-a-wall restaurant. After a long wait ordering our food (I noticed food tastes better if wait times are longer, wait bias?), we devoured the food as it arrived.
The following day we reached to return the rental car at the Airport. Then, we checked in our pieces of baggage and started the flight back. We had transitioned at the Panama International Airport; we had a couple of hours to stroll around the Airport, buy some souvenirs, and head home.
Conclusion…
Costa Rica is a breathtaking; with its dream-like landscapes, natural wonders, awesome beaches, amazing waterfalls, tropical rain forests and amazing ecosystems. Nature at its best. It is one of the top destinations to visit in the Central America. We had an absolutely fantastic experience other than my injuries (wait, I don't even remember that part). As the locals say, "Pura Vida" means Pure Life makes it perfect.
Suggestions…
Travel January to April ( best months to travel )
Use 4x4 vehicle due to terrains
Don’t feed the animals in the wild
Use water shoes
Have a swimwear handy, waterfalls can be anywhere
US Dollars accepted everywhere, so are VISA and Mastercard ( if you need cash major Bank ATM have better rates than most currency exchange places)
Get a waterproof travel phone case
It is safe place to travel ( however be mindful about your belongings and surroundings )
Pura vida and Salud,
Suman Manchireddy MD
Lovely read!
Beautiful family holiday. Away from the city’s buzz.