I just got back from an amazing summer vacation to Costa Rica.  I feel truly relaxed, refreshed and rejuvenated.  Pura Vida!

This was my second visit to Costa Rica.  The first visit was a post-college solo quest to master the Spanish language.  For 4 months, I lived with Tico families, chilled on both the Pacific and Caribbean beaches, hiked the rain and cloud forests, and spoke as much Spanish as I could.  The second time around, Costa Rica was just as fabulous as I remembered.

Here are some of my recommendations if you’re thinking about visiting Costa Rica …

Grabbing Some Air

Comida -  Costa Rica is not particularly known for its food, but for some reason I love it.  For breakfast, try the gallo pinto.  It’s basically rice and black beans all mixed together and often served with avocado, corn tortillas or eggs.  Delicious.

Don’t try to compare Costa Rican food to Mexican Food – it has an entirely different flavor and spice than Mexican food.  Also, eat the fish – Mahi-Mahi and Groper are local and especially fresh.  If you go deep sea fishing, ask your guides to fillet some fish sashimi-style for you.  Absolutely amazing!

Las Playas -  There are so many fun beaches.  I have trouble ranking them, but here are my tips…

• Tamarindo/Jaco – These are good for learning to surf.  They’re a bit commercial, but have lots of fun bars and restaurants if you’re looking for a beach with nightlife.
• Flamingo/Hermosa/Panama – These are the beaches for the quiet, relaxing getaway.
• Montezuma – This is an awesome hippie town.  Not too small, not too touristy.  The beaches are a little rocky, but it’s got a great vibe and has fun nightlife.
• Puerto Viejo – This place totally has the Caribbean/Rastafarian vibe.  The waves are a bit rough here, and you’re in the heart of the rain forest, but it’s very distinct from the Pacific side.

Los Ticos -  Ticos, as the Costa Ricans call themselves, are some of the most friendly, happy and helpful people I’ve ever met.  They are proud of their country and want you to have a good time.  Get to know them, ask them where the hot spots are and learn how to salsa dance.

Sustantivo – Transportation in Costa Rica is on “Tico” time.  The local buses are cheap and great for getting around the country, but they aren’t quite as punctual as the U.S. transit system.  They often stop to pick-up and let off locals at their houses. (Can you imagine that happening in the States?)

While the roads have improved in some areas of Costa Rica, they’re still not great. It takes a while to get from place to place.  Make sure you know the travel time – not just the distance – so you’re not spending too much time in the car.

Animales – I unfortunately never got to see a toucan, but there are a couple animals you most definitely will see when you’re there if you’re paying attention.

• Sloth -  These guys are awesome.  They are huge and they just laze around in the trees.  I saw some in the cloud forest of Monteverde.
• Howler Monkeys -  If you’re in Guanacasta, you’ll definitely hear these monkeys.  They whine all afternoon and sound like dogs in pain.  Around 3 or 4 p.m., keep your eyes up in the trees for big, black monkeys just chillin.
• Iguanas – These large turbo lizards are all over the place.  You’ll see them speeding across the highways and catching some rays near the beaches.

Have you been to Costa Rica?  If so, please add to my list, and let me know what I’ve left off.