Travel Journal

On this tropical tour, the very best of Costa Rica’s beauty and hospitality was uncovered by Lyndie, Pelorus’ Product Manager. From visiting a regenerative coffee plantation near San Jose, to exploring the remoter jungle and river regions of Pacaure and Tortuguero, and ending at a wildlife mecca on the Pacific coast, each unique location presented something new and exceptional.

“Costa Rica is a popular destination for Pelorus, so I wanted to learn more about the destination and visit luxury properties that we offer. This allows us to speak to our clients with full confidence as we know what we will be selling to them and that it’s the right fit for them.”

From the people to the lodges, Costa Rica is a sustainably focused country, whether it’s having their own chickens, growing their own food, or their means of power (there’s no coal or nuclear here, only solar, hydro and wind).

Whether hiking through cloud-shrouded mountains, bathing in rejuvenating hot springs, or zip-lining above the lush canopy, Costa Rica is captivating.

Unique Experiences & Properties

During her time in Costa Rica, Lyndie explored this natural paradise checking out both brand-new properties and existing ones. Alongside expert guides, activities directly from these properties ranged from coffee farm tours culminating in a tasting workshop to rafting rapids and zip lining among the canopy.

From lodges surrounded by tropical wilderness on the banks of the river to a remote yet luxurious eco lodge only accessible by boat, Costa Rica has a wide variety of properties. Tried, tested and highly recommended by our experts.

“It was wonderful to experience the varied climates, terrain, and cultures, from the centre of Costa Rica to the Caribbean and then the Pacific coast, I visited some of the coffee regions around San Jose and learnt about organic and shaded coffee plantations at Finca Rosa Blanca Coffee Farm. One cannot visit Costa Rica without learning more about this art of farming, which the country is extremely proud of. You walk away feeling much more appreciative of your morning cappuccino!”

“Leaving the more rural areas of the Central Valley, past Turrialba, I rafted the famous Pacuare River, once considered by National Geographic as one of the world’s most beautiful rivers for white water rafting. Staying along the banks of the river for two nights at the stunning Pacuare Lodge was simply magical. Listening to the rush of the river below me, and the surround sounds of buzzing cicadas and cries from Howler Monkeys from my private plunge pool made one feel so removed from the busyness of everyday life. 

You depart Pacuare lodge by rafting 20km downstream towards the town of Siquirres. The scenery along this stretch of the river is breathtaking, and once the exhilarating level 4 rapids are over, there is a section where you can jump in and float down the river with the steep canyon and hanging vines towering over you. Climbing out of the raft and being wrapped with a warm towel and handed a cup of coconut chai was the best welcome I could have asked for. A camera won’t do justice to this experience!”

“The next stop was to the Caribbean Coast, to explore the Tortuguero National Park. Tortuguero is the Amazon of Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, a dense tropical jungle where the rivers are the only highways. This lush rainforest filled with winding waterways and lagoons is a haven for wildlife and rare species, such as the protected Manatee and a popular nesting site for the Atlantic Green Sea Turtles from July to October.

Being and avid birder, I was in my element! Spotting lifers while paddling through the narrow canals in my kayak, with Spider and Howler Monkeys leaping between the trees and Jesus Christ Lizards basking in the sun was the highlight of my time in Tortuguero.”

“A quick flight back towards San Jose with a hop over to Golifito saw me arrive at the Pacific Coast and in the paradise that is the Golfo Dulce, the only tropical fjord in the Americas. A boat ride through these clear turquoise waters, with turtles, dolphins and manta rays popping up around you, is the only way to arrive at Playa Cativo Eco Lodge.

Here, there is the feeling of total disconnect and being one with your surroundings. There is no one else around you besides the other guests at the lodge and it is the ideal place to relax and unwind after a more action packed start to your trip. 

There’s something for everyone, from hiking in the rainforest and daily yoga classes to kayaking in the mangroves and snorkelling. From August to November the Humpback whales arrive and if you don’t wish to go out by boat you can even view them in the bay right in front of the lodge while dining at the restaurant.”

“A 30 minute boat transfer across the gulf, spotting turtles, and I was in the small town of Puerto Jiminez on the the Osa Peninsula, which is classified as the most biologically intense place on Earth. Despite its size, the Osa Peninsula packs an astounding 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity into just 0.001% of its surface area.

Meeting my lovely driver and being handed an ice cold fresh coconut to drink, I made my way to Lapa Rios Lodge on the tip of the peninsula. On just that short drive to the lodge I saw Caracaras, Toucans, Tiger Herons and the Northern Tamandua (a small anteater) walk right past my vehicle.

Lapa Rios Lodge is perched above the forest canopy, and the views from my balcony and plunge pool were magical. I would wake up to Spider Monkeys and White Faced Capuchins watching me from the nearby branches and pairs of Scarlet Macaws flying past. Lapa meaning Scarlet Macaw in Costa Rican, it really is the perfect spot to see them. At this lodge, the wildlife comes to you. 

Make sure to try the homemade ice creams and sorbets to help with the humid climate, with my favourite being the Basil, Pineapple and Ginger sorbet!”

FEELING INSPIRED?

If Lyndie's Costa Rican escape has inspired you, get in touch with our Travel Team to start planning your own journey.