Costa Rica - Pura Vida - La Fortuna

From mountain hustle to rainforest bliss — a journey into Costa Rica’s wild heart

.After an exciting winter season hosting guests at a four-star hotel in Zermatt, Switzerland (hello, snow-globe mountain magic), I was more than ready for a recharge. My friend, seeing the months of energy I’d poured into the job, came up with the perfect plan:“How about a one-month trip to Costa Rica?”

Ummm… yes, please! 😎

But before the flip-flops and sunscreen came out, I went full travel-planner mode - two solid weeks of deep-dive research, maps, and late-night Googling about exotic wildlife (spoiler alert: Costa Rica has a lot of it). I wanted our April escape to be nothing short of perfect.

Landing in Paradise

When we finally landed in San José, the capital, it hit us right away - that intoxicating mix of tropical air, vibrant energy, and the buzz of adventure waiting just beyond the city.

We set off toward La Fortuna, home to the famous Catarata La Fortuna Waterfall, and it was love at first sight. Imagine a ribbon of turquoise water tumbling down into a lush jungle pool - the kind of scene that looks Photoshopped until you’re standing right there.

Surrounded by endless green, it felt like stepping straight into a rainforest dream. Every sound - the hum of insects, the rustle of leaves, the song of distant birds - felt alive.

La Catarata Waterfall

A Taste of Nature’s Sweet Side

Near the waterfall, local farmers welcomed us to their cacao farm - and wow, what an experience. We got to taste freshly made cacao paste, ground straight from roasted beans. Rich, earthy, and packed with energy, it was easily one of the most delicious (and surprisingly nutritious) treats I’ve ever had.

Then came a rare gift from nature - the delicate vanilla flower in bloom. These blossoms only appear once a season, and their soft, sweet fragrance filled the air like a whisper of magic. Breathing it in felt like inhaling peace itself - a fleeting, fragrant reminder of life’s simple, beautiful moments.

Colibrí La Fortuna Park: Where Hummingbirds Reign

Colibri La Fortuna Park is like nature's secret hideaway right in the middle of the city - it's basically a green paradise with a birdwatcher’s VIP pass. This place is beyond beautiful, with lush greenery that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a fairytale, except instead of elves, it’s hummingbirds—a.k.a. the "colibris," as the locals call them.

The park is practically bird central, where you can catch sight of all kinds of winged wonders flitting around, doing their thing like they own the place. Seriously, if you’re into birdwatching (or just want to pretend you're a nature expert), this is the spot. You can watch these little guys zip around like they’ve had too much coffee, and you might even spot some fancy birds you didn’t know existed.

It’s also the perfect place to just kick back and enjoy the serenity. Forget your to-do list for a minute and take a leisurely stroll through the park, letting the sights, sounds, and occasional flutter of a hummingbird’s wings totally relax you. So, next time you’re in town, don’t miss out on this little urban oasis - your inner birdwatcher will thank you! 🌿🕊️

Rio La Fortuna: River of Calm

Not far from the Arenal Volcano, the Rio La Fortuna winds through a lush tropical paradise. It’s one of those spots where you can simply be - no agenda, no rush. Just you, the sound of flowing water, and the soft touch of tropical air on your skin.

We swam in the cool, clear water - the perfect way to escape the afternoon heat - and it felt like hitting the reset button on both body and mind.

Into the Wild

Our days in Costa Rica felt like living inside a nature documentary - minus the film crew. Everywhere we turned, there was something spectacular.

Butterflies the size of my palm danced fluttered around in grace. The plants looked like they belonged in a fantasy world - giant ferns, glowing orchids, and leaves so big they could double as umbrellas. 🌿There were more exotic species than I could count, the jungle was basically one big living, breathing.

We hiked through jungle trails that led us to hidden waterfalls, where the clear streams whispered over the rocks, just like nature's own ASMR track. At one point, we just sat by the riverbank, closed our eyes, and listened - the rustle of trees, the chatter of birds, the gentle rush of water. Pure zen. 🧘‍♀️

The Magic of “Pura Vida”

Everywhere we went, we felt Costa Rica’s famous spirit of “Pura Vida” - the pure life. The people, the energy, the landscapes - everything radiated warmth, gratitude, and joy. It’s the kind of place that reminds you to slow down, breathe deeply, and really see the world around you.