Hi, I'm Alexandria! I'm an outdoor content creator based in Denver, Colorado. You'll usually find me in the mountains with my dog. Come explore Costa Rica with me!
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Instagram: @she.roams.wild
After exploring much of Colorado's outdoors, it's time to enter my travel era, and I want you to come with me! This nine-day adventure through Costa Rica's great outdoors will see us going into misty cloud forests and down mangrove-lined rivers. We'll kick things off in San José, exploring the city before heading to Irazu Volcano for a scenic trek. From there, we'll journey to San Gerardo de Dota to experience its stunning cloud forests. Next, we'll travel to Osa Peninsula and Drake Bay. After exploring Corcovado National Park, we'll head to Monteverde for a night tour of the cloud forest. Afterward, we'll move on to Arenal to hike, zipline over waterfalls, and visit the Maleku Cultural Rescue Center. Between all that, there'll be free time to slow down, rest, and enjoy the beauty of Costa Rica's outdoors. I can't wait to roam Costa Rica with you all!
-Touch down in Costa Rica's vibrant capital city, where our adventure begins! We'll meet with our local guide before boarding a group transfer to our hotel in the city.
-After settling in, the rest of the day is free for you to relax and explore San José.
-Not sure what to do? Take a stroll through Mercado Central, see Catedral Metropolitana, explore Barrio Amón, or dine at the beautiful Escazú. We can go see San José as a group too!
-Fuel up with a hearty breakfast before saying goodbye to San José as we start our adventure proper.
-Drive along the Pan-American Highway to the foot of the majestic Irazu Volcano.
-Trek through the lunar-like landscapes of this majestic volcano, standing at over 11,000 feet. Marvel at the dramatic craters and, on a clear day, catch views of both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
-Arriving in Cartago, we'll visit the renowned Basilica of Our Lady of the Angels.
-Pause for a leisurely lunch in the serene Orosi Valley, surrounded by lush green hills and tranquil rivers.
-We'll continue our journey into the small village of San Gerardo de Dota, our final destination in this leg of the journey.
-In the evening, gather for a sumptuous dinner and get to know each other over a hearty meal.
-We'll spend a day at San Gerardo de Dota, trekking through various trails or simply relaxing at our hotel.
-Start with the Los Robles Trail. This moderately challenging route winds through towering oak forests, ferns, and moss-covered trees. Keep an eye out for the resplendent quetzal!
-For those seeking a more strenuous challenge, the El Alto Trail offers steep ascents and rewards with panoramic views of the valley and surrounding mountains.
-In the afternoon, explore the La Catarata Trail, which leads to a secluded waterfall deep within the reserve.
-We'll hit the road after a hearty breakfast, this time heading towards the beautiful Drake Bay.
-Continuing along the Pan-American Highway, we'll drive through the picturesque landscapes of Savegre Valley over the Cerro de la Muerte, the highest point along the highway.
-Arrive at Sierpe, the gateway to the Osa Peninsula. Enjoy some refreshments before we board a boat that will take us down the Sierpe River.
-After an adventurous boat ride through mangroves and arching jungle canopies, we'll arrive at our rustic lodge.
-As the day draws to a close, gather at the lodge's deck and watch the sunset over Drake Bay.
-Lace-up your boots and prepare to hike through Corcovado National Park’s rich jungle. Our destination for today will be La Sirena Ranger Station.
-The hike starts with a boat ride before transitioning onto walking trails, where we might spot monkeys, birds, peccaries, coatis, sloths, and tapirs.
-After reaching our day's goal, we'll return to the hotel by boat and enjoy lunch on the beach.
-Spend the rest of the day resting and enjoying the beauty of Drake Bay.
-It's time to say goodbye to the warm tropical climate at Drake Bay. Enjoy a delightful breakfast before embarking on a boat ride back up the Sierpe River.
-Embark on a scenic drive to Monteverde, winding through mountainous terrain and lush landscapes as we prepare for the cool mist of the cloud forest.
-On arrival, settle into the cozy mountain retreat, where the cool air and beautiful surroundings set the tone for a night of adventure.
-As the sun sets, go on a magical night tour through the Monteverde Cloud Forest. Keep your eyes peeled for nocturnal wildlife, from frogs to insects, and feel the forest come alive in the cool night air.
-Before we bid farewell to Monteverde, we'll go for one more hike in the Santa Elena Nature Reserve, seeing Monteverde's biodiversity in the daytime. Keep your eyes peeled for exotic flora like hanging epiphytes and delicate orchids while listening for calls of rare birds like the bellbird.
-For avid hikers, the Youth Challenge trail will offer a more satisfying route with rewarding views.
-After your hike, return to the hotel for check out, taking one last look at the serene surroundings of the cloud forest.
-Depart for the lush lowlands surrounding Arenal Volcano, a dominating peak piercing through the verdant plains.
-Arrive in the late afternoon at our accommodation and get comfortable.
-Use the free time to explore the hotel’s surroundings or relax and enjoy the incredible views of Arenal Volcano.
-Today promises a different kind of adventure. We'll get our hearts pumping and blood flowing in a thrilling zipline adventure across the La Fortuna Waterfall Canyon. Enjoy the view from above!
-We'll visit the Arenal's 1968 lava flow for one final hike.
-After all the fun, we'll immerse ourselves in the history and traditions of Costa Rica’s indigenous Maleku people at the Cultural Rescue Center. Learn about their ancient practices and unique connection to the land that has hosted us this past week.
-Enjoy a relaxing time at the famous hot springs of Costa Rica, allowing your body to recuperate from the physical activities in the past week.
-If you haven't realized, it's the final night of our trip. We'll end it off with a celebratory dinner. Over delectable food and drinks, we'll reflect on the memories made in the past week and toast to each other's company.
-For one final time, indulge in breakfast amidst the serenity of Costa Rica's rainforests.
-A group transfer will take us to Juan Santamaria International Airport.
-Bid farewell to Costa Rica and the new friends you've made along the way. Thank you for joining me in Costa Rica. Have a safe journey home, and don't be a stranger!
