There are hundreds of blog posts on how to see Costa Rica so I decided to take a bit of a different angle on this idea and show you things you should NOT do while you are visiting my beautiful country. So without further ado here are 6 tips on how NOT to see Costa Rica.
Dont be this guy! Caught on his phone while on vacation in Costa Rica1. Looking Up From your Phone Occasionally
OK, it is likely that your fancy smartphone will still be able to work on WiFi or something, but you really should put it down. Trust me; the people on your Facebook page are judging you for posting a status instead of enjoying your trip. You can tell people what you did later, and you’ll have a lot more to tell them about if you focus on having amazing experiences instead of posting about so-so experiences. Instead of posting statuses or blogging during breakfast, take in your surroundings and talk to the locals or the other tourists. You never know what interesting stories you can learn offline. Hint: they are definitely more interesting than anything your friends are posting online.
Checking out Arenal Volcano from a hanging bridge2. From Behind a Lens
Sure, taking pictures is great, and there is a lot of amazing beauty to shoot in Costa Rica. But, really, unless you are a professional photographer visiting on assignment, step out from behind the lens once in a while. Use BOTH eyes to see everything around you and later you can use your memory and your words to describe your trip to those that weren't lucky enough to go. Honestly, nobody wants to see your trip slide show anyway. Seriously. Even it is on an iPad.
Kayaking over a small cascade in the Pilas section of the Sarapiqui river3. With Your Eyes Closed
Yes, there are several cringe-worthy activities in Costa Rica – but that is what makes them amazing! Instinct may tell you to close your eyes when you are scared or nervous, but keep them open and soak it all in! You also want to try to get a decent amount of rest during your visit. You want to be awake and aware even during travel to your activities, so don’t go dozing off during travel!
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4. Quickly
Try to put aside as much time as possible for your trip. While you obviously have to adhere to your vacation time and life structure, you don’t want to leave Costa Rica and feel like you just breezed through. Try to reserve several weeks and see everything in one trip. If you can’t do that, then choose just one region to explore per trip, and try to take several trips over the course of a few years. It is much better to spend a lot of time in a few places, rather than a little time in a lot of places.
Canopy Tour near Arenal Volcano5. From The Ground
There is a lot to see in Costa Rica, and there are many ways to see it. While the ground view gives you one perspective, and a close up look at some of the unique nature found in Costa Rica, they sky can give you an even more exciting view. Book a canopy tour in a cloud forest and zip line your way through the beauty. Also, think about how cool you’ll sound when you tell your friends that you took a canopy tour through a cloud forest.
Marine Turtle at Caño Island6. From Inside Your Comfort Zone
You’ve gotten out of your home country; now get out of your comfort zone. Do everything that makes you nervous. Say “yes” every time that you want to say “no.” Do things that you have never done before. Learn something new – whether it is a new word or a new recipe or a new species. Get wet – from rafting to diving, there are a ton of water activities to do in Costa Rica. Try to meet as many new people as you can. You can learn interesting things and maybe even make international friends that you have for life.
