Pura Vida literally translates to Pure Life. In Costa Rica, it's the way of life. This year we cashed in our frequent flier miles and headed to the Rich Coast to experience Pura Vida for ourselves.
Our first international trip with our young daughters (3 & 5), we couldn't have asked for a better family getaway. Costa Rica welcomed our family with open arms and endless opportunities for exploring and relaxing.
In the mellow beach town of Playa Samara, we enjoyed the surf and sand, venturing to Isla Chora on a kayak and SUP board from
Pato's Surf School. Just minutes from the beach, we zipped through the dry tropical forest courtesy of
Wingnuts Canopy Tours. With harnesses made for the youngest adventurers, even our three-year-old could experience the rush of flying through the trees.
From the sunny Pacific coast, we ventured inland to the lush landscape of La Fortuna. With Arenal's shadow looming, we hiked kid-friendly trails to pristine falls and hanging bridges. We rested our weary muscles in the thermally heated waters at
Baldi Hot Springs. We took the scenic (and bumpy) route by Tenorio Volcano National Park and were rewarded with views of the otherworldly Rio Celeste.
We finished our trip in the luxurious
La Gaviota Tropical boutique guest house in Playa Hermosa. With the sand literally steps away from our room and a rooftop pool perfect for watching the sun set, we ended our trip without a care in the world.
After 11 amazing nights, it was hard to leave Costa Rica's stunning scenery, breathtaking sunsets, and laid-back lifestyle. The combination of lazy beach days and adrenaline-filled adventures was perfect.
From blissful beaches...
To stunning sunsets.
From high-flying adventures...
To unexpected encounters.
From hidden falls...
To slumbering giants.
From surreal waters...
(Pictured in Kuhl Kendra Shorts)
To sugar soft sand.
From head in the clouds...
(Kuhl Kendra Shorts and Stella Tank)
To toes in the sand.
From jumping for joy...
To putting your feet up.
What's not to love about the pure life?
