We’ve teamed up with Intrepid to explore the world through adventure, community-based experiences, and our shared Do Good ethic. Recently, we sent Chris—an amateur roller skater, avid traveler, and friend of Cotopaxi—to Costa Rica. Get inspired for a trip to the land of Pura Vida with his highlights, photos, and recommendations.

Destination Details: From Volcano to Ocean

Our adventure began at Juanilama, a small community where we got to make a meal with locals, learn about their agriculture, and take beautiful hikes into the forest. The next day, we headed to see Mt. Arenal, an active volcano. We did some suspension bridge walks as well, where we got to come face-to-face with a lot of wildlife. 

After that, we made our way to Monteverde via a little boat ride for a couple nights, which is located in the cloud forest over 4,000 feet in elevation. The views were breathtaking (especially with the thinner air!) and the air smelled so fresh. I ziplined for the first time and it was incredible to see the views from so high up.

After Monteverde, we headed to a beach town called Quepos. This may have been my favorite part of the trip! We spent an afternoon at the beach, and the water was maybe the warmest I’ve ever been in. We visited Manuel Antonio National Park, where we got to visit a different beach and see even more wildlife, including monkeys, sloths, reptiles, and beautiful birds. 

All time moment: We ended our trip with a sailboat ride into the evening where we saw dolphins and rays. We jumped into the ocean for a swim and snorkel, and had a delicious dinner. It all felt so surreal and so beautiful. I experienced exactly why they embrace the phrase “pura vida.”

MVP gear of the trip: My Cotopaxi fanny pack. It held everything I needed for the day, including my wallet, camera, phone, as well as some other items. It was nice to not have to worry about what was in my pockets, especially on moments like the suspension bridges.

Most memorable person you met: It was so nice to travel in a small social setting, and I definitely made friends that I was sad to leave, like my new friend Steph in the UK.

Do Good moments: I loved traveling with Intrepid because it felt like the trip was us Doing Good. A lot of our stops were to support local businesses, and the homestay community directly benefits and thrives from tourism, while we get to learn about how they live as well. 

No. 1 recommendation for Costa Rica travelers: If you’re going to be up in the mountains, bring bug spray! I didn’t find I needed it on much else of the trip, but in Monteverde, I definitely could have benefited. I’d recommend Costa Rica to anyone, it was a beautiful, peaceful, and safe place to visit with so much to learn and experience.