Shani Laplume
My journey began amidst the lush of the Arenal rainforest. Where I was very fortunate to spend my days listening to the exotic birdcalls and the vibrant hues of the flora. Along with my curiosity of the various fauna surrounding me. Surrounded by the fertile rainforest, under the shadow of the majestic Arenal Volcano, I experienced the therapeutic warmth of the hot springs. The soothing water, from the Earth's core, provided my body and soul the much-needed wellness and relaxation I was craving for. It was a moment of perfect harmony.
One of my unforgettable experience in this region was during my journey amidst the lush canopies of the hanging bridges where each step brought me new perspective of this biodiverse ecosystem. While exploring the rainforest trails, I had the privilege of encountering some of Costa Rica’s most exotic wildlife, snakes gracefully navigating their way thru the same paths I’m taking, howler monkeys were swinging while they echoed through the canopy as a reminder of the wild beauty surrounding me. The guides knowledge showcased the secrets of the rainforest and I was fortunate to witness the treasures up close. Another example was the tiny poisonous frogs that were too small to see with a naked eye, however, very much detected by our guides thru the noises they make. Pretty impressive.
After descending 500 plus steps, I got to witness the sight of the powerful cascading La Fortuna Waterfalls where I witnessed the crystalline pool, as well as the force of nature but still provided me a sense of serenity until I had to climb the 500 steps back to reality.
Our adventure continued as we embarked on a ferry to cross to the enchanting coast of Santa Teresa. The ferry ride provided a unique glimpse into the daily life of locals. As we crossed the waters I found myself surrounded by the vibrant bustle of community. Locals, along with their companions of livestock shared the journey. It was a beautiful snapshot of the authentic rhythm of life in Costa Rica.
This remote paradise welcomed us with open arms, offering a taste of barefoot luxury amidst its pristine beaches and small, welcoming local town.In Santa Teresa, we discovered a world where time seemed to slow down. Our accommodation, surrounded by luscious towering jungle of trees and nestled by the shoreline, allowed us to awaken to the gentle sound of waves and fall asleep under a canopy of stars. The simplicity of life here was a refreshing escape from the chaos of the modern world.
Although known as a surfing town, this is an ideal destination for romance, the tranquil ambiance it provides makes it an ideal destination for honeymooners, couples seeking romantic escape and those in search of destination wedding ideas where your backdrop is either the sunrise or sunset. The Santa Teresa allure is undeniably something to consider.
Our stay in Manuel Antonio offered a unique perspective on Costa Rica's natural beauty. Nestled high in the mountains, we enjoyed a panoramic view of the ocean below. It was a serene and tranquil escape, a place where we felt truly connected to our surroundings. I spotted rare birds soaring above me during my time at the pool and heard the call of the various monkeys playing around.
Manuel Antonio National Park was a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The lush rainforest was home to numerous spider monkeys, adding to the enchanting region. We were treated to encounters with elusive sloths, vipers, bats, frogs, toucans, caterpillars and howler monkeys. One of the highlights was spotting the famous blue butterfly, a testament to the park's incredible biodiversity. Again the guide’s knowledge provided us with secrets to the life in the forest and led us to pristine beaches and local treasures.