Adventures in Costa Rica - Workaway Experience

My first discoveries were Playa La Matcha and Playa la Vaca. Both of them are perfect places for meditation and connecting with nature while hiking to magnificent wild beaches. I should warn you, it's about 25 minutes of hiking from the bus stop. But don’t worry! You will just be adored with magical forest and the songs of the birds all along the way to the beach. Don’t forget to grab water and snacks as there is nothing served at the beach. Try to head up there at low tide because when the ocean’s level gets higher, the beach area becomes more narrow. Close to the end of hiking, you will have to different ways leading to one of the wild beaches. The left path goes to Playa La Vaca and the right path is going to lead you to Playa la Matcha.

My other treasure discovery was the National Park of Marina Ballena in Uvita. This is a “Must Do”! I have to accept that it was one of the most magical places that I have ever stepped on our lovely mother Earth. Pure energy! The extraordinary feature of the Playa Ballena is that the coast of the beach is surrounded by the ocean on both sides! Imagine you are walking on the sand and you are looking to the right -is the ocean, then you are turning your head to the left and again there is the ocean! The pick of the moment arrives when you are getting to the center where 2 watercourses meet each other and you are in the middle of it. At the entrance of the park, you can also swim in nature’s tropical gift-in astonishing mangrove surrounded by mysterious tropical trees that were reminding me of some moments from my favorite cartoon Pocahontas. It was hard to leave Playa  Ballena at 18:00 when authorized people came to remind me about the closing of the national park. I was completely enchanted by Playa Ballena.

Let’s talk about sunset rituals! Did you know that sunset is a kind of special ceremony here in Costa Rica?  Of course! After 17:00 everyone rushes to watch and adore the magnificent art of nature. Grab your favorite drink and fruits and head to one of the below-mentioned coasts to recharge your soul in your free Workawayer’s time!

My favorite spot to enjoy the sunset

• The closest option is the entrance of Parque Nahomi in Quepos. Is around a 20min walk from VJ. The view was magnificent and you have a few benches to just relax and observe the sunset.
• My usual point of sunset ritual was Playa Espadilla North. As I was spending most of my free beach time over there. You have a close Mini -supermarket right next to the entrance to the beach to fulfill your food and beverage desires all evening.
• If you are really a self-lover and searching chill and completely calm place to meditate during the sunset you can head up to Playa Matapalo. Usually, the beach is completely empty. You will find only a couple of surfers that are passionately entering the water for enjoying the last waves of the day.
  

The next adventure that I experienced on one of my days off started in Playa Dominical. Is around 1 hour trip on the bus. Go early for enjoying your day in an enchanted little surfing town. You will find yourself in a tropical fairy tale village. Don't get crazy in a variety of hipster organic shops and local markets with lots of gemstones and boho outfits along the coasts. If you are a surf lover, this is the best place to rent the board. I feel obligated to share my secret about the restaurant that I discovered by coincidence. Is called Tortilla Flats! I have tried my best margarita in my life with passion fruit and basil. It was really wow! Also, they served me the most huge Greek salad portion with homemade hummus. Totally veggie paradise!

If you are going to visit Quepos in March, you should check out the local celebrations “Fiestas Quepos”! You will be surrounded by totally colorful Latin American music and traditions. I was enjoying dancing under bachata and salsa music accompanied by local singers who were participating in the karaoke competition. After you can get your cheap and tasty “Casado” and head to the rodeo! It was a completely new experience for me. I was seeing it usually on tv. The fiestas are located about 10 min drive from Quepos and it lasts around 10 days. 

Attention to extreme and adrenaline lovers! Another unforgettable experience was trying parasailing for the first time! This amazing experience is offered by my favorite VJ. You can book the time and they are coming to pick you up and take you to the beach. Then just be ready to fly above the sky! My heart was frozen from excitement and a hilarious view of Costa Rica from the bird's eye. The moments like that will never be forgotten! 

Thanks to VJ for my first work away experience, for all the magnificent moments, and for letting me feel like my best home.

Nikki - Villas Jacquelina volunteer 2022