Away from the crowds in Costa Rica?

Mon, 10/24/2022 - 12:54 - 
Iris

Now that the word is out about Costa Rica, more and more people like to discover this magnificent country. So, is it still possible to avoid the crowds? 

This was one of the main questions I had when starting my inspection trip in Costa Rica this year. Sixty days I traveled all over the country with my backpack and a 4x4, looking for less well-known gems. The last 30 days I spent with friends in Puerto Viejo de Talamanca, a place I once called home.

As a responsible travel agent I am very aware that tourism can have many positive effects, both on the traveler as on the people in the destination itself. But when mass tourism sets in, it can be ruined completely and quickly too. Not only because there are more people and bigger businesses,... but also because locals get so used to the not always responsible traveler, who sometimes behaves in a way that makes him loose the respect of locals, who then start seeing the tourist as a dollar bill rather than the unique person they are.

What did I find during my inspection trip?

Without a doubt, Costa Rica has become a more popular destination over the past years. This had resulted in more and bigger hotels, more travelers along the way and sometimes unfortunately also a loss of the typical friendliness and special attention for every client, especially in the most well-known places. But overall, Costa Rica is still one of the most precious destinations you can travel to. Even in 60 days I was not able to do and see all the things I wanted to. Costa Rica is one of few countries which keeps surprising and enchanting no matter how many times you go back.  My goal was to look for less touristic places, new itinerary ideas, also for repeat travelers to Costa Rica who like to get away from the highlights they have already seen and the crowds that flock there. The great news is that equally (or even more) beautiful nature, culture and people can be found in the rest of the country.

To be honest, I was looking for the Costa Rica I fell in love with 25 years ago. And luckily, I found several gems along the way. There is so much diversity and beauty in Costa Rica that we do not all have to visit the same places. For example, with over 120 volcanic sites on land (and hundreds more in the ocean) we do not all have to visit the same one. Let me give you some examples of wonderful places I tested for you.

What about natural hot springs in the forest instead of in a resort?
What about a visit to this volcano instead of the famous Arenal volcano?
Away from the crowds you can have your own cabin with private natural hot tub and lots of privacy
Or what about going inland, glamping in the middle of nowhere, under de stars
Or for the more adventurous traveler: a night with an indigenous tribe?
With a Pacific and a Caribbean Coast, there is always a quiet beach to enjoy!
Hiking along waterfalls which look like Rio Celeste but where I did not encounter any other traveler

These are just a few pictures of what I found without much explanation because I find it important not to be the one responsible for turning places into the next Manuel Antonio. Sometimes it is better to keep hidden gems hidden from the crowds. The main advantages of visiting less well-known places are that you will get more value for money, you will be in more quiet and unspoilt places, between locals instead of tourists and the typical, genuine, Costa Rican friendliness will be always present. 

YŪGEN tours designs custom-made itineraries for each traveler or party, taking into account any whishes and interests you may have. Would you like to travel around Costa Rica? Please contact me at hello@yugentours.com.

Pura Vida!

Iris

 

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