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Reporter Stephen Jones experienced adrenaline and relaxation whilst in the tropical jungles of Costa Rica — eating pink pineapple and soaring 300ft above the trees
Channelling my inner Tarzan, and yodelling nothing like him, I kicked off from the floor and zoomed through the rainforest canopy.
Soaring 300ft above valleys, streams and waterfalls with just a zipline rope and my bravado to keep me intact hadn’t been on my bucket list for 2024, but it’s one of the most exhilarating things I have ever done.
No Costa Rica trip would be complete without an adventure in its pristine rainforests – and the Buena Vista del Rincon hotel delivers the opportunity to enjoy just that with its seven zip lines.
This eco adventure park also offers such thrills as tubing, horse riding and the chance to visit natural hot springs powered by the nearby Rincon de la Vieja Volcano.
There I rotated around five different mineral-rich pool temperatures after covering myself in therapeutic mud – there’s nothing quite like soaking in a natural hot tub surrounded by tropical jungle.
Many people want to go to Costa Rica for the beaches but aren’t aware that in a country which is more wilderness than buildings, you can achieve a perfect balance of relaxation, adrenaline and nature. And it’s now increasingly seen as a destination for family and kids, not just backpackers who want a “trip that goes beyond beaches and the guidebook”.
With its vibrant wildlife, lush rainforests and stunning coastlines, this Central American gem is a must for any traveller looking for something a little different from a holiday. You can spot hummingbirds, coatis, toucans, howler and capuchin monkeys aplenty and on a good day a jaguar, puma or ocelot. The food everywhere in Costa Rica is consistently brilliant – the fruit is the freshest I have ever eaten and I now know why Kim Kardashian is such a fan of its famous pink pineapple. But as I munched tasty ceviche shrimp, I couldn’t help but wonder if there was anywhere else in the world where huge blue butterflies and even bats swoop over your head as you enjoy your meal.
The whole country has a treasure trove of off-the-beaten-track destinations that remain blissfully under the radar, such as our luxurious Hideaway Rio Celeste Hotel, also in the north, an oasis of peace amid the dense rainforest.
Perfect for those seeking tranquillity in an idyllic setting, this boutique hotel with an intimate atmosphere makes you feel you have much of the location to yourself, and is the ideal base from which to explore the nearby Tenorio Volcano National Park. As I settled in to enjoy a relaxing massage, I mused to myself that anywhere else in the world they normally pipe in the sounds of a rainforest, but here I was listening to the real thing as my knots were gently pummelled.
I could also rave about the striking turquoise waters of the nearby Rio Celeste River, which is such a surreal sight it almost feels like it belongs in a dream and it’s also where the best thing happened on the whole trip. After days of searching, we finally spotted a sloth nicknamed Emma – the staff joke was that it “works at the hotel” – and it was a breathtaking pinch-yourself moment I will never forget.
Among the several interesting facts I learned about sloths that day is that they are brilliant swimmers, but sleep for 19 hours a day and only come down from the trees once every two weeks. But then again, Costa Rica is the kind of place where you keep learning.
We took time out on our holiday to partake in a number of educational day trips including a visit to the Doka Estate Coffee Plantation for a deep dive into how my favourite brew is made. Did you know most Starbucks coffee comes from Costa Rica?
Another must-see is the captivating and still active explosive wonder that is the Poas Volcano, with its vast steaming crater, just an hour’s drive from San Jose. Be prepared to stomach the heavy stench of sulphur.
There was also an enthralling excursion to Chocolate Sibaeli – a chocolate farm – to learn about the passion that goes into making everyone’s favourite snack (and to discover that if you are ever offered a £500 bar of Creole Chocolate, you really should accept a bite).
An unusual must was a sobering visit to meet the Maleku indigenous tribe who were discovered living in the jungle a century ago. Their numbers have been decimated but it was fascinating to learn about their history and how they are fighting to keep their traditions alive today.
This trip was not just a holiday, it was a chance to reconnect with nature, taste some of the world’s best foods and embark on adventures that left me feeling like I’d discovered some best-kept secrets. In Costa Rica they have a saying “Pura Vida”, which means “everything is cool”. And if ever there was a phrase that summed up my experience, it was exactly that.
I didn’t find the local man from Del Monte on this trip (yes he’s from here), but if I had, I would have given him a big fat “YES!”
It’s no surprise that when the producers of hit new TV series Celebrity Bear Hunt wanted to choose a lush location that would push stars to the limits of their endurance, they chose Costa Rica.
This tropical paradise, with its dense jungle and stunning coastline, offers a perfect backdrop for the thrilling, high-octane Netflix show as survival expert Bear Grylls guides contestants used to a comfier way of life through intense challenges.
Many viewers will have marvelled at Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity highlighted by the show and will be booking a flight out there to experience it for themselves.
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