You should come to experience the ‘pura vida’ lifestyle, which, in Joe’s words means “eating gallo pinto (rice, beans and usually eggs) for breakfast, feeling the tropical sun (and warm rain) on your face, meeting the welcoming local people, or ticos as we call ourselves.”
Hiking through the rainforest, listening to the sounds of nature and keeping a look-out for wildlife is the best way to experience the nature and is made extra special at El Copal if you spot a quetzal, the national bird of Costa Rica.
Spending time in the Corcovado National Park is another definite highlight, with boat trips, turtles, dolphins, snorkelling and the stunning backdrop of ’12-mile beach’ and the Pacific coastline.
Definitely pack for the diversity of the landscapes you’ll visit – be prepared for the humidity in some regions like the Osa peninsula and for cooler temperatures in the central highlands which reach an impressive 9000 feet above sea-level.