Even though I live in a picturesque setting, perched high in the hills above Atenas, I still love to travel and enjoy every inch of the tropical paradise that I call home. Having 12 different micro climates, Costa Rica offers an abundance of travel options and a climate to fit everyones needs.

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During our summer I like to take mini “getaways” to refresh my “vista” and just relax. There are dozens destinations just under an hour and a half from Atenas like the Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, and the central Pacific beaches.

However if you want to be a bit more adventurous and travel just a bit further, you can enjoy three of my favorite getaway destinations: Rincon de La Vieja, La Fortuna, and San Gerardo de Dota. These three spots are all within a 2.5 to 3 hour drive from Atenas, and will fill a long weekend with fun, adventure and relaxation.

Rincon de La Vieja

A few months back my friends and I made a return trip to Rincon de la Vieja, one of my favorite, adventurous, long weekend destinations in Costa Rica. For me, Rincon is a fascinating geological masterpiece right out of a sci-fi movie. Leaving early from Atenas we arrive at the Las Pailas entrance to the Rincon National Park (there are two entrances, Las Pailas and Santa Maria) around 10 a.m., ready to hit the trails.

The entrance fees to the park are 1,000 colones for nationals and residents, and $10 for foreigners. Rincon has a lot to offer so be prepared. You cannot do the park in one day. If you want to see everything, you actually need 3 days. There several hikes you can take; a 7 hour hike up to the crater, a 4 hour hike to the waterfalls, and a 2 hour loop to see the fumerolas and mud pots (other worldly).

With our plan of action in hand, we hit the 2 hour loop with the idea of returning for lunch and doing the waterfalls! Off into the forrest we encountered an abundance of Matapalo trees, which are strangler figs that attach to a host tree and “strangle” them out. These trees can become HUGE, and Rincon has some amazing specimens of the species.

Continuing down the trail the smell rotten eggs permeates the air. You soon discover that this smell is actually sulfur, being released from bubbling caldrons! We come to a sign that points one direction to a waterfall, and the other to the fumaroles.

We head off to the waterfall first. We were impressed with this nice fall cascading down a solid rock wall giving us a refreshing break from our hike. Next we were off to see the fumaroles, which are pools of boiling water that can reach temperatures of up to 248 degrees fahrenheit. Continuing down the path we come to a fork in the trail. Mud pots to the right (200 meters), thermal baths to the left ( 6 kilometers).

I got the bright idea that I needed to experience “natural” hot springs, so off we went! Six kilometers is nothing, right guys?

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Three kilometers into an up hill climb, the path begins to level out and I want to know who’s idea it was to check out the thermales? The hike was stunning, especially so because it was February and all the wild orchids were in bloom, with the most plentiful being the Guaria Morada, the national flower of Costa Rica.

Two hours after I had my bright idea we arrived at a small river with two large pools full of steaming sulfur water. Trust me when I say that my feet and legs were ready for a break and an indulgent soak was in order. I was having an “Ohm” moment and though to myself “this is heaven”.

The setting is perfect surrounded by nature, giant oak trees and is very private. The river is a nice reprise because it is cold, great for dipping when the “thermales” get to hot.

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Picking up the trail where we left off, we finish our tour with the bubbling mud pots. All I can say is “Wow, out of this world!”. Dying tired and almost back to the park entrance, out of the corner of my eye I see a side path that leads to a bubbling lake. I was given the “eye” by all of my friends but what the heck we are here guys, why not?

The feeling is unreal as you are surrounded by hissing, gurgling all in the motion of creation. My imagination goes wild and think that this must be what hell sounds and looks like. Who knew hell would be so beautiful? By the time we arrive at the car it is almost 5 and there was no time for the waterfall hike. I guess you know what we will be doing tomorrow.

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La Fortuna

When we have out of town visitors, one of our favorite “tour” stops is La Fortuna, the Arenal Volcano and one of the areas many hot springs. From Atenas the drive up to La Fortuna is spectacular. We always go through San Ramon, which passes high in the mountains through the Los Angeles Cloud Forest.

Coming down into San Carlos you pass many large farms of tropical plants that are grown for export to the United States and Europe. Keep your eyes open during the rainy season as you will see several waterfalls that just jet out of the mountain side. If the heavens are corporative, then the approach to La Fortuna is stunning, dominated by the Arenal volcano.

There are many things to do in the La Fortuna area, the highlight being the volcano and one of the many hot spring resorts that get their “healing” thermal waters from mighty Arenal. When I am feeling tired or just need to be pampered, my first though is a weekend at Tabacon. For me, Tabacon Grand Spa and Resort has the best hot springs in the area. The springs have a very natural look and feel. The surrounding landscape is amazing and brings to mind the garden of Eden.

The spa and restaurants at Tabacon are world class, and you can just lose yourself in self indulgence. If you have relaxed enough, then you can always go fishing or kayaking on Lake Arenal, zip through the rain forest on the side of an active Arenal at SkyTram/SkyTrek, or take an invigorating hike to the La Fortuna waterfall.

The La Fortuna Waterfall is located at the edge of La Fortuna, just before you get to downtown coming from San Ramon. Other than the waterfall, there is a mountain lake that is the crater of a dormant volcano, perfect for a morning hike. Getting to the waterfall is not so bad but be warned you will be hiking down and then up over 500 steps.

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However at the bottom of the steps you are rewarded with a stunning waterfall jetting out the side of a rock cliff. The river is crystalline, cold and perfect for a refreshing swim. The climate in La Fortuna is humid, so after the hike down, the water actually feels great. Follow the river around the corner from the waterfall and you will find the La Fortuna river with water so clear you can see fish swimming around you.

San Gerardo de Dota

When I start feeling that I need to escape from it all, to forget about civilization and just be “one” with nature, I head for San Gerardo de Dota. San Gerardo offers a surreal setting with pure mountain air, a crystalline river and a true Costa Rican feel that takes you back 50 years. This small town of about 300 inhabitants is perched high in the mountains near the Cerro de la Muerte, between San Jose and San Isidro de General.

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San Gerardo is a bird lovers paradise, especially those wanting to see the resplendent quetzal, which is almost a guarantee! The Savegre river cuts through the middle of San Gerardo, paralleling the road through most of the village, with little bridges connecting hotels and neighborhoods, giving the area a quaint feel.

Fishing for rainbow trout in the river or at one of the local restaurants where they will clean and prepare the fish is a must. In addition, there are an abundance of hiking trails, one which will lead you to the Savegre River waterfall. If you just want to relax a trip to the Del Rio Spa is a must. Indulge yourself with various spa treatments individually or in combo like the Del Rio or Savegre package. You won’t be disappointed.

It is easy to spend a half day at Del Rio Spa because when you purchase a treatment the spa includes the use of their hot and cold jacuzzi’s as well as the dry sauna and steam room.

When I go San Gerardo, I always stay at Dantica Lodge. Dantica is a cozy hotel featuring private cabins, all with fireplaces and breathtaking views! The restaurant at Dantica offers some of the best, fresh cuisine I have experienced in Costa Rica. They grow all of their own herbs and vegetables and most food products they use are local.

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When nightfall comes to Dantica and San Gerardo, you truly know what dark is. There is a eerie quite that falls over the valley, with no glow from city lights, only the dark quite of nature. After a long weekend in San Gerardo, you can rest assured that you will return home refreshed, rejuvenated and ready to conquer the world.

I firmly believe that life is one and we must make the most of every day we are here on this planet. When you are blessed to live in a country that is as diverse and beautiful as Costa Rica, you must see it, taste it, experience it and truly “live” in it.

In Atenas I have found my home. It is the place where I have created my life, my business and my friendships. It is where I have found my peace. Every once and a while it is nice to leave home, and see what else the world has to offer. I have found some great getaways that are close to Atenas where I can refresh and rejuvenate, soaking up the purity of everything that surrounds me.

My wish is that you too can enjoy the beauty and splendor that surrounds you where ever your adventures may take you.

Living in Costa Rica and a Few Escape Ideas For The Weekends.

Article/Property ID Number 3915

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