As most of you know, I just returned from a 6-day stint in Costa Rica. It was my second time visiting the country and now, more than ever, Costa Rica has me yearning for more.
Don’t miss these posts:
- Costa Rica: Second Times A Charm!
- Alma Del Pacifico Ocean View Villa Tour
- Fun in the Sun at Los Suenos Marriott
As you probably figured, I took a ton of photos during my recent trip to Costa Rica. Instead of unleashing them all on you at once, I’ve decided to put together a “Best of” with some of my favorite photos from the trip.
Ready? Here goes!
Surfing seems to be what life is all about for those living on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. Our first morning in Costa Rica was filled with thrills and spills as we attempted to get a handle on surfing. It’s far from easy, but it’s definitely something that most people can pick up after a one to two hour lesson.
When I look at this photo, I simply think “paradise”. Sunny days, empty beaches, and relaxation.
This is what the terrain looks like from the sky as you descend into San Jose, Costa Rica.
This pasta dish was one of the best lunches I had in Costa Rica. It consisted of penne, grilled chicken, tomatoes, peppers, and a variety of other vegetables.
I’m not usually a soup guy, but this tortilla soup was to die for!
A local was working hard on repairing this old wooden boat that looked like it drifted on to shore 25 years ago. Good luck my friend!
After arriving at the Los Suenos Marriott, I headed straight for the highest point on the resort. Once there, I setup my GoPro on my new Joby Gorillapod, and snapped a few wide angle photos of the resort below. What a view!
This is the result of the GoPro shot shown above. Below is the incredible Los Suenos Marriott property. Isn’t it beautiful?
This tiger crab was spotted on Damas Island during an estuary boat tour. I love the colors of this little guy.
Believe it or not, this lizard shown above is known as the “Jesus Christ Lizard” due to its ability to walk on water. YouTube it if you don’t believe me.
As some of you know, I’m not a big fan of monkeys. Particularly because they are one of the most unpredictable creatures on the planet (IMO) and they have no problem with tearing your face off if they’re in a bad mood. In saying that, I have no problems with viewing monkeys in the wild from afar. This is my favorite shot from our Damas Island tour. I love the fact that the baby is hanging on while keeping a watchful eye for predators (aka us humans).
Caught this guy red handed. Put the bananas down and put your hands up!
The Festival de las Mulas is an annual festival held in the city of Parrita, Costa Rica. The festival includes tractor races, “tico style” bullfights, concerts, mule racing and more.
DON’T MISS: MAN vs. BULL
A quick stroll around Alma Del Pacifico presented me with all sorts of colorful photo opportunities. I spotted this beautiful plant popping up in front of a bright blue window in the background and I simply couldn’t resist snapping a photo.
Does this look relaxing or what? An empty pool situated in a lush rainforest environment. Disregard the cellphone tower in the background and you’ll really feel as if you’re disconnected from the world.
This is one of my favorite beach shots from Costa Rica. It just looks so damn serene. If I wasn’t constantly on the move, I would print this out at 20″x30″, frame it and slap it on my wall.
Estee and the Brett’s Board Rentals crew arrives back on shore after her first ever surf lesson!
This board is a little beat up, but it’s ready to ride. Go ahead, give it a shot!
Well, looks like Estee gave that board shown above a shot. Yeah, she ate it on this one, but she quickly turned into a surfing machine a little later on in the lesson.
Congratulations on reaching the end of this photo essay. I know, you struggled to get through them all. ;-)
WHICH ONE IS YOUR FAVORITE? LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW!
Costa Rica is very high on my priority list this year and learning to surf is a must. Great shots Ryan!
Excellent Gareth, you’re going to love it! Thanks for stopping by.
Beautiful pictures! Next time you visit you will need to travel farther south and experience the difference a few hours’ drive can make–lusher landscapes, more animals, and mountains that meet the sea. We love Costa Rica, but especially the southern Pacific part. Pura Vida!
I agree! Those are beautiful pics, perfect capture of the details and it’s clearly stated there on what we should expect in Costa Rica. I’ll visiting this beautiful country soon. :)
Great photos. Thanks for sharing.
We enjoyed our stay at Los Suenos a few years ago and especially the hikes and wildlife viewing (at Manuel Antonio and other places). I can’t tell from the photos if you were surfing at Jaco, but if so I hope the “Beatles Bar” is still there.
Thanks for the feedback Bill! Yeah, the Los Suenos Marriott is a great property with tons of things to offer. Now that I look back, I wish I made it out to Manuel Antonio to get in a hike or two. I hope to get back down there again in the future though. The surf shots were taken right out front of our hotel in Playa Esterillos Este. We spent a few nights at the incredible Alma del Pacifico – Check it out here: https://www.pausethemoment.com/alma-del-pacifico/
Well thanks a lot. Now I have to add Costa Rica to the bucket list! I don’t surf, but wow, what a beautiful beach! And despite the fact that I’ve never encountered monkeys before, I’ll believe you when you say they’re unpredictable… they seem a little, er, jumpy, non?
You’re welcome! I visited Costa Rica once back in November of 2011 and it was a very dismal visit to say the least. This time around I enjoyed it so much that I want to head back down there at some point and spend a few months living the beach bum life. Trust me, you don’t want to encounter a monkey. Everyone thinks they’re cute until they pounce! ;-)
I love this post and all the photos! We got married in Costa Rica 4 months ago so this country holds a special place in our hearts :-)
Thanks Jill! Congrats! Oh, and don’t worry we already creeped on your wedding post and your site in general. LOL!
Oh no, please ignore my previous comment…my original comment (and your reply) finally showed up.
Just wanted to say I’m glad the site creeping is mutual because I’ve slowly worked my way through sooooo many of your posts! Loving this site, your photos and your travels :-)
No problem. Haha! Thank you for the feedback. Can’t wait to chat.
Nice shots of that chic on her surfboard and the freeze monkey! I was stung alive all over my body by jellyfish while surfing in Tamarindo two weeks ago. They also infested the waters of Manuel Antonio shortly after we arrived. Damn “medusas”!
Oh wow! Sorry to hear about that. That must have hurt…
Love those wide, vast-open beaches!
Tortilla soup? I learned again from you. Will have to look up the ingredients.
Absolutely loved the pictures! Did you use a GoPro for all of those amazing shots?
Thanks Moa. I snapped some with the GoPro and some with my Canon point and shoot.