Pura vida! It’s more than just a saying in Costa Rica – it’s a way of life. Translated it means “simple life” or “good life”, and Costa Ricans or ”Ticos” truly embrace life. Fourteen years ago we visited Costa Rica with our kids, and we have always wanted to go back. So a few weeks ago, we took a winter retreat to the rainforest! We rented a 4×4 and spent a few weeks visiting some different parts of the country – each with it’s own unique beauty and allure. Along the way we hiked in beautiful rainforests and encountered fascinating trees, creatures, landscapes, people, and farms. Costa Rica is a spectacular place!
As our time in Costa Rica came to a close, we had an opportunity to visit Nicaragua. My (Becky’s) Dad went there years ago on a farm trip, and he loved it so we were eager to check it out. Now we know why my dad loved it so much. Nicaragua is so beautiful – mostly the people we encountered. We can’t wait to go back and explore more!
We wanted to share a few pictures here from our adventure that we thought our fellow tree-loving friends might appreciate. Shout out to our friend, Bernie Jacobs – we found Jamie’s nursery friend at Tortuguero!
If you ever get the chance to visit Costa Rica or Nicaragua, we highly recommend these beautiful countries. Diakachimba! In Costa Rica they say “Pura vida!” In Nicaragua it’s “Diakachimba!” – meaning “It’s all good”. Enjoy!
Farms in the Cerro Chirripo Mountains
Vineyards
Banana Plantations
Banana plantation conveyors
Coconut Farms for Miles
That Tree…
Farms in the Cerro Chirripo Mountains
Trees for Fence Rows
Rural Architecture
Farms in the Cerro Chirripo Mountains
Sloth
Monkey
Watch where you walk
Tiny poisonous tree frog
Cool Bird Feet
Our nursery Blue Heron spending the winter in Costa RIca!
Caymen
Green Ibis
Aninga
Our nursery Blue Heron spending the winter in Costa RIca!
Local Garden Center
Local Garden Center
Local Garden Center
Local Garden Center – Had to check it out!
Local Garden Center
Local Garden Center
Local Garden Center – B & B!
Local Garden Center
Cairn in Los Gigantes Sendero
Los Gigantes Sendero
Los Gigantes Sendero
Los Gigantes Sendero
Los Gigantes Sendero – this is cool look it up
Los Gigantes Sendero
Hiking at Cloudbrige Reserve
Art Studio in the Forest
Art Studio in the Forest
Art Studio in the Forest – I still need to look her up – her work was beautiful!
Art Studio in the Forest
Art Studio in the Forest
Art Studio in the Forest
Art Studio in the Forest
Art Studio in the Forest
Hiking at Cloudbrige Reserve
Gigantic Tree
Gigantic Monster Monstera!
Ecological Succession
So much diversity in the canopy!
Forest Dynamics
Cloudbridge Nature Reserve
Cloudbridge Nature Reserve
Little plant pop-ups everywhere
Canals of Tortuguero
Cloudbridge Nature Reserve
Ecosystem Services
Waterfalls at Cloudbridge Nature Reserve
Trumpet Tree
Trumpet Tree
Trumpet Tree Canopy
Quercus in Costa Rica!
Trumpet Tree
Tree Fern
Canals of Tortuguero
Beauty in the Details
Canals of Tortuguero
Shades of Green
Cativo Tree
Canopy Diversity
Cool weird tree
La Pavona Boat Dock -how you get to Tortuguero
Giagantic house plants in their native habitat!
Shades of Green
Sancuajoche – Nicaragua’s National Flower
Costa Rica & Nicaragua
Masaya Volcano in Nicaragua
Cool Tree in Manual Antonio National Park at Sunrise
Cool Tree in Manual Antonio National Park at Sunrise
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