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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