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 MountainsVineyardsBanana PlantationsBanana plantation conveyorsCoconut Farms for MilesThat Tree…Farms in the Cerro Chirripo MountainsTrees for Fence RowsRural ArchitectureFarms in the Cerro Chirripo MountainsSlothMonkeyWatch where you walkTiny poisonous tree frogCool Bird FeetOur nursery Blue Heron spending the winter in Costa RIca!CaymenGreen IbisAningaOur nursery Blue Heron spending the winter in Costa RIca!Local Garden CenterLocal Garden CenterLocal Garden CenterLocal Garden Center – Had to check it out!Local Garden CenterLocal Garden CenterLocal Garden Center – B & B!Local Garden CenterCairn in Los Gigantes SenderoLos Gigantes Sendero
Los Gigantes Sendero
Los Gigantes SenderoLos Gigantes Sendero – this is cool look it upLos Gigantes SenderoHiking at Cloudbrige ReserveArt Studio in the ForestArt Studio in the ForestArt Studio in the Forest – I still need to look her up – her work was beautiful!Art Studio in the ForestArt Studio in the ForestArt Studio in the ForestArt Studio in the ForestArt Studio in the ForestHiking at Cloudbrige ReserveGigantic TreeGigantic Monster Monstera!Ecological SuccessionSo much diversity in the canopy!Forest DynamicsCloudbridge Nature ReserveCloudbridge Nature ReserveLittle plant pop-ups everywhereCanals of TortugueroCloudbridge Nature ReserveEcosystem ServicesWaterfalls at Cloudbridge Nature ReserveTrumpet TreeTrumpet TreeTrumpet Tree CanopyQuercus in Costa Rica!Trumpet TreeTree Fern
Canals of TortugueroBeauty in the DetailsCanals of TortugueroShades of GreenCativo TreeCanopy DiversityCool weird treeLa Pavona Boat Dock -how you get to TortugueroGiagantic house plants in their native habitat!Shades of GreenSancuajoche – Nicaragua’s National FlowerCosta Rica & NicaraguaMasaya Volcano in NicaraguaCool Tree in Manual Antonio National Park at SunriseCool Tree in Manual Antonio National Park at Sunrise
