"And so we came back!!!!!" a Costa Rica Travel Page by Anita_Porec

As I woke up at 8:00am woken by the sun rays bursting through the window, I could not help but wonder, why this does never happen at home.

Thinking it was already noon; I stood up and wondered out of the room, feeling I had my best nights sleep in the last three months
Not only was I woken up to the bright sun rays but to the smell of nature like I’ve never experienced before. Costa Rica will from this first morning and forever stay in my mind as the best smelling place I have visited.

The intense smell of fresh air and a mixture of plants and flowers is Costa Rica’s signature as far as I am concerned.

The gorgeous house we rented for this one week stay was located on top of a large hill with an amazing view of the Corillo Beach, adjacent to Samara Beach. Although the house featured an open concept living room and patio, a beautiful swimming pool and luscious grounds with its own flora and fauna, in the end we paid for this view.

It is the spectacular ocean view that seems to be the selling point for the majority of rental and real estate properties here. No matter how large or luxurious, everyone seems more content if they are facing one of the gorgeous Costa Rican beaches, and speaking of that, the Nicoyan Peninsula is famed for the numerous stretches of sand all along its west coast. Among these beaches are the famous Playa Conchal, Playa Langosta, Playa Tambor, Playa Samara and many more as you drive down the coast line. It might be wise to either stay a few days on each or to take a few days and explore, since the most interesting roads are off the beaten track and might take a long time to drive through. Regardless of the season a 4x4 vehicle is recommended.
During the rainy periods you might want to get informed ahead of time about potential road closures do to floods. However during the dry season (December to March) feel free to explore and wonder into the nature, as you will encounter many others along the way who are doing the same.

Costa Rica will do for a great beach holiday as well as an off roading adventure, although you can easily combine both by driving down the coast. Most paved roads and highways connect inland cities and reach very few oceanfront areas. If you wish to experience both, I advise driving along the coast from Playa Tambor to Playa Conchal, since this is the coast line that features the most popular beaches as well as many private and secluded ocean inlets where you will find and enjoy a pristine beach all to yourself. Popular resort beaches such as Playa Tambor, Montezuma, Playa Samara, Playa Tamarindo and Playa Conchal attract many tourists but still harbors peace and are not too crowded.
Along these beaches there are several good restaurants, souvenir shops, internet cafes, markets and other local business that make a convenient environment for a traveler. Playa Tamarindo is most known for its waves and magnificent length, making it a surfer’s paradise. The best time of day to visit this beach is sunset, when the water is warm and the numerous surfers are racing the waves with the backdrop of the sunset.