If a pin on the map could have it all, it would be San Gerardo de Rivas. A mellow mountain town only visited by the most outdoorsy of Costa Rica‘s tourists, it offers the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. From easy waterfalls to trekking to wildlife to artisanal treats, everyone (and their mother) is sure to find the meaning of Tico paradise.

 

 

1. Chirripó National Park

Cerro Chirripó remains one of the highlight trails of my life. A well-maintained out and back trail takes the eager wanderer through five ecological zones to the top of Costa Rica. On a clear day, both the Atlantic and Pacific can be viewed at the same time from the summit. Read about logistics and how I brute forced this challenging two-day trek into a day hike here.

 

 

2. Cloudbridge Nature Reserve

The enchanting Cloudbridge offers hiking trails of a varying distances that wind through waterfalls and lush forest. The original acres were purchased by a South African couple in 2002. The idea was to allow the former cattle farms to reforest and flourish at their own pace. The reserve has since developed several volunteer, education, and research programs to further involve the public. Their compassionate conservation efforts have created the home of some of the most iconic animals of the country, including monkeys, sloths, pumas, coyotes, ocelots, jaguars, coatis, tapirs, hummingbirds, toucans, motmots, and resplendent quetzals.

 

3. My Favorite Eco-hostel

The cozy Casa Mariposa has one of the most well-done atmospheres I have encountered in my travels through 43 countries. Providing some of it’s own nature trails, the hostel draws brilliantly plumed songbirds, and serves fresh baked thic-with-four-C’s Ghirardelli brownies. Upon my arrival three years ago, the wine-sipping receptionist told me to feel free to use the kitchen, but to watch for the cat, who had been diagnosed with a serious “bread fetish.” The dorm room is built into a rock, so my mother and I were basically sleeping inside a cave with snuggly blankets instead of bat feces. Also noteworthy are the fireplace, house dog, book swap, hot showers, and the method in which trash was reused to build and elegantly decorate the whole building. In front of the sofas sat binders full of recommendations that none of your friends who have toured Costa Rica will have ever heard of.

 

 

4. Less People

The northern part of Costa Rica is teeming with people with from all over. Tours conquer larger towns and mask true Tico flavors. I had come to experience this country, not my country. SGdR is just below the radar enough to avoid the stampedes.

5. Very Excellent Birding

Costa Rica bridges the tail end of North America to the prequel of South America. The resulting interbreeding of species has resulted in forests like those surrounding SGdR to pop with toucans, hummingbirds (the country has 338 species), tanagers, and yes, the aforementioned resplendent quetzals. While within most species the female is the color of a bird nest, the lady honeycreepers actually have brilliant lime-green feathers that steal some of the spotlight from the turquoise males. Other curious specimen appear to be your average blackbird, but with yellow feathers at the thighs only. Hostels put out slices of banana and papaya for these backyard friends to snack on all day.

 

6. Fishing for Lunch

Truchero Los Cocolisos invites guests to fish their ponds for their own meal. The catch is then cooked on site and paired with side dishes from a budget-friendly menu. A dining experience doesn’t get more fresh than this, except when the seafood comes with fresh-squeezed mora juice, which this does.

7. Hand-crafted Chocolate Decadence

Samaritan Xocolata makes their own artesanal bon bons, bars, and truffles. The owner takes pride in using only the best organic, locally sourced cacao beans. I recommend the ginger or pistachio bon bons and the mint or espresso dark chocolate bars. The chai kinda tasted like soap.

 

 

8. Soothing Thermal Baths

Aguas Termales Gevi is the perfect natural muscle relaxant for aches and sores from hiking. I was too busy up the mountain, but my mom got a chance to soak up the mineral goodness of a nearby hot spring by hiking there from town and giving herself a spa day.

 

9. Camping Culture

Many local families in the SGdR area offer low-cost camp sites or hammock sites tucked away within their spacious ranches. Healthy for your wallet and lungs, good for cultural exchange opportunities with your hosts.

 

 

10. Cheese

Sooner or later, every weary nomad traveling the third world will find himself expressing out loud his yearnings for real cheese and real hummus. Quesos Canaán can at least solve the former problem. Once a milk farm, this Tico-owned family business produces (visitors can participate) some Swiss wedges that have the loyalty from expats and backpackers alike. A great stop after any amount of hiking, even if it’s just from your bed to this small cheese shop.