Why travel to Costa Rica.: September 2014

A hidden treasure in the rainforest , where the earth meets the sky . . .

Our beautiful adventure began on September 11, 2013, as we—and Costa Rica Adventures— set out on a company mission to help the rainforest and support other family businesses throughout Costa Rica. Along the way, we met Don Lino and his wife, who have been living in this beautiful Costa Rican paradise for several years, but more on that later . . .

At 6:29 in the morning, my dad and I left the city of Alajuela and headed northwest on road number 1, or the Pan-American Highway. After driving about 3 and a half hours, we reached beautiful Liberia, a culturally rich, colonial-style village in northern Costa Rica.

After a delicious breakfast of gallo pinto, a Costa Rican staple consisting of rice and beans, we returned to the highway for 15 minutes until we reached the river Tempisquito. Our destination lay 35 km (about 20 miles) ahead, and our real adventure was just now beginning.

Along this final stretch, we passed through several small towns, and for an hour and 20 minutes, we took in the incredible sights, including the Orosi Volcano, Cacao mountain and imposing Rincon de la Vieja Volcano.

Upon our arrival at our final destination, this hidden paradise, we were greeted by Dona Cecilia and Don Lino with giant smiles and much warmth. (The Linen family has a small bed-and-breakfast for tourists.) In addition to the friendly greetings, the Linens welcomed us with a delicious lunch of chicken with rice.

Soon, after finishing his work in the field, Don Lino rejoined my dad and me as he prepared to teach us the secrets of his hidden village. (Even guides need guides!) Don Linen led us on a hike through the woods, where we discovered a wonderful blue waterfall and many natural springs and rivers of beautiful colors and tones. Along the way, we encountered howler monkeys, toucans and the tracks of a small jaguar.

Like any good story, our wonderful hike had an equally good ending and an offer we simply could not resist. Victims of heavenly temptation, we donned our bathing suits and took a welcome dip into the beautiful blue river. Here we swam, then relaxed in the natural pools, a little piece of heaven that every visitor can enjoy—safe and refreshing for children, adults, families, and seniors alike!

But our adventure didn’t end here, for Don Lino had one more surprise—the natural hot springs and mineral baths. Ah, such paradise! But, difficult as it was to say goodbye to this magnificent adventure, we thanked our hosts, Don Lino and Dona Cecilia and headed home richer and at peace with the world . . . and heaven.