Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
LOCAL KNOWLEDGE
ANDRES POVEDA ON COSTA RICAN PRIDE
The founder of the Costa Rican Hostel Network has spent the last several years raising
the bar for Costa Rica backpackers.
What does it mean to be Costa Rican?
To understand this, all you need to do is
spend some time hanging out with us Costa Ricans, or, as we prefer to call ourselves, Ti-
cos. I think one of the most infectious qualities of Ticos is that we don't think too much
about the future, and instead prefer to have a great time and simply enjoy the moment.
You know, almost immediately upon arriving in this country, travelers are greeted with the
wordspura vida,which really is a catch-all phrase for Ticos. Although it directly translates
as 'pure life',pura vidareally is a philosophy of living that all of us strive to uphold.
What is the best way for travelers to experience Costa Rica?
The great thing about
this country is that it has a youthful spirit, so you don't have to be 18 or 21 to have a good
time here. In Costa Rica the great social equalizer is beer, so all you have to do is grab a
bottle and just interact with the people around you.
Rafiki Safari Lodge
Nestled into the rainforest, with a prime spot right next to the Río Savegre, the
Rafiki Sa-
fari Lodge
( 2777-5327, 2777-2250;
www.rafikisafari.com
; s/d/ste incl all meals US$189/327/
420, child under 5yr free; )
combines all the comforts of a hotel with the splendor
of a jungle safari - and getting here is half the fun. The owners, South African expats who
have lived in the area for years, have constructed 10 luxury tents on stilts equipped with
modern bathroom, private porch and hydroelectric power. All units are screened in, allow-
ing you to see and hear the rainforest without actually having creepy-crawlies in your bed.
There's a spring-fed pool with a serious waterslide and ample opportunity for horseback
riding, bird-watching (more than 350 species have been identified), hiking, white-water
rafting and unplugging. And of course, South Africans are masters on the
braai
(barbe-
cue), so you know that you'll eat well alongside other guests in the
rancho
-style restaur-
ant. This place makes for a great three-day stay; it's too remote to warrant the transport for
only one night, but guests exhaust all the activities on offer after three days.
