Green Season: One Week in Costa Rica

Learn to surf (or improve your skills)

Costa Rica has many wonderful options for all-inclusive surf packages. Everything from boards to daily lessons led by expert surf guides, video analysis, transportation and additional fitness/yoga/wellness inclusions will ensure that you are standing up and 'going down the line' by the end of the week. If you are already an experienced surfer, there are excellent opportunities for all-inclusive training and coaching that will help you use Costa Rica's consistent and clean waves to challenge yourself and rapidly improve your surfing skills. Ask me about custom Green Season surf packages and the best destinations to suit your needs and skill level.

Incredible wildlife-viewing opportunities

We call it Green Season because the rain brings out new foliage everywhere, which makes the jungle absolutely come alive! Although wildlife can be seen year-round in Costa Rica, the green season provides even more opportunities for world-class birdwatching, and spotting the more elusive animals like sloths, cool reptiles such as snakes and frogs and, if you are very lucky, maybe even a big cat. Turtle viewing and whale watching are also done in the green season. Lower amounts of visitors means an experience that is more intimate and peaceful, for you and the animals. In addition to seeing wildlife in its native habitat, there are also many rescue centers and sanctuaries where you are able to visit with animals that are in rehab for release back to the wild, or who must permanently live under human care. Although wildlife can be found all over the country, the Osa Peninsula is one of the most pristine and bio-intensive areas in the world, and should easily be at the top of your list for experiencing an unbelievable array of flora and fauna.

Hot springs and wellness

Costa Rica is filled with healing waters... heated naturally from deep underground which magically surface at or near perfect bathing temperature. They are filled with minerals that soothe aches and pains, clear the skin, alleviate stress and calm the mind. There are hot springs found all across the country, opportunities range from day trips to complete stays at a resort filled with acres of pools and rivers. The largest concentration of bathe-able thermal waters are found at the base of Volcano Arenal. Several incredible resorts have been built to offer an unparalleled experience of jungle healing. Spend one week in Costa Rica soaking, forest bathing, indulging in spa treatments...I promise you will return home a brand-new person!

Creative retreat and self care

Because of the slower pace during the Green Season, and rain showers that can roll through in the afternoons, a week that includes indoor-friendly activities may be just the ticket! Focus on that writing or art project you've been struggling to find time for. Tap into your creativity while having a front row view to a magical rainforest, volcano or beach. If you're into yoga, there are great deals on yoga retreats at this time, where your practice is complemented by the lushness of the season. Because of the better pricing during these months, it's a great opportunity to do that solo trip you've been wanting to do, without paying the usual premiums that solo travelers can often face during high season.

Couples

The coziness of the rainy season offers the perfect chance to get away with your partner and tap into connection and shared experience. Leave the kids at home and focus on each other in one of the world's most romantic destinations.

The Caribbean side of Costa Rica

The timing of the wet season is similar across all of Costa Rica, except on the Caribbean side. The weather there, although still very tropical, does not follow the same defined patterns of wet and dry. In fact, the two least rainy months on the Caribbean are September and October, while the rest of the country is usually experiencing its most rainfall. What a great chance to tap in to all that this lesser-known part of the country has to offer! Turtle watching occurs from July through September at Tortugero National Park, where it's all about turtles. Wonderful diving and snorkeling can also be found along the Caribbean coast, where the water clarity, coral reefs and variety of marine life make for a more interesting dive than can typically be found along most of the Pacific side. The tranquil waters also make the perfect environment for paddle boarding and kayaking in the coves and estuaries. The cultural experience is also unique to the rest of the country, with Afro-Caribbean roots... the food, art and music is greatly influenced by Jamaica and the other islands of the West Indies. The Bribri people, who are one of the largest remaining indigenous populations in Costa Rica, can also be found on the east coast. The community has largely maintained much of their traditional language and culture, centered on cacao, which they consider a sacred medicine and food. An immersive tour to visit a Bribri village is a unique experience and makes for an excellent add to your one week itinerary along Costa Rica's Caribbean coast.

• SER Restaurante, Jaco.

• Phat Noodle, Dominical.

• Earthly Kitchen, San Jose

• Lola's, Playa Avellanas

• Vida Hermosa, Playa Hermosa

• Los Almendros Restaurant, Esterillos Oeste