Introduction
In early 2005, I wouldn't have been able to point to Costa Rica on a map if my life depended on it.
Six and a half years had passed since my first, and only, backpacking trip (to Europe).
My life seemed to veer away from international travel after 9/11 and the cancellation of my trip to Egypt later that year.
I lost one job, gained another, and found myself able to afford a nice vacation.
Initially, I was focused on Switzerland, as I had missed it during my last trip to Europe, and had visions of beautiful mountain scenery.
I didn't want to admit it, but my mom was right when she tried to steer me away from it, saying it'd be the most expensive country I could go to (and should save it for when I'm older).
She suggested Costa Rica, as a friend of hers had been down there recently and enjoyed it.
Soon after, I heard the country's name mentioned by several others as well, including a coworker who grew up there, and was returning in June 2005 for a wedding.
After reading about Costa Rica in a few travel guides, and finding airfare to be at least half as expensive as Switzerland, I set the Central American country as my next travel destination.
What follows is my travel journal and pictures from the trip in May 2005.
Planned Budget
$300 – roundtrip airfare on American Airlines $540 – daily expenses ($30/day x 18 days) $500 – adventure activities $1,340 – total Planning – Activities and Experiences Planning – Trip Inventory Day 1 – Washington, DC to San Jose – The Adventure Begins Day 2 – Poas Volcano Day 3 – Rafting the Mighty Pacuare River Day 4 – Lounging in Cahuita Day 5 – Snorkeling, Snakes and a Jungle Hike Day 6 – Arriving in Puerto Viejo with Alice Day 7 – Surfing Safari and a Sunburn Day 8 – Morning Musings in Puerto Viejo Day 9 – Puerto Viejo to La Fortuna, and About Last Night Day 10 – Tips for Happy Feet Day 11 – Erupting Arenal Volcano and a Steamy Hot Springs Night Day 13 – Hiking the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve Day 14 – Surfing at Santa Theresa Beach in Costa Rica Day 15 – Santa Theresa to Montezuma Day 16 – Jumping Off a 30-foot Jungle Waterfall in Montezuma Day 17 – An Unexpected Date Night and Returning to San Jose Day 18 – San Jose to Washington, DC – The Adventure Comes Full Circle Reflections Upon Returning Home Trip CostLast Updated on August 24, 2020 by Dave Lee
Dave is the Founder and Editor in Chief of Go Backpacking and Feastio. He's been to 66 countries and lived in Colombia and Peru. Read the full story of how he became a travel blogger.
