Experiencing "Pura Vida" in Costa Rica During COVID-19
We were thrilled to recently run our Costa Rica tour with a small group of travelers. We ventured off in search of—and quickly found—the essence of Pura Vida, which is the country's motto meaning the "pure life" or the "simple life." New safety protocols were in place, but that didn't take away from the country's innate beauty, the kindness of its people, or the epic adventures to be had.
by Dave Armenti
March 24, 2021
Safety first. Then: ziplining through the clouds, kayaking around volcanoes, and swimming under waterfalls.
COVID-19 has required the travel industry to implement many new safety measures. At EF Ultimate Break, we're ready to embrace the changes and continue doing what we do best: make your dream trips as stress-free as possible. We can unequivocally say that the safety of our travelers is our top priority. We’re following the protocols and recommendations established by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)—including health, hygiene and social distancing guidelines—in addition to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local and federal authorities worldwide. Plus, our 24/7-365 global network of offices in over 50 countries is unmatched.
Costa Rica's handling of the coronavirus has been met with mostly praise, as the country acted swiftly and set up stringent safety regulations across its tourism sector. And how fitting that a country whose motto—Pura Vida, or "the pure life"—remains a viable location for travelers looking to get away after the year that was 2020. Pura Vida is a way of life in Costa Rica, and it's all about positive vibes: appreciating the things in your life that you can control while letting go of the stressors you cannot. And of course enjoying all that this biodiverse country has to offer, from the exquisite coffee and fresh tropical fruits to the stunning wildlife, flora, and scenery. If you're looking for a place to refresh and recharge, Costa Rica is it.
As travel bounces back, we’re here to make your dream trips a reality—whether you’re ready to go in 2023, 2024, or beyond. We'll handle everything to take the stress out of planning a getaway, from transportation to accommodations and daily breakfasts. Plus, you'll have a local, destination-expert Tour Director who is with you the whole trip and has been trained on all the necessary safety protocols.
Costa Rica Adventure
10 days. 4 cities.
Experience the greatest hits of Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast on this 10-day adrenaline bender, jam-packed with jungle hiking, whitewater rafting, ziplining through rainforests, splashing around in waterfalls—and soaking up that Pura Vida culture along the way.
"Even during these unprecedented times, I felt like I was in very safe hands with the EF team. From start to finish everything was set up perfectly and Costa Rica quickly became the best trip I have taken thus far."
—Moe A., EF Ultimate Break traveler
Highlights from our Costa Rica trip, January 2021
Our Costa Rica Adventure itinerary immerses travelers into everything Costa Rica is known for: the thrilling activities (on land, in the water, even above the clouds!), the fascinating culture and culinary scene, and the calming wellness vibes that comes from living la Pura Vida.
We gave a small group of travelers a sense of normalcy and a rejuvenating escape to start 2021—in an outdoor-centric environment that was social-distancing-friendly.
As a designated “travel bubble," there were additional protocols in place:
- All travelers were required to test negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours prior to the trip.
- Masks worn throughout the duration of the trip: on the bus, in the hotel common areas, and during trip activities like ziplining, kayaking, and hiking.
- Hand sanitizer provided at all times during the trip (our Tour Director always had it on-hand). And all local suppliers had sink stations for handwashing, plus hand sanitizer and temperature checks.
- The bus was thoroughly cleaned twice per day: in the morning before travelers boarded and in the evening after travelers departed.
Cooling off at the famous La Fortuna Waterfall
Photo: Bry Roskoz, EF Ultimate Break
Kayaking around the mesmerizing Arenal Volcano
Photos: Nicole Fiore, EF Ultimate Break
Walking through a literal cloud forest in Monteverde
Photos: Bry Roskoz, EF Ultimate Break
Ziplining above the trees
Photos: Nicole Fiore, EF Ultimate Break
Sunning on the stunning beaches of Puntarenas
Photos: Bry Roskoz, EF Ultimate Break
Hiking through Manuel Antonio National Park to more breathtaking beaches
Photo: Bry Roskoz, EF Ultimate Break
Making some furry friends along the way
Photos: Nicole Fiore, EF Ultimate Break
Visiting a coffee plantation and learning about Costa Rica's world-class beans
Photos: Nicole Fiore, EF Ultimate Break
Enjoying fresh fruits at a local produce stand
Photo: Nicole Fiore, EF Ultimate Break
And cooling down with plenty of coconut refrescos!
Photo: Bry Roskoz, EF Ultimate Break
Let us take you there
You deserve a trip to look forward to. Whether that's in 2021 or 2022; whether it's to Costa Rica or Canada, to Belize or Bali, to Italy, Spain, Greece or galavanting across all of Europe—EF Ultimate Break can make it happen.
Know that we’re monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely, and if your plans need to be adjusted, we can do that for you. Because we have a presence—and contacts on the ground—in countries all over the world.
We take care of everything so you can travel stress-free. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with not worrying about your flights, accommodations, transportation, or daily activities (we bake in plenty of free time, too!).
by Dave Armenti
Dave is a marketing guy at EF Ultimate Break. His favorite trip was either eating his way through Italy with stops in Florence, Venice, Assisi and Rome; or walking a total of 50 miles in 3 days as he gallivanted around Stockholm. A Boston local, Dave enjoys hitting outdoor breweries with friends, drinking iced coffee year-round, and spoiling his pitbull/husky pup.
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