Aug 17, 2019
Myth vs Reality: What Rainy Season in Playa Grande is Really Like

The majority of visitors who come to Playa Grande and the surrounding areas tend to come between December and April. These months are well-known for their cloudless sunny days and dry winds. It rarely rains during this time of the year and nearly every day is a picture-perfect beach day. While these are the most sought-after months to come to Costa Rica, you should not overlook the rainy season.

Downsides of the high season: 

1.    More people

2.    More expensive (flights and accommodations)

3.    Hotter day time temperatures 

4.    Colder water

5.    Very windy (especially in January and February)

Myth 1: It rains all the time 

The first rain usually happens around the end of April and the green season typically spans until the end of October. Don’t be fooled into thinking that the rainy season is totally rainy! It is not uncommon for days or weeks to go by where there is little to no rainfall between May and November. Sometimes big storms roll through though, which are actually quite spectacular to watch and also provide an excellent excuse to take a nap or read a book.

But, for the most part, during this time of the year, it doesn’t rain all day and every day; especially in Guanacaste, which is the driest province in Costa Rica. 

The months of May, June, July, and August are actually my favorite months to be in Costa Rica! 

Myth 2: Driving requires a 4×4 vehicle

The roads in and around Playa Grande are good, even during the rainy season. Other remote areas of Costa Rica might require a 4×4 car and can be quite treacherous to navigate during a very rainy bout; but, you don’t have to worry about that in this zone!

Myth 3: Everything is closed 

Pretty much everything is open during the rainy season. Some businesses, especially in smaller towns, might close for September and October, but from May to August, you can expect everything that is open during the high season to be ready for your business during the green season. Restaurants, tours, attractions, hotels, and beaches are often less busy during these months compared to the peak season months.  

Myth 4: Activities are limited 

Unless you are the Wicked Witch of the West, you aren’t going to melt in the rain! The only time activities and tours are delayed or canceled is when there is lightning, which surprisingly doesn’t happen as often as you might think.

Activities like surfing, paddle boarding, sailing, fishing, snorkeling, zip-lining, horseback riding, hiking, white water rafting, mountain biking, and yoga all continue to take place rain or shine. As long as you bring a lightweight rain jacket, a dry bag, shoes with good traction, and a winning attitude, a little rain won’t put a damper on your fun!

Myth 5: It’s not as pretty 

In my personal opinion, the green season is the most beautiful season in Costa Rica. It is during this time of the year that you will witness every imaginable shade of green. Life really abounds during the rainy season. Plus, the rainy season is also the rainbow season, and the sunsets are utterly breathtaking. 

Don’t let the misconception that the rainy season in Costa Rica is nothing but rain because that is far from reality.  

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Aug 6, 2019
Embrace a Moving Meditation While in Playa Grande, Costa Rica

As we shared in our last post, “Don’t Hesitate, Meditate,” there are incredible inherent benefits that accompany a meditation practice. To review, this includes a reduction in stress and anxiety, improved quality and depth of sleep, a strengthened immune system, a clearer and more focused mind, a boost in creativity and productivity, an enhanced state of self-awareness, and an overall increased sense of peace and calmness. 

However, for some and maybe many, sitting in stillness and with a free mind can be a great challenge. Meditation doesn’t come easy to everyone, and that is perfectly fine. We are all a work in progress! For most, developing a meditation practice takes time and dedication; but, don’t all the best things in life? 

It is important to remember, though that we are all unique individuals and what works for one person might not work for another. Maybe you are more of a mover than a sitter? I know I am! There are all different types of meditations, and a moving meditation might be what you have long been seeking. 

Playa Grande is an amazing place to start or continue your moving meditation journey! Between the miles of nearly empty beach, the warm sea, the salty ocean air, the verdant beach trees, and coastal creatures, the setting couldn’t be any more perfect for quieting that active mind of yours. You might find your moving meditation to take place while you are walking, running, swimming, surfing, or practicing yoga. The idea is the same regardless of what movement you choose to do. 

A moving meditation is dependent on focusing on the movement and not on your thoughts. The same way you focus on your breath when you are meditating in stillness, focusing on your deliberate movements will help you still your mind. 

Sunrise is a particularly beautiful time to head down to the beach for a moving meditation while you are in Playa Grande. The sun rises very early here, the beach is usually quite empty, and the temperature is rather pleasant. It is also lovely to start your day in such a positive way. You can even start your morning and meditation by setting an intention or creating a mantra. 

Your meditation, whether still or moving, is entirely yours and yours to create in the way that best suits you.  Play with the process and enjoy the journey.

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Jul 24, 2019
Don’t Hestitat​​e, Meditate! 17 Reasons to Start Today

The practice of meditation is one that has been used for thousands of years by mankind. In fact, there have been archaeological findings that suggest the hunter-gathers and early shamans were the first to practice a form of meditation. Thousands of years ago, it was the Buddha who inspired others who sit in mindful awareness. There are so many different forms of meditation though that it is hard to pinpoint where and who exactly discovered this highly beneficial practice. 

But, that’s really beside the point! Meditation has gained significant popularity in modern times among a diverse population of practitioners. As more studies are being conducted and more scientific evidence is proving how powerful meditation is, more people are beginning to incorporate meditation into their daily lives. 

The beauty of meditation is that you can meditation for as long or as little as you would like, you can do it anywhere, and you can even do it while on the move. Your meditation practice can be as unique as you are. Developing your own practice might seem a bit daunting if you have never meditated before, but fortunately there is a wealth of classes, apps, videos, podcasts, and recordings to help you find your mindful mind. 

One with nature

The options for where and how you meditate are truly endless. You might be most comfortable sitting, laying down, walking, or flowing through a yoga practice. You might prefer to meditate in a group setting or alone, inside or outside, by guidance, or just by letting yourself be your own guide. The benefits are nonetheless substantial! 

Meditation has been scientifically proven to: 

Reduce stress, anxiety, and depression

Enhance Self-Awareness

Promote better sleep at night and more energy during the day

Boost memory, concentration, and creativity

Improve tolerance, compassion, and kindness 

Support a healthy heart and immune system

Bring a sense of peace, calmness, and balance into your daily life 

You can meditate anywhere!

Here are a few apps to help you get started: 

Insight Timer

Headspace 

Calm 

Buddhify 

There is no time like the present to start a mindful meditation practice. And, Playa Grande is a perfect place to begin.

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Jul 24, 2019
Experience One of the Greatest Natural Phenomenon During the Green Season in Costa Rica

While the coastal region of Playa Grande is part of the Las Baulas National Marine Park, which is supposed to be a prime leatherback sea turtle beach, it is very rare that you will actually see any turtles here. Unfortunately, due to offshore longline and net fishing and other negative human impacts, the sea turtles of Playa Grande are nearly non-existent. Measures are being taken to protect the sea turtles if and when they do come ashore to nest, but it is nearly impossible to eliminate the threat they face far offshore and out of the national park’s jurisdiction. 

Leatherback sea turtles, the largest of all of the species of sea turtles, are also the most endangered. Costa Rica is home to several other species though, including the most common Olive Ridley sea turtle. During the rainy season months, this sizable species of sea turtle returns to one of two beaches in Guanacaste in massive numbers. The mass arrival of sea turtles is called an arribada. 

A beautiful mama

The most accessible location to witness this incredible phenomenon is on Playa Ostional just to the south before Nosara. Between July and November, once and sometimes twice a month, thousands of mama Olive Ridley sea turtles come ashore between dus and dawn to lay their eggs. The arribadas are coordinated around the new moon when the nights are the darkest and the tides are the smallest.

Ostional is a protected wildlife refuge and it is illegal to be on the beach there during an arribada without a certified guide. However, it is easy to find one once you arrive there or you can make a reservation prior to driving down. You can also have the RipJack Inn concierge set up a tour and transportation for you if you don’t want to drive yourself there, which can be a bit daunting if you aren’t used to driving at night in Costa Rica. 

Back to sea

I recommend arriving right before the first break of day, which is usually around 5AM. Night tours are more popular but having the daylight on your side makes the experience even more magical. Seeing thousands of sea turtles crawling up the beach, digging their nests, laying their eggs, and heading back out to sea is an experience unmatched by any other. The turtles that come ashore in Ostional to lay their eggs where once born there themselves. 

You can stay up-to-date with the arribadas through the Association of Local Guides in Ostional by following them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GUIASAGLO/

If the timing works out and you are here near a new moon between July and November, don’t miss out on an arribada! 

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Jun 22, 2019
The RipJack Inn: More than just a hotel

The RipJack Inn is more than just a hotel, it is a home for the first time and the returning visitor to Playa Grande. Dave, Annie, Luli, and the entire staff at the RipJack Inn are all one big loving family. That warm family feeling is extended to everyone who sets foot here, whether in the hotel, the restaurant, the bar, or the yoga shalas. Even Playa Grande locals frequent the RipJack Inn for a post-surf breakfast, sunset cocktails, and weekly live music. 

One of two pools

Perfectly positioned right across the street from one of the main beach access paths, the RipJack Inn is the epicenter of the coastal neighborhood of Playa Grande. It is a place where everyone knows or quickly learns your name. It a place where you know you can always go and feel like you belong there. 

It is this friendly and welcoming energy that attracts surfers, yogis, families, couples, friends, and solo travelers from around the globe. It is also for this reason that many people who stay at the RipJack Inn once, often come back again. There is nothing quite like feeling like you are home and part of a community when you are thousands of miles away from your actual home. 

Healthy, happy family and friends

In recent years, the RipJack Inn has also become a popular destination for yoga, surf, and fitness retreats; student group trips and weddings.  Between two yoga shalas, two pools, a restaurant, a bar, and immediate access to the beach and surf, the location doesn’t get much better than this in Playa Grande. There is also a diverse selection of rooms, suites, and bungalows to choose from. 

A place of love

Wedding parties have rented out the entire RipJack Inn to host one of the most romantic moments of any couple’s life. Ceremonies are usually conducted on the beach around sunset, dinner is served upstairs, and the party carries on into the night around the pool. Of course, you can customize your day however you see fit. Your guests will likely be delighted that they get to celebrate your love in one of the most magical places in Northern Guanacaste. You’ll feel like you are getting married at a beloved family member’s home. 

There is nothing impersonal about staying at and spending time at the RipJack Inn. You might arrive as a guest, but you will surely leave as a member of the RipJack Inn family. 

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Jun 9, 2019
How to Ward Off Pesky Mosquitos the Al Natural Way

Did you know that the mosquito is the world’s most dangerous creature? These tiny assassins are responsible for over a million deaths and hundreds of millions of cases of dengue, malaria, yellow fever, chikungunya, and zika among other diseases every year. There are more than 3,500 different species of mosquitos and they especially love hot and wet environments. 

Did you know that only the female mosquitos bite for blood and they only do so when they need the extra nutrients to produce their eggs? Male mosquitos are important pollinators as they feed on the nectar of all different types of plants. Mosquitos are actually one of the top pollinators of cacao, the raw ingredient that is used to make chocolate. So, while it is safe to say that everyone hates mosquitos, we actually need them. 

To avoid contracting one of nearly a dozen mosquito-borne diseases, some of which can be potentially life-threatening, it is critical to protect yourself. If you are particularly prone to mosquito bites or are exploring a heavy mosquito-populated area, it might be wise to use a mosquito repellent with DEET. However, if you want to avoid this toxic chemical and you are taking other precautions (see note below) you will be pleased to learn that many natural insect repellents work well thanks to a combination of essential oils.

Mosquitos hate lavender!

 

There are even some organic and locally-made insect repellents that you can purchase while you are in Costa Rica. These include Raw Botanicals Lemongrass Insect Deterrent and Alegria Soaps aloe-based insect gel.

From the earth

When purchasing a natural insect repellent or making your own, look for a combination of the following natural essential oils: 

Lemon eucalyptus

Tea tree

Cinnamon

Bergamot

Peppermint

Lavender

Citronella

Geranium

Thyme

Pine

Cedar

Basil 

Do not directly apply essential oils to your skin. Make sure you have a carrier oil such as coconut or almond oil mixed in to avoid irritation. 

Other precaution measures that you can take to reduce your risk of getting mauled by mosquitos is to wear lightweight and light-colored long sleeves and long pants, especially around dawn and dusk; eliminate any standing water around your home or accommodations; and burn citronella incents, coils, or candles. Mosquitos might be the world’s most despised pests, but with the right insect repellent, we can co-exist.

Check out the RipJack Inn’s little boutique or Pots and Bowls for local products, including natural insect repellent.

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May 26, 2019
One Costa Rican Spanish Phrase You Need to Know

Knowing some basic Spanish phrases is definitely helpful when visiting Costa Rica, but knowing this one particular Costa Rican Spanish phrase is a must! If you’ve been here before, you have undoubtedly heard and seen the phrase pura vida. If you are about to visit Costa Rica for the first time, you will likely hear this phrase within minutes of being in the country. Aside from directly translating to pure life, this Costa Rican Spanish phrase is synonymous with everything Costa Rica. 

Pura vida is a Costa Rican Spanish phrase that can act like a greeting, a salutation, a response, a philosophy, and a way of life. 

Pronunciation: POO-rah VEE-dah

Go with the flow

The phrase pura vida actually originated from a Mexican film called Pura Vida that was released in 1956. According to research done by Anna Marie Trester, pura vida “is the expression of the eternal optimism used by a comic character who can’t do anything right. The phrase struck a cord in Costa Rica and has been used ever since.” 

The pura vida way of life is one that can be adopted by anyone and easily learned by spending time in Costa Rica. The important aspects of the traditional Costa Rican way of life include family, community, work, natural food, nature, and an easy breezy, laid-back demeanor. This philosophy is about slowing down and taking the time to enjoy life, whether by spending time with friends and family or doing something you love, like surfing. It’s no wonder that Costa Rica has continually ranked as one of the happiest countries on the planet. Pura vida isn’t about material wealth, it’s about being time-rich. 

You will notice that when pura vida is used the speaker’s face naturally adorns a lighthearted smile. Pura Vida is contagious and something really wonderful and potentially life-changing to catch. Try it out when you are in Costa Rica! Here’s how.

Hello=pura vida

How are you=pura vida

I’m well=pura vida

Yes=pura vida 

Thank you=pura vida

You’re welcome=pura vida

Goodbye=pura vida

See you later=pura vida 

Pura Vida
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May 14, 2019
Lightweight Gear Guide for a Green Season Trip to Costa Rica

Green Season in Costa Rica begins in May. With the arrival of this rejuvenating season comes afternoon showers, brilliant rainbows, psychedelic sunsets, and a complete revival of the native plant and animal life. A little rain and humidity won’t put a damper on the amazing activities you can enjoy while you are visiting Costa Rica as long as you come prepared with the proper tropical winter (May through November is considered winter in Costa Rica) gear. 

What’s great about the recommended products below is that they are all very lightweight and compact, so you don’t have to worry about weighing down your luggage. If you are going to invest in travel and adventure gear, you are better off paying a little more for a product that is durable and long-lasting, opposed to contributing to the global waste problem of “fast fashion” and cheap throw-away stuff. Don’t worry though; this gear guide contains affordable and resilient gear that will last you for many trips to come to the tropics. 

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Thirst quenching rain

Rain jacket

A rain jacket is the perfect multi-purpose piece of clothing that you will be happy to have in Costa Rica, regardless of the season. You will want to bring one that is lightweight though, as it is warm in Costa Rica year round. A rain jacket that can be compressed and folded up is key if you want to pack lightly and keep your day pack small, as well. A good rain jacket will not only keep you dry during those tropical downpours, but it can also protect your skin from the sun and insects, as well as keeping you comfortable when it is windy.

Patagonia Storm Racer or Torrentshell

Columbia Watertight Jacket

Adventure shoes

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It’s all about traction!

If you own the right pair of adventure shoes, you can eliminate the need to bring multiple pairs of shoes for different purposes on your trip to Costa Rica. You want to make sure you bring a shoe that is made with quick-drying material, is cushioned and comfortable, and has good traction.

TropicFeel 

Vivobarefoot Ultra

Quick-dry towel

Regular beach towels are bulky and if it’s particularly humid and rainy they might take more than a whole day to dry. Every traveler should own a microfiber towel. These amazing compact towels are super absorbent and fast drying. They can be used as a beach towel, shower towel, sarong, or even a sun and windbreaker.

ECOdept MicroFiber Travel Towel

SYOURSELF MicroFiber Beach Bath Towel 

Water-Resistant day pack

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Green season magic

When you set out on one of your many adventures while exploring Costa Rica, you will likely want to have a few things handy for your outing. Perhaps you want to bring a camera, phone, dry change of clothes, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and water. A dry-proof, water-resistant, or waterproof day pack is key to keeping all your stuff dry and easily accessible. These two-day packs, in particular, fold down into an easy to pack little pouch.

Outlander Ultralight Water-Resistant Packable Backpack

ELCM Foldable and Packable Waterproof Backpack

Waterproof phone case 

While it’s highly recommended that you take a little digital detox while you are in Costa Rica, having your phone with you to take photographs is a good idea. You will want to make sure that you have a protective case for your phone to avoid any damage to your device.

Lifeproof Waterproof Case

JOTO Universal Waterproof Case 

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Apr 28, 2019
Nine Waterfalls within Driving Distance from Playa Grande, Costa Rica

Even though Guanacaste is the driest of the seven provinces, there is no shortage of waterfalls to chase around this diverse region of Costa Rica. From Playa Grande, there are ample opportunities to gaze up at several glorious waterfalls. The waterfalls in this particular list are all within driving distance from Playa Grande and can be visited as part of a day-trip to several other popular natural attractions. 

Llanos de Cortés

Llanos de Cortés is an easily accessible waterfall just outside of Liberia in the town of Bagaces. This is the perfect place to stop by on your way to or from other attractions like Rincón de la Vieja National Park, La Fortuna, the Tenorio National Park, or the Puma Rescue Center. After paying a small entrance fee and taking a short walk down a path from the parking lot, you will arrive at a magnificent waterfall and pristine natural swimming pool. This spot is also ideal for an afternoon picnic, as many locals like to do on the weekends here.

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Picnic by a waterfall/ Photo Courtesy of Me

Four Main Waterfalls in the Rincón de la Vieja National Park

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A great way to escape the Guanacaste heat/ Photo Credit: Patrick Nouhailler-Flickr

Oropéndula 

This 82-foot waterfall is conveniently located near the Las Pailas entrance to the Rincón de la Vieja National Park. You can assess this impressive waterfall on horseback or on foot. At the base of the falls is a crystal clear turquoise swimming hole.

Chorreras 

There are actually two waterfalls that cascade down a canyon in the Rincón de la Vieja National Park. What’s unique about this particular waterfall(s) is that the pool beneath is a majestic sky blue color thanks to the high concentration of minerals in the water. On horseback, you can reach this duel-waterfall in 25-minutes.

Victoria 

Victoria waterfall is located on the Rio Negro and plunges 115-foot into an inviting natural pool. The Rio Negro is a famed river tubing destination within the Rincón de la Vieja Nationa Park. You can certainly tube the river and explore this waterfall in a day’s adventure.

Cangreja 

The Canjrega waterfall is located deep in the biodiverse and beautiful forest of Rincón de la Vieja. Cooper from the nearby volcano turns the water that pools at the base of this 130-foot waterfall a heavenly blue color. From the park’s entrance, you can easily hike to this jaw-dropping forest waterfall.

Waterfalls at Sensoria 

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A great place to chase waterfalls/Photo Courtesy of Sensoria

Sensoria: Land of Senses and Magical Rainforest is a privately owned and protected property in Guanacaste that is host to four spectacular waterfalls, natural thermal hot springs, blue rivers, and abundant wildlife. Only a few guests are granted access to Sensoria daily, so if you make a reservation, you can rest assured knowing that you won’t be bothered by crowds of people while you are enjoying the waterfalls and natural attractions of this little slice of paradise. The four waterfalls are Buenos Aires, Aguilar, Jicara, and Dantas.

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Visit Sensoria for a waterfall filled day/Photo Courtesy of Sensoria

While many visitors from around the world flock to Guanacaste’s golden beaches, the interior of the province is host to waterfalls, diverse forest ecosystems, and an incredible collection of wildlife. If you are staying in Playa Grande, you can enjoy both the salt and fresh water features of this unique place in Costa Rica.

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Apr 14, 2019
Fruit Feature: Papaya, the Miracle Worker of the Tropics

Papaya is the ultimate tropical fruit! Papaya flourishes throughout Central America, the Caribbean, Florida, and India. This widely available fruit grows year-around in the tropics. You will find papaya at every fruit stand and food market throughout Costa Rica, as well as being a common ingredient for smoothies and juices. While papaya is a tasty fruit, it is also one that possesses an incredible amount of vitamins and nutrients. This powerhouse fruit offers an impressive array of health benefits to anyone who regularly consumes it. 

Plus, find out how papaya leaves are used to treat a common mosquito-transmitted illness. 

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Papaya plantation in Costa Rica

Papaya contains…

Zeaxanthin: an antioxidant that has been proven to help eyes filter blue light (light from your computer, phone, and television screens) and ward off macular degeneration. 

Beta-carotene: an antioxidant that helps reduce the risk of cancer. 

Vitamin K: improves calcium absorption and reduces calcium elimination in the body. 

Papain: an enzyme that aids in digestion and helps reduce inflammation in the body. 

Chymopapain: an enzyme that reduces inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation has been linked to nearly every chronic disease. 

Potassium: reduces the risk of developing heart disease. A diet that is high in potassium and low in sodium is essential for heart health. 

Choline: a nutrient that supports sleep, memory, and muscle movement. It also supports the structure of cellular membranes. 

Vitamin A and C: promotes healthy skin and hair. 

Papaya is also chalked full of B vitamins, vitamin E, calcium, and lycopene, an antioxidant that is also found in tomatoes. 

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Nature’s medicine

Papaya fights dengue! 

Dengue is a mosquito-transmitted illness that affects millions of people every year throughout the tropics. There are several different strands of dengue, but some can lead to hospitalization and the need for a blood transfusion. One of the most dangerous aspects of this viral infection is that it causes your blood platelets to drop significantly, and in some severe cases this can lead to internal bleeding. 

Papaya leaf extract or juice has been proven to help prevent platelets from dropping to dangerously low levels and even prevent platelet destruction all together when infected with dengue. 

This natural treatment has also been known to help reduce the other symptoms that are associated with dengue, such as high fever, severe headache, and debilitating body aches.

https://youtu.be/l4qaKEHXVj4

While papaya is available in North America and other regions where it is not locally grown, make sure you enjoy some fresh papaya from the source the next time you are in Costa Rica.

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