Recently we were invited on a Responsible Travel Trip to Costa Ballena, on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific Coast. Costa Ballena is known for its beautiful virgin beaches backed by high emerald green mountains rich in wildlife and for being a destination that truly puts effort in conserving its natural resources.
Being currently the whale season (from mid-July – October and from December – April), this was the perfect opportunity to enjoy this amazing part of Costa Rica and experience for ourselves all COVID protocols in place and how they are actually operated. And I can tell you, we had three AMAZING days! Being outside, surrounded by lots and lots of nature, the possibility to meet and socialize with people again, and really have the feeling that we were enjoying in a fun and responsible way, made this an incredible experience.
Basically, what this trip taught us, is that by following the protocols well; meaning frequent hand washing, using facial masks in closed areas as well as when being around people outside of your own ‘social bubble’, and keeping the appropriate social distancing, in combination with all the good hygiene measures taken at hotels, transfers, tour companies and restaurants, it is SAFE and pretty easy to travel around and to really ENJOY.
Costa Ballena itself, also proved to be a perfect destination in Costa Rica to Enjoy in a Responsible way. With so many long stretches of almost deserted beaches, the gasping Pacific Ocean and miles and miles of jungle and rainforest areas surrounding you, it is a beautiful place to find peace and tranquility, get to yourself, in contact with nature, find adventure and get pampered.
Please see the little video we made of this trip, with: A Whale Watching Trip at the National Park Marino Ballena, White Water Rafting along the Savegre River, and even a Local Flavor Cooking Class, as well as some very nice and relaxing moments just with a nice cup of coffee looking out over the Pacific, strolling around the gardens and nature trails where we could spot so many different types of birds and some relaxing time at the pool. This is what we call the ‘good life’, the ‘pure life’: the PURA VIDA!