The Central Valley’s “Best of” Sights
Ripe and Green Coffee Cherries When the bus from Expediciones Tropicales picked me up bright and early this morning, I was excited for the day’s full roster of activities: a coffee tour at Doka Estate, a trip to Poas Volcano, and a visit to La Paz Waterfall Gardens. The sky was blue and as we climbed up the mountains of Alajuela, I looked out over fields of green crops and ornamental plants. As always, it was a beautiful site, an appropriat

A Sunny Saturday at the Alajuela Farmer’s Market
Alajuela's Cathedral I took the bus into downtown Alajuela and got off near the old train station, where many buses stop before fanning out into the suburbs. It was a sunny November morning, perfect for a brisk stroll through Alajuela’s grid of narrow streets. I popped into a small bakery and gobbled down a lemon pastry before heading off for Plaza Ferias, home to the Alajuela Farmer’s Market. On the way, I passed by the town’s

Recreation & Education at Alajuela’s Butterfly Farm
Alajuela's Butterfly Garden Trails There’s something about a butterfly that brings to mind words like “enchanting” and “ethereal” – butterflies are beautiful, and many cultures see them as more than just a colorful animal. With this in mind, Alajuela’s Butterfly Farm, the Finca de Mariposas, explores both the scientific and mythical aspects of these beautiful insects, affording its visitors a r

Medicinal Plants and Culinary Heaven at the Ark Herb Farm
Meandering Trails at Ark Herb Farm It’s always a pleasure to discover something special in your own backyard. For me, it was the Ark Herb Farm, a 25-year old estate dedicated to permaculture, culinary and medicinal plant cultivation, and botanical research and education. Located in Santa Barbara de Heredia, Ark Herb Farm grows approximately 625 plant species on a rotating basis, from the familiar Genovese basil to the not-so-common toothac

Central Valley Day Trips
Exhilarating Whitewater Rafting Rapids (© Desafio Adventures) The Central Valley is one of my favorite regions in Costa Rica — the rolling hills are painted an almost impossible green and there is so much to see and do. A year ago, I decided to explore the area during a series of day trips, and the experience only served to make me love the region even