These ten things are in my opinion some of the best memories I have had in Costa Rica as I reflect on being half way done with my time abroad.

1. Get to know your tico family and roommates right away. Don’t waste time dilly dalling. Dive into the culture and begin to use the language, no matter how uncomfortable you are.

2. Visit Monte Verde; While in Monte Verde go to the Natural Cloud Forest. You will take pictures literally in the clouds! Below is an example from this past weekend. 

3. Also while in Monte Verde go Zip lining, ATV riding, Horse back riding, whatever your wallet will allow. You must do Zip lining. I recommend 110% Aventura, we got a deal for $40 bucks to do 9 zip lines, 2 superman’s, and the Tarzan swing (which is basically bungee jumping but sitting down). A terrifying experience for someone like me afraid of heights but totally worth the risk and I did live to tell you to do it. So you should try!

4. Eat REAL Costa Rican food, many places are called Sodas and they provide regular average food, while the sabor tico is to know tico. This is the way to know the culture by eating the food.

5. Visit Manuel Antonio. There is a free public beach which is pretty awesome, but typical like most beaches. I recommend paying $16 bucks to go into the national park where there are private beaches that are beautiful. Almost as blue water as the Bahamas. In the park you will come across lizards, monkeys, sloths, raccoons, and occasionally if lucky like us maybe a snake or two. Make sure not to bring food into the park and keep an eye on your bag because the monkeys will steal your stuff.

6. In Manuel Antonio you should stay in the hostel Vista Serena if traveling in a small group. Its about $15 a night and provides breakfast and a view so incredible. Below is a snip it of what you’ll see.

7. In Manuel Antonio be prepared for over priced food that is taxed with service 10% and another 13% for preparation. I recommend you eat at El Avion. This sight of eating on a cliff and in a plane is pretty neat! There is also a restaurant a few blocks down called the wagon where you can sit in a train and eat. Both restaurants offer great food at an affordable price.

8. If staying close to the airport or San Jose I recommend you visit the land of the strays which is a puppy park essentially. This park has over 900 puppies that are strays waiting to be adopted. If you are getting close to finals and need a stress reliever this is the place to go!

9. One of the most beautiful places we have been is La Fortuna. This scenery of the Arenal Volcano outside and huge waterfall maybe 10 minutes away is gorgeous. While in La Fortuna the tourists (aka us) usually enjoy the hot springs if not offered by your hostel or hotel there are some free ones to the public, however they can be crowded. I recommend you get there early if you go the free way. I also recommend staying at Mayol Lodge (another hostel) in La Fortuna. It is close in proximity to town, the waterfall, hot springs, and volcano.

10. Lastly, have a good time. Balance the school work and free time and plan ahead for these trips. I hope if you are planning a trip abroad and especially to Costa Rica that you will check out these places and heed some advice. Best wishes to all those who are traveling soon or in the future!