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Issue link: https://digital.miamilivingmagazine.com/i/1319614
THE NORTHERN HIGHLANDS North Central Region Driving time from San José: 3 hr 55 min, 115 miles (185 km) In what seems to be in a world of its own, the northern highlands of Costa Rica is an area of the country that feels distinctly off the beaten track. With its unique blend of distinct volcanic geology and lush forest teeming with exotic fauna, this area of Costa Rica is a 2 hour drive from Liberia airport or a 5 hour drive from the San Jose airport. Home to several modest lodging options and a few notable upscale resorts, there is an abundance of outdoor activities to partake in during a visit to this northern territory. Visit the Tenorio Volcano National Park and its vibrantly turquoise blue waters of the iconic Rio Celeste river. Explore the relatively untapped and unfrequented Miravalles Volcano, known for its thermal hot spring pools as well as the Llanos de Cortez waterfall, the most stunning waterfall in the entire northern province of Guanacaste. Journey into the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, a phenomenal bird-watching and sightseeing heaven considered to be the third most important wetland in the world. Discover Lake Arenal, the country’s largest landlocked body of water which is known for its drive-around/bike-around rolling hills beauty and the great variety of water sports one can practice in it (such as kayaking, sailing, windsurfing, kite boarding and fishing). SANTA TERESA Western Edge Region of the Nicoya Peninsula, Pacific Ocean Driving time from San José: 5 hr 19 min, 115 miles (185 km) This tiny beach town located in the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula within the north Pacific region of the country has received international acclaim as one of the hippest and coolest surf and yoga jungle beach towns in the world. Located a 5.5 hour journey from San Jose airport (including a 1 hour ferry ride) or a 4 hour drive from the Liberia airport, your adventure odyssey to Santa Teresa continues upon arrival and will mark your entire stay there. Due to its one main road purposely maintained as a dirt road (to deter crowds and overdevelopment), rugged ATV’s are the preferred mode of transportation. On and around them, get ready to see loads of surfboards, surfers and their happy doggies at every corner of your vision scape; in fact, the primary reason many people come to Santa Teresa is for surfing. Santa Teresa is a surfer’s paradise town that draws in an eclectic, attractive crowd that enjoys a high vibing life in harmony with an intensely present natural world. Go beach-hopping and explore any or all of the three expansive beaches lining Santa Teresa: Hermosa Beach, La Lora Beach, and Carmen Beach, each one known for its different levels of wave action, epic surf breaks and tropical dry forest jungle surroundings. Experience world-class yoga instruction in the beautiful nestled-in-beachside-nature yoga studios of Pranamar Villas & Yoga Retreat, Florblanca Luxury Resort and Horizon Hotel & Yoga Center. Delight your taste buds in what is arguably and surprisingly home to some of the best culinary experiences in the country: visit Eat Street Cafe, an open air restaurant market offering thoughtfully prepared fresh dishes and enzyme-packed natural juices and smoothies; indulge in Koji’s Restaurant, delectable cuisine inspired by the Japanese kitchen and in the hands of exceptional local Japanese sushi master Koji Hyodo; nourish in Vermu, healthy international-fare bistro & café with the best breakfasts in town.