Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

PURA VIDA

Something a lot of people may not know about me is that I have a full-time job as a COO at a crane school. Luckily, this has allowed me to expand my horizons as a photographer and take photos nationwide as I travel for work. Just this past year, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica; specifically a small surfer town located in the Puntarenas province called Santa Teresa. 

This was my first year traveling outside of the United States and the experience was one I will never forget. Beaches are clean and crystal clear, you're able to hear the howling of monkeys, chirping of exotic birds, and adventure on unknown territory. Santa Teresa used to be a small town that surfers would embark on to catch some of the best waves but more recently, people from all over the world have traveled to this destination to enjoy the warm tropical weather to vacation with their families. I was lucky enough to travel here in both the peak and low season, so I caught the rainy and dry seasons. 

Unlike the states, tourists and locals have a much slower pace of living. A typical day would include riding ATVs around the sandy beaches, eating some of the best natural foods, finding hidden spots to hike and swim, and immerse in the active night life. Not too far from Santa Teresa is Mal Pais, Banana Beach, and Montezuma all of which are uniquely different in the best of ways. The views are one you can only dream of. As a passionate nature lover, it was an amazing opportunity to be able to see a variety of different sceneries. Whether we were knee-deep in a jungle or our feet were immersed in the sand; everywhere you go you're able to see what that "pura vida" is all about.

Being a huge animal lover, one of my favorite things were that dogs just run wild where locals and tourists alike will feed and love on these stray dogs. Trust me when I say they are everywhere! In fact, dogs aren't the only domesticated animal around and oddly enough, at one of the local restaurants resides a family of raccoons that have lived there for decades. You're able to feed them french fries and watch as they feed their tiny babies (super cute!). Aside from animals, the food is seriously the best as it gets! Everything is made naturally whether its pasta, salads, breads, or fruit; every restaurant gets their ingredients locally and the savory tastes are one you will crave long after you're gone. 

All in all, Santa Teresa and its neighboring towns have been the best destination I have visited to date. I mean just look at the gallery above! The evergreen jungle and striking beaches speak for themselves!