Pura Vida - Traveling to Jaco, Costa Rica
This is my first attempt at a V-Log. I am usually content behind the camera, but lately my stories are just not as impactful as I'd like. So to help me share the true nature of the wild adventures I've been on lately I'm trying my hand at doing some narration.
My name is Reese D’Aquin. I’m a traveling film maker who creates moving pictures out of passion and necessity. When I say necessity, I mean that one day when I am not here on this earth, I hope my movies may share my story to generations to come. In the hopes that these stories inspire adventurous spirits and grow the love of travel.
V-Log 001 My second trip to Pura Vida
Flying into San Jose (SJO) is quite convenient with more than a handful of direct flights from multiple major airlines. Once arrived you’ll be processed through customs, afterwards you’ll need to claim your baggage if you checked any. You’ll have the option of exchanging currency at this time, however their is a fee. After all this a quick final scan of your luggage leads you out the door to a mob of taxi and ride share options. If this is your first time traveling abroad you may be a bit overwhelmed at the aggressive angry sounding men attempting to get your attention, but most everyone here is very friendly and just want your business.
From here it is a pricey $80 taxi or a lengthy 3 hour bus ride to Jaco. I was traveling with friends but I had a small delay when I found out my passport was lost the day of my flight. So instead of meeting my friends with a rental car, I was left two days behind schedule and chose to go with a softer spoken taxi pimp.
My taxi driver Fernando spoke little English, however his energy and happiness kept me calm through out the journey of winding weaving mountainous roads through a lush Costa Rican rainforest.
Once I arrived at the Room2Board hostel in Jaco, I finally met up with George and Jane. I ordered a $4 beer and a $5 rum and coke and started to enjoy the fresh air and friendship that hostel communities normally invoke. Finally I had made it to paradise! Pura Vida!!
There is much to say about the beautifully architected Room2Board surf school, and all of its friendly staff. The rooms are top notch, the amenities are vast, and the location is only a quick 2 minute walk to endless summer waves. Their staff can arrange for excursions around the area including: waterfall hikes, 4x4 trail blazing, bike and skateboard rentals, scuba, subwing, tubing, sailing, and of course their own personal surf classes (rated #9 surf hostel in the world -TripAdvisor).
Our first adventure as a group was to visit the newly added Jaco sign that overlooks the beach (playa Jaco), then to a quick “hike” up to an abandoned hotel/restaurant called Mirador. This is a must for anyone traveling to Jaco, especially during sunset. If you decide to walk this trail, I think it would be best enjoyed durning sunset. Maybe take your experience to another level by bringing a bit of food or wine to enjoy at the summit.
Once we were done taking photos, we “hiked” back down to visit an old friend of mine, Carton. A local surfboard shaper who has been shaping contest winning boards for over 25 years. His shop is located directly adjacent from the hiking trail and the main road. Here you can rent surfboards for the duration of your stay, and feel the relationship of a local board in its natural environment. His shop is always open and welcoming to visitors who are interested in the artistry of board making. I highly recommend a stop by to say hello and see his history of surf competition wins.
Our days in paradise become a blur as the tropical breezes blow all our worries to the sea. And the nights roar with lively beach parties and popping bars all throughout Jaco. The beach vibes attract a diverse, young, and adventurous crowd and finding friends seems to be easy if you’re open to take some fun risks.
Everyday people take calculated risks and we are unaware that we do. We that travel just take more risks than others. Why? Because why not. You would only be existing if you didn’t dare to venture out your own neighborhood or city. Life is for the living and this next trip we took with ParaCosta is a thrill that supersedes all other Costa Rican adventures.