Why Traveling in Costa Rica Might Be Good for Your Health

Written by: Pavita Singh

Are you itching to plan your next vacation? Almost everyone enjoys taking a good vacation to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, to broaden their horizons, and to experience the lives and cultures of people from different parts of the world. What you might not have known is that there is scientific research linking traveling for pleasure with better health. For example, those who travel at least twice a year are at a significantly lower risk for heart attacks and depression than those who travel less frequently. Other health benefits associated with travel include weight loss and better mood.

Costa Rica—the land of “pura vida” or “pure life”—is a particularly special travel destination. In fact, it is one that is leading the way when it comes to wellness tourism. Diego Soto, a Costa Rica travel guide and lifelong resident of Costa Rica, said, “In Costa Rica, wellness is the new fashion.” Given its access to such natural resources as tropical rainforest plants and fresh fruits, Costa Rica is teeming with health and wellness services and people who in their everyday lives exhibit the very essence of pura vida.

In addition to the various spas and yoga retreats in the jungles, there are other tourist attractions in Costa Rica that can boost your wellbeing—attractions that you may have never thought of as potentially being good for your health. Discussed below are just five of the many such attractions.

1. Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve: In Monteverde Cloud Forest, you’ll be among 2.5% of the world’s biodiversity. The Cloud Forest is home to butterflies, insects, toucans, parrots, sloths, and monkeys, and you will hear chirping and tweeting, among other sounds. And these animals are not just cool to look at and photograph. Spending time around animals releases “feel-good” endorphins in your brain, which not only improve your mood, but also reduce your heart rate and blood pressure, which in turn relax you. Of course, if you are scared of animals, you might experience the opposite effect, but animal lovers are sure to enjoy a visit to the Cloud Forest.

2. Arenal Volcano: Costa Rica’s most famous volcano is perfectly symmetrical, which makes for breathtaking views and photography. What’s more, you can hike up the volcano and catch glimpses of the lava and eruption sites. There are two short (3.4 km and 2 km), easy-to-navigate trails that that pass through the secondary forest and lava fields from previous eruptions. How’s that for burning calories and enhancing your strength and endurance? Hiking also reduces your risk for heart disease, improves your blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and boosts your bone density.

3. La Fortuna Waterfall: La Fortuna Waterfall is located in the Arenal Volcano National Park area. The views of the waterfall, the flora and fauna, and the crystalline emerald waters are stunning, and the sound of the roaring water falling can’t help but make you feel relaxed. You can take a 500-step trek down and up the waterfall, which will get your blood pumping, and you can enjoy a swim in the brisk water down below. You can also just sit and take in the beauty around you. Spending time in nature reduces stress, boosts your immune system, improves sleep, and even accelerates recovery from illness.

4. Hot Springs, Arenal Kioro Suites & Spa: When you visit La Fortuna, you’ll probably need a place to stay. Arenal Kioro is a 5-star hotel and a perfect environment for spoiling yourself and indulging in self-love. One of the hotel’s most popular features is its hot springs. Lying in the hot springs is fun and relaxing, especially after a long day of adventures, but the wellness benefits of hot springs go far beyond that. The water found in hot springs are filled with healing minerals, such as calcium and sodium bicarbonate. When your skin absorbs these minerals, your hydrostatic pressure rises, which increases blood circulation and oxygen flow. The minerals also help ease anxiety and a variety of skin problems, while the heat helps ease muscle tension and other types of pain. Relaxing in the hot springs just before bed will help you sleep better. The hot springs at Kioro do not contain sulfur, as some of the other hot springs in the country do, so you won’t be off put by the atrocious rotten egg odor when you’re trying to relax.

5. Rainforest Chocolate Tour: During the Rainforest Chocolate Tour, you’ll get to witness firsthand how chocolate is made, participate in the production process, and finally, enjoy the scrumptious fruits of your labor. This attraction might surprise you the most. After all, most of us are told from a young age that chocolate is not good for us and is only a “sometimes food.” It’s true that the ingredients most of the big chocolate corporations are not good for us or for the environment. But dark chocolate in its purest form is associated with a variety of health benefits. For example, flavonoid, a substance found in chocolate, is full of antioxidants and helps lower blood pressure, improve endothelial functioning, and regulate your immune system. Other substances found in chocolate enhance your mood and promote feelings of wellbeing. If you’re not feeling so great, the Rainforest Chocolate Tour may be just what the doctor prescribed. Plus, your amusing tour guide, Cailor Ramierez, aka “Chapo Guapo,” will leave you laughing for hours with his Derek Zoolander impressions, his lively singing and dancing, and his lightly poking fun at tour group members. As the saying goes, laughter is the best medicine.

Have you ever been to Costa Rica? Are you yearning to go after reading about these attractions? Either way, you’ll want to get on Konversai. Konversai is a global knowledge platform that allows for one-on-one live video conversations between anyone, anywhere, about anything. So if, for example, you’re planning a trip and want to know the best places to go for hiking, nature or animal photography, nightlife, or high-end dining, you can connect with someone who knows your destination of choice well and can share their nuggets of knowledge with you. And similarly, if you know a particular travel destination well, you can share your experiences with others who are looking to learn, and even make money doing so. Konversai was founded on the premise that everybody everywhere has valuable knowledge, skills, and experiences to share. Unfortunately, so much of that knowledge goes untapped because there hasn’t been a convenient way to connect with people who are looking for what you can offer or who can offer you exactly what you’re looking for. All of that changes with Konversai’s easy-to-use platform. Any and all knowledge, skills, and experience have a place on Konversai—whether it’s travel, languages, health and wellness, college, cooking, career counseling, or something else entirely. The only limit is your imagination. All users are encouraged to be both providers and seekers of knowledge on any and as many topics as they wish. You don’t want to miss out on being part of this platform.

Sources:

1. Alton, Larry. (2017). 5 Scientifically Proven Health Benefits of Traveling Abroad. NBC News.
2. Blinder, Dana. (2009). 5 Ways that Spending Time with Animals Helps Your Health. Rodale Wellness.
3. Lynn, Natalie. (2017). Benefits of Hot Springs Spas. Livestrong.
4. Robinson, Kara Mayer. How Hiking Is Good for Body and Mind. WebMD.

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