This month, we talk to Kia and Peter from outdoor travel blog Atlas & Boots, who recently joined us on our Natural Highlights of Costa Rica expedition, operated in partnership with G Adventurers.
Journeying on a round trip from San José, the 9-day expedition visited some of Costa Rica’s most spectacular destinations including Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve, La Fortuna and Manuel Antonio National Park.
Q: Tell us more about Atlas & Boots and what you represent.
A: We are a writer and a photographer who started Atlas & Boots in 2014. We have visited over 70 countries including relatively obscure ones like Vanuatu, Djibouti, Tonga and Lesotho. People often ask about our favourite country, but we still haven’t decided! Easter Island, New Zealand, Samoa and Namibia are some of the most beautiful places we’ve seen.
Kia and Peter Horse riding in Monteverde
Q: For those interested in visiting Costa Rica, what would your three unmissable things be?
A: Take a walk in Santa Elena Cloud Forest. The lush canopy looms overhead while hazy mist curls around trailing foliage, creating a scene straight from a fairy-tale.
Marvel at the dramatic silhouette of Arenal Volcano. We took a walk on its slopes and spotted the famous red-eyed tree frog.
Learn the art of tortilla making from local artisan Doña Mara in her family home.
The Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve
Q: What was the most thrilling moment from your trip?
A: We went canyoning in Lost Canyon which included rappelling down the face of a waterfall, leaping into pools, wading through water hip-deep and zip-lining down to the canyon floor. It was thoroughly exhilarating and every member of our group loved it. Horse riding in Monteverde was also great fun.
Q: Were you surprised by anything?
A: We booked the optional activity of sailing on our penultimate day. We expected a quiet and pleasant afternoon on the water. What we didn’t foresee is a visit from five whales and several dolphins! It was an utterly delightful surprise.
Visit from 5 humpback whales and a pod of dolphins during a Sunset Sail
Q: Did you have any moments that were eye-opening at all?
A: We visited Monteverde Institute and learned that montane cloud forest is one of the most sensitive ecosystems in the world, along with coral reefs and ice caps. The Institute works hard to conserve Costa Rica’s cloud forest and we were really pleased to support them through our visit.
Q: Where can we find out more?
A: You can find out more about the trip Natural Highlights of Costa Rica by visiting National Geographic Expeditions online and you can keep up to date with our travels online or on Instagram and you can read the full blog post here.
We hope to see you out there!