Embracing the Rain: Indoor Adventures in Bijagua

As the year winds down and the skies open up, Bijagua de Upala offers a unique blend of indoor escapes and cultural experiences that are perfect for a rainy New Year’s Eve. With the weather forecast predicting overcast skies and a high likelihood of rain, it’s the perfect time to dive into the rich cultural tapestry of this Costa Rican gem.

Start your day with the Coffee and Chocolate Tour experience, available from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This tour takes you through the Tenorio - Miravalles Biological Corridor, where you can explore the biodiversity of the tropical forest with a naturalist guide. The highlight of the tour is the hands-on experience of making your own coffee and chocolate, a perfect indoor activity to escape the rain. As one reviewer noted on January 23, 2024:

Nature wildlife chocolate - What a fun day. Andres made sure we had a fun filled day. While on the nature trail everyone was so accommodating and going out of their way to find the animals we wanted to see. The toucan was the highlight along with the spider monkey and white face. Saw many sloths as well. After the hike made our own chocolate which was delicious. Andres then took us to a lovely restaurant for lunch and attached to it was a butterfly garden, which were beautiful. Andres is very knowledgeable about the area and a proud Costa Rican.

After a morning of cultural immersion, enjoy a traditional Costa Rican lunch included in the tour, and perhaps pick up a few souvenirs to remember your trip.

Cultural Immersion: A Taste of Costa Rica

For those early risers, the Waterfall and Sanctuary Tour is available from midnight to 6:00 AM. This tour offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness, starting with a visit to the stunning Cataratas Llanos de Cortes. Despite the rain, the waterfall’s majesty is undiminished, and a refreshing swim is a must for those who don’t mind getting a little wet.

The tour continues with a visit to the “Los Perezosos Ecological Farm,” an open-air sanctuary where you can see a variety of animals and learn about the local flora. The tour concludes with a visit to a coffee and cocoa plantation, where you can sample freshly brewed coffee and artisanal chocolate. A reviewer from June 26, 2024, shared their experience:

Luis is an excellent tour guide! - Luis was such an excellent tour guide for our private tour. He was so knowledgeable and attentive to our needs and went above and beyond our expectations. I highly recommend him as your tour guide as we will definitely hire him again when we return! Gracias Luis! Pura Vida!

This tour is a sensory journey that delights the senses and leaves visitors with a newfound appreciation for Costa Rican culture.

New Year’s Eve: A Celebration of Culture

As the day transitions into evening, the rain provides a cozy backdrop for a New Year’s Eve celebration steeped in Costa Rican culture. While the weather may not be ideal for outdoor festivities, Bijagua offers plenty of indoor options to ring in the new year.

Consider spending the evening at a local restaurant, enjoying traditional Costa Rican cuisine and perhaps a live music performance. The nearly full moon, at 96%, will add a touch of magic to the night, even if it’s hidden behind the clouds.

Bijagua de Upala, with its rich cultural experiences and welcoming community, offers a unique way to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Whether you’re exploring the biodiversity of the tropical forest, learning about coffee and chocolate production, or simply enjoying a traditional meal, this Costa Rican town promises a memorable start to the new year.