A Taste of Ortega

The sun was high in the sky as we rolled into the quaint town of Ortega, a place that seemed to have been plucked straight from a postcard. The air was thick with the scent of adventure, and I could feel the excitement bubbling up inside me. Our first stop was a charming little house, its patio bustling with the sounds of laughter and clinking cutlery. This was where we would be treated to a feast of local flavors, and I was more than ready to dive in.

Lunch was a delightful spread of chicken, fresh veggies, and the ever-present rice and beans, all prepared with a touch of Costa Rican magic. The highlight, however, was the dragonfruit ice cream—a burst of sweetness that danced on my taste buds. As we ate, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of connection to the land and its people, a feeling that only deepened as we prepared to embark on the next leg of our journey.

River Safari

With our bellies full and spirits high, we followed our guide to the river, a short drive away. The anticipation was palpable as we boarded the steel boat, its sturdy frame promising an adventure like no other. The Tempisque River stretched out before us, a wide ribbon of water teeming with life.

Within moments of setting off, our captain pointed out a six-foot crocodile lounging near the boat, its eyes glinting in the sunlight. It was a thrilling start to what would be an unforgettable safari. As we cruised along the river, we were treated to a parade of wildlife—dozens of crocodiles, families of howler and capuchin monkeys, and the graceful flight of blue herons. Each sighting was a reminder of the incredible biodiversity that thrives in this corner of the world.

Our guide regaled us with tales of the river and its inhabitants, his enthusiasm infectious. Whether we were truly lucky or not, as he claimed, didn’t matter. The experience was magical, and I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to witness such natural beauty up close.

A Journey to Remember

As we returned to the home base, the sun began its descent, casting a golden glow over the landscape. We took a moment to reflect on the day’s adventures, the memories of which would linger long after we left Ortega.

Navigating the dirt roads back to Liberia, I couldn’t help but think about the simplicity and authenticity of the experience. There were no flashy gift shops or crowded turnstiles, just a genuine connection to the land and its people. It was a reminder of why I fell in love with this nomadic lifestyle in the first place—the freedom to explore, to connect, and to share these stories with all of you.

If you ever find yourself in this sun-soaked corner of the world, I highly recommend checking out this tour. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Costa Rica and support the local community in the process. Until next time, keep chasing those waves and living the dream.