Activities: Spice Tours
It’s always a pleasure to discover something special in your own backyard. For me, it was the Ark Herb Farm, a 25-year old estate dedicated to permaculture, culinary and medicinal plant cultivation, and botanical research and education. Located in Santa Barbara de Heredia, Ark Herb Farm grows approximately 625 plant species on a rotating basis, from the familiar Genovese basil to the not-so-common toothache plant.
After walking into downtown Santa Barbara, I hailed a taxi for the remaining jaunt to the 17-acre farm. When I hopped out of the cab the first thought that popped into …
Location: Central Valley, Heredia »
Activities: Botanical Gardens, Spice Tours »
The Central Valley is one of my favorite regions in Costa Rica — the rolling hills are painted an almost impossible green and there is so much to see and do. A year ago, I decided to explore the area during a series of day trips, and the experience only served to make me love the region even more. Now, as the dry season rolls around, I’m itching for a chance to continue my adventures, but with so many options before me, it’s hard to choose where to start!
Because of its convenient location — smack …
Location: Central Valley, Latest Adventure »
Activities: Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Gardens, Canopy Tours, Spice Tours, Whitewater Rafting & Tubing »
A thick mist covered the rainforest canopy this morning. It was 6 a.m. when we joined Henry for some chili-infused hot chocolate, a blend created by the ancient Aztecs and one of the organic specialties produced on Villa Vanilla’s plantation. We fueled up for an early morning hike through primary rainforest to a magnificent Ceiba tree, over ten meters in diameter.
Standing next to this massive tree, I felt particularly tiny in the world. We all sensed some sort of spiritual connection to this weathered, towering giant. In fact, the Mayan people of Central America believed …
Location: Central Pacific, Manuel Antonio and Quepos »
Activities: Day Spas, Spice Tours »
