First Stop Heredia Costa Rica: The Beginning of My Ecoturism Trip

Our first stop on our eco-tourism trip was Heredia Costa Rica, a small city about a 30-minute drive from the San Jose airport. After arriving in the early afternoon and making our way through immigration and getting the rental car, we arrived at our hotel.


The weather in this area of Costa Rica was quite pleasant to me. It was warm, but not too hot and it cooled down at night.


I'm not trying to advertise for anyone, but I am telling about my experiences in Costa Rica - most of which were absolutely fantastic.


A Memorable Stay at Casa Familiar La Tortuga: Comfort, Warmth, and Beautiful Views

Selfie of us on the Balcony of our Room in Heredia Costa Rica

We had the pleasure of staying at Casa Familiar La Tortuga, a charming guesthouse that offers more than just a place to sleep—it’s a home where you can truly feel welcomed. Casa Familiar La Tortuga is a cozy retreat, with several rooms rented out to guests, giving it a homely, intimate atmosphere. It’s not your typical hotel; instead, you experience the warmth and hospitality of the local community, making your stay all the more memorable.

Me Relaxing on the Hammock in our Room.

Our room was  spacious, offering plenty of room to relax and unwind after a day of traveling. One of the highlights was the private balcony attached to our room. Stepping out onto it each morning was a peaceful experience, with a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape that took our breath away. The view from our balcony was nothing short of stunning, offering a perfect combination of lush greenery, rolling hills, and the serenity of the surrounding area. Whether it was the soft glow of the morning sun or the calming evening breeze, it was the ideal spot to relax and reflect on the day.

 

The peaceful ambiance of Casa Familiar La Tortuga, combined with the kindness of Fernando and his family, made this place feel like a true home away from home. The setting was tranquil, yet close enough to the heart of the town to enjoy local attractions, shops, and restaurants.

We also had a hammock in our room!

But we also had a real bed that we actually slept in. We parked behind a locked gate in front of the house. They offered breakfast, but we chose to explore and get breakfast during our explorations.


Our Heredia Experience: One Night in Heredia Costa Rica

A Road in Heredia Costa Rica with a Deep Drainage Ditch on the Side

Our journey through Costa Rica began with an introduction to the country’s roads, which are quite different from what we’re used to. The first thing we noticed were the ditches running alongside many of the roads, a feature common in many areas. These ditches, often left uncovered, created a noticeable contrast to the more typical road designs we’re familiar with. Pedestrian “bridges” or makeshift crossings were often seen over these ditches, providing a way for people to safely navigate across. It was a clear reminder of how different the infrastructure can be in various parts of the world.

Along with the ditches, the roads themselves were narrower than we anticipated. In many places, there seemed to be little space between vehicles, making driving feel a bit more intimate—and definitely more crowded—than what we were accustomed to. In fact, cars, buses, and motorcycles often drove very closely together, with barely any room to spare between them. This driving style was both a bit nerve-wracking and fascinating to observe, especially since it was so different from the wider lanes and more spaced-out driving that’s common back home.

It didn’t take long to realize that Costa Rican roads, while full of character, require a different kind of attention and awareness. The narrow paths, combined with the seemingly unspoken rules of driving close together, gave us a new perspective on how people in this vibrant country navigate their daily lives. It was all part of the experience, adding to the adventure and the charm of our travels.

House on the Corner of a Street in Heredia Costa Rica. It is a Two Story House. It Might be an Apartment Building

During our travels in Costa Rica, I couldn't help but notice the distinct architectural style of the homes scattered throughout the country. Most of the houses we passed were single-story, simple and charming in their own way. However, there was one house that stood out from the rest, and I was immediately drawn to it. It was taller than most of the other homes, with an extra story that gave it a unique character.

The tall house caught my eye because it was such a rare sight among the typically one-story dwellings that dotted the landscape. Its height made it seem more grand and gave it a sense of presence that set it apart from the other homes nearby. I quickly snapped a photo, knowing it would be a memorable reminder of the architectural variety I had encountered in this beautiful country.

Unfortunately, this was the only picture I took of a house during our trip, but it was one that captured my curiosity. The contrast of this taller home against the backdrop of more modest, single-story houses was a striking visual, offering a glimpse into the diversity of Costa Rican architecture that I might not have otherwise noticed.

Me Standing in Front of Some Lights that Make it Look Like I Have Angel Wings.

We explored a park that had a lot of Christmas decorations.

And we had some wonderful coffee at Armonia cafe.

It was a short stay where we got used to being in Costa Rica. You can read about our visit to the Toucan Rescue Ranch here.

Our next stop was Monteverde where we stayed at Valle Escondido, explored places on our own, and had several guided tours.


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