Each morning at 5:30 a.m. Pedro, the bus driver from Playa Negra, starts his engine after checking the oil. Then he begins his long journey navigating the “huecas” (Way-KOS),or the ruts, in the unpaved road between Playa Negra and Santa Cruz. He makes the pass though Playa Negra again at 1 p.m. and departs from Santa Cruz st 6 p.m. to arrive in Playa Negra after dark between 7:30 and 8 p.m.

There are approximately 31 km or 25 miles between the two cities in Guanacaste, Province, in northern Costa Rica. It is a largely rural area with beautiful white sandy beaches at Playa Negra, Avellenas and Hacienda Pinella with waves which are popular with yogis and surfers internationally. The affiliation between yogis and surfers may not be evident at first glance, but a wipe out on the waves can cause spinal issues that yoga helps adjust where Guanacaste is a destination for both surfers and yoga practitioners.

The drive to Santa Cruz from the renown beaches for surf and yoga at Avellenas and Playa Negra takes one through rivers and jungles to grassy valleys. There, the beautiful Guanacaste trees grow in the fields and Hibiscus line the lanes where cattle, horses and goats graze. Horses often and wander unbridled like a scene from the Swedish Pippi Longstocking.. It is not uncommon for the bus to stop to allow a pig, horse or chicken to cross the road or beach there is a pig known as “Lola” who is namesake for the famous beach bar in Playa Avellenas and daily strolls the beach..

Paranandos

“Paranando” is one of the first words you will learn traveling the bus from Santa Cruz to Playa Negra. It means “stop” and there are many strings pulled on the trip between the cities -Playa Negra, Avellenas, Pinella, 27 de Avril, and Santa Cruz. The bus costs c1250 or $2.50 each way and is the most economical form of transportation as many Costa Ricans do not own vehicles. Motorcycles abound along with daily bread and vegetable deliveries and farmers markets Saturday’s in Tamarindo.

People get on and off along the route between the towns and villages and the bus is wheelchair-equipped with a lift located in the middle.

On a recent trip to Santa Cruz from Playa Negra, I met an English teacher offering lessons to Marriott employees in Hacienda Pinella, and a landscape worker who boarded the bus and sat down beside me with his machete sheathed in newspaper and his backpack. He got no argument from the driver, or anyone else on the bus, including me!.

My search for lye for making goat milk soap st Peace Retreat (www.peaceretreat.ca) led me on a bus trip from Playa Negra to Rancho Avellenas and Tamarindo to make a deposit for the “leche de cabras”. A local restauranteur suggested I check the pharmacy in Tamarindo for lye.

The two senioritas at the Farmacia, in Tanarindo referred me to a veterinarian who magically appeared as I boarded the bus from Tamarindo to Playa Negra. I learned she was from Santa Cruz and sold the lye. Karina Is a 26 year old woman and Graduate of Escuela de Saint Francis of Assisi in San Jose. She promised the “pastilles” I needed to make soap or “jabon” if I stayed over in Santa Cruz. A brief tour with her upon arrival in Santa Cruz led me a few blocks from the terminal to her office and the hotel Calle Acala.

A Stay in Santa Cruz at the Calle Acala

If one is in Santa Cruz for an evening, Calle Acala is close to the bus terminal although it is more expensive at $57 a night than its competition down the street.

A nights stay is worth it just to walk through the corridors as the doors are carved works of art that illustrate Costa Rican history. The beds and baths are comfortable and the rate includes breakfast beside the pool with a bar in it.

The hotel is down the street and over a block from the bus terminal and College of Law. There are shops that line the street next to the bus terminal and across the street from the bus terminal is the post office, the Correro, and Super Compro grocery store.

Mail in Costa Rica

Mail in Costa Rica from Guanacaste is slow and may take 22 days to arrive in the United States while $32 gets you an envelope certified with tracking to the US.

In Tamarindo, there is UPS next to ReNax Real Estate if you need to ship packages, it is an alternative to the Correro, or Postal Service. Mr. Tom’s in Tamarindo functions as the local Fed Ex Office with copies and printing near Arenas Surf Shop in a strip mall between the Bank of San Jose and Nordica Café. There is another Post office in Villarreal between Tamarindo and Pinilla, but no Post office in Tamarindo which is a a more popular destination for tourists. In Tamarindo you will find shops filled with Quicksilver, Hurley and surf boards and shops that cater to tourists. The Driha Hotel and Casino keeps those well-heeled in Tamarindo occupied in style. Yogi’s will find Mermaids and Sailors a yoga studio for Guanacaste practitioners opposite Surf Central on the second floor of an office building down the hill from the taxi station and ATMs. Marbella’s hotel near Aqua offers reasonable overnight rates $40-$50.

Rental Cars

The role of the bus driver in Guanacaste is important because the cost of rental vehicles usually requires a $1000 deposit for a week rental which is justified by the “huecas”that challenge drivers and car axles. The bus driver’s role requires patience as he daily navigates ruts in the road and even must forge rivers often at a centipede’s pace. The ride could be one at an amusement park attraction with the drama, terrain and characters who occupy the seats on the bus. Climbing hills that are unpaved in the “Green Season” with heavy rains and high humidity requires slow and steady pressure on the accelerator and the downshift of gears on the curvy grades and descents through the Costa Rican countryside to the jungles that lead to the beaches in Pinella, Avellenas and Playa Negra.

The ride on the Centipede is memorable, but requires flexibility, patience and balance if you are standing – qualities surfers and yogis possess. The rewards of a ride on the Centipede include the scenic views during the day though towns with green soccer fields, roadside restaurants and the people you meet along the way. The best of these is Dennis the Driver from Playa Negra who can help you save a bundle and make your connections!
Spend a day riding the bus and you will find yourself in great company!

For those arriving in Santa Cruz from San Jose by the El Faro bus lines, the terminal in Santa Cruz is convenient and clean and connects to Playa Negra with early morning departures and a 11 am and 6 pm departure daily. Tickets sell out, so it is important to buy a ticket an hour before departure and get in line as it queues up a half hour before departure. The Tralapa terminal for buses arriving from San Jose stops at a terminal across town as you first enter Santa Cruz, so you will need a taxi to the other side of the small town to pick up Route 571 local to Playa Negra from Santa Cruz. It is an hour and a half ride of pleasure.

Perhaps the best reason to ride the Centipede or Ruta 571 is that it saves $30 each way which is the cost of a taxi from Tamarindo and Santa Cruz to Playa Negra. In the high season a Surf Shuttle runs from Tamarindo to Playa Negra for $6 from the center of Tamarindo near Arenas Surf Shop where taxis and ATM services are available.

For more information check online for bus schedules.

Celebrations are already underway in Costa Rica for its Independence Day. While the 15th is marked as the annual day of celebration, the patriotic party begins on September 14th, when the “Independence Torch” arrives in Cartago.

The torch is a national symbol in Costa Rica and was carried from Guatemala to Costa Rica when the Central American countries gained their independence from Spain in 1821. Since then, this historical event has been reenacted with a torch being passed through the five countries of Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and finally, Costa Rica.

One of the most beloved celebration is the “desfile de faroles” or the traditional lantern parade. Children make “faroles” or hand-made lanterns and parade through the streets on the evening of September 14th when at 6 p.m. the Costa Rican national anthem is broadcast nationally. On the 15th, the celebrations continue with parades filled with people in traditional dress and performing traditional dances. Every Costa Rican enjoys the festivities with patriotic displays on the streets throughout the day.

Independence day is also a time to reflect on heritage and find patriotism in our history—about national identity. Costa Ricans are commemorating not just their freedom, but everything that Costa Rica Stands for. They know that on this day, their army is their children dressed up in school uniforms. Students march March in front of the government offices, including the President, shouting their joy and wearing the three main colors of the Costa Rica national flag: Red, White, and Blue. The mottos shouted is “vivan siempre el trabajo y la paz” or “may work and peace live forever.”

The areas of Playa Flamingo , Potrero, Brasilito, and other nearby communities are a great example of small beach towns with a wonderful community feel. Located in the northwest Pacific corner of Costa Rica, these areas have a uniqueness that you feel as soon as you get here.

Grocery shopping usually consists of the going to the smaller “Supers”. Super Massai in Flamingo, Super Wendy in Potrero, or Super Conchal in Brasilito. These family run stores carry almost everything you need to stock your pantries. For fresh veggies, fish, and bread, there are two Ferias (farmer’s markets) each week. One near Flamingo, the other in Potrero. Not only can you get your favorite fresh foods, it’s a great opportunity to see the familiar faces and friends from the area and do a little socializing. Of course, there’s also “the fish guy” in Brasilito where you can get fresh fish like Dorado, Red Snapper, or Tuna every day of the week. And “the veggie guy”, who sets up shop most days of the week between Flamingo and Potrero, and always has a wonderful selection of fresh fruits and vegetables.

If you don’t feel like making your own dinner, there are numerous great and unique restaurants serving everything from the traditional and inexpensive Casado, a Costa Rican meal using rice, black beans, plantains, salad, and tortilla, which may include chicken, beef, pork, or fish, to a few “upscale” restaurants offering steak, lobster, fresh pastas and more. Try Sol y Mar in Potrero by the soccer fields for great local food. El Castillo in Surfside (between Potrero and Flamingo) for those delicious back home meals like ribs, country fried steak, and hamburgers. Or Angelina’s in Flamingo for a romantic night out where you can enjoy filet mignon, fresh seafood specials, and your favorite cocktail. And whichever you choose, you’re bound to see a friend or neighbor while you are out.

Of course, after enjoying your homemade meal or an outing at one of the restaurants, you may want a little exercise. This area has several beautiful beaches that are great for taking long walks or a jog. If you go in the late afternoon you’re likely to see one of the beautiful Pacific sunsets this area is known for. And don’t be surprised if you’re sharing the walk with one of the local cows, as they seem to enjoy wandering the beach as well. For something a little more extreme, there is over 30 km of world-class coastal single-track mountain bike and hiking trails with scenic ocean views that will astound you. Located just north of Potrero, these trails have been developed since 2010 and continue to grow every year. Bring your own bike or rent one at the nearby bike shop.

These are just a few of things that make this area feel warm, welcome and convey a great sense of community. Always seeing friends, or making new friends while out and about is wonderful. We hope to see you soon at Properties in Costa Rica. Pura Vida!

Life within Hacienda Pinilla has a feel like no other, As you enter the gates of the private ranch and drive through the communities 4500 acres of winding roads the overwhelming feeling of nature and the beauty that surrounds you is nothing short of breathtaking.

The only way to properly describe this feeling is that this was the authentic Costa Rica that I had been searching for. With nearly a million trees of dry forest having being planted throughout the ranch, Towering native forest and monkey filled mango trees line the communities roads. The only traffic jam here is when the cattle are being moved from one field to another and anyone having to wait have a smile from ear to ear!

It’s not until you circumnavigate the 4500-acre property that you realise it isn’t all just natural beauty but pockets of luxury can be found in every corner.

From a private luxurious beach club, gymnasium and spa to the 18 holes beachfront golf course, tennis courts, horse stables, and over 20 miles of mountain biking and walking trails, it is clear what the master plan of Hacienda Pinilla provides, a pure, safe and adventurous lifestyle is yours to have.

In creating this vision the Hacienda have protected their biggest asset, the natural environment, securing a Blue Flag from the Costa Rican Tourism Board for the cleanliness of its 6 kilometre-stretch of beaches and a White Flag for its water system. Its eco-friendly, par 72 golf course has been certified by Audubon International.

When you have to leave the ranch, the touristic hub of Tamarindo is just 10 minutes away. Here you can enjoy the boutiques, restaurants, bars, and nightlife that Tamarindo offers. The most famous Auto Mercado grocery store is located here and even a cinema will be ready in December.

In making my own family’s move to the area our first priority was actually based on the quality and availability of schools for our children, the find of the community and lifestyle at Pinilla was an incredible bonus after the fact. The area is lucky to boast some of the best schools in the country and its diverse options cater for the diverse community.

From, La Paz offers a fully accredited IB, International Baccalaureate program to the very popular CRIA, united states accredited college, and even a thriving Waldorf school, the options really reflect the success of the region and diversity of the community. In any class of 15 children, it’s not uncommon to find up to 10 nationalities all growing, learning and thriving together, that alone is the highlight of our families journey. These schools have private buses that will pick up the kids right from the communities entrance.

With a fully servicing domestic airport right here in Tamarindo and one of the countries only 2 international airports just an hour away in Liberia, it is the perfect location and gateway for both tourists and residents.

A highly regarded fully servicing private hospital here in Liberia rounded out and ticked all the boxes needed.

If you ask my wife Life at Hacienda Pinilla is simple, safe and relaxed, if you ask me life at Hacienda Pinilla is simple safe and nonstop adventure, the way Costa Rica is supposed to be!

Playa Flamingo hosted a prestigious fishing tournament the last weekend in July, The Presidential Challenge. The Presidential Challenge is the premier sportfishing circuit of the Americas, and is dedicated to the conservation and protection of billfish and inshore gamefish. Flamingo hosts this fishing tournament yearly.

Playa Flamingo, located in Guanacaste in the North Pacific, has long been known for its sports fishing. It’s is one of the best places in the world to fish and anglers come from all over the just to fish the waters of the North Pacific. The Catalina Islands are one of the best areas fish and are about 40 miles offshore. Being offshore this far you will certainly see schools of dolphin swimming around your boat and you
might even see a whale!

Because of the amazing fishing here, you will find many highly qualified captains to navigate these waters and have you coming home with a catch! Some of the best boats out there are JJ Boating and the Wetass II. The Wetass II won the completion and beat out 14 other boats with 52 anglers. Many of these boats came from other marina’s throughout Costa Rica but it was the hometown Flamingo boat to win
this Competition. This was an awesome event and just another reason why Flamingo is so special.

What is exciting about being in Flamingo now is there is a new marina to be built soon. With the new marina coming real estate will be at a premium. It is already known as the “Beverly Hills of Costa Rica,” so this new marina will be great for this area and all are excited to see it happening.

At Properties in Costa Rica, we are thrilled that you choose our country for your next adventure, so if you don’t mind sharing pictures from your future trip with us, just tag us on Instagram or Facebook,@propertiesincostarica and don’t forget to use the hashtag #propertiesincostarica. See you soon!

Costa Rica’s capital

Costa Rica’s capital is often the most overlooked part of the country for travelers looking for sandy beaches or lush canopy. Few will confuse San José as the must-see part of Costa Rica when you have world famous waves, gorgeous mountains, and dense jungle into Central America’s tiny eco-jewel.

In recent years, however, the gritty metropolis adoringly called “Chepe” by the locals has taken part in some what of a revival in hopes of keeping more and more foreigners in the Central Valley. If you don’t mind the bad traffic and look past the mismatching architecture, then you may be able to find some hidden beauties amid San José’s concrete jungle.

Here are some of our favorite activities while we’re in the capital:

Museums: Not surprisingly, San José has the largest concentration of museums anywhere in Costa Rica. Some of them, like the Museum of Costa Rican Art that is attached to Sabana Park west of downtown even offer free entrance to locals and foreigners alike. The one-time airport servicing all of Costa Rica has now been remodeled to feature the best local modern art.

In the city center, you’ll find the more popular National Museum that was made from a military fortress that still bears the scars of cannon fire on its outer walls. Inside, the sprawling courtyard features the famous stone spheres that date back to pre-Columbian times. Other museums worth checking out are the Gold Museum, where you’ll find more indigenous work, and the National Theatre – although not a museum – makes for a cool tour due to its intricate interior design.

Craft beer scene: The first producers of craft beer in Costa Rica started in 2010 and ever since the industry has become unavoidable when checking out San José’s restaurants and bars. Well-established brands like Costa Rica Craft Brewing Co., Treintaycinco Brewery, and Costa Rica Beer Factory have taken over the market to give customers more of an offering the standard fare of Imperial and Pilsen.

Though the craft beer scene is still growing and sometimes hit or miss regarding quality, the tight knit group of Cerveza artisanal producers have done well in making their products readily available – whether it is a gastropub in the city’s booming Barrio Escalante or on the shelves of the local supermarkets. Established organizations like CarpeChepe offer tours that shuttle travelers around the city’s best bars, letting them imbibe without worry of driving.

Hiking: San Miguel peak, known more commonly by the Cruz de Alajuelita, and nearby peaks are popular day trips among locals looking to let off some steam. Impressive views of the city below await anyone willing to make the one-hour hike starting near Escazú. Once you reach the famous metallic cross that hovers over the city’s southern stretch of mountains, you can work your way back to peaks like Rabo de Mico, Pico Alto, and Pico Blanco.

Amusement Park: Though small compared to U.S. standards, the aptly named Parque de Diversiones (Amusement Park) is the lone full-time park in the country offering roller coasters and thrill rides. Located right off the InterAmerican Highway, the park is always a hit among kids and makes for a great day trip. But be advised it is only opened from Friday to Sunday each week when local schools are in session.

A popular leaping off point to get from the heart of Costa Rica to the Nicoya Peninsula, Tambor is one of the perfect examples of an untouched beach paradise. The large golden beach is still relatively void of crowds and offers a little something for everyone. Unfortunately, there isn’t much opportunity for tourism happening in the town like there is in Montezuma Beach to the south. Still, Tambor is ideal for a romantic getaway or a beach-filled vacation with the kids.

Here are the best activities we’ve found during our time in Tambor:

Curu Wildlife Reserve: The environment-lovers delight is located just a short drives north of Tambor. Unlike many of the protected areas in Costa Rica, Curu is actually a privately-owned refuge that strives to protect threatened and endangered forest habitats and animal species. Not surprisingly, the area is teeming with beautiful wildlife like white-faced monkeys, peccary, coyotes, and more. Bird watchers will also be in heaven as parrots, woodpeckers, herons, and scarlet macaws are just some of the avian species commonly seen flying through the forest.

Barceló Resort: Because there isn’t much in the way of a town in Tambor, the resort chain provides a solid alternative for those wanting to stay right by the beach. The all-inclusive resort includes a large pool, golf course, and restaurant and bar. Barceló makes a great choice for families staying in the areas due to its kid-friendly entertainment.

Tour to Tortuga Island: Without a doubt, one of the best-kept secrets in Costa Rica travel books is the majestic Tortuga Island. The island just off the east coast of the Nicoya Peninsula looks like something straight out of Pirates of the Caribbean with its clear blue waters and white sand. Boat tours run daily from Tambor and don’t take long to get you to the desolate island. Included in tours will usually be lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear.

The trip to Cabo Blanco: The nature reserve located on the southern tip of the peninsula is just a half-hour drives away and makes a great tour for those looking to get more acquainted with Costa Rican nature. Cabo Blanco offers hikes through the protected tropical jungle setting that eventually lead out to a remote beach, where you may become convinced you’re the last person standing on the planet if you stay for too long.

Nosara, best known as the “no shirt no shoes” town, is the ideal place to surf and to practice yoga here in Costa Rica. Considered by National Geographic as one of the best 20 cities around the world to do surf, and according to Tripadvisor, the number 1 traveler’s choice, reviewed as the best place to go on vacations inside Costa Rica, without any doubt Nosara is a magnet for tourists.

Home to the oldest expat community in the country, Nosara will give you a very North American vibe, although you will also have the chance to live a 100% the Costa Rican experience. Everyone speaks Spanish but you’ll also find a lot of native English speakers too.

It is located on the Pacific Coast, more specifically in Guanacaste. The town consists of five beach towns: Playa Nosara, features the most calm vibe, it is not very crowded, you can enjoy paddle boarding or kayaking on its river mouth, Boca Nosara. Playa Garza, best known for its light golden sand, is a perfect spot to do some snorkeling due to the crystal clear waters, it is also considered a key spot for fishing activity. In the Garza town you can be able to relax too, and grab a bite at their local eateries. Playa Guiones, takes it all! Featuring white sands, It’s the most visited beach by tourists and it’s the place where surfers want to be, from beginners to experts. There’s also a variety of bars, restaurants and cafes, as well as yoga, pilates and surfing schools. Playa Pelada, has periods in which you could surf but the tide here is not very consistent, however, this beach is visited by swimmers, tourists interested in snorkeling or diving, if you find a boat or maybe a fisherman willing to give you a ride you can spot whales when in whale season (mating), turtles and dolphins. Playa Ostional, located in the Nosara – Ostional Wildlife Refuge, best known for its dark sands that welcome hundreds of thousands of turtles that come to nest at the shores. Many tourists come during May and November to see this awesome Mother Nature’s phenomenon called in Spanish Arribada (Arrival – English).

Nosara is also considered the safest beach in Costa Rica, people who live there try to go out of their way to make sure it stays the same way, so if you feel like walking at night on the beach it is safe to do so.

Whether you are planning to live in Nosara or visit, this place will really melt your heart. Don’t forget to enjoy the beautiful sunsets and while you do, make sure to share all your memories with us, using the hashtag #Propertiesincostarica on Instagram or Facebook or tag us on your photos, @propertiesincostarica on instagram.

Standing up paddle boarding, best known as SUP, is a surfing derivative sport that has its origins in Hawaii. Many surfers practiced SUP, way before it became “famously known”, when waters were waveless in order to stay in good shape and physical condition and also many photographers practiced it while trying to get the right angle for a good shot. Over the past couple of years it has become the ‘it’ water sport everyone’s talking about.

Costa Rica is considered one of the best spots to do paddleboarding and there’s a variety of places in the country where you can practice it. Don’t worry if you are beginner, there’s place for everyone.The most talked about advantage Costa Rica has to offer is the weather, since it is warm enough all year around, waters tend to be mild, making any water activity enjoyable.

The Pacific Coast offers calm waters were beginners can find an opportunity to learn safely. A few of the places where you can practice SUP are: Tamarindo , Peninsula Papagayo in Guanacaste and Gulf Dulce at the Osa Peninsula. There’s plenty of paddle boarding schools with rental equipment available, so if you are a beginner maybe you could save an extra buck and instead benefit from renting any gear you need and try out a couple of lessons and see who it goes before. In addition, there’s also Lake Arenal, a place where beginners can practice too due to the calm waters and enjoy the sightseeing of Arenal volcano.

There are lots of options for surfers or more experienced paddleboarders too. Try out Manuel Antonio, one of the hottest beach destinations the Southern Pacific Coast has to offer. Tamarindo , also has a couple of beaches where you can enjoy some waves as well.

If you are looking forward to enjoy a relaxing time in Costa Rica, a new trend offered by hotels and paddle boarding schools is the practice of SUP and combining it with yoga. Many online packages feature yoga lessons on the paddleboard or even yoga retreats, SUP and accommodations. Try and search around Nosara and Tamarindo for this specific type of deals.

At Properties in Costa Rica, we are thrilled that you choose our country for your next adventure, so don’t mind sharing with us pictures from your future trip, just tag us on Instagram or Facebook, @propertiesincostarica and don’t forget to use the hashtag #propertiesincostarica. See you soon!

Discover a few of the best activities Tamarindo has to offer:

Surf: Probably no activity is as popular as riding waves on Tamarindo‘s long stretch of beach measuring more than a kilometer long. If you’re a beginning rider, it might be frustrating to make your way through the crowded surf during the day. One of the best resources out there for novices is Witch’s Rock Surf Camp, known as maybe the top surf camp in all of Central America. There expert surfers like founder Joe Walsh will give you hands-on lessons and have you riding waves in less thank a weeks time. More experienced riders can always find less crowded waves in the morning, but might also want to head to nearby Playa Avellana for even bigger waves.

Tours: For those who want to take it easy, tours are offered to trek around the Playa Grande estuary north of town. Here you’ll have a chance to see the wildlife – crocodiles, monkeys, birds, and more – that inhabit the nearby area, as a professional guide takes you around Tamarindo‘s biodiverse neighbor. If you’re in the area anytime between October and March, look out for leatherback turtles, as Playa Grande boasts one of the world’s most popular nesting sites for the magnificent reptiles.

A sunset cruise is another great option after a day on the beach. A variety of companies, including Antares Sailing Adventures, offer catamaran tours that are often referred to as “booze cruises” because of their open bars. But the tours also offer guests the chance to snorkel, kayak, and swim far off Tamarindo‘s coast.

Horseback riding: Riders have the option to stroll down the beach or go into the lush mountains tucked behind the town. Normally, tours on the beach will only last a few hours and take place around sunset for a postcard image moment that is perfect for couples. Longer tours take place going into the tropical forests east of town. Other places offer tours through the small Guanacaste pueblos nearby that will give you a better feel for the amazing culture and history of Costa Rica’s second biggest province.

Zip lining: You’re not really Costa Rica until you’re screaming at the top of your lungs while flying through the jungle canopy on a zip line. Tours are offered just a 20 minute-drive from the center of Tamarindo in the heart of Costa Rica’s beautiful jungles. Most operators will offer pick up service to your hotel or home. A normal tour will last around two hours as professionally trained local guides lead you through the set of lines, where from above you can look down on the country’s impressive greenery and active wildlife.