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Written and interviewed by Bea Pablo, Staff Writer
Why Costa Rica is a Top Destination for Nature and Adventure
When you think of Costa Rica, think vivid green landscapes, virgin beaches, waterfalls hidden in the jungle, and monkeys swinging from the tree branches overhead as you walk under the tall tree canopies. Nestled between two oceans, Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. It’s home to wildlife-rich national parks and lush rainforests home to thousands of unique plant and animal species. With friendly locals and vibrant culture, it’s no surprise that travelers fall in love with Costa Rica.
But Costa Rica is not just about the scenery. Life there has a rhythm. Mornings often begin with fresh tropical fruit and a cup of locally grown coffee. Evenings can end with a glass of wine sitting on the balcony and watching spectacular sunsets. Locals embrace the pura vida lifestyle, which means “pure life,” a phrase that captures the country’s spirit of gratitude, joy, and connection. From hiking through cloud forests to watching the waves roll in from a hammock, Costa Rica has a way of helping you slow down and take it all in.
A Conversation with Marina Salley, Head of Investor Relations at Equity Residences and a frequent traveler to Costa Rica
I had the pleasure of speaking with our Equity Residences Head of Investor Relations, Marina Salley. Her story brought Costa Rica to life in a deeply personal way, and her vivid descriptions inspired me to share what makes this destination so special, especially through her eyes.
Costa Rica is a country where every kind of traveler can find something to love. From beachgoers to adrenaline-seeking adventurers, solo explorers to large families. When I spoke with Marina, she captured this spirit perfectly. “I have a lot of recommendations,” she told me. “It depends if you’re traveling by yourself or with family, if you enjoy water, forest, hiking. There are just a lot of things.”
Marina, together with her husband Greg Salley, Managing Director of Equity Residences, and their beautiful daughter, has traveled extensively around the world. But Costa Rica holds a special place in their hearts. Marina and Greg spent months living in this beautiful country and sent their daughter to a school there as well. As she shared in our conversation, “I am personally into horseback riding. It’s what I do on a regular basis, and I found amazing places in Costa Rica to enjoy it.” Her enthusiasm for the country is rooted in how it offers something for every kind of traveler and how her daughter could freely explore, play, and connect with nature on each visit.
Horseback Riding at Finca Las Garzas
Riding horses at Finca Las Garzas
Her favorite place for relaxing on a weekend is Finca Las Garzas, a farm located about 35 minutes from the Equity Platinum Fund’s Playa Potrero houseand about 25-25 minutes away from the Equity Platinum Fund and Equity Platinum Fund 2 penthouses in Reserva Conchal. “When you arrive, you experience l the most genuine Costa Rican hospitality and want to stay and spend an entire day at the farm. .” Horseback riding is deeply woven into Costa Rican culture, especially in regions like Guanacaste where ranching traditions remain strong. Frequently, you can see people riding their horses alongside cars on the region’s dusty roads to get to their neighbors or just to relax and unwind after a day of work. Barrel racing is also a popular pastime that occupies young and old in the country.” The weather is usually great for riding too, with the dry season being bright and sunny, while the rainy green season brings cooler air and lush scenery all around.
While she goes on a ride through the open fields with a guide who co-owns the ranch, her toddler stays back at the farm. “She plays with the animals, and the farm’s matriarch watches after her. She shows her the piglets, the chickens and Isabella gets dirty in the mud playing with animals. Then when I come back, she rides in the saddle with me.”
That kind of relaxed, open atmosphere is one of the reasons Marina recommends Finca Las Garzas so highly. “It’s very family-friendly,” she said. “We kind of have built-in babysitting right there. My daughter runs around with the dogs at the farm, colors, and helps to shower the horses after they come back from their rides. It’s really great.” For older kids Finca hosts camps where youngsters learn how to take care of animals and the farm. Judging from Instagram, the camps are always full and the kids have lots of fun playing and working and contributing to the local economy.
In addition to the horseback rides, the food served for breakfast and lunch shines a spotlight on the cherished local culture.. “You can order a typical Costa Rican breakfast there,” she said. “It’s a farm-to-table experience. They grow the corn on the farm, grind it in the kitchen, and make tortillas with it. You get farm-fresh eggs, ripe plantains, and the best hot cocoa.”
Costa Rica’s culinary tradition shines in spots like this. Known for its coffee and cacao, much of what’s grown there doesn’t make it to export, meaning visitors can exclusively enjoy some of the freshest, most flavorful offerings right where they’re grown. Marina also noted, “It’s some of the best coffee I’ve ever had.”
This blend of hands-on, authentic experience along with the hospitality and family-friendly environment is part of what makes Costa Rica so rewarding to explore beyond the beaches.
Finca Casagua for a half-day riding adventure through the local ranch or a dressage lesson
For those interested in dressage or looking to enjoy a peaceful ride through a local ranch and a village , Marina Finca Casagua. Located about 50 minutes from the Equity Residences home in Playa Potrero, it’s well worth the slightly longer drive. “The owner there, Esteban, and his wife Kay are really great with horses. They use methods of natural horsemanship to train the horses.” she said. Natural horsemanship emphasizes communication and partnership between horse and rider rather than force, making the experience more intuitive and enjoyable, especially for those new to riding or looking to deepen their skills.
“I’ve taken dressage lessons there, and I’ve ridden through the next-door farm,” Marina added. “If you want to book a half-day ride with Esteban, he’ll be happy to do so. Finca Casagua offers a different perspective on Costa Rica. One rooted in quiet rhythm, tradition, and thoughtful training. It’s a favorite for riders seeking a more refined or educational horseback experience, set against the region’s lush backdrops and rural charm.
A Day at Ponderosa Adventure Park
For families or anyone looking for truly unique animal encounters, Marina highly recommends Ponderosa Adventure Park. A wildlife experience unlike anything you might expect in Costa Rica. “Ponderosa is a park that’s about one and a half hours’ drive from our homes,” she said. “You better plan to be there for the whole day.”
The park, located in El Salto, Liberia, offers an open-air safari experience where animals such as zebras, giraffes, and antelopes roam freely across wide savanna-style enclosures. What makes it especially fun is that guests get to ride through the park in safari-style trucks or golf carts, feeding the animals as they go.
“You can just feed giraffes and zebras out of your golf cart. They live year-round right there in the park… and then tour groups come through their habitat. You buy huge bags of carrots and you can feed giraffes,” Marina said. “It’s fun for all of us. It’s fun for adults, it’s fun for kids. My daughter always talks about it. She always wants to come back.” This family-friendly destination is not only entertaining but also educational, offering a close-up look at animals in a controlled, interactive environment. An ideal break from the beach or hiking trails for families with younger children.
Hiking to Hidden Waterfalls and Embracing Adventure
For travelers who love immersing themselves in nature, Marina suggests making time for one of Gunacaste’s most exhilarating experiences: hiking to La Leona Waterfall.
“You can go toLa Leona Waterfall, and you can hike through the rainforest,” she said. “You’re crossing rivers, and part of it also means jumping from a boulder into the mountain river. Older children or adults, it’s so much fun.”
Located near Liberia in the Guanacaste province, the La Leona Waterfall trail is known for its vibrant jungle surroundings, river crossings, and dramatic cascades. It’s a moderately challenging hike, best enjoyed with a local guide who can help navigate the slippery rocks and hidden turns. The trail typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours round-trip and is recommended for visitors ages 12 and up due to the physical demands.
“It’s getting acquainted with nature. It’s basically amazing,” Marina said. “If you enjoy nature, if you enjoy being in the water, if you enjoy being in the forest.. you must have those experiences.”
Marina has used the Leona Waterfall Adventure Hike tour provider and had a great experience. For more options, Equity Residences guests can contact our local concierge to arrange a tour.
Ziplining Over the Canopy at Hacienda Guachipelín and Diamante Eco Adventure
Ziplining over Diamante Adventure Park
Another experience Marina recommends is ziplining. And Costa Rica offers some of the most scenic and thrilling options in the world.
“There’s Hacienda Guachipelín. It’s also about a one and a half hour drive from our houses,” she explained. “You can stay there all day. You can enjoy a zip line, you can enjoy whitewater rafting, you can enjoy horseback riding, you can do hiking.”
Hacienda Guachipelín, located near the Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, is a hub for outdoor activities. Set within a dry tropical forest, the hacienda offers ziplining through canyons, river tubing, and thermal hot springs, making it an ideal all-day adventure for families and groups. The park operates sustainably, integrating conservation and eco-tourism throughout its experience offerings.
Another zipline destination Marina highlights is Diamante Eco Adventure Park, just 30 minutes from the homes located Playa Conchal. “Diamante has the best ziplining,” she said. “They also have a restaurant on site, a petting zoo where you can take your kids, and wildlife watching. Some of the animals are rescued and live there year-round.” Set along the Pacific coast near Playa Matapalo, Diamante is home to the longest ocean-view zip line in Costa Rica. It also features an animal sanctuary with sloths, monkeys, jaguars, and toucans, ideal for travelers who want to pair adrenaline with wildlife appreciation.
A week in Costa Rican Paradise… Or Maybe Two
When asked how long someone should plan to stay in Costa Rica, Marina had a practical answer rooted in years of experience traveling to the country: “Usually investors stay for a week at a time. And that’s enough… for some while , for some it’s not enough,” she said with a laugh. “You can stay for more than one week. Some investors have shorter vacation times, so they take advantage of travel and go there when they can.”
One spot investors frequently enjoy is the Costa Rica Sailing Center, which is just a short walk from the residence at Playa Potrero. “The sailing center is right down the beach… maybe like five or ten minutes, depending on how fast you walk,” she explained. “You can charter a boat and go deep sea fishing. You can rent paddle boards. You can take surfing lessons. Anything that has to do with water, it’s right there, right at your fingertips.”
For those staying at Reserva Conchal, Marina pointed out that there’s even more to enjoy. “It has a huge golf course, so you can play golf there. There’s a beach club where you can also do water activities. And it’s on one of the best beaches in Costa Rica, called Playa Conchal. Playa Conchal has deep blue water, it has white sand… the feeling of being there is just unparalleled.”
She emphasized how versatile Costa Rica is as a destination, whether you’re traveling with kids, as a couple, or even solo. “I think it’s a place for everybody,” she said. “You have a lot of things to do.” And beyond the resort and the beaches, the local flavor really shines. “The local community is very strong,” she said. “Costa Ricans are very hospitable toward visitors. And Playa Potrero, for example, for a small village has an amazing number of restaurants you can just walk to. So if you don’t feel like cooking at home and want to go out to dinner, you can.”
She listed just a few options guests often love, “There’s a pizza place. There’s a brewery. There’s a taco place right down the street, right down the beach. There’s Hemingway’swith live music and amazing cocktails.” For Marina and many of the investors she speaks to, the experience of staying in Costa Rica never feels limiting. As she put it, “You would never run out of places to go to, even if you stay for a week or two.”
Fresh Fish to Flamingo Marina
Living in Costa Rica, even temporarily, is about leaning into the simplicity of everyday pleasures. “There are a couple of fish shops in the community which I can recommend,” Marina said. “The fishermen bring in tuna and mahi-mahi caught the same day. I’ve made sashimi with that tuna many, many times — it’s really as fresh as it gets.” One of those fish shops is located next to Gracia La Vid,everyone’s favorite pizzeria in Playa Brasilito. Another one is just around the corner from the Playa Potrero house in the shopping center on the way to Tempate.
Beyond fresh seafood, you’ll find fruit stands known as Frutas y Verduras, selling just-picked local produce. And if you’re looking for a bigger outing, Flamingo Marina has become a local hub. “It houses boats, restaurants, local wine shops, supermarkets… You can spend a whole day there just shopping, eating, and enjoying the Flamingo Beach nearby.”
This development has even improved infrastructure in the area. “The roads were in really poor condition when we first went in 2018,” she recalled. “But as they built out Flamingo Marina, they also built out the roads around our community.”
Equity Residences Villas in Costa Rica
The two villas in Reserva Conchal—one in the Equity Platinum Fund, and one inEquity Platinum Fund 2 are a favorite among investors, and for good reason.
“It’s a gated community, you need passes to get in. But unlike other resorts, it doesn’t lock you out of the outside world ,” Marina said. Just across the street is Hospital Metropolitano, a 24/7 emergency medical facility. “It’s very convenient to the airport, and there’s restaurants, pools, a golf course, and a Beach Club our investors can use.”
Even with all the luxury, Reserva Conchal still feels connected to the local culture. “I’ve been to some resorts where you drive through the gate and it’s like you’re back in the United States,” she said. “But not here. Reserva Conchal opens you up to the larger community. You can go to the fish shop in five minutes, or take a 20-minute drive to Finca Las Garzas.”
It’s also a place that encourages sustainability. “They participate in a lot of recycling and environmental preservation initiatives,” she added. “I’m pitching it, but I love it. I love what they’re doing.”
A Pura Vida Farewell
To fully enjoy your stay in Costa Rica, we highly recommend renting a four-wheel drive It’s more than just practical; it’s essential for exploring the lush landscapes, hidden beaches, and winding jungle roads without stress. Once you’re settled in, take advantage of the comforts and experiences that come with staying at an Equity Residences villa. From lounging poolside or returning from a day of surfing, hiking, or zip-lining, nothing beats coming home to a beautifully prepared meal.
Our local concierge will guide you to an exceptional stay, from stocking your kitchen with fresh catch and tropical fruits to arranging unforgettable in-villa dining with a private chef. There are several chefs in the area that bring their own flair to the table. Creating meals that are both locally inspired and luxuriously satisfying.. It’s a spectacular gastronomic experience we recommend every guest try at least once.
A perfect end to your Costa Rican adventure might include a sunset dinner by the ocean, the sounds of the waves in the background, and a glass of wine in hand as the sky turns gold. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or on your own, these moments are what pura vida is all about. Let us help you discover your pura vida.
