After shaking off yesterday’s airport anxiety, I eased into the morning with a colorful platter of tropical fruits. The papaya didn’t quite win me over, but everything else was a burst of flavor that felt like the perfect “welcome to Costa Rica.”
A few messages in the group chat later, I linked up with some of the other early arrivals who had taken an early night after their long travels yesterday. With a shared sense of curiosity (and caffeine), we decided to dive right into the city and join a free walking tour of San José. A couple of taxis from the front desk later, we found ourselves in one of the city’s lively squares, ready to explore.
Our guide kicked things off with a quick overview of Costa Rica’s geography and history before leading us through the heart of the city. We passed ornate museums, grand government buildings, and colorful streets pulsing with energy. One of the highlights was the National Museum of Costa Rica—once a military base before the country famously abolished its army in 1949. Even today, Costa Rica remains one of the few nations in the world without a standing military, a fact that still impresses visitors. The tour wrapped up beneath the shade of the cork trees surrounding the plaza that were planted in the 1930s, a quiet reminder of the country’s long and layered history.
With some free time afterward, our small group wandered into a nearby market where street musicians filled the air with upbeat rhythms. We watched locals weave through stalls of fruit, crafts, and souvenirs before making our way toward the elegant Gran Hotel, its classic facade standing tall over the bustling plaza.
Back at the hotel, the group chat was lighting up with messages from others just arriving from the airport. Remembering how warmly I’d been welcomed on my last trip to Ecuador, I decided to return the favor and host a small meet-and-greet in my room. Most of the newcomers were too tired to socialize, but a few stopped by for a quick hello, and before long we were off again for a late lunch—joined by my fellow walking-tour explorers.
Later that evening, when even more arrivals wanted to grab dinner, I tagged along for what became my “second dinner” of the day. The restaurant only accepted cash, and the waiter was unusually particular about the condition of our bills. A folded one from a wallet apparently didn’t make the cut. After a few laughs and some negotiation, he finally accepted payment, and we all left amused (and full).
Back at the hotel, I got a message from David, who had finally arrived after a day full of travel mishaps. I invited him up for a few shots of Ecuadorian rum I’d brought along from my last trip and we swapped travel horror stories before venturing out to a nearby sports bar to meet another late arrival. After a few more drinks and some good laughs, we finally called it a night—ready to meet our guide, Andrés, in the morning and officially kick off the adventure ahead.
No Regrets: The Only Way To Live 