Incredibly obsessed with On Contiki, the new micro-drama series? Listen, you’re not alone. I’ve already got several rewatches under my belt and I still can’t get enough of the cast, the drama (hello, Lucy’s big reveal!) and the straight-out-of-a-dream scenery.
On that note, let’s talk location for a sec.
If, like me, you’ve been lusting after the lush greens of the jungle, kilometres of laid-back white-sand beaches that just ooze cool, calming bliss and sloths (!), then you’ll be very pleased to know that the magic of the micro-drama doesn’t end on screen. Costa Rica is every bit as dreamy in real life – thankfully, without the bum rashes and all that.
Costa Rica is an incredibly easy place to love. You’ve got the aforementioned landscapes and natural beauty, but alongside that, a buzzy culture centred around the national motto of pura vida – which translates to ‘pure life’ or ‘simple life’.
And in this day and age, who doesn’t want a little more of that?
The Costa Rica behind On Contiki
Looking to tread the same path as Lucy, Claudia, Joe and Samir? I hear ya. On Contiki was filmed along the route of Contiki’s Best of Costa Rica trip, which takes in some of the country’s most memorable landscapes and experiences.
Naturally, there’s only so much a micro-drama series can fit into five episodes, so there’s plenty more to discover beyond what you’ve binged on screen. Sure, you’ll be spotting Arenal Volcano from the Costa Rican rainforest, walking the hanging bridges of Monteverde and getting a bird’s-eye view of the Cloud Forest as you zipline through Selvatura Park.
And then there’s where you’ll rest your head at the end of the day. Picture waking up surrounded by rainforest, with views of Arenal Volcano in the distance, and staying in a native-wood bungalow. Not a bad way to start the morning.
But there are plenty more thrills up this trip’s sleeve…
Plot twist: there’s even more to Costa Rica
A little white-water chaos in Sarapiquí
Yeah, you could admire the scenery from the riverbank, but if you’re willing to get a little wet, there’ll be an opportunity to soak it all in (no pun intended) while white water rafting. Think of it as a leisurely cruise… with a healthy dose of adrenaline, or something.
Chase (and rappel) waterfalls
Half the fun of travel is stepping outside your comfort zone. So, if you’ve yet to experience the thrill of canyoneering, Costa Rica is a pretty incredible place to give it a go.
You’ll have a chance to get up and close to the jungle’s cascading waterfalls – quite literally – as you rappel down them. First-timer? Not to worry. You’ll be well-looked after, kitted out with a harness, helmet and gloves. And the views and vibes? Next level.
Tamarindo: beach mode or surf mode?
In the northwest of Costa Rica lies Tamarindo – a haven for sunbathers and surfers alike. Think all the quintessential aspects of the tropics, including beautiful beaches, lush, forested trails, boutique shops and the warmth of local hospitality. This is a place where you could quite happily lose track of time.
Image source: Contiki
Spend the day soaking up the sun on a catamaran cruise – your gateway to the gorgeous coastline from the water. Or (and you may be sensing a theme here) keep on the active wavelength with a surf lesson. I hear the waters of Tamarindo are warm all year around, FYI.
A very good excuse for chocolate and coffee
If, like me, all that talk of activities has you working up an appetite, you might be tempted by a visit to a local chocolate farm. Less Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, more a hands-on experience tracing cacao through each stage of production. And yes, you’ll get to reap the rewards of your hands-on involvement with a tasting session and a souvenir bag of cacao beans to roast at home. Sweet deal.
Then there’s coffee. Costa Rica is famous for it, after all. Get to ground(s) with a seed-to-cup experience that takes you from plant to your morning flat white. By the end, you’ll be something of a coffee aficionado, well-versed in the differences in aroma, acidity and flavour. Full bragging rights when you get home.
Feel those good vibe-ations
In a time when we’re constantly scrolling past picture-perfect travel moments – in Reels, TikToks, ads, TV and, yes, micro-drama series – there’s something to be said for switching off and getting out there to experience a little pura vida for yourself.
Let On Contiki be the inspiration, the mood board, the saved pins, of course. But let the trip itself become the memories you revisit in years to come, long after you’ve scrolled past the end credits of the final episode.
Costa Rica, in all its glorious colour, awesome sights and cacophony of sounds, is an experience worth getting off your phone for. Take it from us… and Lucy, Claudia, Joe, Samir and Nico.
