Weekend Wanderer: Anchorage to San Jose, Costa Rica

Hailing from Anchorage, Alaska, Jovell Rennie is a photographer who has a love for #SharingAlaska. When he’s not taking pictures, he’s trekking his way through the outdoors looking for his next shot. He just returned from an Instagram takeover in Costa Rica as part of Alaska’s Weekend Wanderer series. For more Weekend Wanderer posts, make sure you’re following Alaska Airlines on Instagram.

Pura Vida!

That’s the phrase I was greeted with when I touched down in San José, Costa Rica.

I was excited to be there as Alaska Airlines’ Weekend Wanderer, especially because it’s so different from my hometown, Anchorage, Alaska. Feeling at first like a snowman in the oven, I was determined to see the sights and make the most of my time. I quickly adjusted to the warmth of the city and set out to meet with a few friends from back home who also happened to be in the area. Great timing! After meeting up and settling down, the six of us set out to explore. We started with an amazing breakfast of tamales and gallo pinto, then hit the road. Between Jaco, La Fortuna Waterfall, and Manuel Antonio National Park, my eyes were in heaven. Costa Rica was absolutely amazing, from the lush landscape to the beautiful tropical jungle and beaches. I recommend everybody make it out there. Here are a few tips for while you’re there.

  1. Set an early alarm, the sunrises are breathtaking
  2. Loosen your belt, you’ll be eating A LOT.
  3. Bring extra socks.This is not specific to Costa Rica, I just always advise it. This is especially important in places where you are doing a lot of walking or hiking.

Best of luck, safe travels, and Pura Vida!

Ready to book? Find flights to Costa Rica.

Hey y'all! Jovell here. I'm hyped to be the #WeekendWanderer for @alaskaair going from my home in Alaska to San Jose, Costa Rica! Be sure to follow along here and with me over @jovell for this trip, it's about to be crazy!
Hey y’all! Jovell here. I’m hyped to be the #WeekendWanderer for @alaskaair going from my home in Alaska to San Jose, Costa Rica! Be sure to follow along here and with me over @jovell for this trip, it’s about to be crazy!

 

Thanks for all your suggestions in the comments as to where I should go, the crew & I are headed to Jaco!
Thanks for all your suggestions in the comments as to where I should go, the crew & I are headed to Jaco!

 

Everybody I've met here has been extremely friendly, really living up to the national mantra "Pura Vida". Well, everyone except for this guy.
Everybody I’ve met here has been extremely friendly, really living up to the national mantra “Pura Vida”. Well, everyone except for this guy.

 

Costa Rica has been absolutely amazing! From the Tamalé's I had for dinner at Soda Tapia, to the epic La Fortuna waterfall. I know I've only scratched the surface & I've still got plenty more to see, so stay tuned.
Costa Rica has been absolutely amazing! From the Tamalé’s I had for dinner at Soda Tapia, to the epic La Fortuna waterfall. I know I’ve only scratched the surface & I’ve still got plenty more to see, so stay tuned.

 

Exploring the beaches on a rainy day. It's awesome to see how fast the clouds can roll in & change the entire atmosphere of the place.
Exploring the beaches on a rainy day. It’s awesome to see how fast the clouds can roll in & change the entire atmosphere of the place.

 

Woke up early this morning to try & chase the sunrise on our way from Jaco back to San José, instead we were greeted by heavy fog banks rolling through the hills.
Woke up early this morning to try & chase the sunrise on our way from Jaco back to San José, instead we were greeted by heavy fog banks rolling through the hills.

 

Jungle games are always better with homies.
Jungle games are always better with homies.

 

Don't let the photo trick you, La Fortuna Waterfall is huge! Awe inspiring to see so much power in nature.
Don’t let the photo trick you, La Fortuna Waterfall is huge! Awe inspiring to see so much power in nature.

 

Costa Rica has been amazing! Many thanks again to @alaskaair for letting me explore Costa Rica & share these images with y'all. Now it's your turn to go somewhere and be a #WeekendWanderer! ¡Pura Vida!
Costa Rica has been amazing! Many thanks again to @alaskaair for letting me explore Costa Rica & share these images with y’all. Now it’s your turn to go somewhere and be a #WeekendWanderer! ¡Pura Vida!

 

 

Comments

  1. Flights to Nicaragua would be awesome! I live in Los Angeles and I travel to Nicaragua often for business and pleasure from LAX. I’ve never flown Alaska but I would book a flight to Nica in a heartbeat with Alaska if there was a non-stop flight from Los Angeles to Managua.

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