10 Reasons A Visit To The Costa Rica Rainforest or Cloud Forest is Good For Your Health
(Hint: It’s Totally Scientific!)
So, cliché or not, if you are one of the billion different people that make their new year’s resolution to live a healthier lifestyle, we have a great solution for you. If you truly loathe the gym like I do, I may have a better idea that is a lot more fun. How does taking a walk in Costa Rica’s cloud forest or rainforest sound? Yup, achieving better health is as simple as taking a walk in the woods…for real!
You all know that feeling I am talking about. When you walk in the woods you feel like you are breathing in the super fresh air. You feel your mood lighten, you seem to slow down and breathe a bit deeper, your mind clears. That is not a placebo effect just from being outside the office, there is a scientific explanation here. It’s called Phytoncides. Phyto what? That’s what I said too, but now I am a believer. And no, it is not some miracle drug, it is science in nature…so much cooler. A visit to a Costa Rica rainforest or cloud forest is beneficial for your health.
What Are Phytoncides?
Phytoncides are chemicals released as a defense mechanism for plants. They have natural antibacterial and antifungal qualities that help plants fight off disease. When people breathe in these chemicals, our bodies respond by increasing the number and activity of a type of white blood cell called natural killer cells. In fact, in a dense rainforest or cloud forest where the concentration of phytoncides is dense, the air is actually as sanitary of a hospital operating room (and the smell is so much better!). I am dumbing it down, so if you want a better explanation I guess just check Wikipedia.
What Are The Benefits of Visiting the Costa Rica Rainforest & Cloud Forest Ecosystem?
So now that you have a better understanding of these amazing little chemicals, how will a walk in the tropical forests of Costa Rica benefit you and help you reach your healthy lifestyle goals? Oh! Let me count thy ways!
- Lowers your heart rate and blood pressure
- Boosts your immune system
- Increases feelings of happiness
- Reduces pesky cortisone, the hormone that causes stress
- Increases creativity and concentration
- Helps you get more zzzzzzzs
- Releases muscle tension
- Increases feelings of empathy, therefore enabling better conflict resolution
- Helps assist in better digestion
- Well, a walk in the woods is always a great way to reach your Fitbit goals of course!
So, you see, it is important to plan a trip to Costa Rica this year. Your health and the health of your family depends on it. Why risk your family’s health? Right? The increased concentration, creativity and focus should be a good enough reason for a sabbatical. If you need help scheduling your vacation, just share this with your employer.
Where Are the Best Places To Explore The Costa Rica Rainforest or Cloud Forest?
Well, that is depending on what type of vacation you prefer. If you are all about beaches and all-inclusive resorts or that type of vibe, Guanacaste has several eco-tours that bring you into the tropical forests of Costa Rica.
If you want beaches, but prefer a bit more low key holidays a bit more nature intensive, Jaco, Manuel Antonio, and Uvita all offer a variety of ways to explore the Costa Rica rainforest. You can choose from hiking the national forests, exploring the mangroves via the waterways, or even an extra exhilarating nocturnal hike when all the creatures come out to sing.
If you love the mountains and volcanoes of Costa Rica, then Arenal and Monteverde are THE place to be. Arenal offers hikes through the tropical Costa Rica rainforests that are sure to leave you with that euphoric feeling. Our favorite is the hanging bridges tour that allows you to walk through the rainforest canopy of Costa Rica. And the cloud forest of Monteverde is a mystical magical experience that we promise you will never forget. Again, a hanging bridge tour in Monteverde Cloud forest is one of our number one recommendations. It is seriously one of the top things to do in Monteverde for good reason. We are sure you will agree.
If you are visiting San Jose for a conference, you absolutely MUST venture out into the tropical forests of Costa Rica. Can you think of a better way to wind down after a stressful business conference than a walk in the woods in Costa Rica? Nope, us either (well except maybe a soak in the hot springs maybe). There are a variety of things to do in San Jose, Costa Rica that bring you out of the city and into nature. So go ahead, write off that trip to Irazu or Poas Volcano as a necessary company expense to increase production.
If you are attracted to the lure of the Caribbean coast and its laid back style, you are already halfway to reaching your chill out goals. However, talk about nature intensive Costa Rica! Tortuguero is one of the best places to regroup and get back to a healthy lifestyle. We are talking pure intensive nature (just don’t mind the howler monkeys howling outside of your cabin at 6am or you may not be as refreshed as you want to be). But if you need semi civilization, then there is plenty of opportunity for amazing walks in the dense tropical forest from Puerto Viejo or Cahuita.
So, there you have it. A completely scientific reason you need to take a Costa Rica vacation this year in order to reach your health and wellness goals. Phytoncides are the bomb! Oh yeah, and with scientific backing. So if you present this to your boss and they are asking or scientific proof, I am happy to provide references.
We wish everyone prosperity and good health this year. Let us know how we can help you create your perfect Costa Rica vacation to reach your health and wellness goals this year.
Pura Vida Friends!