I’m standing in the Atlantic Ocean, and in just a few days I’m going to be standing in the Pacific—because this episode is all about hiking El Camino de Costa Rica, the coast-to-coast route that cuts across the country. I start with the logistics of getting to the trail (including that stage zero river/ferry situation—book it ahead or just start at stage one), then we jump straight into tropical forest that honestly felt like it was teeming with life. Having a guide like Saul made a huge difference, because every few minutes we were stopping to learn what we were looking at—from poison dart frogs to leaf-cutter ants farming mushrooms. As we climb, the trail shifts fast: beach, dense jungle, easier road connectors into small villages, and then full-on rainforest humidity where you’re basically hiking in a shower. I talk about how important it is to carry more water and electrolytes than you think you need, and why “sunscreen and a rain coat every day” is just a smart default. One of the toughest and most meaningful sections is the Cabécar territory, where you need to go with a Cabécar guide and treat the land with respect—plus you’ll probably earn your way across the river on a bare-bones cable car that absolutely cooked my arms. Along the way, it’s pura vida: simple living, big views, kind people, and a reminder to take it day by day.