(October 23, 2024) — I was soaked from the humidity, but a sudden swipe from the machete brought me instant gratification as the cool coconut water brought me back to life.
I was hot but happy to be where the motto “Pura Vida” truly is the way of life.
The plan was 11 days in Costa Rica with an adventure-focused itinerary because we wanted to see as much of this country as possible. Little did I know we would be traveling over 550 miles to experience the highlights of a country I can't wait to visit again.
After an almost direct flight, we collected the rental car and settled into our first night at Villa Margarita. Open-air rooms and a delicious breakfast have made this eclectic spot a family favorite.
The next stop was Jaco, a coastal town with warm waters, tasty waves and a beach resort. We experienced torrential downpours a few evenings, but it's the rainy season.
In Jaco we surfed and ate breathtaking pizza. The highlight of the trip was a 50-mile tour on Jaguariders ATVs through the rainforest canopy and into less visible landscapes. We visited Tortuga Falls and settled into a private lunch spot called El Tigre.
We headed south and landed in Quepos – our jumping off point for visiting Manuel Antonio National Park. You need a prior entry permit and you can hire a guide, but we opted for a self-guided tour. White-faced capuchin monkeys, macaws, toucans, deer, pizotes, sloths and iguanas were all present on our hike.
Our favorite beach was Playa Espadilla Sur, near the Puna Cathedral. Check out El Avion for dinner – literally inside a huge plane – and Shana by the Beach for breakfast.
Costa Rica's roads are a patchwork of asphalt, rock, dirt and everything in between, and the drive to Santa Elena and the Monteverde Cloud Forest fits all of those descriptions. We stayed in a hostel, Pension Santa Elena, an experience we won't soon forget. Don't miss Selvatura Canopy Zip Line Tour, which has a zip line over 4,000 feet long that puts you above the cloud forest at incredibly high speeds.
Next stop was La Fortuna, the famous Arenal Volcano and natural hot springs. Upscale resorts like Baldi Hot Springs offer everything you could want, but we were more in tune with a short hike through the forest and natural spring pools along the river. Try dining at Que Rico and take a trip to the Mistico Hanging Bridges for a hike on the hanging bridges with views of the Arenal Volcano dotted throughout.
We spent our last few days rafting on the Pacuare River. We booked an overnight trip with Pacuare River Lodge that included two full days of rafting and a night in an eco-friendly, solar-powered lodge. The rapids were flowing (upper and lower coffins were all on deck), the guides were excellent, and the trip was another highlight for the whole family.
If you want adventure, friendly people, and a place where your vacation dollars go further, consider Costa Rica. We are already planning our next trip.
Contact Kevin Parker with comments or questions via email at LukeHollywood@gmail.com
