Imagine a place where vibrant rainforests meet tranquil beaches, and every moment feels like a new adventure just waiting to unfold. That’s Costa Rica, a paradise of breathtaking beauty, thrilling adventures, captivating wildlife, delectable cuisine, and warm, welcoming people. As a newly-minted Costa Rica Specialist, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to explore this enchanting destination with fourteen other travel aficionados.
Over seven exhilarating days, we crammed what felt like two weeks of discovery into our adventure, embracing new experiences and expanding our appreciation for Costa Rica’s rich history and culture. From hiking magnificent volcanoes and snorkeling amidst majestic whales to soaking in rejuvenating hot springs and savoring unforgettable meals, each day revealed yet another layer of this extraordinary place.
Here were some of the highlights
Visiting Poás Volcano
This is a truly a geological wonder that boasts one of the world’s largest active craters. A visit here feels like stepping into another world, where the Earth itself breathes beneath your feet. In fact, we had to wear hard hats during our visit and were only allowed to stay 20 minutes because of the sulfur gases coming from the volcano.
Hiking Around the Arenal Volcano
The Arenal Volcano embodies both awe and intrigue. This striking stratovolcano, with its perfect cone shape, has a vibrant history that adds to its allure. Dormant for centuries, Arenal burst to life with a dramatic eruption in 1968, forever altering the landscape and captivating the world’s attention. Though it has been in a resting state since 2010, the volcano’s simmering presence continues to captivate those who visit.
Soaking in the Hot Springs
The hot springs offer a luxurious spa experience around the majestic Arenal Volcano. These geothermally heated pools, rich with minerals like silica, magnesium, and calcium, create a tranquil sanctuary where the warm waters work wonders on weary muscles and frazzled minds. Enjoy the benefits: improved circulation, tension relief, and skin renewal, all while immersed in the serene ambiance of the rainforest. After a long day of hiking – 15,234 steps to be exact, this was just what I needed.
Coffee and Cacao Tour
I am going to be honest – These are probably 2 of my favorite food groups so when I heard that we were going to tour a coffee and chocolate “farm”, I was very happy. We learned about Costa Rica’s coffee and cacao production, from bean to cup and seed to bar. The best part – we sampled fresh coffee and chocolate while learning about the sustainable practices that make these industries iconic in Costa Rica.
Manuel Antonio National Park Wildlife Hike
We embarked on a 1-mile trail through the rainforest where we encountered two and three toed sloths, howler and capuchin and squirrel monkeys, Halloween crabs, and of course, lizards and iguanas. Our reward was a dip in the Pacific Ocean with its spectacular white sand beach and clear, warm waters enjoying the surrounding natural beauty. It doesn’t get much better than that!
Ocean Catamaran
We sailed in Costa Rica’s stunning coastal waters and near inshore islands enjoying a beautiful afternoon. During our time we spotted some whales and sea turtles and we able to snorkel near the whales. Some people actually heard the whales singing.
I could go on and on. There was also:
- Ziplining
- Suspension Bridges Tour
- Night Jungle Tour
- Jungle Boat Safari
- Local Amazing Dining
Here are some fun facts about Costa Rica I learned during my stay.
- Costa Rica is about the size of West Virginia, but if you were to “iron” it would be about the size of Mexico.
- There are 50 species of hummingbirds in Costa Rica.
- Costa Rica has 200 volcanoes – 6 of which are active.
- Costa Rica has had no military since 1949.
- The national anthem plays on the radio every morning
- More than 25% of the country is protected in National Parks and Reserves.
Ready to embark on your own Costa Rican escapade? Whether you crave adventure, relaxation, or cultural exploration, I’m here to tailor a journey that matches your dreams. Let’s transform your travel aspirations into an unforgettable reality—reach out, and together we’ll craft the perfect Costa Rican experience just for you!
Sara is the owner of Platinum Travel and specializes in creating luxury, customized, stress free vacations for people who want to see the world and all things Disney.
You can reach her at 414-377-8611 or Sara@PlatinumTravelWI.com to start planning your vacation today.