Waterfalls, Oceans, and Volcanos, oh my! When thinking of a tropical paradise, all too often Costa Rica is forgotten. Just a quick 3-hour flight from Houston, Costa Rica offers beauty, adventure, and serenity for people of all ages. Last summer, we visited Costa Rica in two capacities: with and without children. Both were incredible experiences!
Costa Rica offers a handful of all-inclusive resort options for those seeking convenience with a touch of luxury, but there’s also the option of regular hotels that cater to all budget ranges. Our trips commenced in the Guanacaste region of the country. We experienced both a family-friendly and an adults-only all-inclusive resort, and each stay was unforgettable in its own unique way. The level of service was some of the best encountered – service that rivals Mexico resorts. We were welcomed by howler monkeys and white-faced monkeys. The kids were ecstatic! The beaches are dark, volcanic sand calmly lapped by beautiful light blue water – a perfect contrast, and the best place to frolic, snorkel, or sun.
Adventure is always at the top of our list when traveling, and Guanacaste offers a plethora of options: waterfall chasing, river tubing, zip-lining, hiking, exploring cloud forests, walking on hanging bridges, enjoying mud baths, relaxing in hot springs, witnessing geysers, horseback riding, and so much more.
With our adult-only stay, we ventured to the Arenal section of the country, and it was a true tropic lovers utopia. After a 3-hour, twisting drive from the airport, we were welcomed with so much beauty. The landscape is lush with vegetation with a dormant volcano as the main feature. Our resort was a true luxury; one of the most beautiful places we’ve stayed, offering next-level service. Every day, we found time to explore the property and view the wildlife. Sloths, toucans, vipers, frogs of all kinds, and monkeys peppered the grounds. We scheduled a couples massage, and it was like a dream. The sun had set, and the mood was dark and seductive. As we slipped onto the tables in the outside treatment area, a thunderstorm rolled in. Pure Relaxation with the rain hitting the roof, the thunder rumbling, and hands of magic massaging away all the day’s travel stresses.
We could have stayed at the resort all day and been content. Our room was teeming with tropical trees that created a private space. A plunging hot spring was right off our back door, but we didn’t just sit around. With all the waterfalls offered, we had to take advantage of them. A quick trip up the mountain took us to meet a tour company that strapped us in and sent us rappelling down - sometimes over 200 feet of descent. If that wasn’t enough excitement, we also rafted some white water. Costa Rica offers a range of rapids from slow to intense rafting, but we stuck with the lower level for our first trip.
If you’re looking for your next adventure, Costa Rica is phenomenal for both adults and children. My family can't wait to go back!