Boarding the plane with only a destination in mind and no lodging confirmed for my arrival might have been one of the more adventurous things I’ve done when flying out of the country. But then, I once kicked off a six-week backpacking trip across Europe having everything stolen out of my hotel room (which had been booked in advance) upon arriving that afternoon. So, changing plans on the fly doesn't rattle me. Besides, I’ve found there’s almost always a place to stay—unless there’s a major event happening, and even then, being open to possibility often opens unexpected doors.
That experience taught me to stay flexible. In Costa Rica, that same openness led me to a hidden gem in Tamarindo—a quieter, more peaceful stretch away from the bustle of the touristy beach town on the Pacific Coast that I might never have discovered otherwise. This kind of travel isn’t for everyone, I realize, but for me serendipity became the theme of my trip. A shared shuttle ride from the airport turned unexpectedly fortuitous when our driver, hearing that a fellow passenger was staying nearby, suggested a charming place for me as well. Within walking distance, I discovered Captáin Suizo a peaceful beachfront hotel where I enjoyed several meals. One spontaneous conversation over dinner at the bar turned into new friendships and more shared meals at neighboring beach restaurants. A few days later those shared shuttle ride companions invited me to breakfast just down the road at Sueño del Mar, a charming boutique hotel overlooking the Pacific. These moments, unplanned but deeply memorable, shaped the rhythm of my time in Tamarindo and the rest of my trip.
The coastline here is ideal for peaceful walks, early morning runs, or even practicing yoga along the white sands when the tide is out and the ocean glows bright blue. The waves vary—gentle enough for beginners learning to surf to bigger breaks that challenge more experienced surfers. In the evening, sunset cruises offer a relaxing way to end the day. While Tamarindo is known for its popularity with tourists—with its array of restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping—this quieter stretch felt much more relaxing and laid-back.
After several days on the coast, I ventured inland to explore the rainforest, volcano and cloud forest regions in the center of the country. Traveling around Costa Rica is relatively easy. Car rentals and private shuttles are readily available, and public transportation is straightforward to navigate.
Traveling inland, Arenal Volcano rises majestically above Lake Arenal, and a boat ride across the lake offers panoramic views while making the journey toward Monteverde shorter, more scenic and enjoyable. The Arenal region is known for its lush rainforests and natural hot springs and dramatic landscapes. Nestled in this area is Rancho Margot, a carbon neutral eco resort and working regenerative farm where I stayed a few days. Embedded in the rainforest, each morning I woke to misty views from my balcony and saw how varied microclimates shifted the weather in the area. The resort offers yoga classes, farm-to-table meals, and guided tours that showcase their permaculture systems and renewable energy practices. I joined a yoga class and practiced my photography trying to capture hummingbirds drinking nectar from flowers growing on the property.
As storms disrupted my travel plans home, I took it as a sign to extend the journey and travelled a couple of hours away to Monteverde. Nestled in the highlands, this rare cloud forest ecosystem offers both adventure and serenity. I joined a small guided hike that brought together travelers from around the world, each eager to learn, connect, and share the experience. As the trail unfolded, so did conversations—and by the end, new friendships had formed.
These hikes are led by guides to help spot amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals—to share their educational knowledge to enrich the experience and help point out what otherwise might be missed. Others from our hiking group wanted a more dramatic experience, which the area has plenty to offer from zip lining through the canopy, bungee jumping, or exploring the area on horseback. I opted for another slower pace tour visiting local farms that produce coffee, chocolate and sugar cane, while others took hikes with suspension bridges that connect a network of trails through the treetops and overlook waterfalls. Search for the strangler fig (a type of ficus tree in this region) that strangles the tree it uses as a host and leaving behind a hollow core. It’s root system starts in the air and moves towards the ground creating an intricate woven root pattern in the process. Some of these you can actually climb inside of the tree!
Inspired by the camaraderie of our group hike, a few of us extended the adventure together and travelled to the Nicoya Peninsula. We stayed in the low-key beach town of Sámara, where life slows down.
We spent evenings unwinding at the Gusto Beach Clubwatching the sunset over the white sandy beach. The soft glow of strung lights and glowing ball globe lights on the tables created a magical ambiance. Bonfires often popped up along the shoreline, open for anyone to enjoy. As the day faded, we strolled along the beach with our toes skimming the gentle waves.
Early in the morning as the sun rises, the fishermen prepare their boats to head out or cast lines from the shore. The waves in Sámara are gentle, making it an excellent spot to learn how to surf, to try stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), or kayak. Horseback riding tours are available along the coast or in the surrounding countryside. While I spent my time soaking in the slow rhythm of the town and on the beach, other travelers I met recommended visits to the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve to see wildlife and learn about the tropical dry forest. Day trips to local waterfalls like Belén or kayak explorations through the mangrove forests are also popular options for those looking to explore more of the region’s natural beauty.
Regardless of where you go, the natural beauty of Costa Rica’s diverse regions is unparalleled. Whether you’re drawn by the waves, the wildlife, or the warmth of the people, Costa Rica welcomes you to explore at your own pace—and maybe, just maybe, without a set itinerary.