Where to go and what to do when visiting Costa Rica. 7 day guide in Costa Rica.
One of the first times I considered a spontaneous tattoo was in Costa Rica, this place will do that to you. Nestled between Nicaragua and Panama, there is so many things you can check off your bucket list in this cute little country. They're slogan 'Pura Vida' makes you want to drop everything, become a yoga teacher by the beach, and live life softly. Volcanoes, waterfalls, beaches, jungles, mountains, monkeys, exotic birds/animals and more, are made for you to explore. The best blend of peaceful, adventurous and fun.
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We went in early February, landed in Liberia Airport, got a last minute overly priced rental car and headed to La Fortuna to our hotel. Costa Rica has great public transportation, so that is also another good option to get around for cheap. From the amazing 2 days spent in La Fortuna we headed to Tamarindo for beach life, restaurants, surfing, shopping and nightlife. If you want a more peaceful, nature filled adventurous time I recommend La Fortuna, if you want a more lively, busy and fun time I recommend Tamarindo, but why not both? You have to create your list based on your interests and desires, but I hope my list helps!
Here it is:
1. Guest Pass at the Arenal Observatory Lodge and Spa
This is where we stayed for 2 days in La Fortuna. Their observation decks allows you to partake in the most spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities in all of Costa Rica. You can get a guest pass for $15 or day pass $32 and look at exotic birds eating away at watermelon on tree tops, exotic animals such as Coati's (pictured above), and explore trails within the vast nature reserve. You can also go to two different hanging bridges with lush green views. A very good spot for Instagram pictures!
2. Arenal Volcano National Park
Here you can hike, bike, go to hot springs, discover Lake Arenal, and more. You can find many package tours online where you can do many adventure sports.
3. Sloth Tour
I love animals. Seeing a sloth in slow motion was definitely on my bucket list. With special lenses, you get to look at these cuties in their natural habitat (which I loved). It's fun because the tour guide and the group are on the hunt to find one and when you finally see one, it's so exciting. I was lucky to spot one super close to us where you didn't need to use a lens. You learn so much about them and the fact that the workers cannot interfere with their life in the wild, so whatever happens, happens.
4. Chocolate Tour for Chocolate lovers
Learn the history of chocolate and see the exact process of how your favorite sweet tooth craving is made. The amount of chocolate you get to eat on this tour is dangerous (in a good way). After seeing the coco bean tour, you grind the chocolate on a cool bike, the tour guide heats it up and you get to try a variety of flavors with your desired toppings on them. Our tour guide was really good at explaining and making the experience fun!
5. La Fortuna Waterfall
Bring your bathing suit and enjoy the euphoria of swimming in a natural pool while a 200ft waterfall is plunging down near you. The hike down is crazy but the hike up is crazier. I wanted to be a competitor for no reason, went up super fast and regretted it the next day. Take it slow or else your calves will be hurting.
6. Zip lining through the forest
Checked zip lining off my bucket list with a bang at the Sky Trek Ziplines Adventures in Monteverde. They have two locations one in Arenal and one in Monteverde. 7 ziplines from the top of the mountain, the views are just beautiful as you overlook the vast forest and see the volcano in the near distance. If you're craving that adrenaline rush, do not miss this activity!
7. Surfing in Tamarindo Beach
This was so fun. I always admired how professional surfers make it look so easy because it's not! There's always instructors on the beach available for lessons, and they provide you with surfing gear if you don't have. Once you get the hang of it, you feel like you can do anything.
8. Kayaking Race / White Water Rafting
My kayaking experience was interesting but I still recommend it since you won't have the exact same experience as me. My kayaking tour was booked through Expedia in Tamarindo, he had a lot of good reviews so I didn't think much of it. I thought it would be a graceful slow kayak since I got the beginners guide. It was just me, a small girl and another guy travelling from Australia who had experience with kayaking. Once we started the instructor, a skinny guy in his late 70's, kayaked to what seemed like speed of light, and he wasn't waiting for nobody! I felt like I was in a race, even the Australian was struggling to catch up. Me, in utter arm pain in the first 10 minutes knew I couldn't finish so I gave up, and got on a boat back. If you are more physically fit and love the competition Kayaking would be great haha because the views were pretty cool. Instead, I would've done white water rafting as I heard it's super fun!
9. Horse-riding at Sunset
Just a 20-minute drive from Tamarindo beach we drove to another beach called Playa Brasilito for horseback riding which was booked through Airbnb Experiences. First we walked a path passing villages, hotels and, my favorite, a small forest with monkeys! We got back to the beach just in time for sunset and there are no words on how peaceful it felt.
10. Catamaran, Swim in Middle of Ocean
I had some of the best food ever on this Catamaran, rice, meat, salad and more. I sometimes still think about it. You get unlimited drinks, best views and musica rica! The captain will stop in the middle of the ocean, give everyone floaties and you're free to jump in the ocean, it was so fun! You catch the sunset and think about how blessed you are.
FREE Hot Springs Hidden Gem
If you happen to be near the 5 star hotel, Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa (pictured above), there is a hidden gem, natural hot springs, right across the street (ask local for exact direction) completely FREE. Looks sketchy at first, but follow the locals and voila! This is a locals go to, so you know it's good and not packed with tourists!
Plan on going to Costa Rica? Have any questions? Have you been to Costa Rica, if so what was your experience like? Please comment down below, I would love to hear about it!
Until the next trip, adios! <3
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