Our week in Costa Rica was the perfect blend of adventure, wildlife, and laid-back beach time, starting in the misty jungles of Arenal where we hiked lava trails, soaked in hot springs, and spotted sloths, toucans, and frogs. We celebrated Abby’s birthday with volcano views, waterfall swims, and a surprise engagement at sunset – one of many unforgettable moments. From there, we headed west to Potrero for snorkeling, surfing, and sunsets from our beachfront infinity pool. We wrapped it all up in Playas del Coco, kayaking to secret beaches and sipping chorreador coffee while soaking in those last golden rays. From ziplining and white water rafting to sloth-spotting and seafood feasts, this trip truly had it all – pura vida at its finest.

💡Travel Tips

• 🌋 Stay somewhere with a volcano or ocean view – Whether it’s Lake Arenal or the Pacific coast, waking up to those views is worth every cent.
• 🚗 Rent a car for flexibility – Having your own vehicle made it easy to explore waterfalls, beaches, and wildlife trails on our own time. Just be ready for some bumpy roads!
• 🦥 Book at least one guided wildlife tour – Spots like Bogarin Trail are full of sloths – and a guide helps you see so much more than you would on your own.
• 🧭 Pack light but smart – Tennis shoes were perfect for hiking Arenal 1968, while water shoes came in clutch at La Fortuna Waterfall and rocky beach areas.
• ☀️ Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard – The sun is intense, especially on the coast or during water activities like surfing or rafting.
• 🏊 Don’t skip the natural hot springs – Whether it’s a fancy resort or the free local spot, soaking in the warm volcanic water is a must.
• 🏄 Try something adventurous – From ziplining and white water rafting to surfing and scuba diving, Costa Rica is built for thrill-seekers (even mild ones).
• 🍽️ Eat local – Try roadside sodas like Soda Víquez for authentic meals, and try gallo pinto (rice, beans and Lizano sauce) a favorite new dish we discovered
• ☕ Experience Costa Rican coffee the traditional way – Chorreador-style coffee at spots like Ticoffia is both delicious and cultural.
• 🐠 Bring snorkel gear and always have a towel – Some of the best beaches like Calzón de Pobre don’t have rentals, so come prepared.
• 🐾 Keep your eyes open at your Airbnb – We saw toucans, howler monkeys, and a majestic horse – all without leaving where we were staying.
• 🌅 Make time for sunsets – Whether from an infinity pool in Potrero or the beach in Coco, Costa Rica serves up sunsets that stop you in your tracks.

Costa Rica Trip Overview

Here’s a quick look at the highlights from our January 16–23, 2019 trip. Check out each regional blog for detailed itineraries and travel tips from every stop.

🦥 Arenal (La Fortuna) – 3 nights (Jan 16-19)

• 🌉 Mistico Hanging Bridges
• 🥾 Arenal 1968 Hike
• 💦 La Fortuna Waterfall
• 🦥 Sloth & Wildlife Tour
• ♨️ Hot Springs
• ⚡ Zipline and white water rafting

🏖️ Potrero (Pacific Coast) – 2.5 nights (Jan 19-21)

• 🌊 Beach time and snorkel
• 🏄 Surf Tamarindo
• 🍻 Volcano Brewing Co.
• 🤿 Scuba dive at Las Catalinas
• 🎶 Local restaurants with live music

🌅 Playas del Coco – 2 nights (Jan 21-23)

• 🏡 Relax at beachfront Airbnb
• 🐚 Visit Calzón de Pobre and/or Playa Penca
• 🐠 Snorkel and beach exploration

Pictures

See more pictures: Costa Rica album.