Costa Rica Days 23–24: Montezuma, Tortuga Island, and the Long Road Home
Montezuma marked the final chapter of our Costa Rica journey — jungle-set lodging, a fast boat to Tortuga Island, snorkelling, warm water, and a slower, quieter goodbye.
Costa Rica Days 20–22: Sámara Slowdown, Ocean Heat, and a Different Rhythm
After the intensity of Monteverde, Sámara was a welcome change. Warm ocean swims, easy paddles, friendly dogs, and a slower rhythm on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast marked a gentle shift in pace before the final leg of the journey.
Costa Rica Day 19: Monteverde Reality — Crowds, Cloud Forest Fatigue, and a Night Tour That Redeemed the Day
Monteverde was one of the places I most looked forward to, but Day 19 proved to be a mixed reality. Crowds, fatigue, and a disappointing hotel tested our patience, before a night walk in the cloud forest revealed sloths, vipers, frogs, and the quiet magic that reminded us why we came.
Costa Rica Days 16 –18: From Lake Arenal to Guanacaste’s Volcanic Heat
Days 16–18 took us from Lake Arenal into Guanacaste’s volcanic dry forest. Based at Hacienda Guachipelín, a working ranch, we tackled tubing, canyon ziplining, hot springs, and the demanding hike to Le Leona Waterfall — exhausting, raw, and unforgettable.
Costa Rica Days 13–15: Lake Arenal in the Rain and a Shift to Guanacaste
Days 13–15 took us from rain-soaked fishing on Lake Arenal to the dry forests of Guanacaste. After machaca fishing, roadside coatis, and a welcome soak at Pura Vida Hot Springs, we arrived at Hacienda Guachipelín on the slopes of Rincón de la Vieja.
Costa Rica Days 11–12: Sarapiquí River Wildlife, Chocolate Traditions, Hot Springs, and the Reality of La Fortuna Waterfall
Days 11–12 in La Fortuna mixed Sarapiquí River wildlife, chocolate making, and hot springs with the hard reality of La Fortuna Waterfall. From bird-filled mornings at Catarata Eco Lodge to 500 punishing steps, these days delivered both highlights and lessons.
Costa Rica Day 8–10: Sarapiquí River Wildlife, Machaca Fishing & a Toucan at Our Door
Sarapiquí delivered river wildlife, unexpected fishing for machaca, night walks, and a keel-billed toucan feeding just meters from our room.
Costa Rica Days 5–7: Cahuita Wildlife, Caribbean Evenings, and When the Body Says No
Travel doesn’t always unfold as planned. Between Caribbean evenings, unexpected illness, and a rainforest walk that finally came together, these days in Cahuita were a reminder that some of the best moments happen when you slow down and adapt.
Costa Rica Days 3–4: Caribbean Arrival, Jungle Living, and Adjusting to Reality
Jungle bungalows, constant rain, poison dart frogs, and river paddling marked our arrival on Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast — and the start of real adjustment
Costa Rica Days 1–2: San José Streets and Whitewater on the Pacuare River
From gritty San José streets to the raw power of the Pacuare River, our Costa Rica journey began with effort, teamwork, danger, and unexpected humor
