Ultimate Costa Rica Travel Experience: Explore Paradise from Cloud Forests to Pacific Beaches

Posted: October 2023 | Author: Andrea

A diverse travel experience like few other, Costa Rica offers natural wonders and adventure in the heart of Central America. From the misty cloud forests to the vibrant culture of multiple beach towns, there's something for everyone. And in case you're concerned about safety, according to Globe Aware, Costa Rica is the safest country in Latin America. Regardless of trip duration, you can have a memorable experience. Here is an account of ours.

My husband and I embarked on a memorable 10-day vacation, exploring these three distinct regions of Costa Rica. Experiencing these diverse locales is the key to fully immersing yourself in the beauty of this incredible country.

La Fortuna Waterfall

Before we get started, let's take a look at the three distinct regions we visited in Costa Rica:

• Cloud Forest

• Arenal

• Pacific Coast Beaches

Cloud Forest

Cloud Forest Villa

Our journey began with a flight into San Jose, followed by a private transfer to the Baja del Torres area in the Cloud Forest. Our tranquil abode, El Silencio Resort and Spa, offers breathtaking vistas of the cloud forest from your private villa. The resort boasts two farm-to-table restaurants and a network of hiking trails leading to waterfalls and scenic viewpoints. Note that there are no televisions in the villas. During our two-night stay in this serene paradise, we found it to be the perfect duration for exploration. Key highlights of our experience include:

• A guided hike of the nearby landscape. The guided hike was provided by a guide from the El Silencio Resort and Spa in Bajos del Toro.

• A very educational experience in the humming bird garden, which included a first look at a Tarantula Hawk. Not what we expected. Look it up!

• Breakfast next to a rolling stream. Accompanied by great conversation with our waiter.

• Evening hot tub soaks with the occasional wildlife viewing experience.

Arenal / La Fortuna

Next, we journeyed to La Fortuna, a tourist-friendly and safe town known for its hot springs. Our lodging choice, Tabacon Thermal Resort and Spa, grants complimentary access to these rejuvenating springs for on-site guests. A two-night stay in this area allowed us to fully savor the experience and participate in excursions.

Must-visit excursions in this region include:

• Exploring Arenal Volcano National Park

• A hike to the volcano

• A visit to La Fortuna waterfall (with opportunities for swimming at its base)

• Mistico Hanging Bridge Park

Don't forget to explore the town of La Fortuna, offering great restaurants and shops. My husband and I took a taxi from the hotel to downtown La Fortuna, walked around a bit, then to our restaurant, and visited a local grocery store after dinner to pick up some local snack foods. During the downtown experience, we passed and interacted with several locals with no bad experiences and our stresses of a being in an unfamiliar place melted away. Reflecting back on this experience, it's probably safer than a few major American cities.

Pacific Coast Beaches

Our final destination was the Pacific Coast, specifically the coastal town of Papagayo. We savored five nights of luxury at Secrets Papagayo, an adults-only, all-inclusive resort. This timeframe allowed us to unwind and explore the surroundings to our heart's content. The resort allowed us to:

• Enjoy beautiful accommodations and amenities

• View wildlife on-property, including lizards, cats, monkeys, and more

• Rent a vehicle to experience the local communities and beach towns

Recommended excursions in the area include:

• Renting a car for a day to explore the area

• Thrilling zip-lining adventures with howler monkeys

• Leisurely strolls around Playa de Coca, a nearby town within driving/taxi distance

Our return journey began at Liberia Airport, just a convenient 15-minute drive from our resort.

Our vacation in Costa Rica was an exhilarating blend of adventure and relaxation. Whether you crave activity or tranquility, Costa Rica offers it all.

Contact me today to discuss and plan your Costa Rican adventure!