Our 7-day adventure in Costa Rica was filled with nature, wildlife, and thrilling experiences. In La Fortuna, we soared through the treetops on a zipline, relaxed in hot springs, and admired the Arenal Volcano. Next, in Monteverde, we explored the Butterfly Museum, the Frog Museum, and hiked the misty Monteverde Cloud Forest. Heading south, we visited Manuel Antonio National Park, where we spotted wildlife and lounged on stunning beaches. Finally, we enjoyed the Los Sueños coast, soaking in ocean views and the relaxed tropical vibe. From rainforests to beaches, every moment in Costa Rica was an unforgettable adventure!
Costa Rica Travel Journal Day 1: To La Fortuna
Our Costa Rica journey began with a direct flight from Newark to San José, landing just after noon as warm tropical air welcomed us into a completely different world. Picking up our rental car turned into a small adventure of its own, followed by an immediate lesson in Costa Rican driving—busy roads, minimal traffic lights, and intersections that reward confidence.
Lunch at a local restaurant offered our first taste of the country: a perfectly grilled pork chop and a comforting bowl of beef soup that felt both hearty and soulful. As we left the city behind, the landscape quickly transformed into winding mountain roads, steep climbs, and sharp turns that demanded full attention—and more than a little nerve.
By evening, rain gently fell as we arrived at our hotel, where fresh ceviche made from citrus-marinated sea bass capped off the day. Standing on the balcony later, listening to rain and feeling the breeze, the fatigue faded, replaced by a quiet excitement for the journey ahead.
Costa Rica Travel Journal Day 2: La Fortuna
Day two in Costa Rica was all about adrenaline and landscapes. The morning began with our first-ever zipline experience at Sky Adventures, starting gently before quickly escalating. By the second line—the highest in the country—nerves and excitement mixed, and by the third, confidence set in. Gliding above rainforest canopies, with blue skies, white clouds, Arenal Volcano, and Arenal Lake in full view, the experience felt both thrilling and surreal. The longest line stretched over 700 meters, cutting through a tunnel of trees like a flight through time.
With clear weather offering perfect views of the volcano from our hotel balcony, we skipped the national park and turned instead to relaxation. In the afternoon, we soaked in the hot springs at Baldi Hot Springs, whose dramatic pools, waterfalls, and swim-up bars created a lively contrast to the quiet onsen culture of Japan. The day ended with another satisfying dinner at the hotel—ceviche once again stealing the show.
Costa Rica Travel Journal Day 3: To Monteverde
Day three unfolded under thick clouds, with the volcano mostly hidden—making the clear views from the day before feel especially lucky. A planned visit to La Fortuna Waterfall was quickly abandoned as heavy rain and dense fog rolled in, leaving little to see even at close range.
We then set off for Monteverde. Despite being only 110 kilometers away, the drive took nearly three hours. The first stretch of winding mountain roads was manageable, but the final section was rough and deeply uneven, turning the journey into an exhausting test of endurance.
Arrival at our hotel brought immediate relief. The warm atmosphere, spacious room, and sweeping views from the balcony—capped by a beautiful sunset—helped wash away the fatigue. In the evening, we learned that visiting the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve required advance planning, setting the stage for another logistical challenge the following day.
Costa Rica Travel Journal Day 4: Monteverde
Day four in Monteverde balanced small surprises with unforgettable highlights. The morning began quietly at our hillside lodge with a freshly made, made-to-order breakfast, perfect for the misty weather outside. Rough mountain roads soon changed our plans, leading us to skip another zipline adventure and slow the pace instead.
A spontaneous visit to a frog and insect museum turned out to be unexpectedly engaging, offering a closer look at Costa Rica’s remarkable biodiversity. After lunch at a local spot, the day reached its peak at the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve. With a knowledgeable guide, the forest came alive—coatis foraging by the trail, hidden wildlife revealed through binoculars, and the rare thrill of spotting the iconic Resplendent Quetzal high in the trees.
The afternoon ended with a dramatic sunset over plains and ocean, followed by dinner at the uniquely designed Tree House Restaurant, wrapping up a day rich in nature and atmosphere.
Costa Rica Travel Journal Day 5: To Los Suenos
Day five marked a transition from mountains to the Pacific coast as we drove to Playa Herradura. After a slightly bumpy start, the road opened up under blue skies and sunshine, and within two hours the landscape felt completely transformed. Lunch at Herradura Marina offered sweeping ocean views, making the scenery far more memorable than the meal itself.
We spent the afternoon strolling through Marina Village and along the nearby beach. While the sand was unremarkable, the expansive coastal views and the surprise appearance of monkeys playing in the trees brought the area to life.
Our stay at Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort felt like arriving in a tropical oasis, with palm-lined pools and a calm seaside atmosphere. The day ended perfectly with cocktails by the pool bar and a peaceful sunset walk along the beach, easing us fully into coastal rhythm.
Costa Rica Travel Journal Day 6: Manuel
Day six was dedicated to wildlife exploration. After a short drive, we arrived at Manuel Antonio National Park, one of Costa Rica’s most celebrated reserves, known for its well-preserved rainforest and rich biodiversity. With over 350 species of plants and animals, the park truly felt like a living classroom.
Our guide, Fabio, brought the forest to life with his trained eye and high-powered scope, revealing creatures we would have completely missed on our own—from a perfectly camouflaged iguana and land crab to spiders and the park’s most famous resident, the elusive potoo, often nicknamed the “stick bird.”
After the forest walk, we reached the park’s lively beach before heading back toward the coast. Traffic slowed us down, but arriving at Playa Herradura just in time for sunset made it worthwhile. The day ended peacefully with sushi at Café Diverso, a relaxed and satisfying close to an unforgettable day.
Costa Rica Travel Journal Day 7: Los Suenos
The final day in Costa Rica unfolded at a relaxed and joyful pace. In the morning, we joined a complimentary iguana tour at Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort. Riding through the golf course by cart, our guide patiently introduced different iguana species, explained how to tell males from females, and shared insights into how iguanas are now protected by law. The tour ended near the marina, where groups of monkeys leapt freely through the trees, completely unbothered by visitors.
Instead of riding back, we chose to walk along Playa Herradura, passing the shopping area and discovering a shaded tunnel of trees that offered welcome relief from the heat. Lunch featured refreshing ceviche and crispy fish tacos. The afternoon drifted by at the pool, where spontaneous Latin music and dancing created a festive atmosphere. In that joyful moment, our weeklong journey in Costa Rica came to a perfect close.
