I’ve been gatekeeping this for 2 years – (by chance). Once we bought again from Costa Rica, Spring break 2023, my evaluate to my family and friends was a degree of enthusiasm that they had by no means witnessed – “FIFTEEN OUT OF TEN,” I exclaimed. I deliberate the entire thing (seems I both love management or I needs to be a journey agent) as a result of my itinerary was TOP NOTCH – filled with core reminiscences and excessive household bonding (and relaxation, don’t fear). However I shouldn’t take the credit score – Costa Rica is wonderful and I don’t suppose you’ll be able to have a nasty time there. After listening to my breakdown, so a lot of my buddies begged me to not weblog about it till they may repeat the identical bookings, so I complied. After which time went on and it felt bizarre to write down about it months later after which, properly, I forgot. However as we go away for Belize this week I felt compelled to make the case for Central America AGAIN for these trying into happening future journeys. Yo… it’s going to be an extended one however it’s for these of you who really may go so learn each single phrase (and I didn’t intend on running a blog about this journey so these photographs are usually not precisely journey weblog household degree:)).
Day 0: Land In San Jose
Our flight was lengthy from Portland, we transferred by way of LA with a 3-hour layover (12 hours whole – not nothing). As soon as we arrived in San Jose, we stayed at a resort close to the airport that night time since we didn’t get in til the night. The Hilton was effective and tremendous inexpensive ($120 for the night time) and Brian picked up the pre-reserved automotive the following morning whereas the children chowed down on the oddly scrumptious buffet. It was a 2-3 hour drive to Monteverde the following morning which was fascinating, if not tremendous bumpy (you want four-wheel drive although).
Day 1: Journey To The Cloud Forest – Monteverde
We spent the primary three nights in Monteverde, up within the cloud forest. Most individuals do a 1/2 jungle, 1/2 seaside tour, and that is the jungle portion. This was mentioned to be a “must-see” rainforest and so lush The phrase “unspoiled” rings by way of your head. My children are nonetheless not enthusiastic hikers, however there was a lot to do for elementary school-aged children (and apparently in case you are a birder you’re in heaven – there have been tropical birds in every single place!). We bought in round 2 or 3 pm, had lunch, walked across the grounds (so fairly), sat within the scorching tub, ate dinner by the pond, and went to sleep early so excited for the following day. It was so peaceable.
The place We Stayed In Monteverde – Lodge Belmar
There are lots of locations to remain, rather more inexpensive I’m certain, however Lodge Belmar was the place we selected after lots of analysis and it was extraordinarily excellent for us in each single method. It’s not flashy, but it’s properly designed and so well-appointed, assembly all our wants however nothing superfluous. Each room was clad in fairly wooden, had tremendous comfy beds and bedding. And whereas we didn’t have AC, the temperature at night time was within the 60s and we woke to birds chirping, home windows open. They develop most of their meals on the property so the meals was unimaginable. However that’s the factor about Costa Rica, they don’t even must say “farm to desk” as a result of nearly all the things is. They’ve tremendous strict eco-tourism and natural rising legal guidelines so it’s only a actually environmentally wholesome nation, making the meals so freaking tasty even when uncooked and flippantly seasoned. Actually each chew we had for 8 days was unimaginable. Lodge Belmar was round $400 an evening for 2 queen beds (on the time) and it felt appropriately priced. There was a mountain climbing path on the property by way of streams and small waterfalls, yoga within the morning (which was too newbie for me however beautiful), straightforward transfers anyplace we needed to go, a scrumptious juice/smoothie bar, a giant scorching tub room you would guide for your loved ones, a pond-side bar/restaurant with stay music in addition to their nicer restaurant with a beautiful view.
The resort was offered out after we had been there however by no means crowded and the service was excellent. We had been there in March which was cooler at night time however heat in the course of the day, however had we gone in the course of the summer season we most likely would have wished that they had a pool (we didn’t in any respect). Our expertise was so beautiful in each method. We went to mattress exhausted at 9 pm filled with contemporary meals, a few cocktails, and whereas sharing a room with our youngsters may sound much less very best (with out TVs) all of us simply learn our books and fell asleep so early and happy. I’ll say that I don’t know if it’s as nice for toddlers, not as a result of it might be adverse in any method however as a result of it’s fairly vertical and fewer to do for that age than a resort-style resort close to the seaside since they’ll’t zipline (there are many Airbnbs within the space although!). Zero sponsorship or low cost and 100% love for this resort.
Day 2: Ziplining + Animal Sanctuaries
(LOL – these had been pictures for the memento card, not really ziplining there) Regardless of an excessive worry of heights, I pressured myself to disassociate, strap on a smile and a harness, and fly (all within the title of bonding with my children). And pay attention… there’s a motive they do it on The Bachelor – that degree of collective worry and adrenaline is extraordinarily bonding (neurons that fireside collectively wire collectively!). The dopamine you get whenever you land with out dying makes you collectively have fun being alive!! In fact, our youngsters needed to be strapped collectively as a result of in Costa Rica you’re going from mountain prime to mountain prime, at instances over a mile and so excessive up you’d vomit if you considered it. They had been too gentle to go solo, with the specter of being “caught within the center” and so they did get caught a few instances however shut sufficient to the top that I used to be okay as the fellows got here out and dragged them to the top however sure, I used to be completely panicking whereas additionally nonetheless disassociating). Did I get pleasure from it? I imply, no, not whereas doing it, however it was so bonding and wild and exhilarating for all of us and I’m so glad I didn’t let my worry cease me from having that have with them. I’ll say that in contrast to being on an fringe of a cliff, you’re double carabinered into your harness and whereas it was enormously terrifying I really wasn’t fearful of dying, making it doable. YOU HAVE TO DO IT. (Replace: this has helped my worry of heights rather a lot, not on edges of cliffs however I’m method higher on gondolas now and even skyscrapers that had been as soon as very triggering). We went to Selvatura and it was unbelievable. Additionally, they’ve a suspension bridge route should you didn’t need to zipline however needed to hike round and stroll on the bridges. One thing for everybody and very properly carried out with tremendous pleasant guides (carry money for suggestions!).
Sloth And Butterfly Sanctuaries
After ziplining we visited the butterfly and sloth sanctuary. Each had been candy, enjoyable, and calm and our then 7 and 9-year-olds had been thrilled when butterflies landed on their fingers or they got here head to head with a candy sloth. These are brief 1-hour lengthy conditions and somewhat humid however beautiful, inexpensive, and a fantastic reminiscence.
Day 3: Tree Climbing Park + Afternoon Farm Go to
Day 3 began at a tree climbing park which was so enjoyable for the children as they bought to climb so excessive and repel down (with a brief ziplining tour, too). It’s tremendous secure and just like a climbing fitness center (however by yourself). You hike from one to a different, 10 whole. I solely did a number of (they had been redundant) however the children liked it and did all 10. We moved our our bodies, it was difficult, and a fantastic reminiscence. We additionally ziplined there however on a a lot smaller course than day 1. My e mail says we went to Sky Journey Arboreal Park, however I couldn’t discover it on-line (I believe possibly Treetopia?). We liked it.
Natural Farm Go to
Within the afternoon we went to the farm that was related to the resort (the place they grew all their meat and greens). I’m certain there are different cheaper farm visits which might be nice however we had been smitten with the folks and meals at Lodge Belmar so we did their 3-4 hour tour which was SO GOOD. We fed all of the animals, went horseback using, made sugarcane drinks, and realized about natural farming in a method the children understood. It was so gorgeous, they had been so pleasant and we ate scrumptious do-it-yourself cheeses and sweets. When you keep on the resort I consider you get a reduction (it was $95 for adults, $75 for teenagers, and lasts 3.5 hours). We discovered it completely price each penny (talking of bringing money to tip! We did $20 per particular person which is likely to be an excessive amount of however should you can afford it, do it because it all goes to native beautiful guides).
That night time we had meals and drinks down by the massive pond with stay music whereas the children ran round on the garden and Brian and I actually held palms and talked. It was so peaceable, darkish, and starry (little gentle air pollution). We had been in HEAVEN. Additionally, there are such a lot of fruity non-soda mocktails in Costa Rica so the children LOVED comfortable hour with us each night time:)
Day 4: Drive To Kintari Glamping Resort
Our drive to our subsequent seaside vacation spot was going to be 3 1/2 hours so I booked an evening at Kintiri Glamping Resort which was an adults-only glamping resort on the highest of the mountain going about 45 minutes out of our method. For our final morning at Lodge Belmar, I did yoga and all of us went on a hike on the property (a to not miss – creek, waterfalls, really easy). We wanted to kill a while after try earlier than we set out on our drive so we went to a chocolate farm tour, which was a giant miss (we nearly left 1/2 method by way of). We then drove 2 1/2 hours to Kintiri (which had simply opened so that they allowed us to return midweek for one night time though we had children). It’s AMAZING. Just like the honeymoon of your goals wonderful. Geodesic domes with infinity swimming pools, above-ground swimming pools and saunas, and actually good meals. And y’all these locations aren’t costly – like $250/night time on the time. The children had been blown away sleeping in a dome. I’ll say the sheer elevation made me nervous (once more, I’ve a worry of heights and love timber over an expansive view). Oh, and it was tremendous onerous to search out (however they had been actually responsive through WhatsApp). The purpose is – should you don’t have children positively look into it as they had been constructing it out much more after they had been there. LOVED. I don’t suppose you’d must make this cease although, going straight from Monteverde to Isla Chiquita wasn’t that lengthy so very very doable (and maybe a greater use of time than the two hours out of your method up the mountain).
Day 5: Drive To La Isla Chiquita – The Most Magical Glamping Resort Ever
After 2 or so hours of driving, we arrived on the seaside the place we had contemporary fish at a really mom-and-pop restaurant, ready for our boat (the above photographs had been of that, not the island). We waded with our stuff above our heads, sneakers in hand to get on a little bit dingy as they took us to our island. It was already pure magic. We pulled up at Isla Chiquita with the friendliest employees and never an inch of cement, tropical drinks instantly in hand, and charming indicators with arrows in every single place. It felt like we had been stepping again in time – the sense that it felt so off the grid however unusually luxurious. We checked into our tent (with plumbing and electrical, however no AC) and instantly observed all of the monkeys within the timber. Households of them. We stayed in the main bedroom for the primary night time as a result of ours wasn’t obtainable but. The 360 views had been unimaginable and it had its personal plunge pool. Their web site does a fantastic job of displaying it, however nothing will match seeing it in particular person. That suite was $500 an evening, whereas those with two double beds (that we stayed two nights in) had been $230 an evening – and whereas the main bedroom is superior, the entire island expertise is so magical that we had been simply as comfortable within the regular tent (enjoyable to do each). Truthfully, it was price twice that a lot should you ask me. The primary night time we booked the bioluminescence tour after dinner which blew our child’s minds as we floated across the island within the pitch darkish with cocktails and mocktails.
The Most Magical Glamping Resort Ever – La Isla Chiquita
These photographs actually do ZERO justice to the resort – in case you are please try their web site and your thoughts will likely be blown. Truthfully greatest 4 days of my life there.
Day 6: Out At Sea, Snorkeling
Large snorkel day! We booked a tour to take us out to the islands and spent the day within the water with our child’s minds blown seeing all of the tropical fish. The crew was superior (all booked by way of La Isla Chiquita – they make it tremendous straightforward). We explored a number of islands and bays and so they had lots of entertaining anecdotes. The one notice is that we didn’t carry cash and so they dropped us off at a seaside that had commerce and will have purchased drinks and meals so at all times carry cash (they supplied lunch on the boat, however for treats, drinks, and souvenirs). It was excellent. We had been out til 2-3 pm then got here again and sat by the pool and skim, ate scrumptious dinner on the open-air restaurant, and fell asleep early and satiated to the sounds of monkeys within the timber.
Day 7: Catching Our Dinner
Fishing! We booked 9 am morning fishing with out traces, the place the guides took us out on a tiny boat and taught us the way to fish for our dinner (which we ate that night time to various stars). Such a reminiscence. So enjoyable. The second half of the day was once more by the pool whereas Brian and I took turns getting massages at their candy little open-air spa. Our final night time was unimaginable. I wasn’t QUITE able to go residence (which says rather a lot for me) however we had carried out all you would do right here. There isn’t an actual seaside right here so that you kinda need to guide the excursions or you’re simply hanging in a hammock or by the pool. The employees is unimaginable and the meals is so good. The facilities are easy and excellent. And whereas I did get stung by a child scorpion that was hidden in a towel that they had gotten from the mainland (!!) that isn’t typical, I promise! And it was very thrilling though, we didn’t inform the children til after we had been residence (once more that’s not typical, only a humorous anecdote so don’t let it coloration your notion – it stung, fell on the bottom, after which I had a giant swollen bump and was effective.)
All In All Some Costa Rica Details:
A few of the questions I believe you may need in case you are interested in Costa Rica:
Did You Really feel Secure?
YES. Tourism is their trade (for higher or worse) so what I’ve heard is that there’s a collective effort to verify their status as being so family-friendly and secure so it stays intact. Thus the push in direction of eco-tourism in order that it doesn’t deplete their surroundings. The persons are extremely good, with “Pura Vida” being their mantra (pure life – that means simply get pleasure from life!). The vibe is filled with happiness, gratefulness, and simply so welcoming. I’m not naive to the truth that we’re nonetheless People coming to a growing nation, depleting sources for our momentary pleasure. Which is why should you can afford to remain on the extra eco resorts which might be sustainable/natural and pay their employees properly it’s best to, and please carry lots of money to tip the locals. Tourism is depleting, full cease. It’s the job of the wealthier to not be low cost if we are able to afford to be beneficiant. Additionally don’t be an asshole, okay? This isn’t White Lotus.
Is It Okay To Converse English?
Certain! But in addition possibly strive Spanish? Most individuals in hospitality or excursions do communicate English, however should you can be taught some primary well mannered phrases that might be good and is respectful. I nonetheless communicate conversational Spanish from working in eating places for therefore lengthy so the children had been tremendous impressed whereas I confirmed off. However many individuals go with out realizing any and just do effective!
Do You Want To E book Every little thing In Advance?
Sure to the nice motels, particularly with a number of children (there are extra {couples} resort availability for certain). I booked all of them in August (many good ones are booked lower than 4 months upfront). We additionally booked the rental automotive upfront as a result of we had been warned in regards to the lack of four-wheel drive automobiles, and whereas I booked all of the excursions upfront we didn’t must in any respect (however it made me really feel secure).
Convey money to tip (in 1s, 5s and 10s and so they gained’t settle for if they’re torn or imperfect so preserve them pristine). Put on breathable garments with layers and suppose Tevas or Keens. This isn’t White Lotus – no want for heels or “matches”. I didn’t carry sufficient light-weight garments for humidity and ended up sporting the identical dumb cotton shirt and linen shorts each night time at dinner as soon as on Chiquita as a result of my jean shorts had been so claustrophobic. Convey bug spray and sunscreen (or purchase within the greater cities – they aren’t straightforward to search out in every single place). Additionally, in case you are allergic to mosquitos like me you may must carry from America as they solely promote natural stuff (sorry, I do know that’s problematic however I used to be being EATEN ALIVE with tons of of bites till a pleasant American shared their deet with me and I lastly had some aid).
That Itinerary Sounds Intense! Was It Too Busy? Too A lot?
LOL. No. Properly, not for us. As a result of Costa Rica will not be closely populated, with little visitors and few crowds (not less than after we had been there) navigating was really easy and by no means depleting. We began our days early so there have been by no means traces and spent the second half of on daily basis both by the pool or seaside. I learn 3 novels if that tells you a lot. We didn’t go to eating places that required reservations that we couldn’t get, however once more we didn’t keep at huge extra “American-style” resorts. Our days had been so full however not annoying, wealthy however not overwhelming, energetic however not exhausting. I believe the widespread denominator is nature – nature is so calming. And the truth that they care a lot in regards to the surroundings, it’s inherently minimal and the meals is filling however not heavy. All of the locals are so beautiful and type that it looks like a giant heat hug. We felt so grateful to be there having fun with their tradition and doing our greatest to contribute to their native financial system whereas having actually one of the best 8 days of our lives. Thanks, Costa Rica 🙂 Pura Vida!
