I planned this trip to Costa Rica with my family over the winter holidays in 2019. We opted to fly into Liberia Airport and rent a car for more mobility getting around the country. Having a car allowed us to make flexible plans and see everything we wanted to see!

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Highlights From Our Costa Rica Trip

Day 1

We fly to Liberia, Costa Rica. After going through customs, we rent a car and drive through the countryside to our beautiful hotel in Arenal/La Fortuna. When we arrive, the grounds are covered in mist and the humidity makes the air feel soupy. The gardens are magnificent, lush greenery unfolds against a backdrop of grassy fields. Blue-gray tanagers, great kiskadees, and plain chachalacas munch on seeds at the bird feeders while the wind sighs through the trees.

Day 2

We get up early to eat breakfast at our hotel, and I am in heaven with all the fresh squeezed mango juice, fried plantains, and other Costa Rican foods heaped high on my plate.

Today we hike to La Fortuna Waterfall, a beautiful cascading waterfall in a small park with nature trails and so many steps! The gates to the park open at 7am and the entrance fee costs $10-$18 per person. In total, we spent 2 hours here exploring the gardens, trails, and waterfall. After I fill my camera with pictures, we take a short drive into the town of La Fortuna to find lunch at a local café.

We wile away the afternoon at the many multi-layered thermal pools of Tabacon. Tabacon is a beautiful spa and resort which lies amidst a beautiful rainforest in the shadow of the volcano. Toucans snack on tree nuts above while we soak in the warm mineral spring-fed water and streams that cascade into terraces and pools.

Day 3

Our third day is devoted to an adventure in Tenorio Volcano National Park. We drive 2 hours to the north from our hotel and leave our car near the park entrance. Rio Celeste Waterfall is our first destination. The moderate hike takes about 3 hours and it feels nice to stretch our legs after a long car ride. The hike to the waterfall is about 3.7mi round trip. Then we go a bit further into the rainforest in search of the source of the blue river. A momma sloth and her baby slowly reach for some tasty leaves overhead, high up in the canopy.

After lunch we return to hotel, have a drink, and spend the evening relaxing in the outdoor hot tub! The mist clears up and we are rewarded with a spectacular view of the volcano in the distance.

Day 4

Halfway through our trip, we move out of the rainforest and spend the remainder of the trip on the coast near Tamarindo, in a cute little beach town called Playa Hermosa. Our Vrbo home is surrounded by gardens in a gated community and is a 4 minute walk to the beach and restaurants. We eat dinner and watch the sunset on the beach. Roberto’s, La Casita Del Marisco, Hotel El Velero are a few good restaurants in this area that our Vrbo host recommended.

Day 5

Spend the day relaxing under the sun on the beach at Playa Hermosa, or skip over to the next beach town, Playas de Coco and find some Pipas Frias to sip on. Swim in the calm waters or look for a surf break to add some thrill to your day.

Day 6

Make a day trip over to Tamarindo for a sun-kissed day of surfing, shopping, and lounging on the beautiful sandy beaches in this Costa Rican surf town. Tamarindo is famous for its surf and we book a short lesson with Iguana Surf Camp. It is so fun jumping up on each wave and the instructors are very nice and knowledgeable.

Relax at a café in town after the surf lesson or wander the streets lined with cute surf boutiques and handcrafted goods from Costa Rican locals. One of my all time favorite bikini brands has a boutique located here in Tamarindo. If you are going to Tamarindo, be sure to check out Del Toro Bikinis for high quality swimwear. Choose any of the wonderful restaurants lining the main road for a delicious dinner after a long day of adventure.

Day 7

Cruise around the coastal waters on a catamaran charter and snorkel the crystal clear waters of a hidden cove. The catamaran crew are locals who know how to have a great time, filling the day with laughter, music and savory cocktails mixed on board. Lunch is provided along with snorkel gear. Sail around the harbor and watch the glow of sunset fade as the gentle breeze flows through your hair.

The ultimate way to end a Costa Rican adventure.

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