Costa Rica - A Jungle Adventure
I felt like we only scratched the surface of this incredible country, and I am already dreaming of returning to explore more of its hidden treasures. Costa Rica is a place where adventure, relaxation, and a deep appreciation for nature intertwine seamlessly.
WILDLIFE WONDERS
One of the main reasons I was drawn to Costa Rica was the opportunity to see sloths in their natural habitat. I am thrilled to say that my mission was accomplished, seeing both two and three-toed Sloth’s. Spotting these adorable creatures hanging upside down and moving around in the trees was an absolute highlight and a moment I will never forget. Did you know that a Sloth can hang suspended without using any energy. They can eat, sleep and give birth in this position !
But it was not just about the sloths, I quickly realized a stronger appreciation for all wildlife. From the industrious leaf cutter ants to the dazzling hummingbirds, every creature in the rainforest captured our attention. It became a bit of an obsession spotting wildlife, and we found ourselves trying to spot things before our knowledgeable and experienced guides, which trust me was not that often!
THRILLS AND RELAXATION
Our trip was packed with exciting activities. Zip-lining through the Monteverde rainforest canopy was an adrenaline junkie’s dream, and this one was by far the best I have experienced. When my close friend and travel buddy (someone very scared of heights) achieved this 7-section zip line including going superman style, said, “thank you for making me do this”! You know it was one incredible place and a memory we will keep for years to come.
We also enjoyed hiking, kayaking, and soaking in rejuvenating hot springs. We were able to experience the Lava trails hike at Arenal, Costa Rica's best-known volcano, some jungle hikes where we saw stunning waterfalls, and the walks around Manual Antonio National Park were filled with so many wildlife experiences.
Kayaking through the Mangroves was made even more special by the knowledgeable guide and owner of this local small business "William", a marine biologist he educated us in a really engaging way about the 5 x different Eco-systems that exist in Costa Rica – the fact we wouldn’t have Mangroves, without Rainforests , and the impact it would have if neither existed was eye opening, and again strengthened an appreciation for the wildlife and country we were so lucky to experience throughout this trip.
Costa Rica is not just for adventure seekers. It is also a perfect destination for those who prefer a more relaxed pace. Plenty of opportunities for photography, beach lounging, and taking in the stunning natural beauty. Don't miss the Coffee and chocolate tours, this was great fun.
SMALL GROUP TOURING
This was my first true experience with a small group tour, and it was fantastic. Our group of ten clicked instantly, and we had a lot of fun getting to know each other and exploring the country together. The important thing about group travel is that you already share a common interest in the destination, making it easy to connect with fellow travellers. That said, it is important to remember that it is your holiday. Do not hesitate to take some time for yourself if you need it and keep this in mind when selecting the right itinerary for you.
TRAVEL THAT GIVES BACK
We travelled with Intrepid, who specialise in small group adventures that go beneath the surface of a country, experiencing interaction and giving back to local communities. They are hugely experienced in this kind of travel, and with a local leader as your guide, getting to know the country starts right from when you meet on Day 1, Karol our guide being no exception, becoming known by the end of the week as Momma Karol!
We had our first taste of a local homestay, staying with a family in the Jualanima community, appreciating how” instant” our own lives can be in comparison, it was a unique experience. Welcomed to the community by our host families we shared lunch as a group, and then enjoyed a hike to some nearby waterfalls, when back we split up and joined our individual host families in their homes, helping prepare dinner and enjoying a home cooked meal. I would highly recommend learning more than just the basics of the local language to maximise your experience, the experiences within the group varied between families, so travel with an open mind to get the best from a stay like this, it was a new experience for me and one I would do again.
Cooking our own lunch with a local family - another highlight of our itinerary. This family used to own their own restaurant in Quepos during the pandemic, unfortunately this closed and Intrepid now support them with this activity from their own home. We cooked different dishes under the supervision of both husband-and-wife team and enjoyed eating our creations with them.
PERFECT WEATHER FOR ADVENTURE
We visited Costa Rica in early July, which is considered the start of the wet season. While we did experience some afternoon/evening downpours, the mornings were typically clear and perfect for outdoor activities. The humidity did make it feel warmer, but it was also refreshing after a day of exploring. My advice would be skin is waterproof! And much easier to dry out than clothes in humid weather.
The beaches were amazing, our itinerary took us to the Pacific coast, Quepos near Manuel Antonio. A much warmer climate than the higher Monteverde cloud forest we travelled from, and perfect for some beach time. After a busy itinerary, taking some time to relax was very much needed, we did not have the opportunity to extend our trip on this occasion however would highly recommend.
It is also a wonderful time of year to see sea turtles on the Caribbean coast. So, do not let the rainy season deter you from visiting at this time!
Overall, this trip to Costa Rica was an unforgettable adventure, I cannot wait to share more details and tips with you.
Whether you are an adrenaline junkie, a wildlife enthusiast, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Costa Rica has something to offer everyone.
Let us chat about planning your perfect Costa Rican adventure!
