, and my youngest loves to bang away on my keyboard. So while they are engaged in a tea party right now, I'm going to try to pen our Costa Rica trip for you.We've had a lot of people ask us about this trip and want to know where we stayed & what we did. This trip was fabulous, and I would actually take Anne Elise (3) back after visiting. It was fun and safe, and I think she would've enjoyed this area. The flight
was also short enough for her to endure. It was also a very romantic place and would be more than amazing for a honeymoon. Our friends Martha and Eric are there now for just that reason.So to the point (these kids are starting to get a little messy with the tea set over here). We flew into San Jose and rented a car. Make sure to also rent the navigation system. Don't be cheap about this and try to forgo this item. You WILL NEED IT! You will! Costa Rica doesn't have addresses. Seriously, these people address letters with "the yellow house on the corner next to the vacant brick building." And they give directions about the same way. So get the navigation. You can enter
the name of your hotel or destination and it will give you great directions. I actually drove in this country. I think that's the first time I've driven abroad. It was really easy and safe, but be prepared to go slow. There are only 2 lane roads and no one is in a hurry. People also stroll on main highways with 6 kids in tow like they are on a walking trail.So we drove to La Fortuna the first day. We stayed in the volcano / hot springs area known as Arenal. We stayed at Arenal Springs Resort. Another good resort in that town is Tabacon but it was booked and a bit more pricey. We went to the hanging bridges and walked the entire route, we also hiked down to the waterfall (wear a swimsuit). It was beautiful. Around the Tabacon resort, you can walk down a little hidden trail on the opposite end of the road and it will take you down to some natural hot springs a lot of the locals
and hippies were visiting. It's interesting & worth the quick walk down.PSA: Costa Rica has extremely hard mattresses
. I had to get a massage at Arenal Springs Resort after a rough sleep. Just pile the pillows up or pack your own.NEXT STOP: Jaco. Beautiful town. Here we stayed at Villa Caletas. It was gorgeous. Great view, beautiful infinity pool overlooking the ocean, great food, and even if you don't stay here, PLEASE stop by for sunset. They have a gorgeous amphitheater for viewing the sunset every night. GORGEOUS!
In Jaco, we went to Del Mar Surf Camp. I forgot the guy who owns it, but he was fabulous. He was very patient with us and has a great success rate at getting people up on their board. We had a great time with him. The water is beautiful and a perfect area for beginning surf. We also went on the Crocodile tour here. That was interesting but more of a personal preference type thing. It wasn't romantic but amusing. These guys are entertaining and fearless to say the least.
NEXT STOP: Manuel Antonia. Beautiful town! We stayed at Parador hotel. Request a room with a balcony that overlooks the ocean. We somehow lucked up and ended up with the only balcony on the entire grounds that had 2 sides for viewing both sides of the peninsula. I have no idea how we happened onto this treasure, but it was BEAUTIFUL. We also saw howler monkeys and a sloth from our room. WOW!
In Manuel Antonia, we went to the national park which was fabulous. Our guide, Manuel, was extremely informed and had a fabulous eye to spot all the animals. You wouldn't believe all the animals he spotted. Eye also had a great optic lens for us to see them with which you could put your iPhone up to and take National Geographic style photos. Seriously, these are off Arthur's iPhone. The beach inside the park is beautiful as well so pack a swimsuit if you want.
Arthur is very knowledgeable on Costa Rica, so feel free to shoot us any questions you may have. It was a great trip, and I hope all of you who have booked or planned on booking it lately enjoy it as much as we did. It's such a beautiful country, and there is so much to be enjoyed here.
