Lush rainforests, a bustling capital, dozens of volcanoes, and monkeys
Rincón de la Vieja | Guanacaste, Costa Rica
We’ve been to Costa Rica a few times, and it just gets better every time! If you go, be sure to stay in an ecolodge in one of the National Parks of Guanacaste. Hotels just don’t give you the same impressions of what it’s really like to be in this lush paradise.
Pura Vida: Pure life and the breathtaking rainforest views of Guanacaste
We stayed in the Guanacaste region, which is on the western (Pacific) side of Costa Rica. Many Americans flock to beach areas like Tamarindo, but the mountains in Rincón de la Vieja national park boast cooler temperatures, less humidity, and so much wildlife! The hanging bridges allow you to see howler monkeys, capuchins, coatimundis, agoutis, toucans, and lizards in their native environment.
Jungle water slides
Hiking and diving in the parks
Ficus trees in the rainforest
Hanging bridges for monkey viewing
- Main adventure activities: ziplining, waterfall hikes (with dives!), rafting, tubing, jungle waterslides (they run off water from the mountains!)
- Relaxation: natural hot springs and spas
- Excursions: Be sure to visit Arenal volcano, see La Fortuna waterfall, hike La Leona waterfall, and even do a day trip to Nicaragua!
- Conservation efforts: research and visit a sloth sanctuary, like Rescue Center Costa Rica
The Traveling Teacher 