Our 12-day adventure in Costa Rica was nothing short of incredible. From the moment we arrived, it was clear why this beautiful country is known for its breathtaking landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the relaxed “Pura Vida” way of life. Every day brought a new adventure, stunning scenery, and unforgettable experiences that made this trip one we will always remember.

We spent our stay at the beautiful RIU Palace Costa Rica, located right on Matapalo Beach along the Pacific Ocean. The all-inclusive resort provided the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure. One of our favorite daily routines was walking along the beach early in the morning. The warm ocean breeze, volcanic sand, and peaceful waves made it the perfect start to each day. Along the shoreline we were lucky enough to see and even feed the playful white-faced monkeys that frequently visited the area. Watching them swing through the trees and interact with each other just steps from the beach was a truly magical experience.

One of our most memorable excursions was with Frank the Tank Tours, which gave us a true taste of Costa Rican adventure and culture. The day was packed with activities, starting with how sugar cane is processed the traditional way and a demonstration of making indigenous pottery, giving us a glimpse into the rich cultural traditions of Costa Rica. We than rode horseback through the tropical landscape.  We crossed 16 suspension cable bridges before soring on our exhilarating zip-lining experience through the jungle canopy on 7 differing lines. Flying above the rainforest with panoramic views of the mountains and forests was both thrilling and breathtaking. The adventure continued with a unique experience tubing down a volcanic water slide, followed by a relaxing mud bath and natural hot springs, surrounded by lush jungle scenery.

Another unforgettable day was spent exploring the Bebedero River, where the wildlife viewing was absolutely incredible. As we cruised down the river, we spotted more than 50 crocodiles resting along the banks and swimming in the water. Along the way we also saw white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, several large lizards, an owl, and countless species of tropical birds. The biodiversity of Costa Rica was on full display, making the river tour feel like a real-life wildlife documentary.

Our rainforest adventure with Scuba Caribe Tours took us even deeper into Costa Rica’s natural beauty. Walking through the lush jungle we encountered toucan birds perched in the trees, slow-moving sloths resting high in the branches, a delicate hummingbird nest, and even a bright red-eyed tree frog. The rainforest itself was breathtaking, filled with vibrant flowers, towering trees, and plants unlike anything we had ever seen before.

Another highlight with Scuba Caribe Tours was an exciting jet ski adventure through the mangroves and out into the Pacific Ocean. Riding through the winding mangrove channels felt like exploring a hidden world before opening up into the vast ocean. Along the way we passed the famous Monkey Head Rock, one of the area’s most unique natural landmarks. We also stopped at Egg Beach, where we explored a cave with ocean water rushing through it. As if that wasn’t exciting enough, we even spotted a stingray swimming near our jet skis along the shoreline.

We also enjoyed a wonderful day exploring the vibrant coastal town of Playas del Coco, commonly known as Coco Beach. Located along the Pacific coast in the Guanacaste region, Coco Beach is one of the area’s most popular beach towns and offered a perfect mix of relaxing ocean views, local culture, and authentic Costa Rican charm.  Coco Beach has a lively little downtown area filled with small boutiques, souvenir stands, and artisan shops selling handmade crafts, jewelry, clothing, and locally produced goods. It was the perfect place to pick up a few unique souvenirs and experience the personality of the town.  Of course, one of the highlights of visiting was enjoying some delicious local Costa Rican food.  What made the visit even more memorable was meeting the friendly locals who call Coco Beach home.

Costa Rica exceeded every expectation we had. From the stunning beaches and lush rainforests to the incredible wildlife and welcoming people, every moment felt like a new discovery. After spending 12 unforgettable days exploring this beautiful country, it’s safe to say we completely fell in love with Costa Rica.

We would return in a heartbeat.

Pura Vida!