🐊12 Amazing Days in Costa Rica

12 Amazing Days in Costa Rica: Beaches, Wildlife, Adventure, and the True Meaning of Pura Vida

Costa Rica had been on our travel bucket list for years, and after spending 12 incredible days exploring this beautiful country, we completely understand why so many travelers fall in love with it. From lush rainforests and volcanic landscapes to exotic wildlife and stunning Pacific beaches, Costa Rica offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Every day of our trip brought something new—whether it was spotting wildlife in the jungle, exploring hidden beaches, or experiencing thrilling excursions.

If you’re looking for a destination that combines luxury, nature, and unforgettable experiences, Costa Rica should absolutely be on your list.

Staying at RIU Palace Costa Rica on Matapalo Beach

Our home base during the trip was the beautiful RIU Palace Costa Rica, an all-inclusive resort located on Matapalo Beach along the Pacific Ocean in the Guanacaste region. The resort offered everything we needed for a perfect vacation—amazing food, relaxing pools, beautiful ocean views, and easy access to many excursions throughout the region.

One of our favorite daily traditions was walking along the beach in the morning. The sound of the waves and the peaceful atmosphere made it the perfect way to start the day before heading out for adventure.

But the real highlight of these walks was the wildlife. The trees along the beach are home to playful white-faced capuchin monkeys, and many mornings we saw them climbing through the branches or running along the sand. Getting the chance to watch them up close—and even feed them on a few occasions—was an experience we will never forget.

Seeing wild monkeys just steps away from the ocean is one of those uniquely Costa Rican moments that makes the destination so special.

Exploring Coco Beach

During our stay in Guanacaste, we also took time to visit the nearby coastal town of Playas del Coco, commonly known as Coco Beach. Located just a short drive from our resort, Coco Beach gave us the chance to experience a lively beach town filled with local culture, beautiful ocean views, and authentic Costa Rican charm.

When we arrived, the first thing we noticed was the beautiful bay and long stretch of beach lined with fishing boats and gentle waves from the Pacific Ocean. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, with both locals and travelers enjoying the sunshine and warm ocean breeze.

We spent some time walking along the beach before heading into town to explore the local shops and markets. Coco Beach has a vibrant downtown area filled with small boutiques, artisan shops, and souvenir stands. Many of the items were handmade by local artists, making it a great place to find unique gifts and keepsakes from Costa Rica.

One of the highlights of our visit was enjoying local Costa Rican cuisine. We stopped at a small restaurant where we were able to try traditional dishes and fresh seafood that perfectly captured the flavors of the region. The open-air dining and relaxed beach town vibe made the meal even more enjoyable.

Perhaps the best part of visiting Coco Beach was meeting the friendly locals who call the town home. Costa Ricans are known for their hospitality, and everywhere we went people were welcoming, helpful, and happy to share stories about their culture and community. These interactions gave us an even deeper appreciation for the warm and welcoming spirit that makes Costa Rica so special.

Adventure Day with Frank the Tank Tours

One of the most exciting excursions we took during the trip was with Frank the Tank Tours, which packed several unforgettable experiences into one amazing day.

Our day began with a demonstration of indigenous pottery making, which was a fun and educational experience that highlighted the traditional crafts and cultural history of the region.

A very interesting part of the excursion was learning how sugar cane is traditionally processed. We watched the process from crushing the cane to tasting the fresh juice and learning about its importance in Costa Rican culture.

The day continued with a relaxing horseback ride through the tropical countryside, where we passed lush greenery and scenic views of the surrounding landscape.

Before ziplining, we crossed 16 suspension cable bridges that stretched across the jungle. Walking across these bridges offered incredible views and gave us a completely different perspective of the forest from above.

Our adventure continued with 7 zip lines through the rainforest canopy. Flying high above the jungle while looking out across the mountains and tropical forest was both thrilling and breathtaking. Costa Rica is famous for zip lining, and after experiencing it ourselves, we can definitely see why—it’s one of the best ways to truly take in the beauty of the rainforest.

We then took a short hike to view an amazing waterfall hidden deep in the beautiful jungle. The waterfall, known as Salitral Waterfall, is rumored to have been used in the Jurassic Park movie.

To top off the adventure, we experienced a unique volcanic water slide, where natural flowing water creates a smooth slide down volcanic rock. It was both fun and refreshing after a full day of activities.

The day ended perfectly with a mud bath followed by relaxing natural hot springs, surrounded by the rainforest. After all the excitement, soaking in the warm mineral water was the perfect way to unwind.

Wildlife Safari on the Bebedero River

Costa Rica is known for its incredible biodiversity, and one of the best places to experience it is along the Bebedero River.

During our river excursion, we cruised slowly through the winding waterway while spotting wildlife along the banks and in the trees above us.

The most jaw-dropping part of the tour was seeing more than 50 crocodiles throughout the river. Some were sunbathing along the shore while others slowly swam through the water nearby.

In addition to crocodiles, we saw:

• White-faced monkeys
• Howler monkeys
• Several large lizards
• An owl resting in the trees
• Dozens of beautiful tropical birds

The guides were incredibly knowledgeable and helped us spot animals we never would have seen on our own. The entire experience felt like stepping into a real-life nature documentary.

Exploring the Rainforest with Scuba Caribe Tours

Another unforgettable experience was exploring the rainforest with Scuba Caribe Tours.

Costa Rica’s rainforests are some of the most biologically diverse places on Earth, and walking through them feels like entering another world. Everywhere you look there are vibrant plants, towering trees, and incredible wildlife.

During our rainforest exploration we were lucky enough to see:

• Toucan birds perched in the trees
• Sloths slowly hanging from branches high above
• A tiny hummingbird nest
• A bright red-eyed tree frog
• Countless exotic plants and colorful flowers

Seeing these animals in their natural habitat made the rainforest experience truly magical.

Jet Ski Adventure Through the Mangroves and Pacific Ocean

One of the most exciting excursions we took was another tour with Scuba Caribe, this time exploring the coastline by jet ski.

The adventure began by riding through the winding mangrove channels, which felt like navigating through a hidden jungle waterway.

Eventually the channels opened up into the vast Pacific Ocean, where we rode along the coast enjoying incredible views of the rugged shoreline.

During the ride we passed the famous Monkey Head Rock, a unique natural rock formation that resembles the shape of a monkey’s head.

We also stopped at Egg Beach, where we explored a cave with ocean water rushing through it. The power of the waves moving through the cave created an unforgettable natural experience.

While relaxing near the beach, we were lucky enough to see a stingray swimming near our jet skis in the shallow water.

Why Costa Rica Is One of the Best Travel Destinations

After spending 12 days exploring Costa Rica, it’s easy to see why this country is considered one of the best travel destinations in the world.

Costa Rica offers something for every traveler:

• Beautiful beaches
• Incredible wildlife
• Lush rainforests
• Thrilling adventures
• Relaxing hot springs
• Friendly locals and welcoming culture

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a chance to experience nature like never before, Costa Rica delivers it all.

Pura Vida – The Costa Rican Way of Life

One phrase you will hear constantly in Costa Rica is “Pura Vida.”

It means “pure life,” but it represents much more than just words. It reflects the laid-back, positive, and joyful lifestyle that Costa Ricans embrace every day.

After experiencing the beauty, culture, and adventures of this amazing country, we completely understand why the phrase is so meaningful.

Costa Rica truly captures the essence of living life to the fullest.

Final Thoughts

Our 12-day journey through Costa Rica was filled with unforgettable experiences—from walking along Matapalo Beach and seeing monkeys in the trees, to exploring Coco Beach, zip lining through the rainforest, spotting crocodiles on the Bebedero River, and riding jet skis along the Pacific coastline.

It’s the kind of destination that leaves a lasting impression long after the trip ends.

And one thing is certain:

We would not hesitate to go back.

Until next time, Costa Rica.

Pura Vida.