A 9-Day Adventure in Costa Rica: The Good, the Bad, and the Hilarious
Traveling is all about embracing the unexpected, and our nine-day journey through Costa Rica was no exception. From breathtaking landscapes to lessons learned the hard way, here’s the full scoop on what I’d do again, what I’d skip, and how you can make the most of your own Costa Rican adventure.
Flight Fumbles and Luggage Lamentations
No luggage :(
Let’s start with a rookie mistake: not planning a big enough layover between connecting flights. Our dash through the airport rivaled an Olympic sprint, but our luggage wasn’t as fast. It didn’t make the flight, leaving us without our bags until late the next day. Pro tip: Aim for at least a 2-3 hour layover—your nerves (and your luggage) will thank you.
Our Airbnb: A Mixed Bag
Our Airbnb was nothing short of stunning, perched atop one of the tallest hills in the area with panoramic views of surrounding towns. The sunsets were magical, and we woke up to the sound of howler monkeys each morning. It was about 15 minutes from the beach, making it a convenient yet serene retreat.
However, safety was a bit of a mixed bag. The property was in a gated community and had its own gate as well, but the presence of security cameras was both reassuring and unsettling. Two cameras, in particular, seemed to be aimed toward the outdoor shower and tub area. We didn’t notice it until midway through our stay, after using the shower multiple times. We’re still navigating this issue with Airbnb, so stay tuned for updates.
Navigating the Wild Roads
Washed out roads are NO joke! LOL
Getting from place to place was an adventure in itself. Apple Maps? Useless. Google Maps? Sketchy at best. The hero of the day? The Waze app. Download it before you go! Also, rent a 4x4 or all-wheel-drive vehicle—potholes, washed-out roads, and steep hills are par for the course.
Another thing to watch for on Costa Rican roads? Scooters and dirt bikes. They’re everywhere, zipping between cars and around corners. Unfortunately, we witnessed the aftermath of a scooter accident where two riders were hit by a car. It was a jarring experience that left a deep impression on us for the rest of the trip. Keep your eyes peeled and drive cautiously.
Grocery Store Surprises and Packing Essentials
Costa Rican grocery stores are small and carry limited items. If there’s even a slight chance you’ll need feminine products, pack them—tampons are nearly impossible to find. And here’s a quirky cultural tip: most toilets can’t handle flushed toilet paper, so get used to tossing it in a bin.
Food Adventures (and Misadventures)
In Costa Rica, family-run “Soda” restaurants are everywhere. These sometimes interesting spots serve traditional dishes like rice, beans, protein, and plantains. Unfortunately, we found the food often bland or overcooked. We also had the misfortune of a bout with food poisoning—an experience I wouldn’t recommend! On the bright side, the tequila drinks at most restaurants were amazing and almost every restaurant accepts credit cards. Beware that a 10% service charge is automatically included.
Excursions: The Highs and Lows
Tamarindo Estuary Tour
We were promised a vibrant ecosystem, but wildlife sightings were sparse. A mama raccoon and her babies provided some entertainment, and we caught a fleeting glimpse of a small crocodile. Despite trekking through the jungle in search of howler monkeys, we came up empty-handed.
Sunset Catamaran Cruise
This was a highlight! We were treated to humpback whales breaching and a stunning sunset. If you’re a sucker for magical ocean vibes, this is a must-do.
Ziplining at Diamante eco Adventure Park
Pure adrenaline! The Superman zipline, spanning between mountains hundreds of feet in the air, made us feel like superheroes. Diamante also features a wildlife sanctuary where we encountered vibrant blue butterflies, a tiny monkey from Brazil, jaguars, pumas, sloths, and even a three-legged spider monkey. Two wild howler monkeys serenaded us on our way out.
Hiking to La Leona Falls
This two-mile round-trip hike through the jungle was equal parts exhilarating and challenging. A rope-assisted climb against a strong current led us to the cave housing the falls. The freezing water left us numb but thrilled by the adventure.
La Leona Falls
Cow Encounters on the Road
Driving in Costa Rica isn’t just about dodging potholes—sometimes you’re dodging cows. One particularly bold bovine strolled past our car, and his, um, substantial anatomy swung so dramatically that it hit the car. Twice. It’s a memory that still makes us laugh and shake our heads.
A Hike to Playa Conchal
One of our beach days started with parking in the nearby town of Brasilito, as there’s no direct parking at Playa Conchal. Beware of men offering to “watch” your car for a fee. This practice is common in many towns; we ended up giving our guy a beer instead of cash. The mile-long hike to Playa Conchal was scenic but led to an overcrowded beach filled with vendors selling drinks, massages, wooden bird calls, and overpriced jewelry. I caved and bought a "tequila" drink, which was mostly juice but surprisingly delicious.
We walked along the beach until we found a quieter spot, where Jason inflated the Hydrus Board Tech Joyride paddleboard. This paddleboard, known for its durability and stability, was perfect for the conditions. While the strong wave break at the shore made getting out a challenge, Jason managed to paddle past it and explore the calmer waters. The Joyride's design really shined, giving him a smooth and stable ride despite the waves. We wished we’d had more time to paddleboard and had found spots with calmer waters, as it was such a relaxing way to experience the ocean.
Exploring Tamarindo and Beyond
Tamarindo’s heavy traffic and touristy vibe weren’t our favorites. At one point, I had to hop out of the car to direct traffic—a memory that’s pretty comical. For a more authentic experience, skip Tamarindo and head to quieter spots like Playa Grande. Dante’s Rock there offered calm waters and a serene escape.
Money Matters and Local Costs
We expected Costa Rica to be cheaper than the U.S., but many things were surprisingly more expensive. The quality of living for locals contrasted sharply with these costs, which was sobering. When paying, choose colones over dollars, and have some cash on hand for tips.
Found treasure in the ocean!
Final Thoughts
Despite the bumps along the way (sometimes literal, thanks to those potholes), we had an unforgettable trip. Would we visit the same area again? Probably not. Next time, we’d explore the east side or southern parts of Costa Rica. But the memories—both the awe-inspiring and the absurd—made it all worthwhile.
Have questions about any of the spots we visited or need more tips? Drop a comment, and I’ll be happy to help you plan your own Costa Rican adventure!
XO,
Angela