Costa Rica

A wildlife wonderland…….

Costa Rica is a nature-lovers paradise with lush green rainforests and incredible wildlife. It’s the perfect destination if you’re looking for adventure….

We went for two weeks over Christmas and loved every minute of it. I would recommend hiring a 4×4 and driving yourself. The roads are generally pretty good and the scenic drives are too good to miss. This is a brilliant destination for both younger children and teenagers too. The ages in our party ranged from 3 to 13 and there was something for all of them. There is so much to talk about I’ve tried to simplify it with a top ten ‘highlights’ below – but this list could be so much longer!

Hotel-wise there were some hits and misses but the two that I would highly recommend are Hotel Pumilio – a boutique hotel set up in the mountains but just a few miles from the beach and Clandestino Beach Resort – on a unique and wild 14km long beach not far from Manuel Antonio National Park.

If you’re thinking of taking a trip and want any more information get in touch……..

The natural pool at Pumilio and wild beach at Clandestino

Top Ten Costa Rica Highlights

Arenal Volcano – Active until quite recently we had some great hikes around the volcano and on the ‘Lava Rocks Trail’ we saw incredible birds and monkeys.
Thermal pools in La Fortuna – kept adults relaxed and children amused for hours!
The spectacular drive around Lake Arenal and up into the mountains at Monteverde (you’ll want to take lots of photos)
Monteverde – this beautiful cloud forest reserve is a must. Canopy walks through the tree-tops and the most spectacular zip-wiring I’ve ever experienced (young kids can do it too as they put them together with a guide).
Sarapiqui River – one of the most bio-diverse areas in Costa Rica and where we saw the most sloths! Perfect for thrill seekers with the best white water rafting and tubing.
Horse-riding – Discovery Horseback Tours are run by an English couple who have the most beautiful horses and who were brilliant with the kids.
Surfing lessons and body boarding along any of the big coastal resorts.
Sunset drinks at Hotel Villa Caletas – a beautiful hotel to stay at but also prefect to visit for drinks with their stunning views.
La Paz Waterfall and Peace Lodge Gardens – a wonderful place for kids with over 100 species of animals and a fantastic walkable waterfall trail.
Santa Teresa – beautiful beaches and sundowners in Banana Beach Restaurant.