Travel Talk

I spent the last week of March traveling around Costa Rica and I loved it! Everything about it, the food, the sun, the beach, the mojitos, the people, the animals... everything! Here's an overview of cities to visit and what to do there:

San Jose

I'm glad I was able to see the country's capital but if you're going to Costa Rica to visit rainforests, see exotic animals, etc. you don't need to spend much time here. However I did love the hotel where I spent 3 nights- The Marriott Hotel San Jose

With an infinity pool with a fabulous theater-style tanning area plus 2 great restaurants you really don't have to go into the city of San Jose, but I recommend you get out and try the eclectic Bakea.

Bakea- this fabulously modern restaurant exists in an old (1934) family owned home. Chef Camille Ratton dishes up beautiful unique dishes. The meal ended with bite-size fruit flavored breads for each patron.

Our first day tour: Ecoscape Nature Tour which included visits to Poas Volcano,La Paz waterfall, a hummingbird gallery, lunch at Selva Verde lodge, walks through the rainforst followed by a boat ride down the Sarapiqui River.

Second day trip: The four of us (my mom, dad, sister and I) drove down to Jaco beach where my dad and I learned how to surf! We took an official surfing lesson- both us of were able to stand withing 30 min. Apparently Jaco is a great place for beginning surfers.
By the third day we were on our way to visit the Arenal Volcano and stay at the Lost Iguana Resort. During the day we took 3 hour tour through the rainforest where we saw a lot of monkeys and exotic birds. The tour was followed by happy hour at the hotel's swim-up bar! We had dinner at the famous Tabaco Hot Springs. It was a little difficult navigating your way around the rocky hot springs in the dark but I'm glad we at least visited the soothing waters.

The next day we took a 3 hour drive, mostly on dirt roads, to Monte Verde, located in Costa Rica's Cloud Forest! Luckily we saw the much sought-after tropical bird, Quetzal.