Exploring the Wonders of Costa Rica: A Family Adventure
Welcome to our Costa Rican adventure! Join us as we embark on a journey filled with stunning landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and unforgettable experiences. From the bustling streets of San Jose to the tranquil beaches of Manuel Antonio, every moment in this tropical paradise was filled with excitement and wonder.
Day 1: San Jose to Manuel Antonio
Our journey began with a smooth ride from San Jose to Manuel Antonio aboard Tony Costa Rica. We can’t recommend Tony enough to anyone who needs a private driver who is a native and well-versed in all things adventure. He was even kind enough to go buy a $25 used car seat for us so we would not have to travel with our son’s car seat. With its comfortable seating and accommodating service, Tony Costa Rica made our travel experience truly enjoyable.
We stayed near the airport upon arrival because we got in pretty late. We were pleasantly surprised by the delicious breakfast spread at Hampton (San Jose airport location), featuring local delicacies like rice and beans, as well as an array of fresh fruits and jellies.
As we made our way to Manuel Antonio, we couldn't resist a detour to Caldera, where we were greeted by playful monkeys amidst lush greenery—a promising start to our Costa Rican adventure. This was also thanks to Tony! Otherwise, we would have never known to stop by.
Day 2: Manuel Antonio Beach, Hotel San Bada
Waking up to the symphony of monkeys right outside our hotel balcony and door, we knew we were in for a day filled with excitement. Our home base at Manuel Antonio Beach Hotel San Bada offered not only a comfortable stay but also convenient access to the pristine beaches and vibrant wildlife of the area.
The breakfast buffet at the hotel was delicious, offering an array of options to suit every palate. With our energy replenished, we set out to explore the breathtaking beauty of Manuel Antonio Beach, with its striking rock formations and beautiful scenery.
A relaxing afternoon spent lounging on the beach chairs was the perfect way to unwind. We decided to cool off in the pool, where we were greeted by friendly lizards and mischievous monkeys in the surrounding foliage. Costa Rica is very humid but it was somehow much more tolerable for us than the humid and heat we experience in our city (Louiville, KY). We enjoyed the warmth every moment of every day!
Back at the hotel, we indulged in some poolside refreshments, savoring tropical drinks and mouthwatering burgers while soaking in the laid-back atmosphere.
Day 3: Adventures Await
Eager to immerse ourselves further in the wonders of Costa Rica, we seized the opportunity to join a guided tour, eager to see what treasures are tucked away in this tropical paradise. We did not book the tour in advance which ended up working out because we made friends with a tour guide outside of the hotel who asked if we wanted to go on a guided tour. As we went along, our guide would use a professional-grade telescope to show us different animals in the forest in their natural habitats such as sloths. He guided us through the forest and we hiked all the way to the beach where everyone took a hiking break and were able to hike back on our own at our own pace.
Day 4: Delightful Discoveries
Our culinary adventures led us to Dolce Uvita, where we learned that patience truly is a virtue, but first, we stopped in Dominical for a bite to eat and some coffee. Fuego Brew Co. was a col tree-house-like restaurant and brewery with a shipping container coffee shop on the way out.
Back to Dolce Vita! Owned by a husband and wife who are from Italy but have lived in Costa Rica now for many years, this small resort was such a gem. The best parts are that there is a pool, a soda (or small locally owned restaurant) on the property, and the owners own an Italian restaurant which is located right next to the rooms building and of course, we booked a dinner reservation with them and enjoyed the best homemade Italian food we had ever experienced. With their delectable tiramisu requiring three days' notice due to their homemade mascarpone cheese, we eagerly anticipated our sweet indulgence. I hope we have the chance to return to Costa Rica soon just to go back and visit Dulce Uvita and our now friends, Ferdinando and Annasilvia.
While in Uvita, we visited the famous “whale tale” beach. It was so neat to see how fast and far the tide went first thing in the morning. In order to access the Uvita Beach (the whale tale part) you can only be there certain hours of the day because once the tide comes back up, it disappears.
Exploring Uvita was so much fun. We walked everywhere and had lots of local snacks and sweet treats. Everyone was very kind.
Additional Insights:
Throughout our journey, we discovered fascinating tidbits about Costa Rica, from its role as a backdrop for iconic movies to the unique charms of each season.
For those planning their own Costa Rican escapade, we highly recommend booking directly with Hotel San Bada to enjoy savings and exclusive perks. And if you're craving a more intimate coastal retreat, consider exploring the hidden gem of Dominical—a clean, walkable paradise offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Our Costa Rican adventure may have come to an end, but the memories we've made will last a lifetime. From the captivating wildlife to the breathtaking landscapes, this journey has truly been a feast for the senses. Until next time, pura vida!