Costa Rica

We arrived at the San Jose International Airport in Costa Rica, excited to start our adventure. After landing, we picked up our rental car from a local company called Paradise Car Rental. They picked us up right at the airport and drove us to their nearby office, where they welcomed us with friendly smiles and shared so many helpful tips about driving in Costa Rica, local customs, and hidden gems to explore. We highly recommend renting with them, not only was the service excellent, but supporting a local business felt great, and they truly embodied the spirit of “Pura Vida.”

From there, we drove about an hour and a half to catch a ferry that would take us to our first destination for the night, an Airbnb near Playa Naranjo in the Guanacaste province. The property was beautiful, perched on a hillside with an amazing view of the water. The owner greeted us warmly with her adorable dog, which made us feel right at home. Once again, we got a glimpse of how welcoming and kind the Ticos (Costa Ricans) are.

That evening, we wound down at the rental, enjoying a casual meal we picked up from a nearby restaurant while taking in the peaceful surroundings. It was the perfect start to our Costa Rica journey.

We started the day early to make our way to our next destination: Sámara. On the way, we made a quick stop at Playa Naranjo to take in the peaceful morning beach views before continuing our drive through the Costa Rican countryside.

It’s essential to rent a 4x4 vehicle when exploring this part of Costa Rica. Much of the journey was on dirt roads in pretty rough shape, and at times we even had to cross shallow rivers. It felt like a real adventure, and our little Suzuki Jimny was the perfect car for the job, sturdy, reliable, and surprisingly fun to drive on those bumpy roads.

We reached Sámara by late afternoon. This charming, laid-back beach town on the Nicoya Peninsula is known for its wide crescent-shaped bay, calm waters, and welcoming vibe that makes it a favorite among both locals and travelers. Sámara has a small-town feel with friendly people, cozy cafés, and plenty of opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and just relaxing on the sand.

For our stay, we booked a room right on the beach at Hotel Casa Valeria. The hotel’s beachfront location made it easy to unwind after the drive—stepping out of our room right onto the sand was the perfect way to kick off our time in Sámara.

We woke up early and had the included breakfast at the little restaurant next door to our hotel, which was a nice and easy way to start the day. After packing up, we began our drive toward our next destination: Tamarindo.

On the way, we made a stop at Nicoya, a lively surf town with a relaxed, bohemian vibe. The streets were lined with small shops, surf schools, and casual cafés filled with both locals and travelers. The laid-back energy of the town was contagious, life here revolves around the ocean and surfing. We grabbed lunch at a local spot and spent some time just watching the surfers ride the waves before continuing on our journey.

By late afternoon, we arrived in Tamarindo and checked in at Hotel La Palapa, which is located right on the beach. After settling in, we took a long walk along the shoreline and were treated to one of Tamarindo’s famously beautiful sunsets. The sky lit up with shades of orange and pink, making for the perfect way to end the day.

We woke up and decided to take a short drive to a nearby town called Las Catalinas. This is a newer, thoughtfully planned seaside town that feels like a Mediterranean village. The cobblestone streets are lined with pastel-colored buildings, charming cafés, boutique shops, and beautifully landscaped plazas. It has an upscale yet relaxed vibe, perfect for a peaceful escape.

Here we discovered what turned out to be the most beautiful beach of our entire trip. The water was crystal clear, the waves were playful but gentle, and the surrounding hills made for a truly stunning backdrop. We had a delicious lunch at Celeste Restaurant, right by the beach, and then spent the afternoon swimming, playing in the waves, and soaking up the sunshine.

In the late afternoon, we drove back to our hotel in Tamarindo. After freshening up, we headed out to experience Tamarindo’s nightlife. The town comes alive after dark with a mix of lively bars, open-air restaurants, beachside lounges, and street vendors selling food and crafts. There was live music drifting from several spots, and the energy was fun and welcoming. We enjoyed walking through the bustling streets, grabbing a drink, and soaking in the laid-back party vibe. It was the perfect way to wrap up the day.

We woke up early and made our way to the Arenal area, famous for its iconic volcano. The drive was beautiful, winding through lush countryside, small villages, and tropical landscapes that made us feel like we were truly entering the heart of Costa Rica.

Once in the area, we visited Arenal Volcano National Park for a hike. The park is filled with dense rainforest, lava fields from past eruptions, and well-marked trails that let you get up close to the volcano’s base. We spotted lots of wildlife along the way, including tropical birds, butterflies, and monkeys swinging through the trees. There were also several waterfalls hidden along the trails, perfect spots to pause, take photos, and enjoy the natural beauty.

In the late afternoon, we checked in at Tabacón Thermal Resort, which we had reserved in advance as a special treat. The resort is a luxurious retreat set amid tropical gardens at the base of the volcano. Its natural hot springs run through the property, offering multiple pools, waterfalls, and serene spots to relax. The lush surroundings, beautiful architecture, and soothing thermal waters made it feel like a magical escape from everyday life.

We ended the day with a relaxing dinner at the resort’s restaurant, enjoying delicious local and international dishes while soaking in the serene atmosphere. It was the perfect way to unwind after a day full of hiking and exploration.

We spent the whole day enjoying everything Tabacón Thermal Resort has to offer. The resort is a luxurious oasis set amid lush tropical gardens at the base of Arenal Volcano. Its natural hot springs run through the property, creating multiple thermal pools of varying temperatures. Some pools are shallow and perfect for lounging, while others are deeper for a more immersive soak. There are waterfalls, flowing streams, and even small rivers of warm water that make it feel like a private paradise.

We especially loved the adults-only area, which offered a quieter and more serene environment, perfect for relaxing and reading by the pools. The resort also has several restaurants and bars, and we enjoyed delicious meals and refreshing drinks throughout the day. The beautifully landscaped gardens, winding paths, and the soothing sounds of nature made it easy to forget the outside world and fully embrace the Pura Vida lifestyle.

This was the last day of our trip. The next morning, we drove back to San José to catch our flight home, ending an unforgettable Costa Rica adventure filled with nature, relaxation, and incredible experiences.