Following Our Client’s Footsteps: Why Costa Rica Is a Trip You Will Never Forget

By Silvanna Pacheco, June 29th, 2026

There is a specific magic that happens the moment you step off the plane in Costa Rica. It is a feeling that stays with you long after you have returned home, packed away your muddy hiking boots, and brushed the remaining sand from your pockets.

One of our recent clients, Julio, shared his family’s experience after returning from a custom-made journey through the country’s most iconic landscapes: Arenal, Monteverde, and Manuel Antonio. Even with a few rainy days, their takeaway was clear: it was an unforgettable family adventure. Connect with our travel specialists to start planning your trip to Costa Rica.

Here is a look at how Costa Rica captures the heart, inspired by their incredible journey:

High Adrenaline in Arenal
The adventure truly kicks off as you head north toward La Fortuna, where the Arenal Volcano dominates the skyline. For Julio’s family, the adventure started exploring ancient, solidified lava flows from the historic 1968 eruption, walking through landscapes completely reshaped by intense geological forces. But the real highlights came from fully embracing the elements. Seeking high-adrenaline tours, the family defied gravity by rappelling down rushing rock walls and splashing through crystal-clear canyon pools.

After a day of action, the region’s natural, mineral-rich thermal hot springs provided the perfect antidote. Staying at the Arenal Springs Resort in La Fortuna, they were surrounded by lush tropical gardens and treated to authentic Costa Rican cuisine with privileged volcano views. They even got an authentic taste of local rural traditions during a visit to La Finquita. La Finquita, is named for the small self-sufficient farms that are predominant throughout the region. A walk through the farm will show you how food goes from the field to the table.

The magic of the Monteverde Cloud Forest
There is a distinct, enchanting stillness that settles over you the moment you step into Monteverde. Monteverde can be described as a harmonious blend of mystical, eco-conscious, and adventurous, wrapped in a cozy, slow-paced mountain town atmosphere. Because it sits high in the Tilarán mountain range, the air is cool and crisp with rolling mist (known locally as “pelo de gato”) and swirling clouds that move directly through the trees. Accommodations lean toward eco-lodges and boutique hotels integrated directly into the forest. Restaurants emphasize farm-to-table dining, organic local produce, and artisan cheese from the famous local dairy cooperative.

Monteverde is a world-class biological marvel. The Monteverde region houses over 50% of Costa Rica’s total flora and fauna. For the Juarez family, discovering this unique ecosystem meant experiencing it from two entirely different perspectives: a night walk at Curi-Cancha Reserve followed by an exhilarating morning ziplining tour.

At the Curi-Cancha Reserve, visitors get an intimate connection with Monteverde’s famous biodiversity away from the larger crowds. This night tour is widely regarded as one of the best nocturnal wildlife experiences in Monteverde. As soon as the sun goes down, the cloud forest undergoes a dramatic shift, and an entirely new cast of characters wakes up. Because Reserva Curi Cancha features a mix of dense forest and open clearings, it offers incredible visibility for spotting creatures that you would completely miss during the day. Armed with flashlights, you will follow a professional naturalist guide along the quiet, pitch-black trails. The vibe is quiet, mysterious, and thrilling, as the sounds of frogs and insects fill the cool mountain air.

The next morning, the tranquility of the forest floor transformed into high-flying excitement as the family headed to Selvatura Park. Soaring high above the treetop canopy on an epic zipline tour, they experienced firsthand one of Costa Rica’s most iconic, bucket-list adventures. Speak with a Costa Rica Travel Expert today to consult on your upcoming adventure to Costa Rica.

Where the Rainforest Meets the Sea: The Magic of Manuel Antonio
Moving from the volcanic highlands and the misty cloud forests of Monteverde down to the Central Pacific coast brings you to Manuel Antonio. Here, the dense green jungle literally touches the edge of pristine white-sand beaches.

Staying at the spectacular Hotel Parador, the family experienced Costa Rica’s famous biodiversity firsthand, sometimes without even leaving their rooms:

“We absolutely loved Arenal and Manuel Antonio. Everything was beautiful, from the volcano views and hot springs at the Arenal resort to the rainforest and ocean at El Parador. We even experienced wildlife right outside our resort window!”

A guided trek through Manuel Antonio National Park offers a front-row seat to a vibrant ecosystem. With the help of an expert naturalist guide, the forest comes alive with sightings of white-faced, howler, and rare squirrel monkeys, alongside two- and three-toed sloths, iguanas, and brilliant scarlet macaws. And the ultimate reward after a jungle hike? Stepping directly onto a protected beach for a refreshing swim in the warm Pacific Ocean.

Embracing the Green Season: Why the Rain Only Adds to the Magic
A common question travelers ask is whether they should visit during the rainy season (also called the Green Season). If you ask our recent guests, the answer is a resounding yes.

While it rained heavily at times during their early June trip, it didn’t slow them down for a single moment. In fact, the rain is exactly what powers the roaring waterfalls, turns the rainforest an impossibly vibrant shade of green, and makes slipping into a volcanic hot spring feel even more heavenly. Combined with the incredible warmth of the local people and the laid-back Pura Vida lifestyle, the weather simply becomes part of an authentic tropical experience. Check out our blog with inside notes about exploring Costa Rica during the rainy season.

Our absolute favorite part of planning custom itineraries is hearing from our travelers when they return:

“Thank you for checking in. We had a wonderful time in Costa Rica! Even though it rained heavily, we still managed to make the most of it and had a great time… The people were incredibly nice, and the overall vibe was amazing. The canyoning and ziplining were next-level experiences. I will always remember this trip.” Julio Juarez

Costa Rica is waiting to surprise you!
Every itinerary we build is fully customized to match your pace, your style, and the exact experiences you are dreaming of. Let’s start planning your next visit to Costa Rica

Following Our Client’s Footsteps: Why Costa Rica Is a Trip You Will Never Forget

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