We spent two weeks in Costa Rica to kick off 2022 and it was the proper option to begin the brand new yr with relaxation and rest. So lots of you’ve got journeys deliberate there already or are enthusiastic about it, so I wished to share all that we did!
COSTA RICA TRAVEL GUIDE
17 years in the past, once I was a senior in highschool, we took a household trip to Costa Rica. My dad labored with somebody who retired down there and owned a restaurant/resort so we made a cease at his place. He was concerned in some property administration and the following factor we knew we have been driving up a rocky mountain taking a look at an empty plot of land that ignored the pacific ocean.
The solar simply occurred to be setting and the breathtaking view reeled my dad proper in. He’s a really frugal individual and at all times very financially accountable together with his cash, so it was little bit of a shock to all of us that he was contemplating shopping for property abroad we’d solely been to as soon as. However he was retiring quickly and all of it simply sort of fell into place.
Our residence was completed two years later and it’s develop into the proper little oasis for all of us. My dad and mom escape their chilly NY winters and spend January – March there and the remainder of us attempt to make it down each likelihood we get.
LOCATION
Our house is in Potrero which is a bit over an hour drive from the Liberia airport. The opposite airport is within the capital, San Jose, and is about 5 hours from our home. It’s on the Pacific Coast and is tucked away up within the mountains with essentially the most superb views! We named it Casa Linda Vista which suggests home with the attractive view ? Though it’s not inside strolling distance of the seashore, there are a lot of close by. It’s a few 6 minute rocky drive up the mountain and with a pool and the views, some days you don’t even must go anyplace. You clearly should drive anyplace you wish to go which doesn’t look like a trouble for us as a result of it’s simply what we’re used to.
There are trails you’ll be able to hike round our residence and you can even stroll all the best way up the mountain which may be very steep and can have you out of breath very quickly. However the views are spectacular!
This information is related to this space in Costa Rica. There are such a lot of stunning components of the nation to discover however that is what we’re most conversant in!
RENTAL INFO
We’ve saved the leases to a minimal over time simply to assist protect the property because it’s tougher to take care of residing so far-off. We’re often renting it out to household and mates but additionally have it up on VRBO. We now have a caretaker, Daniel, who lives there full time and helps preserve the property and offers with any points that happen. This was our first time assembly him as our earlier caretaker ended up going again to his household in Nicaragua which was unhappy for all of us , as he had develop into like household after being with us for thus lengthy. However Daniel has been an incredible substitute and we’re so fortunate to have him! His english isn’t nice, but it surely’s enjoyable studying spanish from him (and educating him english!) and getting a locals enter on all of the lesser identified issues to do!
Click on the hyperlink beneath in the event you’re fascinated about our property!
STAY AT CASA LINDA VISTA
You probably have any questions concerning the property don’t hesitate to succeed in out!
BEACHES
Playa Potrero – this is among the seashores closest to our residence but it surely’s not our favourite for a seashore day. We prefer to drive down for morning walks on this seashore after which seize breakfast someplace!
Playa Prieta – this stunning seashore is accessible a few 1/4 mile from the underside of our hill. It’s small, often quiet and beautiful! Low waves and bushes for shade. No public restrooms or meals obtainable. Generally there’s a native promoting just a few random snacks.
Playa Danta – this seashore is positioned inside Las Catalinas which is a should go to and I’ll get to later, but it surely’s stunning! Being by a seashore city, there are just a few eating places, restrooms, outlets, and a spot to hire a surf board, boogie board, kayaks and many others. Eat at Limonada proper on the seashore – nice meals and ambiance!
Playa Flamingo – that is the following city over from Potrero and is at all times a enjoyable seashore to go to. The waves can get kinda large right here so you probably have kiddos be conscious of that. However there’s nonetheless loads of sand to play on. It could actually additionally get a bit busier than different seashores as a result of Margaritaville Resort is true throughout the road.
Sugar Seashore – this smaller and quieter seashore is tucked between prieta and las catalinas – in the event you’re in search of someplace extra non-public, that is the place to go!
Playa Avellenas – one in all my favorites! It’s a little bit of a drive (an hour) but it surely’s value it to make a complete day of it! They’ve an incredible restaurant there referred to as Lola’s which is true on the seashore. Nice waves for newbie surfers and many space to stroll and discover.
Tamarindo Seashore – we at all times do a day journey right here (it’s about 45 minutes from our home) and that is the place we often surf. In order for you classes that is the place to do it! A lot of cute outlets and eating places on this seashore city!
RESTAURANTS
Las Brisas – that is proper in Potrero on the seashore and it’s develop into our custom to cease right here earlier than heading as much as the home on our first day for one in all their big frozen margaritas. Meals is okay, they swap the cooks and a few days are higher than others ? I had nice mahi tacos there on our first day, however not so nice coconut shrimp on one other. Children can play on the seashore which is at all times a success.
The Shack – one in all our fav breakfast spots in Potrero. Typical Costa Rican meals that by no means disappoints – they’re open for lunch and dinner too and have reside music some nights!
Nita Espresso – this place is new and may be very stylish and hip. The biggest menu of lattes and coffees closest to us. I had excessive expectations but it surely wasn’t my favourite. Not dangerous, simply not nice.
Carpe Diem – SO GOOD. Nice for breakfast or lunch they’ve essentially the most scrumptious sammies and smoothies.
Sol y Mar – a really typical costa rican restaurant – an ideal place to get complete pink snapper!
Gelato – proper subsequent to sol y mar, our fav spot whenever you’re craving one thing candy!
A’lo Nico – went right here for the primary time on this journey and it didn’t disappoint! We went for breakfast however they’ve lunch too. Nice typical breakfast – even have yummy crepes and pancakes for the kiddos. Delish smoothies!
Patagonia – an ideal ambiance for kiddos – they’ve bean luggage, cornhole and swings. Menu is a bit totally different than typical eating places – you will get pasta, sushi, asian delicacies – it’s proper throughout the road from the seashore.
Coco Loco – a should attempt! Proper on Flamingo Seashore you’ll catch essentially the most stunning sunsets. Meals is superb and so they have enjoyable drinks/meals in coconuts.
Finca Las Garzas – one in all my favourite meals we had. It is a household owned farm which has some enjoyable actions you are able to do I’ll point out later, however all the things they make is recent proper from their farm. You may’t get extra genuine costa rican delicacies than this!
Lola’s – one other fav – that is at Playa Avellenas and has recent, natural scrumptious meals. Nice ambiance on the seashore with enjoyable chairs to sit down in. They often have their pet pig, Lolita, there to play with however after we have been there they needed to maintain her residence attributable to some threats from a neighborhood competitor. Hopefully she’ll be again quickly!
Limonada – enjoyable restaurant at Las Catalinas proper on the seashore. Great place to seize lunch in the event you come right here for a seashore day!
The Inexperienced Papaya – in Tamarindo, it’s off the primary street and has swings you’ll be able to sit in! Tremendous yummy meals – the tacos are delish!
The Seashore Home – proper on playa potrero – they’ve actually good bowls!
THINGS TO DO
Congo Path Zipline – there are tons of ziplines all through the nation however this one is closest to our home and is at all times enjoyable! 10 strains whole and really child pleasant! The information will go together with your kiddo, which ours did at first, till they felt courageous sufficient to go on their very own. Additionally they have a bit zoo space you’ll be able to pay $5 to see monkeys, iguanas, snakes, goats, turtles and extra – def value it!
Diamante Journey Park – we didn’t go right here this journey however I went the final time I got here. They’ve a zipline, restaurant, animal sanctuary and playgrounds for the youngsters. In the event you’re a thrill seeker, this zipline is for you. I nonetheless can’t consider I did it. You are able to do the common, decrease ziplines however they’ve a superman zipline that’s nearly a mile lengthy and overlooks the seashore. It’s terrifying ha. However was additionally very exhilarating.
Ponderosa Journey Park – our first time right here this journey and was so cool! You are taking a wagon experience which is about 1.5 hours and might feed the zebras, giraffes, ostrich and cattle. All of them come proper as much as you and eat out of your arms – such a enjoyable expertise for everybody! Additionally they have a waterfall, zipline and restaurant. We simply did the safari tour.
Tamarindo – as talked about above it’s a seashore city about 45 minutes from our home. It’s a preferred spot to remain and is way busier than the place our home is. Tons of eating places and outlets to discover. An awesome spot to get browsing classes or simply hire a board. Large seashore and much to do!
Rincon – this can be a close by volcanic space about 1.5 hours from our home. It’s an ideal place to do an journey for the day. Our favourite is one that features, horse again using, mud bathtub, sizzling springs and the craziest water slide! It’s tremendous enjoyable. They’ve plenty of totally different packages that additionally embrace zip lining, white water rafting, and climbing.
Las Catalinas – the CUTEST space. It’s a bit seashore city 10-Quarter-hour from our home and has very mediterranean vibes. The buildings and structure are all so so stunning. You may stroll by means of the city after which go to the seashore and have lunch at Limonada.
Finca Las Garzas – a household farm off the overwhelmed path. They don’t do loads of selling or advertising and marketing as a result of they wish to keep non-public. You may come right here and play with the livestock, go horse again using, go for an ox cart experience and eat at their restaurant. There’s no menu although ? No matter they’re cooking, you’re consuming. And all the things is FRESH proper from their farm. Probably the most literal farm to desk eating expertise the place you’ll get genuine Costa Rican delicacies.
Poza Los Cayotes – a bit hidden gem! Tucked again within the woods, it prices $2 to get in and you may discover and swim in essentially the most stunning pure swimming pools. The water is vibrant blueish inexperienced and you may hire a tube and float round. We didn’t get right here till the top of the day however it might be so enjoyable to carry lunch and spend the day swimming, consuming and climbing.
Boos Journey Fishing – we’ve gone fishing with Christian just a few instances and he at all times gives an incredible expertise. It’s non-public fish constitution and it value $500 for five hours. We wakened early and went from 6 am – 11 am. They solid out the strains and when there’s a fish on you higher be prepared! They strap a leather-based belt round your waist that has a holster for the pole and helps you reel within the fish. Generally you get fortunate and generally you don’t however we appear to at all times catch one thing! We caught a sailfish which is tremendous uncommon and are protected by the Costa Rican authorities so we needed to throw it again. We additionally caught a yellow fin tuna which they minimize up for us proper on the boat sashimi type with wasabi and soy sauce and it was SO GOOD. They provide the remainder of no matter you catch to take residence and cook dinner up too! It’s an extended morning however they supply all of the drinks (water, juice, beer) in addition to an enormous platter of recent fruit after which some chips and dip afterward. 10/10 advocate!
Arenal Volcano – you probably have extra time and are up for an extended journey, that is Costa Rica’s finest identified volcano! It’s round 3.5 hours from our home. You’ll expertise the rain forest aspect of Costa Rica and might go for hikes by means of the mountains.
A enjoyable place to remain close by is Tabacon Resort.
COVID PROTOCOL
At the moment Costa Rica doesn’t require something to get into their nation moreover Covid vacationers insurance coverage. We bought ours from HERE and it was about $15 an individual. Value varies relying on how lengthy your keep is and it’s not required for teenagers.
To return to the US you want a destructive COVID take a look at 24 hrs earlier than you permit. We introduced our personal and examined the day earlier than after which simply confirmed the outcomes on the airport. Additionally they have a testing website proper on the airport however I’d be ready and do it earlier than you get there.
Masks are required in most locations indoors and have been additionally required at Ponderosa Park. We spent a lot time outdoors we hardly wanted to put on them.
GETTING AROUND
The place our home is, you need to hire a automotive to get round. We rented one from Adobe automotive rental that was a few mile from the airport and so they got here and picked us up in a van after we landed. Every little thing went easily! We even left the stroller there and didn’t notice it till nearly every week later. They held onto it for us and we bought it again after we dropped my brother off on the airport.
Among the full day excursions will come decide you up on the home or a close-by resort.
The roads have come a LONG method since we first began visiting. However there are nonetheless fairly just a few that aren’t absolutely paved and you’re feeling like your tire goes to blow with each bump you hit. Nevertheless it’s all part of the expertise and at all times makes for a memorable journey – 4 wheel drive isn’t a nasty thought ?
This nation continues to carry a particular place in our hearts and at all times gives the proper escape from our busy lives. Their carefree pura vida way of life reminds us to benefit from the easy issues in life and respect all we’ve got. Costa Ricans are among the friendliest and happiest individuals on the earth and it’s obvious each time we go to. It’s by no means straightforward to depart!
We’re so grateful for this residence away from residence we’ve got and 100% advocate a while away in Costa Rica!
