Costa Rica – Our first International Getaway with Little R – A tropical paradise where lush rainforests meet pristine beaches, offering a vibrant tapestry of biodiversity and the warm embrace of Pura Vida.
Hey everyone! 🌴 If you’re looking for a family-friendly destination with lush landscapes, incredible wildlife, and stunning beaches, Costa Rica might just be your dream spot! I recently embarked on a wonderful adventure with my husband, Sandy, and our curious 3-year-old, whom I lovingly call “Little R.” Here’s a sneak peek into our amazing vacation.
Nauyaca Waterfalls – Upper Falls
Why Costa Rica?
When we decided on an international getaway, the Caribbean countries topped our list. We eventually chose Costa Rica, a paradise filled with tropical rainforests, volcanoes, and waterfalls, offering rich biodiversity. As Indian passport holders with valid H1B stamping, traveling to Costa Rica was hassle-free. For Indians with a valid US visa (like the H1B), there’s no need to apply for a separate Costa Rican visa for stays up to 90 days. This made planning our trip so much easier! Please find the visa requirements for Indian Passports here
Our Arrival in San Jose:
We flew from Orlando to San Jose, Costa Rica, on a short three-hour flight. The best decision we made was hiring a vehicle with a driver from Roberth Tours, thanks to a friend’s recommendation. It was a relief as Sandy could relax, and Little R got to spend quality time with us.
Upon landing in San Jose at around 7 PM, Roberth greeted us warmly at the airport. The first thing we did – We satisfied our hunger at Naan & Curries, an Indian restaurant in San Jose that surprisingly exceeded our expectations compared to Indian restaurants back home! We made our way to Manuel Antonio, reaching around 10 PM due to an unexpected accident on the way.
Settling in at Manuel Antonio
If you’re dreaming of a place where lush jungles meet stunning beaches, look no further than Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica. This vibrant town on the Pacific coast is the ultimate blend of natural beauty and chill vibes, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Manuel Antonio is famous for its incredible national park, a little slice of paradise packed with dense rainforests and jaw-dropping views. Whether you’re hiking through the jungle or spotting sloths and monkeys in the trees, the park is a dream come true for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts alike.
The beaches here are nothing short of spectacular, with their crystal-clear waters and powdery white sands. Whether you’re lounging under the sun, taking a dip in the ocean, or trying your hand at snorkeling and kayaking, the beaches in Manuel Antonio offer the perfect setting for a day of fun in the sun.
Beyond the natural wonders, the town of Manuel Antonio is all about warm welcomes and vibrant culture. The streets are filled with charming shops and colorful markets, and there are plenty of places to grab a bite and enjoy some authentic Costa Rican flavors. From casual sodas to seaside seafood spots, the food scene here is sure to please every palate.
One of the best things about Manuel Antonio is its commitment to sustainability and eco-tourism. Both the town and the national park are dedicated to preserving the incredible natural beauty and biodiversity of the area.
Our cozy nest for this trip was Hotel Playa Espadilla Gardens. Normally, we’re Airbnb enthusiasts, but for our first international trip, the hotel felt right. Besides, the included breakfast made my mornings blissfully easy!
Hotel Magic Mountain & Costa Rican Breakfast
Day 1: Exploring Manuel Antonio National Park
Costa Rica is two hours behind our usual time zone, so we were up bright and early by 6:30 AM. The hotel’s breakfast was delightful, featuring Gallo Pinto (a savory mix of rice and beans), fried plantains, and fresh tropical fruits like papaya and guava. Little R loved their fresh fruits and juices
Costa Rican cuisine is an experience. Gallo Pinto is the national dish and a staple for breakfast. It’s a delicious mix of rice and beans, often served with eggs, cheese, or sour cream. The fried plantains are sweet and crispy, and they pair perfectly with the rest of the meal.
Colored Grasshopper & Chameleon
I can’t rave enough about Costa Rican coffee; it’s a must-try! Every meal was accompanied by a cup of rich, aromatic coffee, often enjoyed at a Soda, which is a local, casual diner serving traditional dishes at affordable prices.
Sodas are small, family-run diners that offer authentic Costa Rican dishes at great prices. They’re perfect for trying local favorites like Casados, a traditional plate with rice, beans, salad, plantains, and your choice of meat or fish. Don’t miss out on the fresh tropical fruits available everywhere – papayas, guavas, and rambutan were some of our favorites!
Our first big adventure was a guided tour of Manuel Antonio National Park. With its lush rainforests and diverse wildlife, this park is a slice of paradise. Even though we visited during the Green Season, the occasional sun showers didn’t dampen our spirits. Living in Florida has made us quite accustomed to these brief rain interludes, which often provided a refreshing break from the heat. We booked a knowledgeable guide through Get Your Guide to ensure we didn’t miss a thing.
Little R had a blast spotting various creatures through a telescope, including:
- Sloths: Those adorable, slow-moving creatures lounging in the treetops.
- Monkeys: White-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, and squirrel monkeys entertained us with their playful antics.
- Insects and Reptiles: We saw colorful grasshoppers, a natural insect repellent plant, and even a chameleon.
The lush rainforest was breathtakingly beautiful, and words can hardly capture its splendor. The photos we took, while stunning, don’t fully convey the vibrant greenery and serenity we experienced.
Booking Tips
- Park Entrance Tickets: Remember to book your tickets in advance through the SNIAC website, as they aren’t available for purchase at the park entrance.
- Essentials: Bring a reusable water bottle since the park promotes sustainability and has drinkable water from the pipes. Bottled water is pricey here.
- Snacks: Note that snacks aren’t allowed inside the park, but there’s a café offering fresh fruits, snacks, and coffee.
White Faced Monkey & Butterflies at MP
Our guided tour concluded at the stunning Manuel Antonio Beach, one of the best beaches in the world. We spent the rest of the day splashing in the crystal-clear waters and playing on the soft sand. Little R couldn’t get enough of the beach, and it was the perfect way to unwind after our adventure-filled day.
We dined at EL Avion Restaurant; a unique establishment designed around an old airplane. We also sought out a special place to celebrate Sandy Daddy’s birthday. Little R had a great time exploring the restaurant and pretending to fly in the cockpit. The restaurant offers a must-try experience with a blend of authentic Costa Rican dishes and international cuisine. Little R especially loved their chicken nuggets with French fries and an ice cream stick for dessert.
Playa Manuel Antonio
Day 2: Discovering Nauyaca Waterfalls
Day two took us to the stunning Nauyaca Waterfalls, about an hour and 45 minutes from Manuel Antonio. Nauyaca Waterfalls, nestled in the lush rainforests of Costa Rica near Dominical, offer a breathtaking natural spectacle. These cascades are renowned for their beauty and serene surroundings, making them a popular destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
The Nauyaca Waterfalls are characterized by their two-tiered drop, with the upper falls plunging about 45 meters (148 feet) and the lower falls cascading down another 20 meters (66 feet). The turquoise pools at the base of each cascade invite visitors to swim and relax in crystal-clear waters surrounded by verdant vegetation.
Nauyaca Upper Falls
Visitors can enjoy various activities at Nauyaca Waterfalls, including hiking, swimming, and photography. The trails leading to the falls wind through the tropical jungle, offering glimpses of local flora and fauna along the way. The hike itself is an adventure, with opportunities to spot monkeys, birds, and other wildlife native to the region.
We opted for a 4×4 tour, perfect for avoiding the strenuous hike with Little R in tow. I recommend booking the tour online ahead of time, especially during the busy season. The tours can be booked online in their website here.
The falls, with their upper and lower sections, were nothing short of spectacular. Little R was ecstatic, and I was glad he managed the steps like a champ. We spent about an hour enjoying the views before heading back when it started to drizzle.
The drive to the falls from Manuel Antonio was scenic, with vendors selling fresh local fruits like rambutan and guava along the way. We stocked up and snacked on these treats throughout the day. On our way back, we stopped at Dominical Beach for souvenirs and had lunch at a local soda restaurant, indulging in Casados, a traditional dish featuring rice, beans, salad, plantains, and your choice of meat. It’s a hearty meal that filled us right up! Costa Rican cuisine needs an elaborate post.
Evening Adventure at Playa Beisanz: A Perfect Finish After Nauyaca Waterfalls
After enjoying the breathtaking Nauyaca Waterfalls, we spent a delightful evening at Playa Beisanz. Playa Beisanz is characterized by its soft, golden sands and clear, turquoise waters. Surrounded by lush greenery and swaying palm trees, the beach provides a postcard-perfect backdrop for relaxation and recreation. Even on rainy days, Playa Beisanz retains its charm. When the skies opened up during our visit, Little R and Sandy Daddy embraced the downpour, turning it into an unforgettable beach adventure. They splashed in puddles, built sandcastles under the rain, and reveled in the joy of nature’s spontaneous play. There are quaint cafes and shops offering local cuisine and handicrafts around the beach.
Nauyaca Lower Falls
In Manuel Antonio, another must-try activity is a boat tour to Damas Island through the stunning Mangrove Forests. This four-hour adventure offers an immersive experience into the unique mangrove ecosystems and wildlife that thrive in the area. Numerous tour operators provide this excursion, often featuring catamaran trips that add a touch of luxury to the journey.
For those seeking more adventure, Manuel Antonio is also renowned for whale watching, snorkeling, and kayaking. While we didn’t partake in these activities due to Little R’s age, they are highly recommended for visitors looking to explore the marine life and vibrant waters of this beautiful region.
Playa Beisanz
In Manuel Antonio, a popular activity is the night tour through the tropical forest, which offers a unique opportunity to experience the nocturnal wildlife and the magical ambiance of the rainforest after dark. Unfortunately, we had to skip this adventure as it rained heavily during the evenings of our stay. Despite the weather, we were told that these tours are an incredible way to witness the forest come alive with creatures and sounds that are hidden during the day.
Day 3: Heading to Monteverde
On our third day, we bid farewell to Manuel Antonio and set off for Monteverde. We paused at the Rio Tarcoles Bridge to watch the crocodiles and at Jaco Viewpoint to catch a glimpse of the macaws. Little R was thrilled to spot these colorful birds, especially when he saw them nesting near a local supermarket.
Heavy rains due to a hurricane in the Caribbean delayed our journey, but we finally reached Monteverde in the evening, ready for the next chapter of our adventure.
And that wraps up our first three days in Costa Rica! Stay tuned for more stories and tips from our amazing trip. Until next time, keep dreaming and exploring!
If you want to read more about our Costa Rican adventures, check out our experiences in Monteverde and La Fortuna.
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Thanks,
Karthi
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