How to Plan a Trip to Costa Rica
Where to Stay
Since this was our first time to Costa Rica, we decided to stay in a resort versus an Air BNB. I wasn’t familiar with the lay of the land, and to be quite honest, going to a new country can be a bit overwhelming for me, so I felt staying somewhere that offered a lot of amenities was best. We stayed at the Westin Playa Conchal, and it is a great place for families with large pools, easy beach access, multiple restaurants, and very friendly staff. Knowing what I know now about the country, my next trip to Costa Rica will most definitely entail a beach front Air BNB. I did love the Playa Conchal beachfront, but also would consider staying at Flamingo Beach as well.
Meeting Locals
Since we were in a resort and weren’t initially familiar with the area, it took us a couple of days to really get out and start exploring. We met a couple one day at the pool who told us about a guy named Erik G. and let me tell you…HE CHANGED OUR TRIP! We searched him on Trip Advisor and the reviews were countless. He is a local of Costa Rica, he wears a blue shirt that has Google and Trip Advisor logos on it, and a hat with his name “Erik” and he is so knowledgeable of the area. We booked three excursions through him, even a night out to a fancy dinner and all were exceptional. We have become friends and will stay connected until the next trip for sure!
Where to Eat
Costa Rica has so much to offer as far as the flavors of their culture, but I definitely have a couple of favorites!
My favorite restaurant hands down was Sentido Norte at Casa Chameleon. It had amazing food (ceviche for sure!), and absolutely the best view for the sunset. Reservations are necessary and totally worth it. Everything from the specialty cocktails, to the starter plates, to the main entrees were divine. It has an infinity pool (for the guests of the grounds), and an open concept bar and restaurant, so no matter where you sit, you will be amazed.
The other restaurant I really enjoyed was Patagonia del Mar. It’s down the road from the Westin resort, and it was really nice, but a little more casual. It’s also open concept, and has a really neat ceiling treatment with hanging basket lights and tons of hanging plants. I loved it so much, and couldn’t stop staring. I ordered the Costa Rican “Old Fashioned” for my cocktail, the garlic Mahi-Mahi and we shared a couple of fresh sushi rolls. They even have a fun area for your kiddos to run around and play while you enjoy your meal. I didn’t have my girls with me, but I did think that was a great attribute for families.
How to get around
We rented a car, but hindsight I realized that this was not necessary. We used the car only for travel to and from the airport, and every other time we left the resort we used a taxi (arranged by Erik G.). He connected us to good people who wouldn’t rip us off, and were trust worthy as well. Honestly, Erik and his connections to our excursions made our trip so safe, and brought me so much ease. Next time I go, I will be asking him to send one of his taxis to pick me up from the airport (which is about an hour from the Playa Conchal area). It’s so much easier!
Make sure to explore
We did 3 excursions (again, all booked through Erik G), and each one got better and better!
Our first one was a 2 hour ride on ATVs through the heart of Costa Rica, stopping at two beaches and even a local bar and restaurant. It’s called “Playa Puerto Viejo”, and the bartender makes the best margarita I’ve ever had! It’s a simple place, so don’t expect much, but if you want it real and raw, this is the place to get it.
The second excursion was a 2 hour jet ski tour (you guessed it, with Erik G.) along the coast, visiting over 4 different beaches, multiple islands and lots of stopping along the way. July is right in the middle of Sea Turtle mating season, so we saw lots of turtles in the ocean as well. We even stopped and found a cave with the most beautiful seashells. Our last stop was an island called Honeymoon Island that had the clearest turqouise water I’ve ever seen…as soon as we stopped in the water I just had to jump in! The jet ski tour was by far my favorite because of my love for the ocean.
The third excursion was a day trip to Rio Celeste. It’s a beautiful area tucked deep in the Rain Forest that has the most beautiful waterfalls, lush greenery, wildlife and so much more. We saw volcanoes, went to a Sloth farm, visited a local Costa Rican coffee farmer who poured us the best cup of coffee I’ve ever had, and visited a local restaurant that cooked us a delicious meal. We even got to drink coconut water straight from the coconut. My favorite part of the day was the baby sloth reaching his hand out to me and giving me the biggest smile…we definitely had a moment!
This trip was hands down the most amazing trip I’ve experienced thus far and I will be making it a regular visit! I loved the land, loved the people, the food was amazing and I made the best memories. Hope you will visit Costa Rica soon and tell me what you think!