Our Costa Rica Spring Break Itinerary (2 Years In the past) With Fairly Presumably The Most Magical Household-Pleasant “Lodge” Ever…

I’ve been gatekeeping this for 2 years – (by chance). Once we obtained again from Costa Rica, Spring break 2023, my overview to my family and friends was a degree of enthusiasm they’d by no means witnessed – “FIFTEEN OUT OF TEN,” I exclaimed. I deliberate the entire thing (seems I both love management or I must be a journey agent) as a result of my itinerary was TOP NOTCH – filled with core reminiscences and excessive household bonding (and relaxation, don’t fear). However I shouldn’t take the credit score – Costa Rica is wonderful and I don’t suppose you may have a foul time there. After listening to my breakdown, so a lot of my mates begged me to not weblog about it till they might repeat the identical bookings, so I complied. After which time went on and it felt bizarre to put in writing about it months later after which, properly, I forgot. However as we go away for Belize this week I felt compelled to make the case for Central America AGAIN for these wanting into occurring future journeys. Yo… it’s going to be a protracted one however it’s for these of you who really would possibly go so learn each single phrase (and I didn’t intend on running a blog about this journey so these pictures will not be precisely journey weblog household degree:)).

Day 0: Land In San Jose

Our flight was lengthy from Portland, we transferred by way of LA with a 3-hour layover (12 hours complete – not nothing). As soon as we arrived in San Jose, we stayed at a lodge close to the airport that night time since we didn’t get in til the night. The Hilton was high quality and tremendous reasonably priced ($120 for the night time) and Brian picked up the pre-reserved automotive the subsequent morning whereas the children chowed down on the oddly scrumptious buffet. It was a 2-3 hour drive to Monteverde the subsequent morning which was fascinating, if not tremendous bumpy (you want four-wheel drive although).

Day 1: Journey To The Cloud Forest – Monteverde

We spent the primary three nights in Monteverde, up within the cloud forest. Most individuals do a 1/2 jungle, 1/2 seashore tour, and that is the jungle portion. This was stated to be a “must-see” rainforest and so lush The phrase “unspoiled” rings by way of your head. My children are nonetheless not enthusiastic hikers, however there was a lot to do for elementary school-aged children (and apparently in case you are a birder you’re in heaven – there have been tropical birds in all places!). We obtained in round 2 or 3 pm, had lunch, walked across the grounds (so fairly), sat within the sizzling tub, ate dinner by the pond, and went to sleep early so excited for the subsequent day. It was so peaceable.

The place We Stayed In Monteverde – Lodge Belmar

There are a variety of locations to remain, far more reasonably priced I’m positive, however Lodge Belmar was the place we selected after a variety of analysis and it was extraordinarily good for us in each single approach. It’s not flashy, but it’s properly designed and so well-appointed, assembly all our wants however nothing superfluous. Each room was clad in fairly wooden, had tremendous snug beds and bedding. And whereas we didn’t have AC, the temperature at night time was within the 60s and we woke to birds chirping, home windows open. They develop most of their meals on the property so the meals was unimaginable. However that’s the factor about Costa Rica, they don’t even must say “farm to desk” as a result of virtually all the things is. They’ve tremendous strict eco-tourism and natural rising legal guidelines so it’s only a actually environmentally wholesome nation, making the meals so freaking tasty even when uncooked and frivolously seasoned. Actually each chunk we had for 8 days was unimaginable. Lodge Belmar was round $400 an evening for 2 queen beds (on the time) and it felt appropriately priced. There was a mountaineering path on the property by way of streams and small waterfalls, yoga within the morning (which was too newbie for me however pretty), simple transfers wherever we needed to go, a scrumptious juice/smoothie bar, a giant sizzling tub room you possibly can guide for your loved ones, a pond-side bar/restaurant with dwell music in addition to their nicer restaurant with a beautiful view.

The lodge was offered out after we had been there however by no means crowded and the service was good. We had been there in March which was cooler at night time however heat in the course of the day, however had we gone in the course of the summer season we most likely would have wished they’d a pool (we didn’t in any respect). Our expertise was so pretty in each approach. We went to mattress exhausted at 9 pm filled with recent meals, a few cocktails, and whereas sharing a room with our children would possibly sound much less supreme (with out TVs) all of us simply learn our books and fell asleep so early and glad. I’ll say that I don’t know if it’s as nice for toddlers, not as a result of it will be unfavorable in any approach however as a result of it’s fairly vertical and fewer to do for that age than a resort-style lodge close to the seashore since they’ll’t zipline (there are many Airbnbs within the space although!). Zero sponsorship or low cost and 100% love for this lodge.

Day 2: Ziplining + Animal Sanctuaries

(LOL – these had been pictures for the memento card, not really ziplining there) Regardless of an excessive concern of heights, I pressured myself to disassociate, strap on a smile and a harness, and fly (all within the identify of bonding with my children). And pay attention… there’s a cause they do it on The Bachelor – that degree of collective concern and adrenaline is extraordinarily bonding (neurons that fireplace collectively wire collectively!). The dopamine you get if you land with out dying makes you collectively have a good time being alive!! In fact, our children needed to be strapped collectively as a result of in Costa Rica you’re going from mountain prime to mountain prime, at occasions over a mile and so excessive up you’d vomit if you considered it. They had been too gentle to go solo, with the specter of being “caught within the center” they usually did get caught a few occasions however shut sufficient to the top that I used to be okay as the fellows got here out and dragged them to the top however sure, I used to be completely panicking whereas additionally nonetheless disassociating). Did I take pleasure in it? I imply, no, not whereas doing it, however it was so bonding and wild and exhilarating for all of us and I’m so glad I didn’t let my concern cease me from having that have with them. I’ll say that not like being on an fringe of a cliff, you’re double carabinered into your harness and whereas it was enormously terrifying I really wasn’t fearful of dying, making it doable. YOU HAVE TO DO IT. (Replace: this has helped my concern of heights rather a lot, not on edges of cliffs however I’m approach higher on gondolas now and even skyscrapers that had been as soon as very triggering). We went to Selvatura and it was incredible. Additionally, they’ve a suspension bridge route in case you didn’t wish to zipline however needed to hike round and stroll on the bridges. One thing for everybody and very properly finished with tremendous pleasant guides (deliver money for suggestions!).

Sloth And Butterfly Sanctuaries

After ziplining we visited the butterfly and sloth sanctuary. Each had been candy, enjoyable, and calm and our then 7 and 9-year-olds had been thrilled when butterflies landed on their fingers or they got here head to head with a candy sloth. These are brief 1-hour lengthy conditions and reasonably humid however pretty, reasonably priced, and an excellent reminiscence.

Day 3: Tree Climbing Park + Afternoon Farm Go to

Day 3 began at a tree climbing park which was so enjoyable for the children as they obtained to climb so excessive and repel down (with a brief ziplining tour, too). It’s tremendous secure and just like a climbing health club (however by yourself). You hike from one to a different, 10 complete. I solely did a couple of (they had been redundant) however the children beloved it and did all 10. We moved our our bodies, it was difficult, and an excellent reminiscence. We additionally ziplined there however on a a lot smaller course than day 1. My e-mail says we went to Sky Journey Arboreal Park, however I couldn’t discover it on-line (I believe perhaps Treetopia?). We beloved it.

Natural Farm Go to

Within the afternoon we went to the farm that was related to the lodge (the place they grew all their meat and greens). I’m positive there are different cheaper farm visits which can be nice however we had been smitten with the folks and meals at Lodge Belmar so we did their 3-4 hour tour which was SO GOOD. We fed all of the animals, went horseback using, made sugarcane drinks, and discovered about natural farming in a approach the children understood. It was so gorgeous, they had been so pleasant and we ate scrumptious do-it-yourself cheeses and sweets. In the event you keep on the lodge I imagine you get a reduction (it was $95 for adults, $75 for youths, and lasts 3.5 hours). We discovered it completely value each penny (talking of bringing money to tip! We did $20 per individual which could be an excessive amount of however in case you can afford it, do it because it all goes to native pretty guides).

That night time we had meals and drinks down by the massive pond with dwell music whereas the children ran round on the garden and Brian and I actually held arms and talked. It was so peaceable, darkish, and starry (little gentle air pollution). We had been in HEAVEN. Additionally, there are such a lot of fruity non-soda mocktails in Costa Rica so the children LOVED glad hour with us each night time:)

Day 4: Drive To Kintari Glamping Resort

Our drive to our subsequent seashore vacation spot was going to be 3 1/2 hours so I booked an evening at Kintiri Glamping Resort which was an adults-only glamping resort on the highest of the mountain going about 45 minutes out of our approach. For our final morning at Lodge Belmar, I did yoga and all of us went on a hike on the property (a to not miss – creek, waterfalls, really easy). We would have liked to kill a while after try earlier than we set out on our drive so we went to a chocolate farm tour, which was a giant miss (we virtually left 1/2 approach by way of). We then drove 2 1/2 hours to Kintiri (which had simply opened so that they allowed us to come back midweek for one night time although we had children). It’s AMAZING. Just like the honeymoon of your desires wonderful. Geodesic domes with infinity swimming pools, above-ground swimming pools and saunas, and actually good meals. And y’all these locations aren’t costly – like $250/night time on the time. The youngsters had been blown away sleeping in a dome. I’ll say the sheer elevation made me nervous (once more, I’ve a concern of heights and love timber over an expansive view). Oh, and it was tremendous arduous to search out (however they had been actually responsive through WhatsApp). The purpose is – in case you don’t have children positively look into it as they had been constructing it out much more once they had been there. LOVED. I don’t suppose you’d must make this cease although, going straight from Monteverde to Isla Chiquita wasn’t that lengthy so very very doable (and maybe a greater use of time than the two hours out of your approach up the mountain).

Day 5: Drive To La Isla Chiquita – The Most Magical Glamping Resort Ever

After 2 or so hours of driving, we arrived on the seashore the place we had recent fish at a really mom-and-pop restaurant, ready for our boat (the above pictures had been of that, not the island). We waded with our stuff above our heads, sneakers in hand to get on a bit dingy as they took us to our island. It was already pure magic. We pulled up at Isla Chiquita with the friendliest employees and never an inch of cement, tropical drinks instantly in hand, and charming indicators with arrows in all places. It felt like we had been stepping again in time – the sense that it felt so off the grid however surprisingly luxurious. We checked into our tent (with plumbing and electrical, however no AC) and instantly seen all of the monkeys within the timber. Households of them. We stayed in the main bedroom for the primary night time as a result of ours wasn’t accessible but. The 360 views had been unimaginable and it had its personal plunge pool. Their web site does an excellent job of exhibiting it, however nothing will match seeing it in individual. That suite was $500 an evening, whereas those with two double beds (that we stayed two nights in) had been $230 an evening – and whereas the main bedroom is superior, the entire island expertise is so magical that we had been simply as glad within the regular tent (enjoyable to do each). Truthfully, it was value twice that a lot in case you ask me. The primary night time we booked the bioluminescence tour after dinner which blew our child’s minds as we floated across the island within the pitch darkish with cocktails and mocktails.

The Most Magical Glamping Resort Ever – La Isla Chiquita

These pictures actually do ZERO justice to the resort – in case you are please try their web site and your thoughts can be blown. Truthfully finest 4 days of my life there.

Day 6: Out At Sea, Snorkeling

Huge snorkel day! We booked a tour to take us out to the islands and spent the day within the water with our child’s minds blown seeing all of the tropical fish. The crew was superior (all booked by way of La Isla Chiquita – they make it tremendous simple). We explored a number of islands and bays they usually had a variety of entertaining anecdotes. The one word is that we didn’t deliver cash they usually dropped us off at a seashore that had commerce and will have purchased drinks and meals so at all times deliver cash (they supplied lunch on the boat, however for treats, drinks, and souvenirs). It was good. We had been out til 2-3 pm then got here again and sat by the pool and browse, ate scrumptious dinner on the open-air restaurant, and fell asleep early and satiated to the sounds of monkeys within the timber.

Day 7: Catching Our Dinner

Fishing! We booked 9 am morning fishing with out strains, the place the guides took us out on a tiny boat and taught us learn how to fish for our dinner (which we ate that night time to various stars). Such a reminiscence. So enjoyable. The second half of the day was once more by the pool whereas Brian and I took turns getting massages at their candy little open-air spa. Our final night time was unimaginable. I wasn’t QUITE able to go dwelling (which says rather a lot for me) however we had finished all you possibly can do right here. There isn’t an actual seashore right here so that you kinda should guide the excursions or you’re simply hanging in a hammock or by the pool. The employees is unimaginable and the meals is so good. The facilities are easy and ideal. And whereas I did get stung by a child scorpion that was hidden in a towel they’d gotten from the mainland (!!) that isn’t typical, I promise! And it was very thrilling though, we didn’t inform the children til after we had been dwelling (once more that’s not typical, only a humorous anecdote so don’t let it coloration your notion – it stung, fell on the bottom, after which I had a giant swollen bump and was high quality.)

All In All Some Costa Rica Info:

Among the questions I believe you might need in case you are inquisitive about Costa Rica:

Did You Really feel Protected?

YES. Tourism is their trade (for higher or worse) so what I’ve heard is that there’s a collective effort to verify their status as being so family-friendly and secure so it stays intact. Thus the push in the direction of eco-tourism in order that it doesn’t deplete their setting. The individuals are extremely good, with “Pura Vida” being their mantra (pure life – that means simply take pleasure in life!). The vibe is stuffed with happiness, gratefulness, and simply so welcoming. I’m not naive to the truth that we’re nonetheless People coming to a growing nation, depleting sources for our non permanent pleasure. Which is why in case you can afford to remain on the extra eco resorts which can be sustainable/natural and pay their employees properly you need to, and please deliver a variety of money to tip the locals. Tourism is depleting, full cease. It’s the job of the wealthier to not be low-cost if we are able to afford to be beneficiant. Additionally don’t be an asshole, okay? This isn’t White Lotus.

Is It Okay To Communicate English?

Positive! But in addition perhaps attempt Spanish? Most individuals in hospitality or excursions do converse English, however in case you can study some fundamental well mannered phrases that might be good and is respectful. I nonetheless converse conversational Spanish from working in eating places for therefore lengthy so the children had been tremendous impressed whereas I confirmed off. However many individuals go with out realizing any and do exactly high quality!

Do You Want To Guide All the pieces In Advance?

Sure to the great inns, particularly with a number of children (there are extra {couples} lodge availability for positive). I booked all of them in August (many good ones are booked lower than 4 months prematurely). We additionally booked the rental automotive prematurely as a result of we had been warned concerning the lack of four-wheel drive automobiles, and whereas I booked all of the excursions prematurely we didn’t must in any respect (however it made me really feel secure).

Convey money to tip (in 1s, 5s and 10s they usually gained’t settle for if they’re torn or imperfect so preserve them pristine). Put on breathable garments with layers and suppose Tevas or Keens. This isn’t White Lotus – no want for heels or “matches”. I didn’t deliver sufficient light-weight garments for humidity and ended up carrying the identical dumb cotton shirt and linen shorts each night time at dinner as soon as on Chiquita as a result of my jean shorts had been so claustrophobic. Convey bug spray and sunscreen (or purchase within the greater cities – they aren’t simple to search out in all places). Additionally, in case you are allergic to mosquitos like me you would possibly must deliver from America as they solely promote natural stuff (sorry, I do know that’s problematic however I used to be being EATEN ALIVE with a whole lot of bites till a pleasant American shared their deet with me and I lastly had some aid).

That Itinerary Sounds Intense! Was It Too Busy? Too A lot?

LOL. No. Properly, not for us. As a result of Costa Rica is just not closely populated, with little site visitors and few crowds (at the very least after we had been there) navigating was really easy and by no means depleting. We began our days early so there have been by no means strains and spent the second half of on daily basis both by the pool or seashore. I learn 3 novels if that tells you a lot. We didn’t go to eating places that required reservations that we couldn’t get, however once more we didn’t keep at massive extra “American-style” resorts. Our days had been so full however not annoying, wealthy however not overwhelming, lively however not exhausting. I believe the widespread denominator is nature – nature is so calming. And the truth that they care a lot concerning the setting, it’s inherently minimal and the meals is filling however not heavy. All of the locals are so pretty and type that it seems like a giant heat hug. We felt so grateful to be there having fun with their tradition and doing our greatest to contribute to their native economic system whereas having actually one of the best 8 days of our lives. Thanks, Costa Rica 🙂 Pura Vida!