If you want to relax, Costa Rica is the sweet spot.  It’s a Central American Eden of sorts that manages a quaint, romantic, and tropical balance.

The most stressful part of Costa Rica is the flight in.  There’s no direct flight in and you have to take a little island hopper from San Jose International.

There are more than a couple of great places to stay if you’re planning a visit.  Tamarindo is a smaller beach town that’s pretty spot on when it comes to what most of us look for in a relaxing vacation.  It’s authentic, but you don’t feel like you’re roughing it.  If you’ve been to Hanalei Bay in Kuai, it’s a bit like that.

Costa Rica is famous for its surf, but the stretch of beach Tamarindo maintains slow, low curling waves ideal for beginners.  A little racier, 11km right outside Tamarindo check out the Pinilla Canopy Tour, where you’ll move through the rain forest above the Arenal River Canyon on a zip line.

A little ways down the Pacific Coast (171 miles south of San Jose) are the Tulemar Bungalows located in Manuel Antonio.  The hotel is located on 33-acres known as Tulemar Gardens known for lush vegetation, plants and wildlife.  Monkeys swing outside your windows.  The hotel has its own private beach coves. Plus Manuel Antonio is considered to be the most beautiful coastline in Costa Rica.

The Pacific side also happens to be great for fishing, offering incredible selections of Tuna, Wahoo, Marlin, Snapper, and more. So grab a rod and book your fishing trip.

If you want to break up the monotony of lounging on the beach, there are plenty of outdoor activities. Try your hand at waterfall rappelling or white water rafting.

If you’re looking for it, Costa Rica has it.

 

-Arianna Schioldager