Costa Rica Adventure: Volcanoes, Wildlife & Jungle Thrills
There are some trips you take for the destination — and others you take for the memories. This one, to Costa Rica with my mom, was both. From spottinga sloth just a few feet away from us to rafting rivers (where she unexpectedly took a dip!) this was a week of bucket-list adventures, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
Highlights
Trip Highlights
Spotting a three-toed sloth up close in the wild — a magical encounter I’ll never forget
River rafting for the first time (yes, my mom fell in — and yes, she loved it!)
Ziplining through the jungle canopy — a bucket-list dream for my mom
Exploring two iconic volcanoes: Poás and Arenal
Relaxing on the Pacific coast between adrenaline-filled adventures
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in San José
Evening flight arrival at 7 p.m.
Picked up our rental car
Where We Stayed: “Alicia’s Place” — a cozy and convenient guest house I booked through Booking.com. Unfortunately the host is no longer renting it out, but it was a great place to stay for an easy drive out of the city the following morning
Day 2: Volcano Craters & Waterfalls
Volcán Poás National Park
One of the largest active craters in the world
10-minute walk to overlook; 1,000 feet deep crater with turquoise pool
Tip: Weather is unpredictable — bring a jacket
La Paz Waterfall Gardens
70-acre sanctuary with five waterfalls, butterfly gardens, and wildlife exhibits
Largest butterfly garden in Costa Rica
2-mile trail through lush rainforest
Where We Stayed: Tucked in the lush hills near Poás Volcano, Altura Hotel is a boutique mountain retreat that feels both rustic and refined. The property’s modern cabins and suites are surrounded by rolling farmland, offering sweeping views of Costa Rica’s Central Valley — especially magical at sunrise and sunset.
One of the highlights? Breakfast is included and absolutely delicious, often featuring fresh fruit, homemade pastries, and locally sourced ingredients. The property itself feels alive: horses graze nearby, friendly farm animals roam the grounds, and the cool mountain air makes for a peaceful retreat after a day of exploring volcanoes and waterfalls.
It’s a place that perfectly blends nature, comfort, and charm — ideal for travelers wanting to experience Costa Rica’s highland beauty without sacrificing boutique comforts.
Day 3: Arenal Adventures
Ziplining through the jungle canopy (my mom’s bucket-list highlight)
Visited Mistico Hanging Bridges — treetop walks with incredible volcano views
Explored Arenal Volcano National Park
Where We Stayed: Perched on a ridge just 1.7 miles from Arenal Volcano, Arenal Observatory Lodge offers some of the most spectacular volcano and rainforest views in Costa Rica. Originally built as a research station for scientists studying the volcano, the property now welcomes travelers seeking immersive nature experiences without sacrificing comfort.
The lodge is set within 860 acres of private nature reserve, surrounded by rainforest, rivers, and waterfalls — meaning wildlife sightings are abundant. During our stay, we spotted tropical birds, howler monkeys, and countless butterflies right from the lodge grounds. There are also 7 miles of private hiking trails on-site, perfect for morning walks before breakfast.
Speaking of breakfast — it’s included, buffet-style, and served with sweeping views of the volcano and Arenal Lake. The rooms are simple but cozy, designed to let the natural surroundings take center stage. If you’re looking for a base that’s both adventurous and serene, this is the place.
Day 4: Pacific Coast Bliss
We enjoyed a scenic drive to the Pacific coast. Costa Rican highways are very well maintained with great signage, so we had absolutely no trouble navigating during the 3 hour drive
Beach + pool day for rest and recovery
Where We Stay: Located along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, Marala Hotel blends modern comfort with coastal charm — the perfect retreat after days filled with adventure. The property’s design is contemporary yet warm, with spacious rooms, clean lines, and natural accents that echo the surrounding tropical landscape.
We loved the laid-back vibe here: the morning began with fresh coffee and ocean breezes, and the afternoon was spent unwinding by the pool or strolling nearby beaches. It’s a relaxing counterpoint to the adrenaline of volcano hikes and zipline tours, offering a chance to slow down and soak in the pura vida lifestyle.
Breakfast was fresh and delicious, often featuring tropical fruit and local specialties — a simple pleasure that made each morning feel special. For travelers looking for a tranquil base near the coast with modern amenities, Marala is an ideal choice.
Day 5 + 6: Manuel Antonio Arrival + River Rafting Thrills
We drove south to Manuel Antonio
Explored the town, and got settled in for adventure the next day
It was an early wake-up for our first-time river rafting ever — it was exhilarating and maybe a bit more than we bargained for, but we felt we were in good hands as the guides were fantastic!
Mom fell in but was rescued immediately — she couldn’t stop laughing
Where We Stayed: Nestled near Manuel Antonio, Riverside Villas offers a comfortable and convenient base for exploring one of Costa Rica’s most famous national parks. The villas are set in a quiet, tropical setting, with spacious interiors perfect for families or small groups who want extra room to spread out after days filled with jungle adventures and beach time.
The property features a refreshing pool, lush gardens, and easy access to both Manuel Antonio town and the park entrance — making it simple to balance active excursions with downtime. While the accommodations are more casual compared to boutique hotels, we loved the homey vibe and proximity to nature; wildlife sightings are common - like the sloth we saw literally crossing the street right in front of us!! The owners were on site every day and were a pleasure to chat with during meal time.
For travelers who prioritize space, location, and value near Manuel Antonio’s beaches and trails, Riverside Villas is a great fit.
Day 7: Manuel Antonio National Park
We did an early morning tour of Parque Manuel Antonio (best way to beat the crowds and heat, plus see wildlife)
Wildlife spotted: lots of monkeys, tropical birds, colorful insects, and several sloths - but nothing like the unforgettable sloth encounter we had next to Riverside Villas
In the afternoon we had a leisurely, scenic drive back to San José
Where We Stayed: “Orange Apartment” — convenient for departure as it was 5 minutes from our rental car drop off the following morning, but I wouldn’t recommend it, so no links provided :)
Day 8: Departure
Morning flight out of San José at 9:00 a.m.
Why I Loved This Trip
Costa Rica is the perfect balance of adventure and nature — wild enough to feel exhilarating, yet welcoming and easy to navigate. Sharing these moments with my mom made it even more special — especially crossing off her bucket-list zipline, spotting the sloth, and seeing her laugh through river rapids.
Travel Tips for Costa Rica
Rent a car for flexibility — roads are well maintained and signage is good; having cell service to use Google Maps like we did was super helpful too
Pack layers and rain gear - volcano weather changes fast; we had just finished exploring the Mistico Hanging Bridges and started our drive when it began raining buckets! But it passed quickly and sunshine returned.
Book popular tours in advance - rafting, ziplining, and National Park tours can all be booked through Viator and TripAdvisor.
Start park visits early to avoid heat and crowds
Inspired to Plan Your Own Costa Rica Adventure?
Whether it’s a multi-stop itinerary like ours or a single-region getaway, I can help design your perfect Costa Rican escape — curated, seamless, and unforgettable.