Costa Rica is for the Traveler Who Loves Nature, Wildlife and Adventure (The Adventurer)

When I think about Costa Rica, the first thing I remember is how different every part of the trip felt. I stayed in Jacó along the Pacific Ocean, then traveled to La Fortuna near Arenal Volcano in the heart of the rainforest. It almost felt like two completely different vacations in one trip.

That is why I think Costa Rica is perfect for the adventurous traveler. There is so much to see between the beaches, rainforest, waterfalls, and wildlife. Instead of just listing the most popular things to do, I wanted to focus more on the places I actually went and the things I remember most from being there.

Why Costa Rica Fits This Type of Traveler

Costa Rica is a great place for someone who likes being outside and does not want every day of a vacation to feel the same. One of my favorite things about the trip was how quickly the scenery could change.

In Jacó, I was on the beach with palm trees and ocean views, then in La Fortuna I was surrounded by thick rainforest. Even when I wasn't doing a specific activity, there was still always something interesting to see because of how unique the environment was.

Spot #1: JACÓ & CLUB DEL MAR

The first place I stayed was Club del Mar in Jacó. The hotel was on the Pacific Ocean so I was able to spend time at the beach anytime I wanted. The beach stood out to me because it did not look like the beaches I was used to seeing back home on America’s East Coast. The sand was dark, there were palm trees everywhere, and I could see mountains in the distance. It was unlike any other place I had ever been to. Some of my favorite pictures like this one were actually taken just walking around the hotel and beach.

If you are someone who likes the beach but still wants your vacation to feel a little more adventurous, Jacó is a great place for that. A relaxing beach day surrounded by unfamiliar sights really makes this place special and a great destination to visit.

Here is Club del Mar’s official website if you are looking to stay in Jaco!

Club Del Mar | Boutique Beachfront Costa Rica Resort & Condos

Spot #2: LA FORTUNA WATERFALL

I got to visit the beautiful waterfall in La Fortuna. By that point I had left the coast and headed for the rainforest, so the entire setting felt completely different from Jacó.

The waterfall was one of those places that looked even better in person. As you can see from the picture I took, It was so tall and surrounded by greenery. I remember thinking that this was exactly what I pictured when I thought of Costa Rica, a giant waterfall in the middle of a rainforest.

This was probably one of the most adventurous parts of the trip because of the lengths it took to reach it. A decent hike into the rainforest was necessary to reach the site but it was worth it to see the waterfall. If you like an adventure this is one of the best things I could recommend if you are thinking of visiting Costa Rica, not just this waterfall but any of the countless ones located in the country!

If you are thinking of seeing La Fortuna Waterfall, here is the official website for more details!

La Fortuna Waterfall - Arenal Volcano Costa Rica

Spot #3: LA FORTUNA AND THE ARENAL AREA

La Fortuna was probably one of the most unique places I have visited. It is close to the Arenal Volcano and there is plant life pretty much everywhere. One thing I noticed was how different all of the plants looked. I took pictures of flowers and plants just because they were so colorful and different from what I normally see at home.

I think that is one of the things I liked most about Costa Rica. You did not always need to be at a major attraction to see something interesting because a lot of the scenery was memorable on its own. This is a picture I took of a purple spiderlily, its shape and color were unlike anything I had ever seen!

The Wildlife of Costa Rica

If you love wildlife, Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. Animals would show up just about everywhere you looked whether it be your balcony, the roads, or the trees.

At one point this iguana was just hanging out near the pool, which was definitely not something I was used to seeing. I also saw massive colorful birds around the hotel and streets. I don’t know anywhere else I could find a giant reptile hanging out with me by the pool.

If you want to know more about the full scale of Costa Rican Wildlife, this YouTube documentary is amazing and definitely worth checking out!

Getting Around Costa Rica

Getting around Costa Rica was very different from Paris. Paris has large connected transportation methods, but you have to get a bit more creative in Costa Rica.

Since I went from Jacó to La Fortuna, transportation was a big part of the trip. I would definitely recommend planning ahead if you want to visit multiple areas because it is not always a straightforward trip. Here is a great guide to Costa Rican transportation!

Transportation Options in Costa Rica: Car, Shuttle, Uber & More

At the same time, I actually liked seeing the scenery change while I traveled. Going from the Pacific coast into the rainforest was a beautiful transition from one environment to another. If you need more info on the central Pacific, here is a great guide!

Central Pacific - Visit Costa Rica - Explore Beaches, National Parks & Wildlife

Next Destination

Costa Rica is definitely worth considering if you are the adventurous type and enjoy nature, wildlife, beaches, and being outside.

For the next destination, we are switching the rainforest and beaches for skyscrapers and busy streets.

Next stop, New York City!

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