Enjoy "Pura Vida" with Memorable Costa Rica

Whether it's jungles or just relaxing on the beach, or whether exploring volcanoes or enjoying wine pairings – there is something for everyone in Costa Rica. Experiencing this country like a VIP is what Memorable Costa Rica does better than anyone else.

Susan Entringer discovered this for herself on her recent trip to Costa Rica. With our partnership with Memorable Costa Rica she was able to experience it all like an insider with VIP treatment and value added every step of the way.

**Was this a guided tour through Costa Rica? **

This was a fully guided tour that included visits to San Jose, Arenal Volcano/Rain Forest region, Manual Antonio & Liberia.

Tell us about the places you visited.

While in San Jose we stayed at Hotel Presidente, a boutique style property located in city centeral, on the pedestrian walk way. We did a walking / tasting tour of the local markets & a “Hop on / Hop off Carpe Chepe Bar Hopping” excursion. This included several unique/upscale local bars with beer and wine snacks & food pairings. Definitely different, interesting and great fun.

We continued north to Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa, located in Arenal. This is a 4-hour scenic drive from San Jose. The resort is “the place to stay,” offering over 20 pools with water supplied by the Arenal Volcano. The water temperature ranges from 90-104 degrees and the main pool offers a swim up bar and water slide! This pool is then drained, cleaned and refilled each day with water from the volcano. There is also an adults only area with 5 pools – complete with bar! I had a “Honey Temptation” massage in the outdoor spa with a private outdoor shower – unbelievable experience! Tabacon is located at the base of the volcano, in the lush, tropical rain forest. There are many birds, monkeys, lizards (& mosquitos too!).

From here there are endless activities to enjoy with “Sky Adventures" including a 3-hour hike in the Rainforest and zip line. We enjoyed white water rafting, tubing, waterfall hikes, rappelling and a sky trek. Then, we traveled 6 hours southwest to the Pacific Ocean to Manual Antonio and the The Perserve at Los Altos. The property was originally built as a condo and is now a full resort offering 1, 2 & 3 bedroom units, with fully equipped kitchen, living room, multiple bathrooms and pool/spa overlooking the ocean. They are located in the rain forest and offer three beaches which are accessed by walking trails or resort provided vehicles.

On our 1-hour hike at the beach we saw both two-toed and three-toed sloths, both sleeping in the trees, plus Capuchin monkeys, toucans, macaws in flight and even heard the sounds of howler monkeys! They provide chef services or markets within walking distance. Again, a large variety of active/outdoor activities are offered, at an additional cost including kayaking, whitewater rafting, hiking and horseback riding on the beach. We also enjoyed a 5-hour catamaran excursion along the coast with snorkeling, dolphins, green sea turtles, open bar, lunch and dancing. Manual Antonio National Park access is provided to all guests for additional activities within the park.

My return flight departed from Liberia, a 4-hour drive. Along the way we stopped at Cafe Macadamia for coffee and pastries. They were located next to an orchid farm and greenhouses that were gorgeous! We then traveled the famous Pan American highway and enjoyed the Guanacaste resorts and beach area which is easily accessed from Liberia airport.

Tell us your favorite destination.

Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa was my favorite because of the scenery: the Rainforest, views of the Arenal Volcano and animals. (And because of their incredible spa services!)

What are your top 3 pieces of advice for someone going on a similar trip?

1. Bring mosquito repellent or purchase mosquito bracelets as the bugs can be annoying.
2. Be ready to be active and be outdoors often.
3. Relax and don’t be in a rush – Pura Vida means welcome, be flexible, at peace, be kind, take care and enjoy it all!

If you were to plan this trip again, would you do anything differently?

I would spend more time in one of Costa Rica's diverse regions, doing more outodor activities and sightseeing beyond the standard tourist spots. Roads are not that great there, as all two lane roads have a max speed of 30-50 mph making for long drives between each area.