Why a Costa Rica Vacation Feels Different From Everywhere Else
I was pointing my camera with a telephoto lens toward the Arenal Volcano Costa Rica, an active volcano visible far away on the horizon. As I searched for a better angle, I slightly shifted the lens and suddenly noticed the cutest little sloth hanging lazily from a tree. My reaction, filled with excitement, was: “OMG look over there! He’s there!” This immediately caught my husband’s attention.
For the next twenty minutes, I photographed that lovely sloth slowly moving from one tree to another while my husband patiently waited, enjoying an engaging conversation with a staff member at the hotel where we stayed, Nayara Gardens.
Sloths are truly Costa Rica’s treasure, strictly protected, and among the most iconic symbols of the country. That sloth was the only one we saw moving during our whole stay, which, as we later realized, is quite lucky. Most of the time, they are just sleeping or slowly munching on cecropia leaves or other foliage. Whenever we walked around the hotel, I kept an eye out for them and yes, most were sleeping or chilling in their trees. So, be prepared to practice patience if you want to see them in slow-motion action. And believe me, the wait is worth it, they are irresistibly cute.
Costa Rica Vacation Is A Nature Lover’s Paradise
If you love nature, tropical forests, and beaches, Costa Rica is an incredible place to visit.
When I did this Costa Rica trip, I was living and working in Cancun, Mexico. My office there was a mix of beach settings (for photoshoots including flying dress projects) and home studio space, so I wanted to stay away from the busy coastlines and closer to the tropical forest, which Costa Rica has in abundance. The experience was fascinating, fresh, and adventurous.
Exploring the tropical forest is revitalizing: endless greenery, exotic sounds, and an intimate connection to nature that makes you appreciate our planet even more. Walking the narrow paths step by step, our tour guide shared stories about the flora and fauna in a voice reminiscent of David Attenborough’s narration. Every detail, from tiny insects to towering trees, felt like a lesson in biodiversity, making me more mindful of the beauty and complexity of life on Earth.
Visiting Arenal Volcano Costa Rica Is A Must-Do
We traveled to Costa Rica at the beginning of October, still within the rainy season. When we did our tour to Arenal Volcano Costa Rica, we got completely soaked, the rain started in the morning and only slowed down by early afternoon.
When you travel, you naturally hope for perfect weather to enjoy every activity, but when that doesn’t happen, my philosophy is simple: traveling is joyful whether it rains or shines. So, we embraced it, taking in the volcano views and listening to our guide’s fascinating stories. I even captured a few shots on my phone to avoid risking my professional Nikon camera in the wet conditions.
Fascinating facts about Arenal Volcano Costa Rica:
- Arenal is one of the country’s most iconic active volcanoes, offering panoramic views and lush surrounding landscapes.
- Although it is often referred to as an “active” volcano, its most intense period of activity began in 1968, when a major eruption dramatically reshaped the area and brought global attention to Arenal Volcano Costa Rica. Before that, it was actually considered dormant.
- The volcano remained highly active for over 40 years, with frequent lava flows and eruptions, until around 2010, when it entered a quieter resting phase.
- The volcano’s unique activity has shaped the surrounding forests, creating a habitat for countless species.
- The area around the volcano is now part of Arenal Volcano National Park, which protects a wide variety of wildlife, including monkeys, toucans, frogs, and, of course, sloths.
- The region is also famous for its natural hot springs, heated by the volcano’s geothermal activity, one of the most relaxing experiences after a long day of exploring.
- Observation points provide incredible photography opportunities, especially after rainfall, when clouds and mist add dramatic layers to your shots.
What to Do in Costa Rica While Staying in the Jungle
Costa Rica offers an extensive list of activities tied to nature, waterfalls, forests, and beaches. We stayed five nights, doing two guided tours and spending the rest of the time enjoying the hotel, which truly deserves exploration. This was one of my slow travel experiences, allowing me to savor every moment.
If you prefer more active excursions, here are some things to do in Costa Rica:
- Explore the Arenal Volcano area
- Visit Monteverde Cloud Forest
- Zip-lining and canopy tours
- Waterfall hikes
- Hot springs bathing
- Wildlife spotting, including sloths and toucans
Nayara Gardens Is A One-of-a-Kind Experience
Our stay at Nayara Gardens was unforgettable. The views from our room were spectacular, and the service made us feel immediately at home.
We booked all our tours through the hotel, which made everything seamless. When a minor issue occurred at check-in, our assigned room was different from what we had booked, it was resolved quickly. As a thoughtful gesture, they offered us a complimentary dinner at one of their amazing restaurants, which exceeded all expectations.
“Pura Vida!” became our favorite phrase during this Costa Rica trip. It’s short, memorable, and encapsulates the local approach to life. Costa Ricans use it at the end of conversations, much like “Have a good day!” in the U.S. or “¡Que tengas un buen día!” in Spain. Its meaning is simple yet profound: Life is life, enjoy what you have. It’s a perfect expression of the country’s joyful and relaxed attitude toward life.
Things to Bring for Your Costa Rica Trip
What makes a Costa Rica vacation feel different is the landscapes, wildlife, and also the way the country gently shifts your pace and perspective. The rain, the jungle, the unexpected encounters all become part of the vacation in Costa Rica. And somewhere between waiting for a sloth to move or walking through a misty forest, you begin to slow down, notice more, and experience travel in a deeper, more present way.
*Some of the links in this article are affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission if you choose to buy through them, at no additional cost to you.
All images in this article were taken by Elena Sullivan, ArsVie Photo Studio and are protected by copyright. If you are interested in using any of the them, please contact me for permission. Thank you for understanding!
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