Curator’s statement
In late September of 2024, we took a 10-day trip to Costa Rica. While there, we spent time in three different areas — which spotlighted the diversity of the country. While diverse, all of Costa Rica was warm, friendly and truly embodied the spirit of Pura Vida, a national expression used as a greeting. By the time we left, we were wishing it on to everyone we met!
The Fora Difference
Book with Barbara to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay
Flying into Costa Rica, we were both excited and curious. Our only experience with Latin America was a trip to Chile a number of years ago. We wondered if there were any similarities outside the Spanish language. We soon found out! Emerging from the airport into a hot and humid day, we met our driver and started the trip to our hotel.
Our first hotel was the Lost Iguana Spa and Hotel. Although it was close to a town and to the Arenal Volcano, it was still far enough away to feel like wilderness!. We liked the remoteness — the hotel provided trails all through the rain forest, which was absolutely stunning. The hotel itself was friendly and accommodating with a good restaurant and superb spa (yes, of course I tried it out!). Our room was large with a jacuzzi and a large balcony. The view from the balcony was spectacular and we took some fantastic pictures. We especially enjoyed the view of the Arenal Volcano. The path from our room to the restaurant was beautiful.
Image 1: Pathto Restaurant Costa Rica ; Image 2: Lost Iguana Spa Sign
We took a river float down the river, spotting a crocodile, Jesus lizards (so-called because they can walk on water, and very well at that! We also saw several types of monkeys, including howler monkeys, which were well-named and absolutely tireless.
After leaving Lost Iguana, we traveled to San Jose for two evenings and stayed at Gran Hotel Costa Rica (a Fora hotel). The highlight of our time was the day we spent visiting a coffee plantation. We saw the entire process-from the baby plants to the actual bagging of the coffee. Our guide was great and we ended up with mucho coffee to bring home!
Image 1: At Coffee Plantation ; Image 2: Coffee Plantation
Our third destination was Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean coast. Tourists frequently skip this part of Costa Rica as it lacks the large resorts seen on the Pacific side of the country. We decided we wanted to see it and are so glad we did — we loved it! Our hotel, Namu Garden's Spa and Resort was was so relaxing and friendly — the Spa fantastic and we had a large and comfortable suite.
Image 1: Arn Relax Outdoor Living Space ; Image 2: Wellness Thing at Namu
They also had outdoor rooms set up with books and furniture for relaxing. The town was a very short walk from the hotel and the sea. The locals were wonderfully friendly and there was singing and dancing all around. The sea was great.
Image 1: Outside our Balcony ; Image 2: The Caribbean
This part of Costa Rica had a different vibe from what we had seen earlier. It was racially mixed and reminiscent of the Caribbean. My husband said it reminded him of Jamaica. We took a great food tour that was so complete that we were unable to eat at the last stop!
Need to know
I would recommend Costa Rica to a wide variety of people. It is great if you love outdoor experiences and adventure but is also wonderfully relaxing. I think it would be a great family or multi-gen trip. Considering the variety from a modern capital city to the rain forest as well as both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. I loved this place and plan on going back at some point. Interested in the best vacation ever? Get up with me and I will help you plan something wonderful!
For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Costa Rica page.