WHERE TO NEXT
MONTEVERDE CLOUD FOREST
The trees in this cloud forest are covered in layers of thick moss and plants grow on top of one another due to a constant haze of clouds and filtered sun. This unique habitat is home to an abundance of birds and other wildlife. Activities include hiking, hanging bridges, bird-watching, , wildlife exhibits, gardens (including butterfly, orchid and hummingbird gardens), while adventurous types can do heart-pumping activities like zip lining and whitewater rafting. About a 3 hour drive from the bungalow and a good place to stay before going to Arenal Volcano.
Recommended Hotels:
For luxury go to the Hotel Belmar:
For a more funky experience stay on the tree tops at Chira Glamping:
You must try the tree top restaurant with edible art dining experience at San Lucas:
ARENAL VOLCANO
Located in northern Costa Rica, Arenal Volcano is one of the most popular destinations in Costa Rica. With access to the rainforest, waterfalls, a volcano, the country’s largest lake, and a diverse selection of hotels, it’s no wonder Arenal has become the adventure capital of Costa Rica. Zip Line, Aerial Trams through the canopy, natural hot springs, hiking on solidified lava, rappel down waterfalls, lake activities such as kayaking and wind surfing or visit the Venado Caves, comprised of 20 million year old limestone channels underground.
Arenal has countless hotels from boutique jungle vibes to private hot springs.
For the ultimate luxury hotel go to Nayara Springs:
For a more funky experience stay at Selina La Fortuna:
NOSARA
Known for surfing and yoga, Nosara is unlike many of Costa Rica’s coastal towns in that it doesn’t have a main strip along the beach. Instead, the roads and businesses are set back from the ocean by a buffer of thick jungle. To get to the beaches, there are numerous offshoots that run perpendicular to the main road. One of the major ones brings you to Playa Guiones. This stretch has the largest concentration of shops and restaurants and you can walk to most places, including the beach. Other roads off the main way lead to Playa Pelada, another beach community just north, and the “Boca,” where the Nosara River empties into the sea. These sections are smaller and more spread out than Guiones but have some of Nosara’s best restaurants and hotels hidden among them.
Splurge and stay at this beautiful surf vibes hotel 200 meters from the beach at The Gilded Iguana:
Must try La Luna Restaurant featuring mediterranean cuisine located right on the beach!
SANTA TERESA
Far on the tip of Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, away from airports and city lights, is Santa Teresa. And while this jungle-backed surfing beach town is remote, it is anything but dull. Hip restaurants, shared workspaces, beach parties, and a growing population of young expats make it feel like the next big trend.