Abbie’s Costa Rica Adventure: Discovering the Land of Pura Vida
Discovering the Land of Pura Vida
When I first heard the announcement that I was going on the Latin Routes academy trip to Costa Rica, I could not quite believe that I was able to tick off my bucket list trip and see a sloth in the wild!
After a smooth flight with Avianca airways from London Heathrow and finally arriving at the sunny Costa Rica, we were all ready to start the adventure of a lifetime! The transfer took around 3 hours on the coach from San Jose to our first hotel stop which was Hotel Arenal Manoa, however if you are in a car this will take a little less time.
Our first hotel for the three nights was the Hotel Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs which was my favourite of the trip, wow, what a first impression this hotel gives upon arrival! I have quite possibly never stayed anywhere as peaceful and scenic as this property. Being able to walk around the hotel and hear nothing but the sounds of wildlife and tropical birds is truly something special. For wildlife and adventure lovers, this is the place to stay, with so much to see and do both within the resort and in the surrounding area.
Guests can explore the incredible Arenal Volcano, with hiking trails offering amazing views of the volcano and surrounding rainforest or get the adrenaline pumping with activities such as ziplining through the treetops. For something a little different, the area also offers guided night walks, giving you the chance to discover the rainforest after dark and spot nocturnal wildlife that you would not normally see during the day. Whether you are looking for adventure, wildlife or simply somewhere peaceful to relax and take in the incredible scenery, Hotel Arenal Manoa really does offer the perfect base for experiencing everything this part of Costa Rica has to offer.
Day 1
After a long day of travelling, I had some time to slow down, settle in and explore the beautiful hotel grounds before our welcome arrival party. It was the perfect opportunity to get my bearings and take in my surroundings. As I wandered through the resort, I came across the incredible hot springs and pool areas, surrounded by the vibrant and impressive scenery. The main pool has the most spectacular view of Arenal Volcano towering in the background, making it the perfect spot to relax, soak up the sunshine and enjoy one of the most amazing views imaginable.
Further around the resort, there are several different hot spring pools, so you can wander between them and find your favourite spot to unwind if you fancy something a little warmer. It was lovely to have some time to simply explore and take everything in before the adventure really began.
Before I knew it, it was time to head back and get ready for our welcome party, where we had a fantastic evening meeting everyone joining the trip. With around 50 travel agents taking part, it was such a great opportunity to meet new people, share stories and find out more about each other, as well as getting to know the wonderful Latin Routes team who were hosting us. There was such a lovely atmosphere throughout the evening, and I already knew we were in for a fantastic trip. After a long travel day, an early night was needed, but I went to bed feeling excited for what tomorrow would bring. With my first full day in Costa Rica ahead, I could not wait to wake up and start exploring!
Day 2
Starting bright and early, waking up to the sound of birds singing and the sun beginning to rise, must be one of the best feelings. There was something so peaceful about starting the day surrounded by the sights and sounds of Costa Rica. I headed down for breakfast and I have to say, the hotel certainly did not disappoint when it came to choice! There was a huge variety of food on offer, from freshly made omelettes cooked exactly how you like them, to fresh fruit, breads, cereals and so much more, so there was something for everyone. (I must give a special mention to the pineapple because it was honestly the best pineapple I have ever tasted) Of course, being a huge coffee lover, my morning coffee was essential and I can safely say the coffee here is already making its way onto my list of some of the best I have ever had. An iced coffee in the Costa Rican heat was the perfect way to start the morning! Just when I thought breakfast could not get any better, I looked up and saw the view... I mean, can breakfast really get any better than this? Sitting there enjoying my coffee, surrounded by the beautiful scenery with Arenal Volcano in the distance, was one of those moments where you just must stop and appreciate where you are. If this is how my first full day in Costa Rica was starting, I could not wait to see what the rest of the day had in store.
After breakfast, we started our first full day of networking and learning, diving into all things Latin America. The morning was packed with insights, inspiration and expert knowledge from the whole Latin Routes team, taking us on a journey through incredible destinations including Peru, Brazil, Colombia and Chile. It was a great opportunity to learn more about what each destination has to offer and discover the experiences that can really make a trip to Latin America unforgettable. The afternoon was all about meeting some of the amazing suppliers who help bring these destinations to life, from stunning hotels and unique lodges to incredible excursions and unforgettable cruising experiences. It was such a fantastic day of learning, exploring and discovering more about this incredible part of the world, certainly gave me lots of ideas and inspiration to share with you guys.
To finish the day, we headed off on an excursion to the nearby Baldi Hot Springs, just around 15 minutes from the hotel. After such a busy day, this was exactly what we needed! We spent a couple of relaxing hours enjoying the magical thermal pools, filled with warm, crystal-clear water. There was something so special about being able to simply slow down, soak in the warm water and take in our surroundings. It was the perfect way to end a busy day by relaxing and unwinding before heading back for the evening.
Day 3
The following day continued with more networking and meetings with local suppliers, rounding off two fantastic days of learning, exploring and making connections. After an amazing time visiting so many incredible places and experiencing everything the destination had to offer, I had officially completed my training!
To celebrate our final two days together and everyone completing their training, we were treated to a surprise Arenal Farewell Party. Of course, keeping with the theme, the dress code was all about tropical vibes and bright, colourful outfits! Around half an hour from the hotel, we arrived at our surprise location, which turned out to be a private and secluded venue called Club Rio, what a venue it was! The atmosphere, staff and entertainment were fantastic, with the saxophone player being a particular highlight of the evening.
It was such a fun night filled with laughter, delicious food, endless dancing and of course, plenty of tropical vibes. It was the perfect way to celebrate completing our training, reflect on the incredible experiences we had shared and create even more wonderful memories together.
Hasta luego, Arenal Manoa… for now!
Day 4
An early morning start was on the cards as we prepared to transfer to our next destination for the remainder of our stay, the beautiful Pacific Coast of Costa Rica and the stunning Hotel Parador Resort & Spa. With around three hours of travelling ahead of us, we made the most of the journey by stopping along the way for our next exciting excursion - a crocodile and bird-watching safari.
On arrival, we enjoyed some lunch before setting off on a one-hour safari along the river. I do not think any of us realised just how many different species of birds we would have the opportunity to see, with an incredible 50–60 different species that can be spotted throughout the trip! From great blue herons and colourful tropical birds to iguanas along the riverbanks, there was always something to look out for. Of course, the crocodiles were the main event, including two of the resident stars, Shakira and Mike Tyson… I think the size of Mike Tyson explained his name!
The safari was the perfect excursion for birdwatchers, photographers, families or anyone simply looking to experience Costa Rica’s incredible wildlife and natural surroundings. Our guides were fantastic, constantly spotting wildlife that we would have otherwise missed and making sure everyone had the best possible experience.
After our excursion, it was time to get back on the road and continue our journey to our next hotel. As we arrived at Hotel Parador Resort & Spa, the scenery on the drive up was breathtaking, with beautiful views overlooking the coastline and the surrounding rainforest. Set high above the coastline in Manuel Antonio, the resort is nestled amongst the rainforest, giving guests the perfect opportunity to experience Costa Rica’s incredible wildlife and natural beauty right on their doorstep. The hotel combines a relaxed tropical style with spacious and comfortable accommodation, alongside fantastic facilities including a beautiful pool area with a swim-up bar and a dedicated adults-only area.
For those wanting to get even closer to nature, the resort also offers nature trails and guided night walks, where guests can discover the wildlife of the rainforest with expert guides. Its location also makes it an excellent base for exploring the Manuel Antonio area, with beautiful beaches, rainforest and Manuel Antonio National Park all within easy reach. The national park is just around 15 minutes away, while the hotel also offers a convenient buggy service down towards the beach, making it easy to explore the local area, with around a 10-minute walk once you arrive.
After an exciting day of wildlife, adventure and travelling along the Pacific Coast, we were more than ready to settle into our new surroundings and see what the next few days in Manuel Antonio had in store!
Day 5
Today we had an early morning start to make the most of the day and headed out to explore one of Costa Rica’s most famous natural attractions the Manuel Antonio National Park. With its combination of lush tropical rainforest, beautiful white sand beaches and stunning views across the Pacific Ocean, it was the perfect place to experience even more of Costa Rica’s incredible nature and wildlife.
As we made our way through the park, there was always something to spot, from cheeky white-faced monkeys and howler monkeys to sloths tucked away in the trees, iguanas, deer and an incredible variety of tropical birds. Having a guide with us made the experience even more enjoyable, as they were constantly pointing out wildlife that we would have easily missed ourselves and sharing lots of interesting facts along the way.
After exploring the rainforest trails, we made our way towards the beautiful beaches within the park. Manuel Antonio Beach and Espadilla Sur Beach are surrounded by rainforest and offer the perfect opportunity to relax, take a swim and enjoy the incredible scenery. For anyone looking to make a full day of the experience, there is also the opportunity to snorkel and discover some of the marine life around the coastline.
With the combination of wildlife, rainforest trails, incredible viewpoints and beautiful beaches all in one place, Manuel Antonio National Park really gives you a little bit of everything Costa Rica is famous for. It was another fantastic day of exploring and another one of those places that made us stop and appreciate just how incredible the country is.
To end the evening, we had one final farewell party to reflect on what had been an amazing week. Look back on all the highlights, the incredible experiences we had shared and most importantly, the new friendships and relationships we had formed along the way. With live music, our amazing saxophone player and plenty of dancing, the evening really was an all-time high and the perfect way to bring our Costa Rica experience to a close. It was a chance to celebrate everything we had achieved, reminisce about our favourite moments and appreciate just how many incredible memories we had made together. What a way to finish an unforgettable week!
Bringing the trip to an end...
Costa Rica is a destination I could talk about for hours! This trip has truly opened my eyes to how beautiful the country is, from the incredible scenery and wildlife to the warmth and friendliness of the people. Every day brought something new, from unforgettable adventures and amazing excursions to beautiful hotels and wonderful memories made along the way. I have come away with so many new experiences, knowledge and a real appreciation for everything Costa Rica has to offer. It is safe to say this is a destination that has left a lasting impression, I really could not recommend it enough!
Pura Vida!
Abbie x
