Our End of Summer Family Vacation to Costa Rica

Alex and I have been lucky enough to visit Costa Rica before, once for our honeymoon and again for our 10-year anniversary. Both trips left us completely enchanted by the country’s beauty, adventure, and warmth. This year, we were especially excited to return and share one of our favorite places with Audrey. Experiencing Costa Rica together as a family made the trip even more magical.

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Sharing Papagayo with Audrey: Our Stay at the Four Seasons

We flew into Liberia Airport (LIR), which was convenient and close to our first stop: the breathtaking Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Papagayo Peninsula.

The resort itself was paradise, with access to both a calm bay and a gorgeous beach. It was the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.

Excursions from the Four Seasons

• Surf Lessons: Audrey and I took a lesson while Alex had the magical experience of spotting whales from the boat!
• Outrigger Canoe Adventure: This excursion included snorkeling and paddling through serene mangrove forests. We spotted all kinds of marine life, from colorful fish to nurse sharks.

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Eco Adventures Together at Rio Perdido

After our beach stay, we headed inland to Rio Perdido, an eco lodge nestled in the forest. The atmosphere here felt completely different, immersed in nature, quiet, and restorative.

What We Did at Rio Perdido

• Hiking Trails: We hiked down to the thermal river, soaked in natural mineral springs, and climbed to a viewing point overlooking surrounding volcanoes.
• Wildlife Encounters: White-faced monkeys were everywhere, even hanging out around the resort.

The food was fresh and delicious, and the service was warm and welcoming. This stop was such a unique way to experience Costa Rica’s eco side.

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A Family Jungle Retreat at Nayara Tented Camp

Our final stop was Nayara Tented Camp, and it was truly the highlight of the trip, one of the best resorts we’ve ever stayed at.

The tented accommodations were stunning, complete with a private plunge pool filled by a thermal hot spring and direct views of Arenal Volcano. One morning, toucans perched on the tree right outside our room.

Wildlife Encounters

The lush grounds were alive with wildlife. We spotted:

• Sloths
• Red-eyed tree frogs
• Monkeys
• Brightly colored birds

Adventures Around Arenal

• Zip Lining with Sky Adventures: These weren’t your average zip lines, they were 660 feet high, half a mile long, and reached speeds of 70 mph! The views over Arenal Lake and the volcano were breathtaking, and Audrey absolutely loved it.
• Mystic Hanging Bridges & La Fortuna Waterfall: Our guide was incredible, helping us spot animals we never would have seen on our own.

By the end of our stay, we had seen three of the four monkey species native to Costa Rica, a dream come true for animal lovers like us.

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Final Reflections on Our Costa Rica Journey

From the luxury of Papagayo to the eco-adventure of Rio Perdido and the wild beauty of Nayara Tented Camp, this trip was everything we hoped for and more. Every detail, from transportation to excursions, was seamless thanks to the resorts’ arrangements.

Costa Rica captured our hearts with its wildlife, natural beauty, and adventurous spirit. It was the perfect way to wrap up our summer, and we left with unforgettable memories as a family.

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xx Jess

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