Travel

Costa Rica in Nine Days

By
Amanda Martinez
on
January 16, 2024

Do you want to explore the rainforest, hike a volcano, see a sloth, and relax at one of the best beaches in the world all in 9 days? 

If the answer is yes, then you should check out our Explore Costa Rica trip. Here’s a little taste of what you’ll get.

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The beautiful beaches in Manuel Antonio National Park!

Arrival

Fly into the capital of Costa Rica, San Jose, and take a bus ride down to Manuel Antonio. On the way, you’ll get your first cultural experience of the trip at a pit stop on the crocodile river right by a soda.

If watching crocs in the river isn't your thing, the term 'soda' should have sparked your interest. In Costa Rica, a soda is an open air restaurant that sells home-cooked meals.

It is quite the cultural experience. 

While in Costa Rica, you’ll experience why it’s one of the most biodiverse and eco-friendly countries in the world. The people of Costa Rica work with the environment to make it a magical place.

Manuel Antonio

Once in Manuel Antonio, you’ll get to spend some time at the national park. 

It may be one of the most biodiverse national parks on the planet. There is a good chance you will see sloths, titi monkeys, Howler monkeys, Capuchin monkeys, iguanas, all sorts of birds...even deer.

The best part? You get access to the best beach in Costa Rica and one of the best beaches in the world, Manuel Antonio beach.

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Capuchin monkey just lounging around.

In Manuel Antonio, there’s some great places to eat and get some tasty coffee. My suggestions are Cafe Milagro, Emilio’s Cafe, Sancho's & El Angel. Also, check out El Avion for a few pictures. The restaurant is built around an old CIA plane and there is even a bar right inside the plane!

During the your days here, you’ll get the chance to surf, jet ski, parasail, paddle board or even go water repealing...choose anything you’d like to do, it is your vacation after all.

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You can even go horseback riding with your group...at your own risk :P

After spending your days on the beaches and walking parks and spending your nights salsaing, you’ll head up to Rancho Margot located in Arenal, Costa Rica. Trust me, this place is something else.

Arenal & Rancho Margot

Rancho Margot is a self-sustaining eco-lodge that sits on a ranch right in the middle of a cloud rainforest. 

Woah, overload, I know, but it’s THAT special.

Here you’ll get the chance to learn more about the Costa Rican environment, organic food, and possibly even learn a bit about yourself.

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Rainforest - Check, Coffee - Check

The mornings can be spent doing yoga or hiking, followed by my personal favorite meal of the day, breakfast. During the days at Rancho Margot, you will kayak, zip line and hike around Volcano Arenal. This volcano is has been dormant since December 2010...so don’t worry, you are safe!

Cap off your days at the ranch either chilling at the pool or having a tropical drink at the bar with the incredible staff of Rancho Margot. Either one you choose, you’ll have a blast because you’ll be kicking it with some rad, like-minded individuals.

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How can you complain with these views?

This 9-day trip around Costa Rica truly gives you everything you could want. A little beach time, the rainforest, hiking, adventures, some good drinks and bomb food. 

Come join U30X this winter and get a trip of a lifetime in the top spot to visit in Central America!

Amanda Martinez
Amanda is an Adventure Leader and Content Producer for U30X. She loves exploring around, getting lost in new places and making videos of all the memories. 

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