Around the World in Reality: Return to Costa Rica

In March, I visited Costa Rica for an incredible 10-day work adventure. Just over five months later, I found the perfect opportunity to return and bring Donnell along for a long weekend in this stunning country. Check out what we were able to see and do in just three short days!

Day 1 – Saturday, August 31

HIGHLIGHTS: Gran Hotel + Alma de Café + Bites and Sites tour

We left Raleigh at 6 a.m. and had a layover in Fort Lauderdale. During the layover, we relaxed in a small but pleasant lounge. Afterward, we took a short 2.5-hour flight to San José.

Upon landing, we were greeted by our prepaid transportation, which took us to the Gran Hotel, where we were staying. I chose this hotel because it’s part of the AmEx Fine Hotels program, and I wanted to take advantage of my hotel credit. The hotel was absolutely beautiful.

After settling in, we headed across the street to Alma de Café, located inside the National Theatre. We enjoyed delicious tuna sandwiches.

Next, we joined a Bites and Sites tour, which offered a fascinating opportunity to immerse ourselves in Costa Rican culture through its food and history.

Our first stop was the farmers’ market where we tasted exotic fruits like lychee, manzana de agua (water apple), star fruit, Jamaican plum, and guava juice. We also tried gooseberries.

The second stop introduced us to an incredible sorbet, which had no name but captured the essence of fall in every bite.

At our final stop, we tasted frog water, a unique and flavorful drink made with herbs and spices, along with corn ceviche, which offered a tangy, crunchy bite, and tamales, which were rich with savory fillings. Each dish provided a distinct taste of traditional Costa Rican cuisine.

We concluded the tour by making sweet plantain empanadas, which were absolutely delicious, especially when paired with coffee—a surprisingly perfect combination. During this final stop, we also had the opportunity to learn about Costa Rican coffee culture.

Day 2 – Sunday, September 1

HIGHLIGHTS: Visita del Sueños + Cultura5

Our day began with a scenic ride to Visita del Sueños, where we kicked off our adventure with an exhilarating ATV ride. Donnell took the wheel and fully embraced the experience, making the most of every twist and turn.

Along the way, we made a brief stop at a stunning waterfall, where we took a refreshing dip in the cool, crystal-clear water. Although the water was cold, it was incredibly invigorating.

Lunch was a feast—tuna steaks, beet salad, pineapple salad, rice, potatoes, plantains, and rice milk. I had soursop juice, which was amazing.

After lunch, we went zip-lining. It was my first time, and I loved it. There were ten lines total. The first six were for practice, which I appreciated. On the sixth line, I rode upside down, Spider-Man style! Donnell opted out of that one. My favorite was the seventh line, named Big Momma. The ninth, nicknamed Big Poppa, was the fastest. It was an exhilarating experience overall.

On the way back, we stopped by Crocodile River to spot some crocs, then grabbed some ice cream at Pops. I had *fresas del Poás* (strawberries from Poás), and Donnell had a Zumba green smoothie. Both were delicious.

We had dinner at the hotel restaurant, Cultura5, which was stunning. I ordered octopus, which was good, but the white beans were the real star of the dish. They might have looked like canned baked beans, but they were extraordinary. Donnell had the sea bass, and we both cleaned our plates.

Day 3 – Monday, September 2

HIGHLIGHTS: La Paz Waterfall and La Esquina de Buenos Aires

I started the day with a hearty breakfast and then went exploring. I visited the artesanías market, where I bought a chorreador, a single-serve coffee maker. I saw one earlier in the trip and couldn’t resist. Of course, I also bought some earrings.

Our main adventure was visiting La Paz Waterfall. We passed by strawberry farms and stopped to change buses on the way. We tried some of the best strawberries I’ve ever had, along with strawberry wine.

Once we arrived, we began with the bird exhibit. These animals had been rescued from homes and could not be released into the wild. Although I understood the reasoning, it was still difficult to see them in captivity.

Next, we visited the sloth exhibit, but they were resting, so we didn’t see much.

We continued through the butterfly garden, which I always enjoy. The space was filled with vibrant flowers and the gentle flutter of butterflies, creating such a serene atmosphere. It’s always amazing to see them up close and watch as they move so gracefully from bloom to bloom.

We walked past some stunning orchids, their vibrant colors absolutely breathtaking. Each bloom seemed like a tiny masterpiece, adding even more beauty to the scenery around us.

We made our way through the monkey exhibit, where the monkeys were exceptionally active, playfully swinging and interacting with each other.

After lunch, we explored a few more exhibits before trying a traditional Costa Rican drink, similar to frog water but served warm.

Our last exhibit featured big cats, and they were absolutely majestic. However, it was difficult experience as I watched the jaguar pace back and forth without stopping. It served as a poignant reminder of how wild animals thrive best in their natural habitat.

Finally, we reached the highlight of the trip—the waterfalls. The more I travel, the more I’m mesmerized by nature, and waterfalls are truly a stunning sight. We took in five of these majestic wonders.

For dinner, we walked to La Esquina de Buenos Aires. Donnell had the salmon, and I enjoyed the sea bass. The portions were generous, and the food was fresh and delicious.

Final Thoughts

Costa Rica is truly an incredible and magical destination, and I’m so glad Donnell got to experience it too! My personal highlight from the trip was ziplining, while Donnell’s favorite adventure was ATVing. It was the perfect way to spend Labor Day Weekend—filled with excitement, unforgettable moments, and natural beauty. We’ll definitely be returning!