Issue 7 May 23rd 2021

Hello

Have you missed hearing from me? By the time you read this, my family and I will have already traveled through Costa Rica for about 2 weeks on our 3-week self-drive adventure and inspection trip.

And I'd like to take you along on our journey, with the help of this newsletter. I will show you where we will be staying and this way you can get ideas of what is possible for your own Costa Rica vacation. Pura Vida!

And of course, I am here to organize it for you so you don't have to worry about a thing.

Let me start by telling you how amazed I am at how Costa Rica is handling the pandemic. We have never felt as safe in the US as we do here. Everyone is still wearing masks, even outside. There are handwashing stations literally everywhere and social distancing is taken very very seriously. We went to some hot springs and only one family is allowed in each of the pools at the same time. Hotel restaurants mostly work with reservations which are sometimes a bit difficult for us to manage as we are traveling with our 2-year old toddler boys. They don't always eat by the clock, but the restaurants have all been very accommodating to last-minute requests. So when you are ready to travel, I am sure you will feel just as safe here in Costa Rica as we do!

And if you think that Costa Rica is a popular spot, then you are certainly correct BUT there is such a huge variety of hotels in different locations which have so much to offer, and everything is so well managed, it certainly has not yet felt this way for us.

We've just stayed in a region that is still developing and feels very off-the-beaten-path and unless you are an avid birdwatcher you have probably never heard of it: San Gerardo de Dota. This little village is located about 2 hrs south of San Jose and has some beautiful small eco-lodges perfect for birdwatching, hiking, or just relaxing in nature!

Follow me on our Costa Rica adventure and reach out with any questions or ask me for a free quote for your very own unforgettable Costa Rica vacation.

On top is a picture we took at the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park that we hiked (it even was stroller-friendly! perfect for families!). You can see the ever-present Arenal Volcano in the background.

TropiQ Trips Blog

Discover Our Top Lodges and Best Family Hotels in Costa Rica

Planning a family vacation to Costa Rica but are not sure yet where to stay? We hear you and have compiled a list of the best family hotels in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica is a wonderful place for families to experience a mountain of exciting activities.

Families find in Costa Rica an adventure paradise set in the most beautiful natural and safe environment. Costa Ricans (“Ticos”) are also very family-friendly so it’s no surprise Costa Rica hosts some of the top lodges for families in Latin America.

Tour Of The Week

Check out Costa Rica's Pacific Coast Tour | TropiQ Trips

Time to unwind! Your tour along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast begins by driving through scenic landscapes on our way to the mangroves of Guacalillo. Here you will have the chance to observe one of the largest crocodile colonies in the world.

After the tour, you will continue straight to Manuel Antonio National Park. The park is well-known for its charming beaches, hiking trails, and pleasant climate.

Later, our journey continues, away from Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast, to the clouded highlands of Monteverde. Here, you can breathe the fresh mountain air, recharge your batteries, and simply unwind.

Afterward, we will cross a few mountain ranges and coastal plains and drive north to Rincón de la Vieja, an active volcano camouflaged by truly captivating forests.

Costa Rica

Our Pura Vida Costa Rica - Family Adventure

Check out our map and itinerary! We wanted to see as much as possible on our Costa Rica Self-Drive tour so we can recommend only the best hotels to our clients.

On top of the hotels where we stay (which are the ones listed), I am visiting other awesome accommodation options on separate site inspections. This way I am sure to only include lodges in the itineraries that I think you will love!

Hacienda Guachipelín | Costa Rica Excursions, Tour Packages & More

Uniquely situated in the dry tropical forest, Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin is the ideal setting to explore one of the most interesting regions and active volcanoes in the “happiest country in the world” – Costa Rica.

Located in Costa Rica’s sunny Guanacaste province, next to the Rincon de la Vieja National Park, Hotel Hacienda Guachipelin offers you comfortable accommodations to relax after a day of Costa Rica adventure tours and nature tours, from standard rooms to suites, superior rooms, and more. All our rooms include air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and additional amenities.

Rincón de la Vieja National Park, Costa Rica

Rincón de la Vieja National Park is a must-visit destination when you are in the Guanacaste Province.

At over 34,000 acres, Rincón de la Vieja has room for two volcanoes, 32 rivers and streams, and an incredible variety of flora and fauna.

Arenal Manoa Resort Hotel and Hot Springs

Enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the Costa Rica countryside at Hotel Arenal Manoa & Hot Springs. Stunning views of the Arenal Volcano, warm, friendly hospitality and fresh, seasonal and local cuisine come together to create one of Costa Rica’s most relaxing resorts.

This is where we stayed in La Fortuna, the gateway to the Arenal Volcano.

Located 15 minutes from downtown La Fortuna, Arenal Manoa is the perfect choice for families and couples seeking contemporary and comfortable accommodations.

Surrounded by lush, meticulously manicured grounds, scenic pastures, and the exhilarating recreation for which Costa Rica is known, you’re sure to experience a memorable stay.

Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge in San Gerardo de Dota, Costa Rica

This lodge was definitely one of our favorites:

Dantica Cloud Forest Lodge is an eco-boutique hotel. It's located on top of a hill in the Los Santos Forest Reserve, about 2 hours south of San Jose.

The bungalows have huge glass fronts and offer a breathtaking view of the cloud forest. This lodge has an eco-friendly design and prides itself in its harmony with the environment.

Many trails and even more birds wait to be explored! Check it out:

Only the Essentials - Costa Rica video

Enjoy this short Costa Rica video. It's time to recharge and experience the thrills of new adventures in Costa Rica.