Costa Rica — A Jungle Story That Changed Us Forever

Costa Rica was our first true step into the jungle, and it changed us in ways we didn’t expect.
Here’s the thing… some trips entertain you. This one reconnected us to something deeper — the kind of place that reminds you the world is wild, alive, and absolutely worth exploring.

We landed in San José on a bright morning with Volcán Arenal sitting on the horizon like it was keeping watch. The city itself is a buzzing metropolis — people everywhere, movement everywhere, energy everywhere.

And once you push through that traffic and hit the outskirts, everything shifts.
Suddenly you’re driving through rural mountain roads lined with mango trees and Spanish pines, passing tiny white goats perched confidently on rocky bluffs like they own the place.

The Road to Quepos

It’s a 4.5-hour drive, but it’s the kind of drive that changes your internal pace.
By the time we reached the hillside town of Quepos, we were ready for whatever the jungle had planned.

Getting to our Airbnb was… let’s call it “memorable.”
Steep, curving roads, narrow lanes, and elevation changes that make you second-guess your rental car. But then you arrive — and the home is literally carved into the jungle, overlooking the Pacific like a lookout post for wandering souls.

Mornings & Evenings That Didn’t Feel Real

Every morning, with coffee and tea in hand, we watched Howler and Capuchin monkeys swing through the canopy like they were commuting to their day jobs. Bright birds and butterflies drifted through constantly — each one seeming more colorful than the last.

And then came the real show:
A mated pair of red macaws returning to the same branch every morning, preening in the sun and chattering like an old married couple. They mate for life, which made the whole ritual feel even more meaningful.

Evenings brought a different kind of beauty. Insects sang. The sky dimmed to deep blues. We replayed our adventures on the balcony while dreaming up the next day’s ones.

And then came the storm — a rainforest storm that reminded us exactly where we were.
Forty-five minutes of lightning flashes, thunder cracks, and rain pounding the roof in a steady, calming rhythm. Relaxing and electrifying at the same time. One of those moments your brain refuses to file away.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Once we settled in, the real adventure began.
Manuel Antonio is this incredible blend of jungle wildlife and pristine beaches — six of them, to be exact. We walked the park with our guide, Miguel, whose eyes were basically high-resolution binoculars.

If there was something alive within 50 feet, he spotted it.
He even carried a telescopic lens so we could see every tiny creature up close.

The Howler monkeys teased us — loud all day, impossible to spot. Good thing they stopped by our balcony each morning. Maybe we were on their commute.

After the jungle trek, we ended up on a beach with volcanic mountains punching up out of the sea like the fingers of some ancient giant. Primordial is the only word that fits.

And if you think the monkeys in the trees are curious… the ones on the beach have mastered the art of stealing snacks and shiny objects. Fair warning.

Nauyaca Waterfalls — The Hard Hike Worth Every Step

The next day, we doubled down on adventure with a challenging hike deep into the mountains — the Nauyaca Preserve waterfall tour.

This trek takes you across rope bridges suspended between peaks, through dense forest, and up a steep mountainside that makes you question your life choices… until the views hit.
Then it all clicks.

The good news?
All the waterfalls are on the downhill portion, which means the most beautiful part of the hike is also the easiest.

We ended with a swim in a natural stone bowl carved by water over millions of years.
The current near the falls was so strong it was nearly impossible to stand there long enough for a picture — but we tried anyway.

A Trip That Stays With You

Costa Rica reminded us the jungle isn’t just “trees and humidity.”
It’s a living world, vibrant and ancient, full of creatures and landscapes we’d only ever seen on TV. And being there — seeing it all up close — changed us forever.

Lessons Learned

• Arrive in San José the night before your flight home. One accident on the single-lane highways can delay you for hours.

• Rent a car. Nothing is close to the attractions, and you’ll want the freedom.

• Airports are modern and efficient. Surprisingly easy experience compared to many countries.