Costa Rica 2023!
Our friend Mary took this amazing photo that captures the excitement of these kiddos through out our trip.
While talking with friends over dinner about a trip together, they all mentioned how much they loved Costa Rica. We had never been there before, so it sounded like an amazing country for our latest adventure - and it did not disappoint. This was not our normal destination, we tend to visit cities, so definitely out of my comfort zone, but I really enjoyed it. After three weeks back, I am still missing it, and in some ways it’s making me rethink this whole living in a city mentality…
Kids eagerly waiting for our plane (Mary’s photo).
During our eight day trip visited Manuel Antonio, Arenal, and La Fortuna.
Breathtaking views on our way to Manuel Antonio.
Another breathtaking view (Mary’s photo).
Raquel’s excitement was hard to contain.
Manuel Antonio
This is Hotel Villas Lirio which is located near Manuel Antonio National Park.
Ready for the day.
Sunblock time.
Hotel pool.
So much joy!
The hotel had a small game room.
This is Stevie, Raquel’s new friend.
Manuel Antonio National Park
From left to right: Raquel, me (Brenda), Chris, Caroline, Mary, Victor, and Tristan at Manuel Antonio National Park (Chris’ photo).
Our tour guide Josue (aka Checho) chatting with the kids.
Kids leading the way (Mary’s photo).
Friends walking the path, eager to get to the beach.
Gorgeous palm trees everywhere!
Happy kids!
Raquel trying to open a coconut.
Busy busy hermit crab.
So many iguanas everywhere.
Ready for some beach time!
Trying to not get wet just yet.
Taking a moment to enjoy the view.
Dinner at Agua Azul Café which has an amazing view.
Family photo.
You need a family photo too! (Chris’ photo)
Group selfie (Mary’s photo).
Another breathtaking view.
Yummy food: Get in my belly.
Time to make some art.
Food + More Beach
Taking time away from playing for a quick bite (Mary’s photo).
Lunch at Restaurante Buena Vista Plus. Best of all, super kid friendly and right by the beach! (Mary’s photo)
We stopped by for some food, but with the beach nearby, we ended up spending the afternoon there (Mary’s photo).
The classic: “I will take a picture of you taking a picture or me!”
Me taking photos of the kids (Chris’ photo).
Hours and hours of fun.
Sunset at the beach.
So much joy!
She will not tire of the beach.
This kid is a fish!
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding… Yeah! (Mary’s photo)
It looked like their horses were buddies because they stayed together for the entire tour (Mary’s photo).
Hands down: Best meal we had in Costa Rica 💕
Vida Hermosa Bar & Restaurante is located in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica and deserves its own section on my website. I could eat there every single day. Food in Costa Rica is pretty delicious in my opinion, but this was amazing!
Restaurant entrance.
Lunch!
Arenal
This is La Mansion Inn Arenal. Rain and fog combined with very windy and narrow roads while driving up and down the mountains made our drive quite interesting - to say the least (thanks to Waze for guiding our travels). We only spent a day here, but we enjoyed the views combined with a hot tub, a pool and a short walk to a lake… so much relaxation.
Another breathtaking view from this city girl.
Friends munching nearby.
Seriously, can I live here???!!!
They don’t get tired 🤔
Friends ❤️
Hi friend!
Kids mooing 😂 (Chris’ photo)
Such vibrant colors everywhere.
So many orchids here.
Lake Arenal
A furry friend joined our short walk to the lake.
He loved fetch.
My partner in crime ❤️
Let me take a family photo!
Siblings.
Well, hello!
Let me take a family photo too!
Lake Arenal (Mary’s photo).
Finca Luna Nueva Lodge in La Fortuna
We spent three days at Finca Luna Nueva Lodge which is a sustainable rainforest eco-lodge hotel.
Another pool to enjoy.
Yoga pavilion.
We took their Herbal Medicine class and made a concoction to help with my migraines.
Yay, hot tub time!
I enjoyed a chocolate therapy massage. I could get used to this.
Patterns and shapes.
Our friends took the Farm Tour (Mary’s photo).
Let’s try this pool too.
Moon Drops Restaurant located at the lodge.
About 60% of the food that is served at their restaurant comes from their farm.
Raquel at 7am at the Cow Milking tour (Chris’ photo).
Love the colors.
So much vegetation!
This kid walked everywhere and not once complained.
Night Tour
Our tour guide giving us the introduction.
Mating season 💕
Quick visit to a nearby waterfall (Chris’ photo).
More delicious food at El Jardín de Frida Restaurante.
Fresh clean food? Yes, please.
Raquel playing a marimba.
La Fortuna Volcano.
A very popular souvenir found at most shops…
Fresh juice every day.
ATV Tour
Excited and ready for the ATV tour.
Chris and Raquel getting last minute instructions.
Her favorite tour.
Recovering meal post ATV tour.
The cutest serving of mashed potato I have ever seen (top right).
Back in San José
Our last dinner together back in San Jose at Restaurante L’Olivo (Mary’s photo).
Butter noodles FOREVER!! (Mary’s photo)
Selfie time (Raquel’s photo).
We stayed at La Sabana Hotel Suites in San José for our last day before heading back home.
Time for some art.
Time to collect our stuff and head to the airport.
Not sure who is the artist, but these decorated most walls at the hotel.
These is a lot of detail and love the colors.
Last “Gallo Pinto” breakfast.
I am not a huge fan of quilted art, but these were really pretty.
A kitty!
One more photo.
Ok, one more.
Until next time Costa Rica, cant wait to be back!
Adios Costa Rica!
Clouds and colors.
Back in Atlanta: Happy and tired.