Two trips, two ways to explore
On her first Costa Rica trip, Ann stayed in La Fortuna and visited Jacó Beach and Manuel Antonio. On her second trip, she stayed in the Quepos and Manuel Antonio area. That mix of rainforest and Pacific-coast time helps her talk through the options with travelers.
What Ann has done there
- Walked the hanging bridges and visited the Arenal area; her camera roll has the volcano, a rainforest waterfall, a river through the jungle, a sloth, a toucan and a capuchin monkey.
- Stayed in a villa with a pool looking out over the trees, and had a personal chef. She says that food was some of the best she has eaten outside Italy, where she lived for three years.
- Spent time on the Pacific side: dark-sand beaches, a jungle-backed cove, sunset boat rides past rocky headlands.
Villas she lists
Ann has posted villa rentals at Las Catalinas, a walkable beach town in Guanacaste. One example she shared: a colorful three-bedroom, two-bath flat for up to seven guests with a housekeeper included, two terraces (one with ocean views, one facing the mountain trails), a full kitchen and a big dining table, from $550 a night, which she pointed out works out to about $184 per room per night when shared. Good home base for friends and family who want to explore the town.
Why she recommends it
- Adventure and nature on the same trip as beach time.
- Villas with staff make group and family trips easy to share.
- All-inclusive resorts exist too (she has promoted Riu Guanacaste), so both styles work.