A Costa Rica Christmas: A Week of Adventure, Relaxation, and Pura Vida
- Misty Pollina
- Apr 26
- 3 min read
Christmas 2023, our family decided to trade snow for sunshine and head to the breathtaking landscapes of Costa Rica. From thrilling adventures to serene beaches, Costa Rica offers the perfect mix for a holiday you’ll never forget. Join us as we recap our six incredible days of exploring this tropical paradise.
Day 1: The Journey Begins
Our adventure started with a flight from Vegas to Costa Rica via Aeromexico. Lady Luck was on our side as we hit a $120 jackpot on the slots! Upon arriving in San Jose Costa Rica, we picked up our rental car, ready to explore Costa Rica on our own terms.
The drive to La Fortuna was an adventure in itself, with winding roads that tested our driving skills. Along the way, we discovered random waterfalls, spotted adorable coatis, and enjoyed a delightful lunch at a quaint café. Arriving at our accommodations, we were thrilled with the charm and the promise of the week ahead, packed with whitewater rafting, rappelling, and more!
Day 2: Sloths, Souvenirs, and Serendipity
This was our “unplanned” day! Starting early with some work, We then took a peaceful morning walk that led us to a hidden creek.
Breakfast at the Red Frog Café did not disappoint, fueling us for visits to my favorite luxury resorts, Tabacon and Nayara. The highlight of the day was the sloth-watching trail, where we spotted these fascinating creatures in the wild. After some souvenir shopping and a delightful lunch at a rustic spot with chickens and puppies wandering around, we ended the day with dinner and games.
Day 3: Whitewater Thrills and Christmas Parade
Our action-packed day began with breakfast (and banana smoothies!) from the Red Frog Café before heading to Arenal Rafting Co. The experience was a bucket-list adventure, and even those hesitant at first were won over by the exhilarating ride.
Back at the rental, we were treated to a surprise Christmas parade passing by—complete with festive music and holiday cheer. This was the perfect way to wrap up our time in La Fortuna before heading to Manuel Antonio the next day.
Day 4: Journey to the Pacific Coast
We bid farewell to La Fortuna with a quick morning rappel adventure for Kyla and Cara. On the way to Manuel Antonio, we stopped at Crocodile Bridge to marvel at the enormous reptiles lounging below.
Our new rental house greeted us with a stunning jungle-view pool. Christmas Eve was spent swimming, enjoying dinner, and gearing up for a beach day on the Pacific Coast.
Day 5: Christmas on the Beach
Waking up on Christmas morning in Costa Rica was magical—Santa even left us stocking surprises! After breakfast, we headed to Manuel Antonio’s public beach, where $30 got us a prime spot with chairs, bathrooms, and showers.
The warm waters and sunny weather made for a perfect day of swimming, sipping fresh coconut drinks, and watching parasailers soar. Lunch at a unique restaurant inside a vintage 747 was unforgettable, especially the poke bowls. We wrapped up Christmas with dinner at a local spot and ended the night watching The Eras Tour on Prime.
Day 6: ATV Adventures and Farewell
Our last day was an adrenaline-filled ATV tour through the jungle, ending at a picturesque waterfall. After a final swim in the pool and a memorable dinner, it was time to say goodbye to Costa Rica—one of our top three favorite destinations. We’re already dreaming of our 2025 Christmas getaway. Where will it be? Stay tuned!
Why Costa Rica Should Be Your Next Holiday Destination
Costa Rica’s blend of adventure, natural beauty, and warm hospitality makes it the perfect Christmas getaway. Whether you’re ziplining through jungles, relaxing on pristine beaches, or spotting sloths in the wild, there’s something for everyone.
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