Costa Rica is one of those destinations that completely exceeded my expectations. I expected beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and incredible wildlife—but I didn’t expect to leave feeling inspired by the country’s commitment to sustainability and its connection to nature.

From ziplining through the jungle canopy and snorkeling with a sea turtle to covering myself in volcanic mud and learning how coffee is grown, this 8-day Costa Rica itinerary was packed with adventure, wildlife, culture, and unforgettable experiences.

If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, here’s everything I did, along with my honest tips and recommendations.

Why Costa Rica Should Be on Your Travel Bucket List

Costa Rica is famous for its stunning biodiversity, eco-tourism, volcanoes, rainforests, and beautiful beaches. What surprised me most was how deeply sustainability is woven into everyday life. Throughout my trip, I learned about composting, zero-waste farming, renewable resources, and local food production—all while enjoying some of the most beautiful scenery I’ve ever seen.

Whether you’re looking for adventure travel, wildlife encounters, family-friendly activities, or eco-tourism experiences, Costa Rica truly has something for everyone.Day 1: Arriving in Guanacaste and Relaxing at Hilton Garden Inn Guanacaste

After arriving in Costa Rica, we checked into the beautiful Hilton Garden Inn Guanacaste Airport.

After a day of travel, there was nothing better than settling in and enjoying the pool. It was the perfect way to kick off our Costa Rica adventure and ease into vacation mode.

The hotel was comfortable, convenient, and a great home base for exploring the Guanacaste region.

Day 2: Buena Vista Lodge Eco Park – My Favorite Sustainable Tourism Experience in Costa Rica

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Guanacaste, Buena Vista Lodge should absolutely be on your itinerary.

This wasn’t just a tour—it was a deep dive into Costa Rican culture, sustainability, and traditional ways of life.

Learning About Sustainable Living in Costa Rica

One of the most inspiring parts of the experience was learning how the farm operates with a near zero-waste philosophy.

They:

• Compost food waste
• Recycle extensively
• Grow much of their own food
• Raise animals on-site
• Produce their own soaps for cleaning and guest use
• Harvest honey from their own beehives

As someone who enjoys learning about sustainable living, I found this incredibly fascinating.

Traditional Costa Rican Culture and Crafts

Throughout the day we learned about:

• Traditional pottery and ceramics
• Local snacks and foods
• Historic sugar cane milling methods
• Costa Rican farming traditions

It felt like stepping back in time and gaining a much deeper appreciation for where food and everyday products come from.

Making Soap and Learning New Skills

One of my favorite activities was participating in an ecological workshop where we made our own soap.

It’s amazing how many products we purchase without ever thinking about how they’re made. This hands-on experience made sustainability feel approachable and practical.

Costa Rican Cooking Class

We also participated in a cooking class where we learned how to make local pastries.

Of course, the best part was getting to eat them afterward!

Ziplining Through the Costa Rican Rainforest Canopy

For adventure lovers, the ziplining experience was incredible.

Flying through the rainforest canopy offered breathtaking views and an unforgettable adrenaline rush. (Keep in mind participants must weigh less than 200 pounds.)

Volcanic Mud Baths and Hot Springs at Buena Vista del Rincón

This was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced.

The process included:

1. Relaxing in a sauna
2. Covering ourselves in volcanic mud
3. Rinsing off before entering natural thermal baths

It was messy, relaxing, and one of the most unique spa experiences I’ve ever had.

Day 3: Playa del Coco Snorkeling Adventure

No Costa Rica vacation is complete without spending time on the water.

We visited the beautiful Playa del Coco and headed out on a snorkeling excursion.

Snorkeling with Tropical Fish and a Sea Turtle

The boat ride itself was gorgeous, but the real highlight was snorkeling the reef.

We saw:

• Colorful tropical fish
• Beautiful coral formations
• A sea turtle swimming through the reef

Seeing a turtle in its natural habitat is one of those travel moments you’ll never forget.

Day 4: Volcano Views, Waterfalls, and Rincón de la Vieja National Park

We traveled toward the Arenal region and stayed at Cascada de Fuego Hotel.

The views were absolutely incredible. We could see the volcano from the property and enjoyed both the pool and air conditioning after long days of exploring.

One thing to note: toilet paper could not be flushed and had to be disposed of in a trash can. While this isn’t uncommon in some areas, it’s something travelers may want to know ahead of time.

Hiking Rincón de la Vieja National Park

This national park felt like something straight out of a nature documentary.

Along the trails we saw:

• Boiling mud pots
• Beautiful waterfalls
• Massive strangler fig trees
• Giant ceiba trees

The landscape constantly changed, making every turn feel like a new adventure.

Day 5: Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge Boat Tour

If you’re hoping to see wildlife in Costa Rica, this was one of the best experiences of the trip.

We traveled to Los Chiles and explored the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge by boat.

Amazing Costa Rica Wildlife Sightings

Throughout the tour we spotted:

• Sloths
• Monkeys
• Lizards
• Exotic birds
• Countless other animals

The guides were incredibly skilled at spotting wildlife that I never would have noticed on my own.

Day 6: La Fortuna Waterfall and Coffee Farm Tour

This was one of the most active days of the trip.

We eventually made our way toward San José and stayed at Auténtico Hotel.

Visiting La Fortuna Waterfall

La Fortuna Waterfall is absolutely stunning.

However, be prepared for a workout.

You must descend more than 500 steps to reach the waterfall—and then climb all 500 steps back up.

Tips for Visiting La Fortuna Waterfall

• Wear comfortable shoes
• Bring plenty of water
• Pack a swimsuit
• Allow extra time for photos

The waterfall is breathtaking, and there are countless scenic viewpoints along the trail.

Swimming in the river beneath the waterfall was one of my favorite experiences in Costa Rica.

Touring Hacienda Doka Coffee Farm

We also toured Hacienda Doka Coffee Estate, and it turned out to be much more than a coffee tour.

Every farm tour felt like a cultural experience.

We learned about:

• Coffee production
• Chocolate production
• Sugar cane processing
• Costa Rican history
• Sustainable agriculture

What I found most interesting was seeing how diverse these farms are. In addition to coffee, they often grow:

• Pineapple
• Ginger
• Medicinal plants
• Herbs
• Fruits

And yes, there were plenty of delicious samples throughout the tour.

Day 7: Whitewater Rafting Through Costa Rica’s Rainforest

Whitewater rafting in Costa Rica was one of the most memorable adventures of the entire trip.

Before we even got into our raft, our guides led us on a short hike along the river.

We were able to jump into the water and float downstream to our rafts, which made the experience feel even more adventurous.

Wildlife Encounters While Rafting

What made this rafting trip so unique was the wildlife.

As we floated through the rainforest, we spotted:

• Sloths
• Tropical birds
• Beautiful rainforest scenery

I’ve been rafting several times before, but this experience easily ranks among my favorites.

Day 8: Heading Home Inspired by Costa Rica

As our trip came to an end, I realized that Costa Rica had impacted me in ways I never expected.

Of course, I loved the beaches, waterfalls, wildlife, hot springs, volcanoes, and adventures.

But what stayed with me most was the country’s commitment to sustainability.

Learning how farms compost, produce their own food, make their own soap, harvest honey, and reduce waste left me feeling inspired to bring some of those practices into my own life.

I came home wanting to plant fruits, learn more about growing coffee, make my own soap, and live a little more intentionally.

Final Thoughts: Is Costa Rica Worth Visiting?

Absolutely.

If you’re looking for a destination that combines adventure, wildlife, beautiful scenery, rich culture, and sustainable tourism, Costa Rica delivers all of it.

From snorkeling with sea turtles and ziplining through the rainforest to soaking in volcanic hot springs and learning how coffee is grown, this was one of the most educational and memorable trips I’ve ever taken.

And if you’re anything like me, you’ll leave with a camera full of photos, a deeper appreciation for nature, and a long list of reasons to start planning your next trip back. 🌴☀️🦥