Pura Vida, permeates Costa Rican culture. In translation, it simply means “pure life,” but to Costa Ricans, it is a motto used in place of a greeting, a thank you, good wishes and more. This small country that represents nearly 6 percent of the world’s biodiversity is squeezed into a landmass (51,500 square kilometers) smaller than West Virginia.
Welcome to the happiest place on the planet. Costa Rica, here is an abundant concentration of active pursuits such as waterfall hiking, zip lining or rappelling for people of all fitness levels in the untouched landscape of Arenal. Rich in natural wonders, the Northern zone is flanked by the country’s most active volcano, Arenal, and the breathtaking Lake Arenal. Kid-friendly trails at the Arenal National Park take visitors through a lava scape trek before reaching an observatory for stunning views of the volcano and lake. The hanging-bridges tour allows visitors to take a relaxing walk on 15 suspended bridges, giving a treetop view of unique wildlife, exotic birds and monkeys. Experienced hikers should visit the breathtaking La Fortuna Waterfall, one of the gems in the area. All our Tours at Arenal. LEARN MORE
However, not all the thrills stem from adrenaline-pumping activities at Arenal. Here you can have chocolate for breakfast. This tour is one of those rare instances where the History Channel, National Geographic and Food Network came to real life. The two-hour program touched on the origins of the drink of the gods; provided a tour of a cacao plantation, where you taste cacao fruit; and then you participate in making chocolate. The tour ends with you concocting your own chocolate flavors by combining spices such as cayenne with hibiscus and raisins with spoonfuls of organic chocolate. As promised, your bellies will be filled with chocolate, making this fun and informative experience as memorable as zip lining.
With so much to do in one area, stay at Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort, at the base of the majestic Arenal volcano. The luxury eco-hotel with 103 rooms and suites is an excursion in itself. Breathtaking and robust with wildlife, the carbon-neutral resort features natural flowing rivers fed directly from Arenal Volcano without use of pumps or heaters. It is possible to spend hours exploring the rivers and dipping pools, or playing tag among gigantic bromeliads the size of my toddler. It is a slice of paradise on 900 lush acres of rain forest. If the kids tire of climbing along cascading rivers, there is a pool fitted with a water slide and an adjoining in-pool bar to let parents keep a close eye on the kids while sipping on a cocktail.
Parents should also take advantage of the free baby-sitting provided during treatments at the Grand Spa. Treat yourself to a Honey Temptation massage, in which they lather you with a balm of honey and olive oil in one of their serene al fresco bungalows. Tabacon makes for a perfect home base during an Arenal visit. The creature comforts are second to none with excellent service to match, as well as the convenience of many activities at your doorstep or a short drive away. More about Arenal.
If a seaside utopia is more your cup of tea, head to the Pacific Coast to Guanacaste, with plenty of uncrowded beaches. It’s a sharp contrast to Arenal’s flourishing greenery and hilly terrain; expect sparse foliage in a dry forest landscape that is flat and arid, though still teeming with wildlife.
El Mangroove Costa Rica Luxury Resort brings a new stature of “hot and hip” to a Costa Rica luxury hotel in Guanacaste. Located in Bahia Papagayo, it’s the closest resort to any international airport in Costa Rica. 85 bohemian-chic suites are nestled amongst mangrove and beach front forest. A hotel inspired on barefoot luxury, with contemporary linear architecture.“You can see monkeys from the resort in the morning and late in the afternoon, the resident howler monkeys that, true to name, wail in groups among the treetops. For those interested in bird-watching and spotting flora and fauna native to the dry tropical forest, guided morning and sunset hikes are a great option. Bill Beard’s offers daily scuba diving and soft, medium & extreme adventure tours from El Mangroove. SEE MORE
Costa Rica is an ideal place to get unplugged, offering contrasting worlds of rain forest and the dry tropical lands by the beaches in one trip. Direct flights from Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Charlotte, Denver, Phoenix, St. Paul, Atlanta, Miami and more, make it a quick and easy journey to natural wonders that feel a world away.
Our agents can set up the all inclusive or al a carte vacation package and itinerary you want throughout the country. There is no charge for our service and we’ll save you money and lots of time and you’ll get the vacation you want.
*We have a wonderful NEW DVD, it is 23 minutes: LEARN MORE
To see all the adventure tours that Bill Beard’s operates Throughout Costa Rica: CLICK HERE
Bill Beard’s Costa Rica has privately escorted tours and first class accommodations throughout the country that may be added to other packages.For single, triple, quad or group rates, contact our agents.
Our Reservation Office Is Located In La Fortuna, Costa Rica In The Shadow Of Arenal Volcano, behind the Catholic Church, Near The World Famous Hot Springs.
For Reservations & Information
Contact Our Office At 877 853-0538 or 954 453-5044 M – Sat., 9 – 9 ET
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IMPORTANT NOTE – Please be advised that every reasonable effort has been made to keep all prices up to date and free of errors or omissions. Prices and policies from our vendors and the Costa Rican government are or omissions. Prices and policies from our vendors and the Costa Rican government are subject to change without notice. Invoices will be issued at the time of booking to confirm all final rates and offers.