Costa Rica: Volcano Views, Rainforest Wildlife and Adventures to Remember

5 days ago

9 min read

Travel Consultant Name: Emma Aspire Travel

Job Title: Travel Consultant

Tour Operator Hosting the Trip: Latin Routes

Destination Visited: Costa Rica

Dates of Travel: 20 – 27th September 2026

Type of Trip: FAM trip/ Training Academy

Imagine waking up to views of a volcano, soaking in natural hot springs, spotting sloths around your hotel and exploring beautiful beaches on the edge of a tropical rainforest.

Costa Rica has all this and so much more. Aspire Travel’s Emma Corney travelled with Latin Routes to experience the destination first-hand, discover its contrasting regions and learn how to help clients plan their own Costa Rican adventure.

Discovering Costa Rica with Latin Routes

Costa Rica had always been a destination with plenty to offer, but experiencing it first-hand gave me a completely new appreciation for just how much there is to see and do.

I travelled with Latin Routes from 20–27 September 2026 as part of their Training Academy, an educational trip designed to build our destination knowledge and help us recommend the right experiences to our customers.

The trip included two full training days in Arenal, where we explored destinations across the wider region, learned about different travel styles and discovered which locations and experiences best suit different types of travellers.

But this wasn't just about learning from a training manual.

We also got to experience Costa Rica for ourselves, with a crocodile safari, hot springs, incredible wildlife, stunning coastal scenery and stays in two very different parts of the country.

And one of my biggest takeaways? Costa Rica is a destination where the experience can change dramatically depending on where you stay and how you choose to travel.

Arenal and La Fortuna: Volcano Views and Hot Springs

Our first stop was Arenal Manoa Hotel in La Fortuna, and the location immediately made an impression.

The hotel looks out towards the volcano, giving the whole setting a spectacular backdrop. It genuinely felt like waking up in the middle of the rainforest.

We stayed in a Junior Suite designed in a villa style, with two queen beds, a spacious bathroom with a shower and a lovely terrace where we could take in the views.

But one of the biggest surprises was the wildlife.

I'd expected to see most of the animals in the national parks, yet there were resident bird species and sloths around the hotel grounds. In fact, we managed to see the wildlife around our accommodation even better than we did at the National Park!

It was a brilliant reminder that in Costa Rica, you don't always have to go far to experience nature.

Relaxing in the Hot Springs

Arenal is also a fantastic area for experiencing Costa Rica's hot springs, and this was another memorable part of the trip.

After a day of exploring, the opportunity to relax in warm, naturally heated waters was a welcome change of pace.

For couples, friends or anyone wanting a balance between adventure and relaxation, this is an experience I would certainly highlight when planning a Costa Rican itinerary.

La Fortuna combines dramatic scenery and opportunities to explore with those moments when you can slow down and simply enjoy where you are.

Getting Out into Nature: The Crocodile Safari

One of our excursions was a crocodile safari, which added another dimension to the trip.

It's an experience I'd particularly consider for families, nature lovers and photographers who want to see more of Costa Rica's wildlife.

Wildlife experiences can be such a memorable part of a holiday, particularly when they're combined with time in different regions rather than relying on a single excursion.

For customers who want more than a traditional beach holiday, experiences like this help make Costa Rica feel like a genuine adventure.

Manuel Antonio: Wildlife Meets the Coast

Our next stop was the beautiful Manuel Antonio area, where the focus shifts towards the coastline, beaches and Manuel Antonio National Park.

This was another side of Costa Rica entirely.

The area is known for its combination of tropical wildlife, coastal scenery and white sandy beaches, including the distinctive whale-tail shape of the beach at Manuel Antonio.

For me, this really highlighted how much variety Costa Rica offers. You can spend one part of your holiday surrounded by volcano scenery and rainforest, then move to a coastal setting where wildlife and beach time become part of the same experience.

Staying at Parador Nature Hotel Manuel Antonio

We stayed at Parador Nature Hotel Manuel Antonio, which is particularly well placed for visitors wanting to explore the National Park and enjoy the coastline.

The hotel has resident sloths and other wildlife, so once again, nature was never far away.

Our accommodation was a Garden Room with two queen beds and an outdoor terrace.

One important little tip: keep your balcony doors closed! The monkeys are curious and may wander into rooms if given the opportunity.

My personal highlight was the pool area, which had wonderful views overlooking the sea. It was a lovely place to relax and take in the scenery after a day of exploring.

The location also makes this an appealing option for travellers who want easy access to the natural attractions of Manuel Antonio without giving up the comfort of a hotel stay.

How Much Can You See in Costa Rica?

One of the things that surprised me most was just how different each region can be.

La Fortuna and Arenal offer volcano scenery, rainforest surroundings and hot springs.

Manuel Antonio brings together wildlife, a beautiful coastline and white sandy beaches.

Monteverde is another area worth considering for its cloud forest reserves and opportunities for adventure, including zip lining.

The key is understanding what each place offers and building an itinerary around the client's interests.

Costa Rica isn't necessarily a destination where I'd recommend trying to do everything in one go. There is so much to experience that choosing the right combination of locations is far more important than simply fitting in as many stops as possible.

For some travellers, that might mean focusing on wildlife and nature. For others, it could be a mix of adventure, relaxation and time by the sea.

And for anyone planning a special trip, the different landscapes and experiences make Costa Rica an exciting destination to explore in more depth.

Food, Dining and Dietary Options

The food and drink offering was another positive part of the trip.

Both hotels provided good-quality food, as did the restaurants we visited.

One thing I particularly noticed at the breakfast buffets was the range of gluten-free options available. It was refreshing to see a good selection, alongside vegetarian choices and a variety of fish and meat dishes.

Food can make a real difference to the overall holiday experience, particularly for travellers with dietary requirements or those who enjoy discovering local flavours along the way.

It's always worth discussing individual dietary needs when planning a trip so that suitable arrangements can be checked in advance.

Getting Around Costa Rica: What You Need to Know

We travelled with Avianca, and I had a good experience with the flights.

The aircraft were clean, and USB charging points were available even on the shorter flight sectors. On the long-haul sector, there was also in-flight entertainment with plenty of newer films to choose from.

It was my first experience of an indirect flight, and it gave me useful insight into the journey involved in reaching Costa Rica.

Allow time for travel between regions

One of the most important practical lessons from the trip was that travelling around Costa Rica can take time.

The drives between different regions can be long, so it is essential to factor travel days into the itinerary rather than assuming every transfer will be quick.

Depending on flight schedules and the wider itinerary, I'd recommend customers consider spending a night in San José when they arrive or before they depart. This can help make the overall journey more manageable.

If you're planning to stay in several locations, it's also worth considering how much time you'll realistically want to spend travelling between them.

My advice is to plan the route carefully, allow breathing space between destinations and avoid trying to squeeze too much into a short holiday.

A well-planned itinerary can make all the difference between feeling rushed and having time to enjoy each location properly.

My Top Tips for Visiting Costa Rica

After experiencing the destination first-hand, these are the practical tips I'd share with anyone considering a trip.

Pack a light rain jacket. Sharp showers can catch you out, so having one to hand is a sensible precaution.

Keep your camera ready. From sloths and birds to volcano views and beautiful coastal scenery, there are plenty of opportunities for memorable photographs.

Plan your route carefully. Costa Rica has a lot to offer, but travel between regions can take longer than expected. Allow enough time to enjoy each stop.

Think about the mix of experiences you want. Wildlife, adventure, beaches and relaxation can all feature in a Costa Rican holiday, but the best itinerary will depend on your priorities.

Consider how you want to travel. The right combination of accommodation and destinations can make a significant difference to the pace and feel of your trip.

Don't overlook the accommodation itself. Both hotels surprised me with the wildlife around their grounds, showing that where you stay can be part of the experience rather than simply somewhere to sleep.

For currency, US dollars were widely accepted during our trip, and paying with a Revolut card was also straightforward.

Who Would I Recommend Costa Rica To?

After this experience, I'd happily recommend Costa Rica to a broad range of travellers.

Adventure seekers

For those who want to get out, explore and experience something different, Costa Rica offers plenty of possibilities, from wildlife excursions to cloud forest adventures and hot springs.

Families

A crocodile safari, wildlife encounters and time exploring the National Park can create a holiday full of experiences for families who enjoy nature and adventure.

Honeymooners and couples

The combination of spectacular scenery, relaxing hot springs, beautiful hotels and coastal stays makes Costa Rica a destination worth considering for a special getaway.

Wildlife and nature lovers

Sloths, resident bird species, national parks and rainforest surroundings were some of my most memorable discoveries. For anyone who loves the natural world, Costa Rica has a huge amount to offer.

Photographers

From volcano backdrops and tropical wildlife to turquoise water and white sandy beaches, there are opportunities to capture a wide variety of landscapes and experiences.

Ultimately, the appeal of Costa Rica is its versatility. The destination can be shaped around the type of holiday you're looking for, with the right itinerary bringing together the experiences that matter most to you.

Would I Go Back to Costa Rica?

Absolutely!

There is still so much I'd love to experience.

I'd particularly like to visit Tortuguero National Park to learn more about turtle hatching, as well as the Osa Peninsula for its whale-watching opportunities.

Kayaking with dolphins is another experience that sounds incredible.

This trip gave me a taste of just how much Costa Rica has to offer, but it also left me with an even longer wish list for a future visit.

And that's one of the best things about a destination like this: you can return with a completely different itinerary and discover another side of the country.

What Has This Trip Taught Me as a Travel Consultant?

The Latin Routes Training Academy has given me a much deeper understanding of Costa Rica and the importance of matching the right destination to the right traveller.

Before the trip, I knew Costa Rica offered adventure, wildlife and beautiful scenery.

Experiencing it first-hand helped me understand how differently each region feels and how much the accommodation and route can influence the overall experience.

I've also gained valuable insight into the national parks, wildlife experiences, seasonal considerations and the practicalities of travelling between different areas.

That first-hand knowledge matters because there isn't one perfect Costa Rica itinerary for everyone.

Some clients might want volcano views and hot springs. Others may prioritise beaches and wildlife, while some will want a more adventurous touring holiday that takes in several regions.

My role is to understand what matters most to each customer and help build a holiday around it.

A Huge Thank You to Latin Routes

A massive thank you to Latin Routes for hosting such an informative and memorable Training Academy.

The hosts were fantastic, checking in on everyone throughout the trip, and everything was organised so well.

The training, supplier knowledge and experiences were incredibly valuable. My training manual from the Academy is something I'll be keeping in my work bag for a long time!

I'm returning with a wealth of new knowledge, plenty of inspiration and an even greater appreciation for what Costa Rica has to offer.

Ready to Discover Costa Rica?

🌿 Costa Rica is a destination that deserves to be experienced, not simply looked at in a brochure.

From waking up to volcano views in Arenal and enjoying hot springs to spotting wildlife around your hotel and exploring the beautiful coastline of Manuel Antonio, it offers so many

ways to create a memorable holiday.

The secret is choosing the right places to stay, allowing enough time to travel between regions and building an itinerary around your interests.

At Aspire Travel, we can help you explore the options and plan a Costa Rican adventure that works for you.

Dreaming of Costa Rica? Get in touch with Aspire Travel and let's start planning your next adventure. ✈️🌿

Enquire today >>

Cambridge Office: 01223 855442

Travel Consultant Name: Emma Aspire Travel

Job Title: Travel Consultant

Tour Operator Hosting the Trip: Latin Routes

Destination Visited: Costa Rica

Dates of Travel: 20 – 27th September 2026

Type of Trip: FAM trip/ Training Academy

Imagine waking up to views of a volcano, soaking in natural hot springs, spotting sloths around your hotel and exploring beautiful beaches on the edge of a tropical rainforest.

Costa Rica has all this and so much more. Aspire Travel’s Emma Corney travelled with Latin Routes to experience the destination first-hand, discover its contrasting regions and learn how to help clients plan their own Costa Rican adventure.

Discovering Costa Rica with Latin Routes

Costa Rica had always been a destination with plenty to offer, but experiencing it first-hand gave me a completely new appreciation for just how much there is to see and do.

I travelled with Latin Routes from 20–27 September 2026 as part of their Training Academy, an educational trip designed to build our destination knowledge and help us recommend the right experiences to our customers.

The trip included two full training days in Arenal, where we explored destinations across the wider region, learned about different travel styles and discovered which locations and experiences best suit different types of travellers.

But this wasn't just about learning from a training manual.

We also got to experience Costa Rica for ourselves, with a crocodile safari, hot springs, incredible wildlife, stunning coastal scenery and stays in two very different parts of the country.

And one of my biggest takeaways? Costa Rica is a destination where the experience can change dramatically depending on where you stay and how you choose to travel.

Arenal and La Fortuna: Volcano Views and Hot Springs

Our first stop was Arenal Manoa Hotel in La Fortuna, and the location immediately made an impression.

The hotel looks out towards the volcano, giving the whole setting a spectacular backdrop. It genuinely felt like waking up in the middle of the rainforest.

We stayed in a Junior Suite designed in a villa style, with two queen beds, a spacious bathroom with a shower and a lovely terrace where we could take in the views.

But one of the biggest surprises was the wildlife.

I'd expected to see most of the animals in the national parks, yet there were resident bird species and sloths around the hotel grounds. In fact, we managed to see the wildlife around our accommodation even better than we did at the National Park!

It was a brilliant reminder that in Costa Rica, you don't always have to go far to experience nature.

Relaxing in the Hot Springs

Arenal is also a fantastic area for experiencing Costa Rica's hot springs, and this was another memorable part of the trip.

After a day of exploring, the opportunity to relax in warm, naturally heated waters was a welcome change of pace.

For couples, friends or anyone wanting a balance between adventure and relaxation, this is an experience I would certainly highlight when planning a Costa Rican itinerary.

La Fortuna combines dramatic scenery and opportunities to explore with those moments when you can slow down and simply enjoy where you are.

Getting Out into Nature: The Crocodile Safari

One of our excursions was a crocodile safari, which added another dimension to the trip.

It's an experience I'd particularly consider for families, nature lovers and photographers who want to see more of Costa Rica's wildlife.

Wildlife experiences can be such a memorable part of a holiday, particularly when they're combined with time in different regions rather than relying on a single excursion.

For customers who want more than a traditional beach holiday, experiences like this help make Costa Rica feel like a genuine adventure.

Manuel Antonio: Wildlife Meets the Coast

Our next stop was the beautiful Manuel Antonio area, where the focus shifts towards the coastline, beaches and Manuel Antonio National Park.

This was another side of Costa Rica entirely.

The area is known for its combination of tropical wildlife, coastal scenery and white sandy beaches, including the distinctive whale-tail shape of the beach at Manuel Antonio.

For me, this really highlighted how much variety Costa Rica offers. You can spend one part of your holiday surrounded by volcano scenery and rainforest, then move to a coastal setting where wildlife and beach time become part of the same experience.

Staying at Parador Nature Hotel Manuel Antonio

We stayed at Parador Nature Hotel Manuel Antonio, which is particularly well placed for visitors wanting to explore the National Park and enjoy the coastline.

The hotel has resident sloths and other wildlife, so once again, nature was never far away.

Our accommodation was a Garden Room with two queen beds and an outdoor terrace.

One important little tip: keep your balcony doors closed! The monkeys are curious and may wander into rooms if given the opportunity.

My personal highlight was the pool area, which had wonderful views overlooking the sea. It was a lovely place to relax and take in the scenery after a day of exploring.

The location also makes this an appealing option for travellers who want easy access to the natural attractions of Manuel Antonio without giving up the comfort of a hotel stay.

How Much Can You See in Costa Rica?

One of the things that surprised me most was just how different each region can be.

La Fortuna and Arenal offer volcano scenery, rainforest surroundings and hot springs.

Manuel Antonio brings together wildlife, a beautiful coastline and white sandy beaches.

Monteverde is another area worth considering for its cloud forest reserves and opportunities for adventure, including zip lining.

The key is understanding what each place offers and building an itinerary around the client's interests.

Costa Rica isn't necessarily a destination where I'd recommend trying to do everything in one go. There is so much to experience that choosing the right combination of locations is far more important than simply fitting in as many stops as possible.

For some travellers, that might mean focusing on wildlife and nature. For others, it could be a mix of adventure, relaxation and time by the sea.

And for anyone planning a special trip, the different landscapes and experiences make Costa Rica an exciting destination to explore in more depth.

Food, Dining and Dietary Options

The food and drink offering was another positive part of the trip.

Both hotels provided good-quality food, as did the restaurants we visited.

One thing I particularly noticed at the breakfast buffets was the range of gluten-free options available. It was refreshing to see a good selection, alongside vegetarian choices and a variety of fish and meat dishes.

Food can make a real difference to the overall holiday experience, particularly for travellers with dietary requirements or those who enjoy discovering local flavours along the way.

It's always worth discussing individual dietary needs when planning a trip so that suitable arrangements can be checked in advance.

Getting Around Costa Rica: What You Need to Know

We travelled with Avianca, and I had a good experience with the flights.

The aircraft were clean, and USB charging points were available even on the shorter flight sectors. On the long-haul sector, there was also in-flight entertainment with plenty of newer films to choose from.

It was my first experience of an indirect flight, and it gave me useful insight into the journey involved in reaching Costa Rica.

Allow time for travel between regions

One of the most important practical lessons from the trip was that travelling around Costa Rica can take time.

The drives between different regions can be long, so it is essential to factor travel days into the itinerary rather than assuming every transfer will be quick.

Depending on flight schedules and the wider itinerary, I'd recommend customers consider spending a night in San José when they arrive or before they depart. This can help make the overall journey more manageable.

If you're planning to stay in several locations, it's also worth considering how much time you'll realistically want to spend travelling between them.

My advice is to plan the route carefully, allow breathing space between destinations and avoid trying to squeeze too much into a short holiday.

A well-planned itinerary can make all the difference between feeling rushed and having time to enjoy each location properly.

My Top Tips for Visiting Costa Rica

After experiencing the destination first-hand, these are the practical tips I'd share with anyone considering a trip.

Pack a light rain jacket. Sharp showers can catch you out, so having one to hand is a sensible precaution.

Keep your camera ready. From sloths and birds to volcano views and beautiful coastal scenery, there are plenty of opportunities for memorable photographs.

Plan your route carefully. Costa Rica has a lot to offer, but travel between regions can take longer than expected. Allow enough time to enjoy each stop.

Think about the mix of experiences you want. Wildlife, adventure, beaches and relaxation can all feature in a Costa Rican holiday, but the best itinerary will depend on your priorities.

Consider how you want to travel. The right combination of accommodation and destinations can make a significant difference to the pace and feel of your trip.

Don't overlook the accommodation itself. Both hotels surprised me with the wildlife around their grounds, showing that where you stay can be part of the experience rather than simply somewhere to sleep.

For currency, US dollars were widely accepted during our trip, and paying with a Revolut card was also straightforward.