Why Costa Rica Keeps Calling Us Back

My husband and I travel to Costa Rica several times a year, and if you ask us our favorite place on earth, the answer is easy: Costa Rica.

There is just something special about this country. The pace is slower, the people are incredibly friendly, the food is fresh, and everywhere you turn there is another beautiful beach, yoga studio, waterfall, or local market waiting to be explored.

Every time we visit, we leave feeling healthier, happier, and more connected. It has become our favorite place to relax, recharge, and enjoy life together.

The Warm Water and Endless Beaches

One of the first things we fell in love with is the water. Unlike many destinations where the ocean can be chilly, the water in Costa Rica is warm year-round. Whether we’re swimming, surfing, paddleboarding, or simply walking along the shoreline, it feels like paradise.

The beaches are beautiful, but they all have their own personality. Some are lively and social, while others feel completely untouched and peaceful.

Manuel Antonio: Wildlife and Natural Beauty

Manuel Antonio is one of our favorite places to visit. The national park is breathtaking, with lush rainforest trails that lead directly to stunning beaches.

Every visit feels like a wildlife adventure. We’ve seen monkeys, sloths, iguanas, colorful birds, and countless other animals right along the trails.

The beaches inside the park are some of the most beautiful we’ve ever seen, with crystal-clear water and soft sand surrounded by tropical jungle.

Jaco: Fun, Food, and Convenience

Jaco is often one of our first stops when we arrive.

It has a fun atmosphere with great restaurants, coffee shops, beach bars, and plenty of activities. Whether you want to take a surf lesson, enjoy a sunset dinner, or simply walk along the beach, there is always something happening.

Jaco is also incredibly convenient and makes a great home base for exploring nearby areas.

The Famous Whale’s Tail

One of the most unique places in Costa Rica is the Whale’s Tail at Marino Ballena National Park.

At low tide, a natural sandbar emerges that looks exactly like a whale’s tail when viewed from above. Standing there surrounded by the ocean is an unforgettable experience.

The area is known for whale watching, beautiful beaches, and a more relaxed atmosphere compared to some of the busier tourist destinations.

It’s one of those places that reminds you just how incredible nature can be.

Santa Teresa: Our Wellness Paradise

If there is one place that perfectly captures the Costa Rica lifestyle, it’s Santa Teresa.

Yoga studios seem to be everywhere. Healthy cafés line the streets. Fresh smoothies, tropical fruit bowls, and locally sourced meals are available around every corner.

The energy here is unlike anywhere else we’ve visited. People come to slow down, focus on wellness, enjoy the outdoors, and embrace a simpler way of living.

The sunsets are absolutely incredible, and the beaches stretch for miles.

Whenever we’re in Santa Teresa, our days usually include yoga, beach walks, fresh food, and lots of time outdoors.

The Food Is Amazing

One of the biggest surprises for many travelers is just how good the food is.

Fresh fish, tropical fruits, smoothies, avocados, rice and beans, fresh vegetables, and locally grown coffee are staples throughout the country.

We always find ourselves eating healthier without even trying because fresh ingredients are so readily available.

Surprisingly Affordable

Compared to many destinations in the United States, Costa Rica can be surprisingly affordable.

From fresh local food and produce to wellness activities and accommodations, we often find that our money goes much further than it does back home.

Of course, luxury resorts exist, but it’s easy to enjoy an incredible experience without spending a fortune.

Why We Keep Going Back

Costa Rica isn’t just a vacation destination for us anymore.

It’s a place where we reconnect with each other, spend time outdoors, eat incredible food, and remember what life feels like when we slow down.

Between the warm ocean, beautiful beaches, yoga culture, friendly people, fresh food, and stunning scenery, it’s easy to see why we return several times every year.

No matter how many places we visit around the world, Costa Rica continues to be the place we look forward to returning to the most.

Travel Resources We Personally Use

Over the years, we’ve found a few travel websites and services that consistently help us plan our Costa Rica trips. While we always compare prices before booking, these are some of the platforms we use most often:

• Delta Air Lines – One of our preferred airlines for flights to Costa Rica, with reliable routes and frequent flight options.
• Alaska Airlines – Another favorite for comfortable travel and great service.
• Hotels.com – Helpful for finding hotel deals and earning rewards on stays.
• Airbnb – Perfect for unique vacation rentals, especially when we want a more local experience.
• VRBO – Great for larger vacation homes, private villas, and beachfront properties.
• Travelzoo – One of our favorite resources for discovering travel deals, vacation packages, and special offers.

No matter where we stay, our favorite part of Costa Rica is always the same: the beautiful beaches, fresh food, friendly people, incredible wildlife, and the relaxed “Pura Vida” lifestyle that keeps bringing us back year after year.

Pura Vida.