Chifrijos, coming from the words  “chifri” and “frijol,” which translates to “beans with pork,” is a staple at many restaurants in Costa Rica, and it is beloved by locals and tourists alike. 

This simple yet classic dish is traditionally made with four components: red kidney beans, chicharrones (or pork belly), chimichurri, and rice.

Macro Breakdown & Calories

• Calories: 567 Calories
• Carbohydrates: 21 grams
• Protein: 11 grams
• Fat: 49 grams

Chifrijo Ingredients

Chicharrones

Chicharrones are fried pork belly seasoned with traditional central American spices (we’re using cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.) They give the chifrijos a crunchy texture and rich flavor. Pork belly is a traditionally used protein in this region of the world, but chicken, beef, or even crispy tofu can be used as a substitute. 

Chimichurri

Chimichurri is a classic Central and South American condiment similar to salsa. This sauce adds the perfect balance of acidity and brightness to the chifrijos. Traditional ingredients include garlic, parsley, red wine vinegar, oregano, olive oil, and salt. You can adjust the seasoning by adding more or less of each ingredient.

Red Kidney Beans

Red kidney beans are a staple in Costa Rican cuisine and provide a great fiber and protein source. You can use canned red kidney beans or dry beans cooked according to package instructions.

White Rice

White rice is the traditional side for chifrijos; it provides a base on which all other components are layered. It’s also a great source of complex carbohydrates and can easily be substituted with a higher protein alternative such as quinoa. Alternatively, this dish is sometimes served with fried potatoes. 

Additional Toppings

Chifrijos are traditionally served with avocado, sour cream, or cilantro. You can add other toppings like diced tomatoes, pickled radishes, or onions. Adding these additional toppings creates more of a meal-like experience and adds extra flavor. 

How To Make Chifrijo

Step 1

Start with prepping your chicharrones. 

Cut your pork belly into cubes and season with cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let this sit for up to an hour if you have time to let the seasoning marinate.

Then, heat the oil in a skillet and add the seasoned pork belly pieces once hot. 

Fry for about 15 minutes or until the insides are no longer pink. 

Once finished, remove from the oil with a slotted spoon. 

Step 2

While the chicharrones are in the oven, you can make the chimichurri sauce. 

Combine garlic, parsley, (both chopped), red wine vinegar, oregano, olive oil, and salt in a bowl. Mix until all ingredients are combined and your sauce is ready.

Step 3

Cook or warm your rice and beans as per the packaging. 

I used canned beans because they’re quick to prep (they’re also high in protein). 

I just drain and rinse them for the best texture and consistency (this also reduces the sodium in the dish).

Step 4

It’s time to assemble your chifrijos! 

Begin layering cooked rice, red kidney beans, and crispy chicharrones on a plate or shallow bowl. 

Drizzle the chimichurri sauce over your chifrijos. Add extra salt if needed.

Customizations

Swap the Protein

• Easily swap the chicharrones for another protein such as chicken, shrimp, or steak. 

Try Different Toppings

• Feel free to add other toppings like diced tomatoes, pickled radishes, onions, dried plantains, and more. 
• You can add a pre-made salsa or chimichurri sauce for even quicker prep.
• Add hot sauce to make this dish spicy

Make It Meat-Free

• If you’re looking to make this dish sans meat, you can substitute the pork belly with crispy tofu. 
• You can also omit the pork and season the red kidney beans instead.

How To Store & Meal Prep: 

• Chifrijos are great for meal prepping! Simply prepare the components and layer them in a container before refrigerating. When you’re ready to eat, warm up the chifrijos in the microwave and top with desired toppings. 
• You can store the prepped dish in the fridge for up to 4 days in airtight containers.

Yield: 6

Chifrijos

Print

Chifrijos is a staple in Costa Rica and beyond delicious.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb pork belly
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 cup parsley leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried mixed herbs
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups cooked red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups white rice, cooked according to package instructions
• 1 avocado

Instructions

• Cut pork belly into cubes, then season with cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. 
• Heat oil in a skillet. Once hot, place the seasoned pork belly pieces in the pan and cook for about 15 minutes. Once finished, remove from oil.
• Meanwhile, make the chimichurri sauce by combining the garlic, parsley, red wine vinegar, oregano, olive oil, and salt in a bowl. Mix until all ingredients are combined.
• To assemble chifrijos, layer cooked rice on the bottom of a plate or shallow bowl, followed by red kidney beans, and top with crispy chicharrones.
• Drizzle chimichurri sauce over the top and serve with optional toppings like avocado, sour cream, or cilantro.
• Enjoy your delicious traditional Costa Rican chifrijos!

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

6

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 524Total Fat: 33gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 24gCholesterol: 64mgSodium: 408mgCarbohydrates: 32gFiber: 6gSugar: 3gProtein: 25g

Nutritional info is an estimate.

Cuban Style Rice with Fried Eggs and Bananas

Mango Martini

The post Chifrijo Recipe appeared first on Mommy Travels.

1. Belize

2. Panama

3. Nevis: Not Just Another Caribbean Island

4. Tampa Bay, Florida: Sunshine State of Mind

5. The Bahamas: Choose Your Own Tropical Adventure

The Bahamas are like a box of chocolates for beach lovers – you never know what you’re gonna get, but it’s all delightful. Cat Island is your go-to for quiet beaches where the waves gently kiss the shore. For those who prefer their beach days with a side of luxury, Nassau’s mega-resorts offer opulence and maybe a celebrity sighting or two. It’s a place where the hardest decision you’ll make is between the beach chair or the hammock.

• Cat Island Bahamas Travel Guide
• Baha Mar Resort a Perfect Bahamas Getaway
• The Cove at Atlantis Review
• Best Natural Spots in the Bahamas

6. Riviera Maya

7. Costa Rica

Costa Rica is where you go when you want adventure, wildlife, and beaches—all in one trip. Zip-line through the cloud forests of Monteverde, spot sloths and monkeys in Manuel Antonio National Park, or soak in the volcanic hot springs of Arenal. If surfing is on your bucket list, Tamarindo is one of the best places to learn. For something unique, take a night tour to see bioluminescent waters glow as you paddle through. And, of course, Costa Rica’s motto is “Pura Vida” (Pure Life), so expect to slow down, relax, and live in the moment.

Wrapping It Up

Whether you’re looking for adventure, history, relaxation, or a mix of all three, these destinations promise one thing: no winter blues in sight. So, grab your swimsuit, book that flight, and trade the snow for sun. After all, the only ice you should be dealing with is in your tropical cocktail.

Read Next:

• Warm Places To Visit In January in the United States
• Best Beaches To Visit In November In USA

Get Travel Insurance

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).

Book Flights

I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner! Another option for finding deals is FlightHub.

Book a Place to Stay

I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.

If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO. If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld.

Choose Activities and Tours

To find great activities in any area I use Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass, PogoPass, and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.

When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean, I use Apple Vacations.

Rent a Car or Get a Lyft

More often than not, Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Hertz or Discover Cars.

Save Money on Gas

Upside a free app gets you cash back on gas! Use promo code RV2Q2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase.

Get a Visa

I use iVisa to get all of my Visas.

Travel Printables

If you found this information helpful consider buying me a cup of coffee aka helping me pay to put kids through college! Just scan the QR code or click the link. As always, thank you for your support!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended but doesn’t cost you any extra. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

The post 7 Winter Getaways – Escape the Cold! appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Essential Documents 

Having the right documents is crucial for a hassle-free Costa Rica vacation. Your passport, along with a photocopy, is essential for identification and emergencies. Travel insurance information offers peace of mind, covering unexpected events during your trip. During Covid, Costa Rica was requiring travel insurance but that requirement has been lifted. 

Flight tickets and hotel reservations confirm your travel plans. Make sure to check and secure any necessary visas in advance to avoid travel complications. These documents collectively ensure smooth travel, safeguarding you against uncertainties and helping authorities verify your identity and intentions while exploring the beautiful beaches and sights of Costa Rica.

• ID
• Insurance cards
• Travel documents
• Passport
• Cash & Credit Cards
• Travel Insurance
• Vaccination card (if applicable)

For the Beach and Swimming Pool

Beach gear for a Costa Rica vacation includes essentials for a great time by the ocean. Beach towels dry you off and provide a comfy spot to relax. High SPF sunscreen shields your skin from harmful rays, while after-sun lotion soothes any burns. Regardless of what sunscreen you use just be sure to use some, it’s likely the Costa Rican sun rays are not the same as where you live. If possible use reef-safe sunscreen, especially in areas where there’s an actual reef. 

While you are enjoying your beach holidays, harmful UV rays and harsh sunlight can damage your skin. This is why you need to carry an after-sun lotion that allows you to maintain the elasticity of your skin and retain that beautiful tan. While there are plenty of after-sun lotions available you need to look for the ones that have the right SPF ratio.

A spacious beach bag carries your gear, and snorkeling equipment lets you explore underwater wonders. A waterproof phone case safeguards your device from water and sand, letting you capture memories without worry. These items ensure a comfortable and enjoyable beach getaway while protecting you from the elements and enhancing your aquatic adventures.

The gorgeous beaches in Costa Rica ensure that a substantial part of your trip will be well spent at the beach. Here are the essential items you will need for this. 

• Bathing suit aka swimsuit
• Cover-up
• SPF shirt
• Sunscreen
• Bronzing lotion
• Sunglasses
• Snorkel set
• Sun hats
• Water shoes
• Flip flops
• Beach bag
• Inflatable life jacket
• Sunshade
• detangler
• Wide-tooth comb
• Book to read
• Frisbee

For Outdoor Activities

 I always carry a small backpack so I can use it as a day pack when we are out and about doing activities.

An action-packed beach day can be exhausting and you need to replenish your body constantly with water. For this, you can carry your water bottle which allows you to stay hydrated and ensure better beach holidays. If you are planning to hike in Costa Rica you need water to stay fresh and hydrated throughout the trip.

• Tennis shoes
• Small backpack
• Insect repellent aka bug spray
• Dry bag
• Reusable water bottle

Tech Gear

I travel with a lot of tech gear because of my job, so obviously you may not need some of the things I take like a drone and a water dome for my GoPro to capture footage. 

It is hard to imagine life without smartphones these days. When you are heading for a beach vacation in Costa Rica you want to safeguard your expensive smartphone from ocean water, sand, mud and dust. For this, you need to carry along a waterproof phone case which would allow you to manage your mobile device the right way.

• Camera
• Waterproof Camera
• Charger
• Memory cards
• Waterproof cell phone holder

Clothes

When you are packing for Costa Rica beach holidays you would also want to pack the right head gear like sun hats, caps and sunglasses. Costa Rica is not only popular for its pristine beaches but also for its natural biodiversity. Hence, you can find plenty of national parks and reserves here like the Arenal Volcano National Park. Here you can hike the Mistico Arenal Hanging Bridges Park as you explore nature and some unique birds.

Beach holidays are all about shedding all those formalities and doing what you want. Hence, when you are heading to Costa Rica, pack lightweight and comfortable clothes you can wear all day long. Packing breathable linen pants and shorts and printed beach shirts and t-shirts would do the trick. The goal here is to look great without a lot of fancy clothes. You would also want to add cover-ups after taking a plunge in the ocean or your pool at the hotel or resort.

Beach destinations usually demand easy footwear like flip-flops and sandals. However, you need to ensure that these sandals and flip-flops are waterproof and easy to wash. Also, you can look for various beach shoes which are ideal for water sports activities. If you are planning to hike national parks and reserves in Costa Rica you can pack hiking shoes that would offer you superior comfort and protection and grip over unstable surfaces. 

• Shorts
• T-shirts
• Workout clothes like tank tops
• Shirts with collar
• Dresses
• Linen pants
• Sandals
• Socks
• Underwear

Bathroom Items

When you are heading to the beach be assured you’ll get plenty of Vitamin D through your skin. However, it is also essential for you to safeguard your skin with a moisturizing and hydrating face cream. When you are at the beach for hours your face and body skin are likely exposed to excessive sunlight and heat which can suck away the moisture. Always replenish your skin with the best hydrating skin creams and SPF-added moisturizers to ensure you look great in those Instagram pictures.

• Lip balm
• Face wash
• Q-tips
• Fingernail clippers
• Razor
• Toothbrush
• Brush

Specifically for Women

If you are like me and your hair at the beach is a nightmare you will need items you most likely don’t need outside of a tropical environment. For me, that means I can’t get a brush through my hair so I have to have a hair pick on hand. Also, throughout the trip, my hair will get more curly each day. That’s where a headband comes in handy. 

• Jewelry
• Hair ties
• Hair pick
• Sarong
• Sun Dress (multi-purpose as a cover-up or a night out)
• Hair pick
• Light cardigan
• Straightener
• Curling iron
• Headband

For Rainy Season

• Light rain jacket
• Poncho
• Baseball cap

​Health Essentials

On your Costa Rica vacation, health and personal care items are essential. 

• Insect repellent safeguards against bothersome bugs and ensure a more enjoyable stay. 
• Prescription medications
• Band-aids, maybe even a first aid kit.

These essentials provide peace of mind and allow you to explore worry-free. Whether it’s a sudden headache or minor injury, you’ll be equipped to handle it. Taking these precautions underscores your well-being and ensures that your journey is as smooth and comfortable as possible amidst the stunning beaches and vibrant landscapes of Costa Rica.

Things You Do Not Need

• Toilet paper
• Towel Clips
• Umbrella (the resort will have one)
• Hairdryer (the resort will have one)

Printable Packing List

I have a handful of printable packing lists. This one isn’t beach-specific but covers a lot of what you will need. 

Things like your hairdryer, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and soaps are often offered by the hotel you are staying at during your visit. So, if you need to save space, leave those items behind and use the provided products during your visit.

Your trip to Costa Rica doesn’t have to be boring. Make sure you pack the essentials we have mentioned to have a nice trip to a beautiful beach or up into the volcano area.

Get Travel Insurance

Unfortunately, there are a lot of things that can go wrong on any trip. Be prepared for the worst with travel insurance. We use Travelex or Safety Wing (often cheaper).

Book Flights

I use Skyscanner to find flights. I use it so much, I wrote an entire guide to finding cheap flights with Skyscanner! Another option for finding deals is FlightHub.

Book a Place to Stay

I recommend using Expedia.com or Hotels.com for most hotel bookings. I prefer to book directly with Marriott when I stay there because of their excellent military discount.

If you prefer staying in a vacation rental instead, I recommend VRBO. If you are looking for a hostel, I use HostelWorld.

Choose Activities and Tours

To find great activities in any area I use Viator. If we are visiting a city with lots of popular attractions I always check CityPass, PogoPass, and GoCard to see if they have discount cards available. Groupon also tends to have a lot of local travel deals.

When I want to book a full-on multi-day tour I use TourRadar. They’ve got fantastic weekly deals. If going somewhere in Mexico or the Caribbean, I use Apple Vacations.

Rent a Car or Get a Lyft

More often than not, Lyft is cheaper than Uber. Use my Lyft link for an $18 credit! For a car rental in any country, I recommend Hertz or Discover Cars.

Save Money on Gas

Upside a free app gets you cash back on gas! Use promo code RV2Q2 to get an extra 15¢/gal bonus on your first purchase.

Get a Visa

I use iVisa to get all of my Visas.

Travel Printables

If you found this information helpful consider buying me a cup of coffee aka helping me pay to put kids through college! Just scan the QR code or click the link. As always, thank you for your support!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that we have recommended but doesn’t cost you any extra. Please check out our disclosure policy for more details. Thank you for your support!

The post What to Pack for Costa Rica appeared first on Mommy Travels.

La Fortuna Adventure Activities

If you’re worried about your teens getting bored in La Fortuna because it seems too small, don’t be! This town is bursting with outdoor adventure activities that will excite even the pickiest of teens.

Zip-lining over the rainforest canopy is always a crowd-pleaser – there are multiple courses available that range from beginner to expert difficulty.

Horseback riding is another popular activity; horseback tours give tourists an opportunity to explore local farms and learn about traditional Costa Rican culture.

Hiking trails provide breathtaking views of Arenal Volcano or Lake Arenal. Cerro Chato is an inactive volcano located just outside of La Fortuna that offers hiking trails with views of the surrounding jungle and lakes. At the summit of the volcano, there is a crater lake that visitors can swim in. 

Canyoneering

Do a rappel tour through the canyon area with La Roca Canyoning. Along the way you will rappel into several waterfalls, do a few ziplines, and jump into pools. 

Tubing

Do a tubing tour with Go Adventure Park. This is no leisurely float down the river. Instead it is more of a rafting experience without the raft. They take you down with two guides and they make sure nothing gets too crazy. Although it’s a wild adventure. 

 

Tourist Attractions

La Fortuna also has plenty of fascinating tourist attractions that will keep your teens occupied while giving them a chance to learn something new. The famous Arenal Volcano National Park allows visitors to get up close and personal with one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes! The nearby Butterfly Conservatory houses hundreds of different species of butterflies (perfect for budding entomologists). There are several hot springs located in the area as well; these natural hot spots are known for their healing properties and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

La Fortuna Waterfall

The La Fortuna Waterfall is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Costa Rica. The waterfall is located just a short drive from the town of La Fortuna and is easily accessible by car or bus. There is a small fee to enter the park, but it is well worth it as the waterfall is absolutely stunning. The park also has a number of hiking trails and picnic areas, making it the perfect place to spend a day with family or friends.

Arenal Volcano National Park

The Arenal Volcano National Park is another great option for families with teenagers. The park is home to the Arenal Volcano, which is one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. Visitors can hike to the top of the volcano, go for a swim in one of the many hot springs, or simply enjoy the incredible views. The park also has a number of restaurants and shops, so you can easily spend a day here exploring everything it has to offer.

Hot Springs

There are a ton of hot springs here. Many of them are super spendy. We went to one that I think locals go to, Termales del Agua because it was much cheaper. Here are three we recommend that are more for tourists:

Baldi Hot Springs

Baldi Hot Springs is an excellent option for families with teenagers who are looking for a relaxing vacation. The resort has a number of different pools, each with its own temperature, so you can find one that is perfect for you. There are also massage services available, as well as a restaurant and bar. Baldi Hot Springs is located just a short drive from La Fortuna, making it easy to get to.

Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort

Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort is another great option for families with teenagers who want to relax and enjoy some time in nature. The resort has over 30 different pools, all with different temperatures, so you can find one that suits your needs. There are also massage services available, as well as a restaurant and bar. Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort is located just outside of La Fortuna, making it easy to get to.

Eco Termales Hot Springs

Eco Termales Hot Springs is another excellent option for families with teenagers who want to relax and enjoy some time in nature. The hot springs are located in a rainforest, so you can enjoy the sounds of the jungle while you relax in the warm waters. There are also massage services available, as well as a restaurant and bar. Eco Termales Hot Springs is located just outside of La Fortuna.

Where to Eat in La Fortuna

While you are in Costa Rica there are certain dishes you must try like chifrillo similar to gallo pinto or ceviche (marinated fish). These dishes are popular not just in Costa Rica but throughout Central America!

La Garrapata Steakhouse: Order the cheapest plate, with smoked pork bbq ribs, and prepare to be wowed! Also good, is the salmon which is pictured above.

Pollo Fuego: For a traditional dish order the chifrillo. It’s delicious and crazy cheap. 

La Fortuna Bakery

If you’re looking for a quick bite in La Fortuna, look no further than La Fortuna Bakery. This local bakery is beloved by both tourists and locals alike for its delicious pastries and friendly service. Be sure to try the empanadas – they’re some of the best in town!

Soda Viquez

For a taste of traditional Costa Rican cuisine, head to Soda Viquez. This family-run restaurant serves up hearty portions of classic dishes like gallo pinto (rice and beans) and casado (rice, beans, meat, and vegetables). The prices are also very reasonable – you can get a full meal here for under $10!

Lava Lounge

Looking for a place to enjoy a few drinks in La Fortuna? Look no further than Lava Lounge, the best bar in town! This funky spot has a great selection of cocktails and beers, plus there’s always something going on – from live music to movie nights. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day of exploring.

El Chubasco

El Chubasco is one of the most popular restaurants in La Fortuna, and it’s not hard to see why. This upscale spot offers stunning views of Arenal Volcano, plus an impressive menu that features both Costa Rican and international dishes. If you’re looking for a special night out, this is the place to go.

Cafe de la Parada

Cafe de la Parada is a great option if you’re looking for somewhere to grab a quick coffee or snack. This charming cafe is located right in the heart of town, so it’s the perfect place to people-watch while enjoying a delicious pastry or sandwich.

Anch’io

Pizza lovers rejoice! Anch’io isn’t necessarily a pizzeria but they make great pizza, and it’s definitely worth seeking out. This cozy spot serves up some of the best pizza in town – thin crusts, fresh ingredients, and generous portions. You can’t go wrong with any of their classic pies. They also have a great dessert selection.

Where to Stay in La Fortuna

Nayara Resort, Spa & Gardens

Located on the outskirts of La Fortuna, Nayara Resort Spa & Gardens is one of the most luxurious and beautiful hotels in the area. The resort is surrounded by lush gardens, natural hot springs, and picturesque views of the Arenal Volcano. The hotel boasts over 50 villas and suites, with world-class amenities like private outdoor showers, private pools, and Jacuzzis. The on-site spa offers holistic treatments and massage packages that will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa

If you’re looking for a hotel with natural hot springs, then Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa is the place for you. The hotel is located in the heart of the Arenal Volcano National Park and offers guests over 20 natural hot springs, a swim-up bar, and a luxurious spa. The hotel boasts a range of rooms and suites, all with modern amenities like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and flat-screen TVs.

Montaña de Fuego Resort & Spa

Montaña de Fuego is a beautiful 4-star hotel located on the side of the Arenal Volcano. The hotel offers guests breathtaking views, natural hot springs, and a range of activities like horseback riding, hiking, and rafting. The hotel has over 70 rooms, suites, and bungalows, each with modern amenities and beautiful decor. The hotel’s restaurant serves delicious international cuisine with a Costa Rican twist, and the spa offers world-class massage treatments.

Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa

For nature lovers, the best hotel to stay in La Fortuna is the Arenal Observatory Lodge & Spa. The hotel is located on the edge of the Arenal Volcano National Park and offers guests stunning views of the volcano, wildlife sightings, and access to hiking trails. The hotel boasts over 48 comfortable rooms and suites, all with modern amenities and beautiful decor. The hotel’s restaurant serves delicious local cuisine, and the on-site spa offers a range of massages and treatments.

So if you’re considering taking your family on vacation soon, think about heading down south – specifically, La Fortuna. With its combination of thrill-seeking adventures, unique attractions, and cultural experiences, this small town has something for everyone – including teenagers! Plus, who wouldn’t want an excuse to visit such a beautiful place? So start planning now.

Read Next:

Costa Rica Travel Guide

Top Things to Do in Cartagena, Colombia

The post La Fortuna Costa Rica with Teenagers appeared first on Mommy Travels.

Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica

Costa Rica belongs right up there when it comes to the most visited places in Central America. According to the OECD Tourism Trends and Policies 2018, tourism in the country contributed to 46 percent of the services export and 37 percent of the total exports. Travelers love to go to Costa Rica because of its scenic beauty and a lot of fun and exciting activities to offer.

Cahuita

If you are looking for a place to unwind and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you should go to Cahuita. It is situated near the coast of the Caribbean Sea. The sound of the waves moving toward the seashore and the breathtaking horizon makes the whole Cahuita experience worth it. This small town offers a black sandy shore which creates a perfect area for laid-back travelers who wants to rest and lie on the beach. Other things that you can do include swimming, hiking, and animal spotting.

Puerto Viejo

Backpackers who want a livelier beach should go to Puerto Viejo. Popular among the youth, this beach provides a place for people to go surfing, swimming, and basking under the sun. Puerto Viejo also has a lot to offer every night.

You may notice that a lot of the locals here are of Afro-Caribbean descent. This is because most of the people here came from Jamaica to work in banana plantations historically. Today, banana exports are still the primary source of income for Puerto Viejo.

El Silencio de Los Ángeles Cloud Forest Biological Reserve

The cloud forest can refer to several different places in Costa Rica. We stayed in a private cloud forest reserve of San Ramón in Alajuela, El Silencio de Los Ángeles Cloud Forest Biological Reserve at Villa Blanca. It was great, but we wouldn’t go back because the food was expensive, it’s hard to get to, and it’s too isolated. Instead, we would go to the Monteverde Cloud Forest. 

Costa Rica Travel Costs

Just like in any other vacation destination, it really depends on what type of traveler you are. You can be a luxurious vacationer who can spend thousands of dollars on hotels, beach activities, food, and other stuff. You can also be a thrifty backpacker who can stay at bed and breakfast inns, camp at beaches, or spend less on food and activities. Spending in Costa Rica will solely depend on the experiences that you want to have during your stay here.

Having said that, you should prepare at least $120 for the one-way flight cost to Costa Rica if you will be coming from the United States. You also have to keep around 800 dollars or more if you want to stay in a mid-tier hotel or rental house for a week. It is best to look for transient homes and B&Bs if you are going to be in Costa Rica for more than a week because you will be saving more than staying in hotels. You can go to booking websites that offer discounts and price drops on flights, hotels, and even rental homes. One of the cheapest and most delicious meals that will save you money is Chifrijos.

What to Do in Costa Rica for Entertainment?

Learn How to Surf

You will not find a better place to learn how to surf than in the Pacific Ocean or the Caribbean Sea with the majestic look of Costa Rica in the background. Enjoy the great waves as you surf during the sunset in one of the beaches in the country.

Book a surfing lesson in Tamarindo.

Spearfishing

Costa Rica offers a lot of places where you can go spearfishing. Villages like Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, Osa Peninsula, Papagayo Peninsula, and Los Suenos Marina are excellent spots to spearfish because of the enormous types of fish available in these areas. But before you start spearfishing in Costa Rica, you first have to get a fishing license. Do not worry, though. This license is quite easy to get. You can have a license that is valid for a year, for a month, or for a week depending on your needs.

Learn to spearfish in Tamarindo

Relax in Hot Springs

Aside from awesome beaches, Costa Rica is also known for its volcanoes. Along with this fact, hot springs are also available near these areas. You can have a soothing warm bath in hot springs near Arenal’s volcano. These hot springs are free for travelers, but you might want to get here as early as you can before other vacationers and even locals who bathe in these springs.

Book a Volcano & Hot Spring Tour

Go to Monteverde’s Hanging Bridge

Do you want to experience being in the clouds? You can go to Monteverde and walk side-by-side with clouds as you traverse the Sky Walk suspension bridges. The duration of the tour is two hours. You can also get other packages to explore more of the wildlife present in the forest.

Rappeling and Ziplining

There are a lot of places that you can zipline. We did rappeling and ziplining with La Roca Canyoning near the town of La Fortuna. You rappel down into a canyon, including into waterfalls. You need to be in good physical condition to do this activity. 

Corcovado National Park

The Corcovado National Park spans 10,324 acres of land with an elevation of more than two thousand feet. This park was originally created to protect the surroundings from widespread logging and mining in the area. It houses hundreds of wildlife that include pumas, jaguars, sloths, monkeys, crocodiles, sea turtles, parrots, snakes, parakeets, and more.

This place is great for families who are searching for a tourist destination that provides fun and education for children. You have to book early, though. The park admits only a certain number of visitors per day. You can also experience Corcovado National Park at night but you have to make reservations as early as one month in advance to make sure that you will secure a pass.

Corcovado National Park day tour

White Water Tubing

How Should I Prepare for a trip to Costa Rica?

Prepare your passport

We have received reports that there are travelers going to Costa Rica that are having problems with passports with expiry dates of around three to six months. We are not yet sure about the reason for this but you should proceed on the side of caution for this one. Be sure to renew your passport before going to Costa Rica to avoid any passport issues.

Book early

You can really save a lot of money if you book early flights and hotel reservations in Costa Rica. You can find a lot of websites that give you great deals for roundtrip tickets and rooms. What you can do is go through these sites and see which ones give the best offers.

Make a list of your essentials

Some of these essentials include your passport, other identification cards, flight tickets, reservation receipts, phones, and a list of contact details in case you lose your phone. Keep them in a separate area of your bag to make sure that you can check them upon arrival and before leaving your hotel or lodging home.

Learn basic Spanish words and phrases

Although this is not necessary, you can still get by with a little Spanish conversation with a taxi driver or a market vendor. Memorize Spanish words for hotels, airports, food, car, and the like.

How Long Should You Stay in Costa Rica?

It really depends on where you come from. If you are coming from the other side of the globe, it is best to schedule at least a week to three weeks to get your money’s worth for the travel cost. If you are from the other nearby countries in South America, a week or two will be enough for a vacation.

What Should I Avoid in Costa Rica?

Before you go to Costa Rica, here are some tips that you should avoid:

Avoid going to isolated areas

You will have a higher risk of getting robbed if you voluntarily go to dark alleys and isolated areas in Costa Rica. It is best to just go where a lot of people are present.

Avoid getting attention

This can be quite difficult if you are of a different nationality than the rest of the people here. But you can still pull this off by wearing the types of clothes that the locals wear here. Also, avoid donning items that will attract attention like necklaces, bracelets, and expensive handbags.

Avoid shady taxis

Always go for licensed taxi drivers while you are here in Costa Rica. Monitor the meter and make sure that the fare for the ride is not overpriced. You can do a little research beforehand so that you will not be scammed.

Is It Dangerous to Visit Costa Rica?

Costa Rica opens its doors to tourists all year round and it has given the country a huge chunk of revenue that is used for its economy. The government continues to increase its budget to reinforce security in the whole country, especially in tourist areas and towns.  

Costa Rica may not be as dangerous as the other tourist destinations that you have gone to but you still have to stay alert all the time. Vacationers may tend to let their hair down and be comfortable with their surroundings. But you should get a balance with being in vacation mode and having a good sense of the people around you. Never fully trust a stranger and always eat food and drinks that you ordered for yourself to ensure that nothing bad will happen to you. Traveling with friends and family will also make your whole vacation a lot safer than being alone.

Conclusion

With the number of things that you can experience in Costa Rica, one would ask if it is really worth it to leave this unique and charming country at all. With its spectacular sights, lulling sounds of the sea, and a culture that is to fall in love with, one has enough reasons to live and experience the whole country for a whole year or more.  

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